Enquiries: Mike Eaton, tel. 083 636 0900 -
Date: 9 May 2005
Embargo: None
OFF-ROAD USERS RALLY TO MINISTER'S CALL
In April the Minister for Environmental Affairs & Tourism, the hon.
Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, voiced concern over the growing impact that
off-road activities were having on the ecology, and called upon the
off-road community to develop ways to regulate themselves, before he
was forced to take unilateral action.
In response, and working to the 6-month timeframe set by the Minister,
17 representatives from various sections of the off-road industry met
this weekend to finalise a response and take action. The already
ongoing action by the industry was constituted and Mr. Jan Joubert,
well-respected off-road author, safari operator and conservationist was
confirmed as convenor for the workshop. Several officeholders to assist
Mr. Joubert was also elected and confirmed. Mr. Joubert emphasized
closer ties and cooperation with the Ministry, the DEAT and all NGO as
well as provincial conservation agencies.
The aim is to produce a White Paper that will be delivered to the
Minister, at the 3-day National Off-road Workshop (NOW) that will be
held in October near George. At the workshop all interested bodies will
work together to help formulate the resultant White Paper. At the same
time a national body will be formed to represent the interests of the
off-road industry.
Represented at the meeting were AAWDC (4x4 clubs), SAROOF (Route owners
and operators), the Western Cape 4x4 Tour Guides Association, NAAMSA
(motor manufacturers), MIA (motor retailers) ANID (motorcycle/ quad
importers), and SAVRALA (Vehicle Rental Associations). Several
observers of interested and related trades and professions also
attended the meeting.
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
