PTWC celebrates third birthday as mining threat continues unabated

Celebrations are in order! Protect the West Coast (PTWC) celebrates its third birthday this month. Since its inception the Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO) has played a major role in bringing the issue of illegal and unregulated mining on the West Coast to the attention of the South African public, as well as in preventing mining in ecologically sensitive areas.

PTWC was founded in November 2020 by Cape Town big wave surfer and entrepreneur Mike Schlebach, Camila Budden and Khaya Pullen. For a small organisation with limited resources, for the past three years PTWC has consistently punched above its weight in publicising the threat mining presents in the region in the media, and has been effective in spearheading successful legal action against mining company Trans Hex. PTWC has also been instrumental in increasing vital public participation in the objection and approvals process mandated for every prospecting or mining application on the West Coast. Please check out our website blog post to find out more about our many great achievements in the past three years, as well as why your ongoing support is now more critical than ever.

Read more:

PTWC launches Limited Edition 'Protector' clothing range

As part of our third birthday celebrations, in late November PTWC launched a range of limited edition organic cotton blend and hemp ‘Protector’ clothing. The hemp and organic cotton ‘Defender’ T-Shirt (R595), and the low carbon footprint blended cotton ‘Champion’ Long Sleeve Tee (R695) and ‘Guardian’ Hoodie (R995) all feature exclusive artwork by Cape Town artist Mike Sherman, created especially for PTWC. The hemp and organic cotton ‘Custodian’ T-Shirt (R495) features a large PTWC Protector logo on the back and a regular logo on the front. By purchasing one of this series, you can become an official ‘Protector’ of the West Coast. Every item purchased contributes directly to the work of PTWC. A limited number of our hemp and organic cotton ‘Original’ PTWC T-Shirts (R395) are also available.

Shop now:

Scientists join PTWC on historic trip to observe West Coast mining impacts

A team of South African scientists and environmental experts recently joined PTWC on a first-of-its-kind visit to Trans Hex mining sites near the Olifants River Estuary on the Cape West Coast. The mission, conducted in late October, was part of a court-ordered oversight programme that stems from the recent out-of-court settlement between Trans Hex and PTWC, the Doringbaai and Olifants small-scale fishing communities, and two community members. The team of experts was selected for expertise in coastal sediment dynamics in the marine and terrestrial environments; rehabilitation and restoration specifically relating to the sensitive West Coast environment; as well as knowledge of environmental assessment processes and the resources of small-scale fisheries on the West Coast.

Read more:

Overberg and Agulhas 'Wine Triangle' now also under threat from mining

While PTWC's main focus is on the coastline from Cape Columbine to the Orange River, we are well aware that the threat of mining extends well beyond that region. One of the newest areas under threat is the Overberg Agulhas 'Wine Triangle', where an application by a company called Cienth to prospect for gold, silver and tin ore has been made to the DMRE across an area of 2400 hectares, for 30 years. If approved, and if it leads to a full blown mining application, this will then lead to an enormous open cast mine in the region, which will have a devastating effect on the environment, agriculture, tourism and communities of the Overberg. Check out this video made by our allies at Save the Overberg on the mining application and follow the instructions to register to voice your objection.

Watch the video:

Help us to continue protecting the West Coast

Ironically, PTWC’s success over the past three years has led people to see us as a large, well-funded non-profit. This is not so. Comprising part-timers, pro bono workers and volunteers, PTWC runs on a shoestring budget aided by a handful of funders, with little funding to go after the big fish legally, or target big goals such as working with government to get the Olifants River Estuary (and several other critical hotspots – watch this space) a formally protected area that is safe from mining in perpetuity.?

To fulfil our strategy for the next two years, we need funding to enable our team to maintain this momentum, and turn the screws even tighter against illegal mining to protect the vulnerable environment and marginalised communities.??

Without support, this momentum will fizzle. If PTWC cannot continue, all the good work will have been for nothing. Please don’t let greedy, unscrupulous mining companies and a complicit government win the battle to protect the West Coast.?

Your donation will go a long way ensuring that this does not happen.?

Not this coming year. Not ever.?

Thanks for the support!

The Protect The West Coast team.