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Contributed by Mike Eaton
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Thursday, 07 April 2005 |
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Page 1 of 2
April 2005
No embargo
Media enquiries: 084 35 12340
National Off-Road Workshop (NOW). George, October 18 to 20, 2005
A national workshop for the off-road industry is being organized with the aim to find unanimity within the industry and closer co-operation with governmental as well as NGO nature conservation bodies.
It is common knowledge that negative relations have been the order of the day since Valli Moosa’s complete ban on beach driving. Earlier this year it was alleged in the press that spokesmen from the Ministry further wanted to curb the use of off-road vehicles. It is also a source of frustration in many cases to get the authorities to execute the environmental impact study for 4x4 routes, as prescribed by the by law.
The private off-road industry at the same time lacks unanimity as well as self-discipline, which again will lead to further steps by authorities. At the same time, the complaints of authorities in neighbouring countries cannot be ignored anymore.
This situation has led to the realisation that nobody is gaining any benefit, but will only lead to further confrontation and above all, a negative impact on nature. To avoid further negative relations it was decided by the off-road industry, with the agreement and cooperation of the Ministry of the Environment and Tourism, to organise a national workshop where all of the segments of the industry as well as governmental and NGO bodies are represented. The aim is to:
Enhance cooperation in the off-road industry: To create a representative body, which must be decided upon, in which the industry will be represented. The purpose of this body is to unify, guard and promote the interests of, but at the same time enforce self-discipline in the industry. To promote effective laws that is practical and can be applied. To encourage the different sections or interest groups in the off-road industry, to organise themselves into unified bodies with a unified opinion. It is the purpose to encourage these groups to come to the national workshop with unified opinions. The final objective is to produce a White Paper that holds the unified opinion of the whole off-road industry for submission to the Minister and the government.Some sections of the off-road industry is well organised, but unfortunately in the minority. The industry is called upon to start organising immediately within the different sections, as it is the wish to have unanimous representation at the workshop.
The off-road industry has grown with giant proportions the last decade with an estimated 500 000 or more 4x4 vehicles in private hands. Great diversity exist in South Africa, from quad bikes to the manufacturing industry churning out some of the best camping and 4x4 equipment in the world. The financial impact of 4x4 tourism in areas of low economic development, including neighbouring countries, is significant and an equitable way of taking money from areas of high income to low-income areas. Mr. Jan Joubert, conservator, author and pioneering off-roader, is acting as the convenor for the NOW. Commentary can be read or given on this web site's forum. |
