Some human actions in the destruction and construction of culture and nature – the Merafong region as a case study
Abstract
For at least the past 180 years the Merafong Municipal region in the Gauteng
Province of South Africa, (of which the Wonderfontein Catchment forms a part) has
strongly relied on the primary sector for its economic existence and development. In
the process some human actions, also related to serious water contamination/pollution,
have resulted in phases of constructions1 as well as economic and health destructions.
Differences over whose environment and whose nature it is spontaneously developed,
with sometimes less friendly outcomes. The ‘end result’ up to 2006 is a complicated
scenario experience, similar to that of many other regions or local areas, but also very
unique and somewhat frightening. The long term focus of this article is to exchange
knowledge2 on the region with the objective to contribute towards creating a sustainable
environment by ensuring closer co-operation between the various economic active
cultures operating or functioning in the Merafong municipal region. In this article four aspects are covered.