Selective morality should not apply

However, the writer notes that environment impact assessment procedures do not only consider environmental issues, but also evaluate the impact on affected people in economic and social terms. As a result, the judgment that the Umhlanga Rocks Pearls development should not be exempt from a public and thorough process of environmental and social scrutiny is applauded. Of course, therefore, it is essential that similar investigations should apply to all government developments – i.e. the new airport (in Durban), the new soccer stadium and the Point development. Therefore it remains to be seen whether the MEC has the character and the political power to sustain his concept of ethical assessments for all projects.’ Full report in The Mercury