The Eastern Cape Provincial Whip in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Adv Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, has noted the Constitutional Court’s ruling setting aside exploration rights held by multinational Shell and Impact Africa, a South African oil and gas company.
Adv Nonkonyana noted that the ruling now prevents the companies from exploring for fossil fuels off the Wild Coast. He said the ruling was vindication that, despite our economic development needs, our people are listened to.
“The ruling gives the voices and decision-making to the community about the things that have a potential to affect their lives and future generations, like mining. We cannot pursue profit at all costs and ignore its impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Multinationals should learn from this judgment that they will not be allowed to break our country further without ploughing back to the communities whose lives are impacted,” he said.
Adv Nonkonyana is leading the Eastern Cape’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces this week as part of the annual NCOP’s Provincial Week flagship programme. The delegation will focus on the implementation of infrastructure projects.
He said the delegation was excited to be returning to the province for a fruitful visit. “We need to implement projects that benefit people and add tangible value to our communities,” said Adv Nonkonyana. He said the delegation expects a different report than last year’s, when the construction mafia affected project implementation. The delegation will split into two, with one focusing on projects in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality, and the other in the Chris Hani District Municipality.
“We are calling for work to continue even on projects that we visited last year, such as the flood victims in Mthatha West, and the accommodation needs of the affected.” Adv Nonkonyana said the delegation will want to be briefed on the progress made in helping the flood victims. He said the delegation appreciates Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s support during their visit to the province.
Africa Fact: By the third century BC the city of Carthage on the coast of Tunisia was opulent and impressive. It had a population of 700,000 and may even have approached a million. Lining both sides of three streets were rows of tall houses six storeys high.
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What do you call the oke at a South African gathering who cooks the food?
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