Underwater military explosions in Simon’s Town RELOCATED

The underwater military explosions have been relocated amid concerns for the Boulders Beach African Penguin Sanctuary.

UNDERWATER MILITARY EXPLOSIONS IN SIMON’S TOWN RELOCATED

Boulders Penguin Colony in Simons Town is home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins.

This colony is one of only a few in the world, and the site has become famous and a popular international tourist destination.

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THIS COLONY IS ONE OF ONLY A FEW IN THE WORLD

In response to mounting pressure from environmental groups, Ministers Barbara Creecy and Thandi Modise have addressed calls to relocate underwater military explosions away from the Boulders Beach African Penguin Sanctuary.

This comes after a coastal warning was issued on the South African Navy website on 15 January 2024, indicating that the navy will conduct the exercise between 22 January and 1 February near Seaforth in Simon’s Town, and all vessels were requested to keep clear.

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A COASTAL WARNING WAS ISSUED EARLY THIS YEAR

Commander Theo Mabina, acting senior staff officer of naval public relations, told the Daily Maverick that the navy would undertake an “underwater demolitions training exercise for divers” to prepare and train them for some of their responsibilities.

This includes clearing harbour entrances, underwater canals, beach landings, and any other underwater demolition jobs that may arise.

The Democratic Alliances (DA) Dave Bryant MP, it is important to recognise the massive efforts of local activists and community members who have worked so hard to raise the profile of this matter.

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THE DA WELCOMED THE RELOCATION

“The African Penguin is yet another example of a species that has faced increasing threats due to poor management of natural ecosystems over many years of ANC rule, particularly in the Eastern Cape.

“The DA will not allow the iconic African Penguin to join the ranks of the dodo and other extinct African animals as a result of ANC negligence.

“We will continue to fight to ensure that our environmental resources and heritage are protected at all costs.”

Dave Bryant said.

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