Fracking Plans Spark Protest In South Africa by Davison Mudzingwa, October 14, 2012, The Real News, Cape Town
The government of South Africa instituted a moratorium on shale gas exploration in 2011, following fierce criticism against the planned gas hydraulic fracturing. Five companies including petroleum giants Shell and Canadian based Falcon Oil and Gas Limited have applied for licences to explore at least 20 percent of South Africa’s land … The minister said the government will proceed with caution, but Deal believes this is a gamble the country can not afford to take and a legal battle is looming
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A report released by the water Research Commission has given anti-fracking proponents more vigour and reasons to oppose the government move. The state commission research revealed that fracking poses cancer risks from chemicals used during the process. … This is a cause veteran lawyer Paul Hoffman is keen to defend. He says despite the government’s might, precedent cases show how ordinary, organized citizens can successfully win cases in court. [Emphasis added]