AfriForum opposes Weather Bill
"It appears that Government wants to nationalize the weather," said Julius Kleynhans, Head of Environmental Affairs at AfriForum. In terms of Section 30(A) of the Weather Bill people can be fined millions of rands if they warn one another about extreme weather conditions or air pollution without the written permission of the South African Weather Service (SAWS). A fine of up to R10 million or 10 years in jail may be issued for such an offence.
"If this legislation is enforced it can have serious consequences. If we look at cumulative environmental disasters, such as tornados or a burst toxic gas pipe, timing is crucial to effect evacuation and to minimize the impact of the disaster.
AfriForum believes that people were rescued during the 2012 floods in Hoedspruit because the community spread the word. "Most of the disasters in our country are weather-related. It will be a tragedy if civilians are barred from warning their communities."
"It is important, however, that the public obtain the warnings from a reliable source and that false or misleading warnings, which could lead to panic or injuries are avoided. The Bill should be amended to allow action against those who issue misleading warnings," said Kleynhans.
"Environmental monitoring programmes and management systems will not be effective if this Bill is approved. What if the Weather Service does not answer their phones or if you do not receive a fax?"
"The result of this clause is that the SAWS cannot be held accountable if it does not do its job properly. Those responsible for a man-made environmental disaster will also not be held accountable. This also applies to all cases where losses can be ascribed to failure by the SAWS to act timeously."
AfriForum submitted its comments on the proposed SAWS Bill to the Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs last year. The civil rights organisation is opposed to the Bill because of the risks involved for ordinary citizens and the restriction it places on freedom of speech.
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Statement issued by Julius Kleynhans, Head: Environmental Affairs, AfriForum, July 2 2013
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