I'm a 2nd year BSc Student at the University of Stellenbosch, Studying Oenology and Viticulture (wine-making).to hear about this happening is sad, the bio-diversity and everything that makes this place good will be destroyed,Pollution will damage wines, imagine having a wine and you pick up hints of Garbage or fumes on the nose, is that going to be the new aromas to find¦And to realize that Stellenbosch will end up becoming a mining town, all the workers and people will end up moving here and destroy what we love, culture will be lost!Stephan

great idea, you do not know what this is all about. The productive wine areas form a small part of the effected area, however, have you thought about how many jobs will be lost on the farms?? Wine farms are labour intensive and needs hands. The mines will use machinery, not hands. Big areas are nature reserves, some privately owned to restore the natural fauna and flora of the Westen Cape, many of which are the only in the world. Houses, other buildings and graveyards in the effected area are historical monuments of 300 years and older. The oldest buildings in South Africa! These MUST be preserved for future generations and visitors to our beautiful country. And, if you know your history, you will know that there were mines in this area a couple of decades ago, but they were not profitable. The proof is in the mining machinery which were left on the farms and can still be seen today. PLEASE, PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE

I support the governments plans, it will create much need jobs in the region and reduce the crime rate. The idea at the moment is being critized merely on the ascetic values and not on the economic benefits for the region. We need growth and jobs, not trees and views. As to the so called wine industry, there is such a glut on the market at the moment that it is not adding any value. If this means that we have a oppertunity to start mining in the western cape then I support it.

How sad the ANC apears to be destroying confidence in it's ability to govern SA democratically. This is a disgrace, I hope that the people of SA will stand up for what they believe in and protect the rights of the wine farmers and indeed the interests of all people.

CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY!! WE ARE BEING 'RAPED' BY THE ANC.

This appears to be yet another monumental blunder by the ANC government which seems intent to extract maximum short-term gains (read enrichment of select individuals and cronyism) with absolute disregard for long-term damage caused to future generations, existing communities and sustainable private enterprise and industries.