If you have not already heard, Minister van Schalkwyk has upheld the Appeals for the extension to the N2 Toll road and overturned the Record of Decision, on the grounds of lack of independence of the EIA, as well as other matters in the appeals.

SWC offer him our FULLEST CONGRATULATIONS on making this well considered and difficult decision.

It is a triumph for democracy, for the rule of law, and for environmental issues in South Africa, and it will enable the Wild Coast Environment and Sustainable Development Project to provide well considered, broad based solutions for the up-liftment of the region based on real need.

SWC give our most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the time to support us, to offer advice (and criticism where it was needed), to pass on our newsletters, petitions, invitations, to write letters to the press and to Ministers and government departments, and to send in Appeals over the holiday season last year. You are all heroes and though we have not met many of you, you have become e-friends.

The Toll road is no more, but the great challenge now is to ensure that the right kind of environmentally sensitive, community based development and poverty relief takes place in the Wild Coast region, starting with the upgrade of the R61 and an improvement to local infrastructure, and that steps are taken to have the area declared a high priority conservation area and a World Heritage site.

Save the Wildcoast Campaign