At the meeting held with King Mponddombini Sigcau on the 23rd July 2004 the Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, made a public commitment to "properly consult with the Royal House and all the people of Pondoland over the issue of the N2 Toll Road and the dune mining". However after three months there is no evidence of consultation., said Lance Greyling, MP and ID Environmental Affairs Spokesperson.

"There are blatant conflicts of interest, poor consultation with affected communities and a failure on the part of the department to truly identify and deal with the real barriers facing ecotourism in Pondoland. I have seen first hand the underhand manner in which department is dealing with this matter. It (DEAT) first barred the media from covering the meeting between the Pondoland Royal House and the National Ministerial delegation. The director general of environmental affairs and tourism, Dr Crispan Olver, planned a media walkabout in the region for selected journalists. It is not the media that the department needs to consult with but the actual people who live in Pondoland. It is quite clear that the department is pushing its own agenda and is not committed to consulting with the people on whom this development will impact," said Lance Greyling.

For further information contact Lance Greyling, ID Environmental Affairs Spokesperson on 083 298 8553

Issued by Thulani Sithole, Media Officer: 084 233 3811