[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Dr. Z. Pallo Jordan, has renewed the notice served on the Brenton Development Company for a further period of six month, to halt development in Knysna which would result in the extinction of the Brenton Blue butterfly.

The notice, in terms of Section 31A (1) of the Conservation Act, which was implemented by Minister Jordan on 30 April 1997 for a period of six months, expires today. It referred to thirteen stands in Brenton Extension 2, phase 2, Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna. In the notice, the Brenton Development Company, the owner and prospective developer, was directed not to undertake any actions on their property which may in any way lead to the destruction of the habitat of the butterfly.

The purpose of extending the notice is to enable the Minister and his department to explore the most suitable manner in which the land can be acquired by the state. Various options are also being explored to ensure that the Company will be adequately compensated for the property.

Minister Jordan intends declaring the property a nature reserve, once the land has been procured by the state.

Submissions have been received from interested and affected parties concerning the future development of the property and the survival of the Brenton Blue butterfly. After considering the submissions and obtaining legal advice, Minister Jordan believes that the best way to ensure the survival of the species would be through the state obtaining ownership of the land, and proclaiming it a nature reserve.

For more information contact Cassandra Gabriel, Public Relations Officer, Tel: (021) 457 240 / 082 573 4168

Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

<EOD>