Enquiries: Mike Eaton, tel. 083 636 0900 -
Date: 3 Jun 2005
Embargo: None

National Off-Road Workshop (NOW) on the right track

In response to the ultimatum issued by the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, the hon. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, that off-road community should to develop ways to regulate themselves, before he was forced to take unilateral action, participating interest groups are working under clearly defined guidelines in order to focus their contributions to the National Off-road Workshop, to be held in George in October. The sum of all inputs will form the basis of a White Paper which will address the concerns voiced by the minister.

Each group will, from its own perspective, present its contribution to the workshop under the following headings:

1. An Environmental Management Programme for each section of the industry. 
2. A code of environmental conduct for each section of the industry.
3. A set of standards in terms of points 1. and 2. as above, which will be applicable to all, and will form the standard for that section of the industry.
4. Steps to control unlawful and eco-destructive behaviour for off-roading in South Africa, including by South Africans and by off-roading foreign tourists in neighbouring countries.
5. Review current laws applicable to that section of the industry with the aim of modernization.

 It is expected that the white paper and the workshop will unify the off-road industry and community into a powerful permanent body with a very real environmental mandate, an agenda, and a clearly focussed vision.

'Now that the community has been mobilised, we will resolutely tackle all forms of detrimental environmental influences, and must think beyond  the current negative focus on 4x4 vehicles' said Jan Joubert, who as convenor of the Workshop, has taken time off from his outdoor interests as respected conservationist , author and safari-operator, to "give something back".

'The 4x4 community could become the eyes and ears of such an initiative, and when supported by adequate law-enforcement, the possibility exists to really make a difference in this land, without curtailing the freedom and enjoyment which off-road vehicles offer.' Said Joubert

All bodies wishing to be represented, take part in, or contribute to the development of the White Paper or eventual representation of the industry are urgently requested to contact Mr. Joubert at 021 8500010