Chairperson, I move without notice: That the Council -
(1) notes the concern of the communities of the Vhembe district in the Limpopo province about the threat of coal mining in the area, not only to the water and water resources but also to the environment and ecosystems;
(2) further notes that these concerns are based, among other considerations, on the scarcity of water and water resources, particularly in view of the amount of water that is needed to extract coal from the ground, the contamination of the groundwater and also the negative impact on the environment and ecosystems, while many people do not have access to water;
(3) also notes with concern that mining companies are operating and soliciting support and agreement on mining and water licensing without consulting communities; and
4) calls on all relevant authorities to strike a balance between the interests of communities and the need and importance of coal production to foster and protect the interests of communities and of water resources, as well as the environment, and to impose strict conditions when granting mining and water licences.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.