CANE - Coalition Against Nuclear Energy South Africa

By Mariette Lieferink

John Jordi wrote: “In this particular part of the globe we have subdued the land, fenced in its creatures and harnessed its wild rivers. It was a massive task at first – foolhardy almost – but now we have emerged totally victorious. And it might be our trouble: our victory was too total. In places nature has capitulated leaving behind poisoned, lifeless streams; exhausted infertile soil; and each spring becomes more silent.” (The Star, March 10 1971)

The destructive legacy of mining that still affects the Merafong region with serious water pollutant issues was examined by Elize van Eeden in research titled: “Whose environment? Whose nature?” presented at the International Conference on Humankind held in Kruger National Park last year, .