1. Thank you Hon. MEC for this statement. Hon. Speaker and members, the stance of the Minority Front does not change in light of the statements made by the National Minister, Hon. Creecy and part of her final statement reads “and those responsible for this incident, directly or indirectly, will have to own up and take responsibility for their actions”.
2. With this case, as government we are working backwards from the aftermath of the disaster to the cause and preventative steps that should have taken place, this means, directly this fault lies on our doorsteps. Initially, the environment directorate of the Province and EIA’s and law enforcement of eThekwini Environment and subsequently SAPS and their role during the July looting and violence.
3. Clearly, as a government we have not been prepared. Look at the new regulations being formulated to review all industries. How can we impose a fine on this company in terms of administrative justice based on the “polluter pays policy” when the looters are responsible and should be apprehended.
4. Many industrial plants were ravaged by fires and there was air pollution all around. Some, due to location were saved the fate of UPL, which is near a lot of water ecosystems. The MF applauds UPL for undertaking rehabilitation measures.
5. On behalf of the Minority Front, I call on the government both National and Provincial to bear the bulk of the costs as this is a lesson that key positions in programmes7of the Department of Environmental Affairs should be filled, similarly in eThekwini and other districts.
6. South Africa currently is not only facing challenges of climate change threats, but also COVID-19 lockdown measures and internal security threats. Let’s be fair to job creators and get our house in order, rather than punish the already vulnerable business sector.
7. Thank you Hon. MEC for this report and we hope to get further reports.
8. Thank you.

Hon. S. Thakur-Rajbansi