Plett totally against gas
PLETTENBERG BAY - Dolphin Circle and Central Beach were inundated with anti-gas drilling protesters on Saturday 18 November that brought the town centre to a standstill at lunchtime.
What was billed as an awareness march turned out to be a loud voice of objection from over 200 protesters who gathered to show opposition to a proposed gas-drilling exploration project by Total Energies, stretching from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay. The march started at the Plettenberg Bay taxi rank and made its way down Marine Drive and Odland Street, to the central beach area, closely monitored by Bitou traffic officials.
The protesters formed a circle of objection on Central Beach and listened to the protest song of Barry Maguire from the '60s, We’re on the Eve of Destruction. Various organisations including Wessa, The Green Connection, Natural Justice and the Plettenberg Bay Community Environment Forum, rallied support for the event opposing an application by Teepsa (Total Energies Exploration and Production South Africa) to drill for gas offshore along the Garden Route. A number of community organisations also participated.
"[18 November] was a true demonstration of where the hearts of Plett's communities lie," said Julie Carlisle of the Plett Environmental Forum. "Chief Justin Barnardo shared this beautifully, putting words to our connection to Plett's heritage, our relationship to our environment. He said, 'The roots run deep ... waaay back to ancestors who lived off the land and off the sea.
Plett's value is felt deeply by those who have come to know its places and spaces. The forests whisper to secret past times. The sea calls to those who have learnt its generosity from their fathers and forefathers'."
Said Carlisle, "The clear message to Total Energies and to our government rang out loudly. You WILL NOT pillage our seas! You WILL NOT destroy our heritage! You WILL NOT destroy our livelihoods!". The support for the march made her proud to be part of the huge heart of Plett. She said the Plettenberg Bay Community Environmental Forum will continue to monitor, to write, to shout.
"With organisations like The Green Connection and Natural Justice, and the support and strong voice of our communities, we can push on through this threat to that which we value," said Carlisle.
The message to Total Energies and to our government rang out loudly. You WILL NOT pillage our seas!