SWC NEWSLETTER –NOVEMBER 2006

Dear All

While we await the much delayed and anticipated findings of the Draft Scoping Report for the new N2 EIA (originally we were told due out mid September –but now who knows when?) SWC has been busy with much behind the scenes activity.

CHANGE OF NAME

As you probably noticed in the last press release, SWC’s change of name from ‘Save the Wild Coast’ to ‘Sustaining the Wild Coast’ has been accompanied by a revamp of the logo. We feel the new Xhosa motto Uphuhliso lwabantu, uqoqosho, nemvelo yinkqubo enye (upliftment of people, economy and environment are all one process) (with kind help from Jeff Moloi and staff at e.tv) better encapsulates the holistic view of SWC that economy, society and environment are irrevocably intertwined.

REGISTRATION AS SECTION 21 NON PROFIT ORGANISATION.

The preliminary forms to register SWC as an official NGO have all been completed and signed, now we await the official registration process taking its course. Founder members are Bishop Geoff Davies, Dr Nick King, Mr. Tony Abbott, Ms Sandy Heather, Mr. John Clarke,  Mr. John Costello, Ms Lylie Musgrave, Mr. Sinegugu Zikulu, Ms Val Payn.

DEDICATED PROJECT LINE/ DONATIONS

While SWC awaits an official registration number, The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has agreed to hold a dedicated project line for donations solely for SWC purposes. In the interim this account will be administered by EWT and audited by Dave Douglas and Associates.

Donations and funding are welcome and should be sent to.

Sustaining the Wild Coast Project Account

Endangered Wildlife Trust

First National Bank

Rosebank

Johannesburg

Code:  25 33 05

Account number:  503 715 64 219

SWIFT:  FIRNZAJJ037

Email finance@ewt.org.za

Donations will be used to further SWC’s objectives of promoting social, economic and environmental dialogue relating to the holistic development of the Wild Coast, and if necessary, to provide legal resources to further these aims.

INVESTIGATION INTO SANGOAN ARTEFACTS.

Dr Kathy Kuman and her team, specialist archeologists in Sangaon artifacts from Wits University, attempted a preliminary investigation into the existence of Sangoan sites in the areas around Xolobeni, Esibomvu, Sikombe, Port Edward, Wild Coast Casino. The team presented their research proposal to a community meeting at Xolobeni and submitted documents to the development committee. Unfortunately they were not able to get the required permission in time to do more than a visual surface assessment of some areas. However, a full scale Heritage Assessment is required by law before mining permits may be granted, and the Wits team is a registered interested party that should eventually be consulted. If anyone would like to read her report please contact me or look on the SAFCEI website.

50/50 FILMING

Award winning filmmaker Sandra Herrington has been filming at ‘tap roots level’ the complexity of controversial issues that have arisen as a result of the Xolobeni mining interests, with community interaction facilitated by sociologist John Clarke and local Sinegugu Zikulu – a process that John has described as ‘like having a tiger by the tail’. The film, which promises to raise many questions, will most likely be broadcast on 50/50 on 12 November. Watch this space for details!

SPONSORS WANTED FOR CULTURAL REVIVAL PROJECT

Author and conservationist John Costello has spoken to a number of local Eastern Cape radio stations about the possibility of promoting a cultural revival amongst local Pondo and Transkei communities who are loosing many traditional values and customs. The stations, as well as numerous other people he has spoken to, have been very receptive to his idea but he is in need of sponsorship to carry the venture further.

John’s idea is to hold a number of annual district ‘league competitions’ at which traditional dance, song, tribal singers and ‘stick fighters’ can compete. The winners of each district competition will advance through quarter and semi –finals to a regional final at which cash prizes will be awarded.

Emphasis will be placed on traditional accoutrements to ensure that the preparation of costumes etc stays within reach of all communities and to further the value and sense of pride in traditional customs. Each ‘event’ will be marketed as a cultural festival and also be used to develop a market for traditional artefacts.

To initiate the project John is donating 10 copies of his and Div De Villiers book ‘Mkambati and the Wild Coast’ to be used as raffle prizes to help raise money.

Any other offers of assistance or funding to get this worthy project off the ground are welcome.

Contact John Costello –  costello@wildcoast.co.za

Tel – 082 550 5430

INTERESTING WEBSITE

Artist Mike Carnegie has voluntary devoted a website to furthering the aims of various conservation organizations and initiatives including SWC.

Check his website out at www.mcarnegie.com

RECOMMENDED READING

Some interesting books along environmental lines

Ian McCallum. Ecological intelligence ( rediscovering ourselves through nature). Published by Africa Geographic. Explores the deep psychological relationship between humans and nature.

Cormac Cullinan. Wild Law. Published by Siber Ink. “Explains how we can change our approach to governance so that we can continue life on a livable planet”

James Clarke. Coming Back to Earth.

A frightening factual account of the state of the planets environment, in particular the state of the environment in South Africa.

N Chambers, C Simmons, M Wackernagel. Sharing Natures Interest –Ecological Footprints –as an indicator of sustainability. Earthscan