The programme featured a panel, including Mr Donavan Henning, lead Environmental Practitioner from Nemai Consulting, Professor Musa Manzi, Technical Lead and Director of the Wits Seismic Research Center, and Dr Michael Westgate, a researcher with expertise in reflection seismology from Wits University and Uppsala University. Dr Mimi Mokoele from PASA answered some tough questions from the audience with such warmth and expertise that it even elicited an applause.
The discussion was candid, with a lively and constructive Q&A session. Residents raised questions about environmental risks, water usage and economic implications. And although it wasn’t the scope of the conversation, concerns about hydraulic fracturing and its effects on local agriculture and tourism were expertly addressed.
On the question of whether potential future fracking would be abandoned if this initial seismic survey doesn’t take place, Prof Manzi commented that gathering data and being informed is always a good thing. We currently know very little about the geological sub-structure of the Karoo, and taking into consideration that a big earthquake was recorded some years ago, it can only be a good thing to know more about its seismic activity. For all we know, this survey might prove the area unfit for fracking.
Irrespective of what the outcome of the survey will be, community consultation would remain central to any future steps, with strict adherence to environmental regulations. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing public engagement.
