Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Business School to host National Karoo Fracking Debate

Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 31 October 2011 - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Business School has announced today that it will host and facilitate a national debate around fracking in the Karoo just before the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2011 in Durban in November this year.

The debate will be hosted on 22 November at the university's North Campus. The university will assume the role of an agent facilitating debate amongst a panel of participants hailing from the private energy sector, government, environmental lobby groups, and other stakeholders affected by fracking.

Prof Piet Naude, NMMU Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic Affairs and debate facilitator for the event said the NMMU had already extended invitations to stakeholders earmarked for the panel of participants, and have received confirmation from Shell, environmental lobby group Treasure the Karoo and environmental experts from the university's academic staff, and are awaiting feedback from the Office of the Eastern Cape Economic and Environmental Affairs.

Naude said that the debate forms part of the university's mission of making a critical and constructive contribution to regional, national and global sustainability, and that it is well positioned to lead such a debate. It will be presented through the NMMU Business School's Strategic Conversations platform which was launched earlier this year. This is a series of public debates and open lectures that center on current and newsworthy issues affecting regional and national business.  

"The purpose of this national debate is to provide a balanced view on the risks and rewards of fracking in the Karoo, while hearing fairly from all parties involved. Moving through fracking's impact on the environment, communities and economy, guests and media will be able to have a well-informed, 360 degree understanding of this issue after the event."

"We plan to encourage critical thought and intellectual debate amongst the public, government and organisational leaders, empowering them with knowledge, views and insight to ensure that they take informed decisions with regards to fracking in the Karoo. This has emerged as one of the most significant environmental and economic crossroads South Africa and the Eastern Cape faces."

Mr Bob Govender, media representative for Shell Upstream said:

"Shell has applied for exploration licenses that would allow us to drill at least six wells within the first three-year license period to determine if the shale gas potential exists. Should the shale rocks under the Karoo hold economically recoverable natural gas reserves, then this resource may provide a game changing contribution towards meeting South Africa's energy needs.

Natural gas could be instrumental in meeting growing energy demand and providing South Africa with a sustainable alternative to coal. The project could drive much needed foreign investment, generate significant state revenues and reduce the costs to import energy. We don't yet know what we might find, but believe a possible development could create thousands of jobs, training opportunities and academia partnerships."

Mr Jonathan Deal, Chairman of Treasure the Karoo Action group commented:

"Our primary objective is to ensure the sustainable development of natural resources and the protection of heritage resources in a manner that will be beneficial to the people of South Africa. We are not opposed to the responsible use of hydraulic fracturing per se, but want independent and thorough research to prove its efficacy and safety beyond a reasonable doubt before we support it. A national debate is crucial to make sure that everyone involved - be it land owners, regulators or oil companies - make informed choices and decisions based on scientific fact."

For more information contact JP Roodt, NMMU Business School Head of Stakeholder Relations.