Volume II - The Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development ...

Northern Cape PSDF
Volume 2
December 2011
considered and that mechanisms are in place to ensure that conditions of approval are
implemented. The following key coastal issues are relevant regarding efficient coastal region
planning:
a) Diversify coastal economies
b) Consider alternative livelihood opportunities
c) Promote mariculture opportunities
d) Promote Spatial Development Initiatives and coastal management
e) Retain revenues generated in local areas
f) Promote local benefits from tourism
g) Promote tourism and local cultural values
h) Improve infrastructure for tourism
i) Improve public facilities at beaches
j) Upgrade and maintain small‐craft harbours
k) Promote multiple use of harbours
l) Reduce agriculture and conservation conflicts
m) Reconcile development opportunities and land claims
n) Encourage the establishment of buffer and transition zones
o) Retain aesthetic values
p) Limit ribbon development
q) Control sprawling urban development
r) Limit development speculation
s) Limit inappropriate development and its impact on ecosystems
t) Reduce risk due to development
u) Address informal settlements and their impact on sensitive ecosystems
v) Take into account water availability in development planning
w) Promote sustainable use of all water resources, including coastal aquifers
x) Address sea level rise
y) Recognise cost of maintaining protection works
z) Explore coast's potential to contribute to the provision of energy and freshwater.
C.4.4 ACCESS TO MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCES
Diamond mining is the main economic activity along the Northern Cape coastline, so much
so that the Northern Cape coast as has been described ‘an extensive mining area, with
different areas in various stages of the mining process, awaiting prospecting, undergoing
prospecting, being mined or having been mined’ (Enviro‐Fish Africa, 2003a). Terrestrial
onshore mining concessions, including beach concessions, occur between the Orange River
mouth and an area slightly south of the Olifants River. Two major companies, Alexkor and De
Beers Namaqualand (Pty) Ltd dominate diamond mining in the Northern Cape coastal zone
(Clark et al, 1999).
All mining concession areas have some level of restriction in terms of public access to the
area (Enviro‐Fish Africa, 2003a). This access is often limited to employees of the mining
companies and sub‐contractors. In some cases, recreational access is permitted on an
informal basis (Brand, 2002). As a result, the majority of the Northern Cape population do
not enjoy public access to the marine and coastal resources of the Province. Marine and
Office of the Premier &
Department of Rural Development & Land Reform
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Dennis Moss Partnership