I am writing in response to Lisa Isaacs’ article titled "Philippi farmers claim victory" published on February 28.
Firstly, congratulations are due to the Philippi Horticulture Area (PHA) Food and Farming Campaign on their victory in light of the Heritage Western Cape ruling aimed at protecting the land in terms of its agricultural heritage. The ruling is a precedent-setting battle won in the broader ongoing fight to protect our common natural resources from a handful of land speculators and developers whose only goal is short-term profit.
It is also a sign of the growing power of an active and educated citizenry willing to direct their energy towards causes that will benefit millions of people living and yet to be born, and who will not be swayed by political obfuscation, legalistic jargon, ridicule or indifference.
The facts are indisputable: we are living in a time of drought and climate instability, and the vast aquifer beneath the PHA is a critical resource that must be protected because it enables the area to produce 200 000 tons of food a year, much of which makes its way on to the plates of all Capetonians.
Paving over large sections of the aquifer’s last remaining recharge area to build new housing complexes, shopping malls and factories will destroy it, causing spontaneous sinkholes and the collapse of the city’s food and water infrastructures.
Instead of appealing the Heritage Western Cape ruling, the developers should do the sensible thing and stand down, not only because there is alternative land for housing developments, but also because the campaign is attracting a new generation of South Africans who will not stand by silently and watch the PHA and its aquifer being destroyed.
Public servants who insist on pushing agendas that serve only a select few would do well to take heed.