MONDAY, 22 JUNE 2004: “There can
be no compromises when it comes to the protection of our natural
resources.” This was the response today by Marthinus van Schalkwyk,
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, to an about-turn by the
Democratic Alliance on the issue of the regulation of the use of
recreational 4x4 vehicles on the beaches of South Africa.
“ Honourable Mike Ellis’ call for the limited reconsideration of these
regulations smacks of the worst kind of political entrepreneurship –
especially in light of the fact that his party was in favour of the
regulations when they were passed,” said the Minister.
“ The reality is that we have a duty to protect the sensitive beach and
dune ecosystems – and although some permits for research and eco-tourism
will be issued, we cannot and will not budge on the issue of leisure
driving in these areas. Rather than bending so freely with the perceived
winds of commercial pressure, the DA would better serve South Africa by
assisting the affected communities to find more sustainable employment
options.”
Expanding on this theme, the Minister added: “Eco-tourism offers better
growth prospects for jobs than traditional fishing and the 4x4 market.
As an example, the 20-30% drop in the St. Lucia hospitality market is
more than off-set by the 900 new jobs generated through the St. Lucia
Wetland Park.”
The Minister also reflected on the recent period for public comment on
the proposed amendments to the 4x4 regulations. Thanking South African
communities for sharing their concerns and ideas in this process, the
Minister said: “These responses have brought to our attention the plight
particularly of disabled South Africans, and our Department will be
looking closely at addressing this situation – probably through the
creation of a new category of permits. We will not however, be
reconsidering our overall approach – we will maintain the ban on leisure
driving to protect the long-term health of these regions.”
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