We received news from OD and wine farmer, Bruce Jack (1987G) that in the picturesque Overberg region, a fierce battle is unfolding between local farmers, environmentalists, and a mining company. The lush, fertile lands, essential for South Africa’s agriculture, are under threat as they have plans to develop extensive open-cast mines to extract gold, silver, and tin. The proposed mining area spans an equivalent of 4,200 rugby fields, posing a dire risk to the environment, local livelihoods, and the region’s unique biodiversity.

Farmers and environmentalists, like Bruce Jack, spearheaded by the Save the Overberg Coalition, argue that the mine will devastate the local ecosystem, jeopardize water resources, and disrupt agricultural activities. The coalition highlights that the minerals sought by the mining company do not exist in viable quantities, rendering the mining endeavor unjustifiable and dangerous.

Bruce hopes that bringing this to the attention of ODs living in the Overberg and those who believe in the preservation of our natural environment, will grown support for this cause.

For more information, visit this website: Save the Overberg.