Shedding light on what is happening out of sight of the residents of

Port St Johns

At the beginning of this century, in about 2002/4 the Municipality of Port St Johns allowed a sand quarry to be operated from the vacant site adjacent to the clinic, just around the corner from the broken down Cape Hermes Hotel.

This was done with a total disregard for all Environmental and Mining Laws as none of the requirements in terms of these acts were complied with

Original sand quarry,…subsequently closed.

Ruins of the Cape Hermes Hotel

Here…hidden out of the sight of the public in the bush at old First Beach Caravan Park

A commercial sand mine is being operated, hidden in the bushes, on property belonging to the Municipality.

Who is running this sand mining operation.

Who gave permission for municipal property to be used for this purpose.

Was the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out, as also a Scoping Report produced.

Were all procedures in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) complied with.

Was permission to mine sought and obtained from the Dept of Minerals and Energy

Is the sandmine being operated in compliance with the regulations relating to any mining operation.

Who is benefitting from this sandmining operation, and if the mining is illegal who is to be charged and held liable