{"id":294721,"date":"2026-02-17T16:06:47","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:06:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/?p=294721"},"modified":"2026-02-18T10:27:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T08:27:24","slug":"proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/","title":{"rendered":"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KAROO <\/strong>– The deadline for public comment on the proposed regulations governing hydraulic fracturing closed on Friday, 13 February, marking a significant moment in South Africa’s ongoing debate over shale gas development in the Karoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
SCLC and KEJM representatives at the launch of the #BanFracking campaign. PHOTO: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The regulations, published by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, seek to establish the legal and technical framework for the exploration and production of onshore petroleum resources requiring hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stated purpose of the regulations is to regulate shale gas exploration and extraction by prescribing standards for well design and integrity, chemical disclosure, wastewater management, environmental monitoring and compliance enforcement. Government has framed the regulations as an attempt to allow energy development while mitigating environmental risks associated with the high-pressure injection of large volumes of water mixed with sand and chemical additives into underground rock formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ MORE<\/strong>: WATCH | Stormwater management crisis in Dr Beyers Naude Municipality<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Support Centre for Land Change (SCLC) \u2013 a Graaff-Reinet-based NGO that has been opposing fracking in the Karoo since 2012 \u2013 and the Karoo Environmental Justice Movement (KEJM) have formally objected to the proposed fracking regulations, arguing that the draft framework fails to meet constitutional and environmental safeguards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They contend that the Karoo is a fragile, water-scarce region almost entirely dependent on groundwater accessed through boreholes and complex fracture-dependent aquifer systems that are insufficiently mapped and highly vulnerable to contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In their submission to the department, the organisations warn that hydraulic fracturing poses serious risks including well casing failure, methane migration, induced seismicity and long-term aquifer contamination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even a low-probability contamination event, they argue, could cause irreversible harm in a region where groundwater is often the only reliable source of water for domestic use, agriculture and ecological sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SCLC and KEJM ground their objection in Section 24 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to an environment not harmful to health or wellbeing and requires environmental protection for present and future generations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They argue that the regulations do not adequately apply the precautionary principle contained in the National Environmental Management Act, nor do they sufficiently address cumulative groundwater impacts, long-term liability, socio-economic vulnerability or intergenerational risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organisations have indicated that promulgating the regulations without addressing these concerns could render them susceptible to judicial review under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond groundwater risks, SCLC and KEJM argue that the Karoo’s agricultural economy depends on secure and uncontaminated water supplies, and that any degradation would undermine livestock production, crop cultivation and rural employment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They further raise concerns regarding indigenous and cultural rights, noting that for indigenous communities, water is closely tied to identity, spirituality and heritage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organisations argue that the regulations do not sufficiently guarantee meaningful consultation or the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into decision-making processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climate considerations also feature prominently in their submission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They argue that the expansion of shale gas extraction is inconsistent with South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They point out that methane, the primary component of natural gas, has a significantly higher short-term global warming potential than carbon dioxide, raising concerns about fugitive emissions and long-term climate impacts in a region already affected by recurring drought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The debate over the new regulations takes place against the backdrop of a landmark 2017 High Court judgment in favour of the Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG) and AfriForum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this case, the court set aside earlier fracking regulations on the basis that they had been promulgated by the incorrect minister and were therefore invalid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ruling clarified that environmental regulation of hydraulic fracturing falls within the mandate of the environmental authorities, not solely the mineral resources department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The judgment reinforced the principle that fracking cannot proceed without a lawful, properly authorised regulatory framework that complies with constitutional and environmental legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The newly proposed regulations are, in part, an attempt to cure the procedural defect identified in that judgment by placing the regulatory framework within the environmental portfolio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, critics argue that while the jurisdictional issue may have been addressed, substantive constitutional and environmental concerns remain unresolved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They contend that compliance with the court ruling requires not only correct ministerial authority but also full alignment with constitutional environmental rights, precautionary principles and meaningful public participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AfriForum reiterated the warning that fracking in the Karoo could place communities at serious risk since the process requires considerable volumes of water and carries a significant risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They argue that, in a country ranked 22nd globally on the World Resources Institute\u2019s water stress index, exposing limited water supplies to such risks is unacceptable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also dispute assertions of significant economic gains, maintaining that the potential consequences of water loss and pollution outweigh the promised benefits of growth and job creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AfriForum further cautioned that the draft regulations assume the government can ensure safe and responsible fracking \u2013 an assumption they question in light of repeated regulatory failures in the mining and industrial sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the public comment period now closed, the future of fracking in the Karoo once again hinges on whether the final regulations can withstand constitutional scrutiny. The issue remains not only an energy policy question, but a broader test of environmental governance, water security and the balance between economic development and constitutional environmental rights in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ MORE<\/strong>: The Free State is being engulfed by collapsing road infrastructure<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Public comment period ends on proposed fracking regulations, marking key moment in South Africa’s Karoo shale gas debate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":294722,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_inclusive_language_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","_crsspst_to_novanewscoza":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozabloemnewsexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozacityvision":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozadistrictmailhelderberg":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaeikestadnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozahermanustimes":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozakougaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozamthathaexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozanoordkaapbulletin":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapaarlpost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozapeoplespost":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaswartlandgazette":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozatygerburger":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaudexpress":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavistanews":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozavrystaatkroon":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweskusnuus":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaweslander":false,"_crsspst_to_novanewscozaworcesterstandard":false,"_EventAllDay":"","_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":"","_EventShowMapLink":"","_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":"","_EventVenueID":"","_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":"","_VenueShowMapLink":"","_application":"","_batch_id":"","_company_name":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_company_website":"","_custom_id":"","_EventDuration":"","_EventOrigin":"","_EventTimezoneAbbr":"","_featured":"","_filled":"","_job_expires":"","_job_location":"","_media_credit":"","_media_credit_url":"","_menu_item_menu_item_parent":"","_menu_item_object":"","_menu_item_object_id":"","_menu_item_target":"","_menu_item_type":"","_menu_item_url":"","_menu_item_xfn":"","_navis_media_can_distribute":"","_navis_media_credit_org":"","_OrganizerOrigin":"","_provider":"","_pum_built_in":"","_pum_default_theme":"","_pum_form_conversion_count":"","_remote_id":"","_remote_name":"","_remote_position":"","_report_frequency":"","_report_reference_dates":"","_send_attempts":"","_site_id":"","_sitemap_exclude":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","_sitemap_priority":"","_source_url":"","_subscription_period":"","_subscription_period_interval":"","_subscription_price":"","_tec_slr_enabled":"","_tec_slr_layout":"","_template_type":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_tribe_aggregator_allow_multiple_organizers":"","_tribe_aggregator_content_type":"","_tribe_aggregator_file":"","_tribe_aggregator_finalized":"","_tribe_aggregator_hash":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_id":"","_tribe_aggregator_import_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_interactive":"","_tribe_aggregator_origin":"","_tribe_aggregator_post_status":"","_tribe_aggregator_preview":"","_tribe_aggregator_source_name":"","_tribe_aggregator_type":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_hide_attendees_list":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":"","_tribe_ticket_version":"","_type":"","_VenueOrigin":"","_wp_attachment_context":"","_wp_attachment_image_alt":"","_wp_font_face_file":"","_wp_old_date":"","_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":"1","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_block-catalog":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"1","_yoast_wpseo_primary_job_listing_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_nova_retailer":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_publication":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_tribe_events_cat":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-duration":"","_yoast_wpseo_videositemap-rating":"","_menu_item_classes":[],"_tribe_modified_fields":[],"_wp_attachment_backup_sizes":[],"_wp_suggested_privacy_policy_content":[],"_yoast_post_redirect_info":[],"_yoast_wpseo_video_meta":[],"activation_date":"","archive_insertion_is_repeating":"","archive_insertion_posts_count":"","article_feature_media":"","article_feature_type":"","article_main_image_caption":"","article_media_icon":"","article_template":"","author_byline":"Chriszanne Janse van Vuuren","background_color":"","block_editor":"1","byline":"","cmplz_hide_cookiebanner":"","competition_end_date":"","contact_advertise_email":"","contact_advertise_phone":"","contact_editorial_email":"","contact_general_email":"","contact_general_phone":"","contact_office_hours":"","contact_physical_address":"","enabled":"","featured_image_custom_caption":"","featured_video_url":"","fields":"","font_body":"","font_header":"","frequency":"","headline":"","hide_border":"","icon":"","is_wp_suggestion":"","issuu_download_url":"","issuu_embed_url":"","language_version_url":"","large_border":"","name":"","nm_contact_name":"","nm_contact_number":"","nm_date_lost":"","no_overlay_background":"","node-url":"","obituary_born_date":"","obituary_died_date":"","obituary_memoriam_text":"","origin":"","overlay_color":"","overlay_opacity":"","overlay_size":"","placement":"","plural_label":"","post_author":"","post_id":"","post_language":"en","secret-key":"","sponsored_utm_campaign":"","sponsored_utm_content":"","sponsored_utm_medium":"","sponsored_utm_source":"","sponsored_utm_term":"","start_date":"","utm_suppression":"","video_embed_url":"","wp_pattern_sync_status":"","data_version":[],"enclosure":[],"pongrass_image":[],"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_newspack_byline_active":false,"_newspack_byline":"","newspack_content_restriction_is_exempt":false,"scaip_prevent_shortcode_addition":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[9097,9098,9099,91],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"publication":[],"class_list":["post-294721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-department-of-forestry","tag-fisheries-and-the-environment","tag-fracking","tag-top"],"yoast_head":"\nProposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes | Komani Karoo Express<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the proposed fracking regulations in Karoo and their impact on shale gas exploration and environmental safety.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the proposed fracking regulations in Karoo and their impact on shale gas exploration and environmental safety.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Komani Karoo Express\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KomaniKarooExpress\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-17T14:06:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-18T08:27:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"853\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Chriszanne Janse van Vuuren\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@EP_Media24\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@EP_Media24\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Komani Karoo Express\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Komani Karoo Express\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9a777cf77130c8c2118be2011780fe5d\"},\"headline\":\"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-17T14:06:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-18T08:27:24+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":912,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Department of Forestry\",\"Fisheries and the Environment\",\"fracking\",\"Top\"],\"articleSection\":[\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2026\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/\",\"name\":\"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes | Komani Karoo Express\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-17T14:06:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-18T08:27:24+00:00\",\"description\":\"Explore the proposed fracking regulations in Karoo and their impact on shale gas exploration and environmental safety.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":853,\"caption\":\"The deadline for public comment on the proposed regulations governing hydraulic fracturing closed on 13 February. PHOTO: Pixabay\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"News\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/news\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/\",\"name\":\"Komani Karoo Express\",\"description\":\"To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Komani Karoo Express\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/komani-karoo-express-site-icon.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/komani-karoo-express-site-icon.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Komani Karoo Express\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/KomaniKarooExpress\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/EP_Media24\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/express_newspapers\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@expressonline3000\\\/videos\"],\"description\":\"Komani-Karoo Express is an online\\\/social media news source that serves the communities of Komani (formerly Queenstown), Cradock, Middelburg, Graaff-Reinet, Fort Beaufort, Somerset East, Hofmeyr, and surrounding areas. Established with the goal of keeping our community informed, we have grown into one of the most trusted local news sources in the region.\",\"email\":\"komanikarooexpress@novusmedia.co.za\",\"telephone\":\"+27415036111\",\"legalName\":\"Novus Media (Pty) Ltd\",\"foundingDate\":\"2025-01-01\",\"vatID\":\"4100318916\",\"taxID\":\"2000\\\/018234\\\/07\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"51\",\"maxValue\":\"200\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9a777cf77130c8c2118be2011780fe5d\",\"name\":\"Komani Karoo Express\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f8f1d67489b5f6a4102c9c510ca0c20a372dfaa6e3f4a7d08d684411cf5cf5a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f8f1d67489b5f6a4102c9c510ca0c20a372dfaa6e3f4a7d08d684411cf5cf5a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f8f1d67489b5f6a4102c9c510ca0c20a372dfaa6e3f4a7d08d684411cf5cf5a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Komani Karoo Express\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/novanews.co.za\\\/komani-karoo\\\/author\\\/komanikaroo\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes | Komani Karoo Express","description":"Explore the proposed fracking regulations in Karoo and their impact on shale gas exploration and environmental safety.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes","og_description":"Explore the proposed fracking regulations in Karoo and their impact on shale gas exploration and environmental safety.","og_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/","og_site_name":"Komani Karoo Express","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KomaniKarooExpress\/","article_published_time":"2026-02-17T14:06:47+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-18T08:27:24+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":853,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Chriszanne Janse van Vuuren","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@EP_Media24","twitter_site":"@EP_Media24","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Komani Karoo Express","Est. reading time":"1 minute"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/"},"author":{"name":"Komani Karoo Express","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#\/schema\/person\/9a777cf77130c8c2118be2011780fe5d"},"headline":"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes","datePublished":"2026-02-17T14:06:47+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-18T08:27:24+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/"},"wordCount":912,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg","keywords":["Department of Forestry","Fisheries and the Environment","fracking","Top"],"articleSection":["News"],"inLanguage":"en-ZA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#respond"]}],"copyrightYear":"2026","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/","name":"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes | Komani Karoo Express","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg","datePublished":"2026-02-17T14:06:47+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-18T08:27:24+00:00","description":"Explore the proposed fracking regulations in Karoo and their impact on shale gas exploration and environmental safety.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-ZA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg","width":1280,"height":853,"caption":"The deadline for public comment on the proposed regulations governing hydraulic fracturing closed on 13 February. PHOTO: Pixabay"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/proposed-fracking-regulations-in-karoo-under-fire-as-public-comment-period-closes\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Proposed fracking regulations in Karoo under fire as public comment period closes"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#website","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/","name":"Komani Karoo Express","description":"To Inform, Engage and Empower Local Communities","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-ZA"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#organization","name":"Komani Karoo Express","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/komani-karoo-express-site-icon.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/komani-karoo-express-site-icon.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"Komani Karoo Express"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KomaniKarooExpress\/","https:\/\/x.com\/EP_Media24","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/express_newspapers\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@expressonline3000\/videos"],"description":"Komani-Karoo Express is an online\/social media news source that serves the communities of Komani (formerly Queenstown), Cradock, Middelburg, Graaff-Reinet, Fort Beaufort, Somerset East, Hofmeyr, and surrounding areas. Established with the goal of keeping our community informed, we have grown into one of the most trusted local news sources in the region.","email":"komanikarooexpress@novusmedia.co.za","telephone":"+27415036111","legalName":"Novus Media (Pty) Ltd","foundingDate":"2025-01-01","vatID":"4100318916","taxID":"2000\/018234\/07","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"51","maxValue":"200"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/#\/schema\/person\/9a777cf77130c8c2118be2011780fe5d","name":"Komani Karoo Express","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f8f1d67489b5f6a4102c9c510ca0c20a372dfaa6e3f4a7d08d684411cf5cf5a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f8f1d67489b5f6a4102c9c510ca0c20a372dfaa6e3f4a7d08d684411cf5cf5a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f8f1d67489b5f6a4102c9c510ca0c20a372dfaa6e3f4a7d08d684411cf5cf5a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Komani Karoo Express"},"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/author\/komanikaroo\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kevin_snyman-demonstration-4193109_1280.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":263608,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/support-centre-for-land-change-hosts-annual-climate-justice-platform\/","url_meta":{"origin":294721,"position":0},"title":"Support Centre for Land Change hosts annual Climate Justice Platform","author":"Komani Karoo Express","date":"18 June 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Graaff-Reinet's SCLC hosted its Climate Justice Platform, uniting 60 activists and partners to strengthen their campaign against Karoo fracking.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A group of six people standing with a poster with the words \"Karoo Environmental Justice Movement\".","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SCLC-Climate-Justice-Platform-picture-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SCLC-Climate-Justice-Platform-picture-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SCLC-Climate-Justice-Platform-picture-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SCLC-Climate-Justice-Platform-picture-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SCLC-Climate-Justice-Platform-picture-2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/SCLC-Climate-Justice-Platform-picture-2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":265615,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/graaff-reinet-reverend-published-in-ecological-justice-book\/","url_meta":{"origin":294721,"position":1},"title":"Graaff-Reinet reverend published in ecological justice book","author":"Komani Karoo Express","date":"15 August 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"A Graaff-Reinet minister has achieved recognition with the publication of his chapter in a new book by the Christian Literature Fund.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Petrus Gysman wearing graduation clothing.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Petrus-Gysman-Reverend-of-the-Uniting-Reformed-Church-in-Kroonvale-Graaff-Reinet-e1755245861687.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Petrus-Gysman-Reverend-of-the-Uniting-Reformed-Church-in-Kroonvale-Graaff-Reinet-e1755245861687.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Petrus-Gysman-Reverend-of-the-Uniting-Reformed-Church-in-Kroonvale-Graaff-Reinet-e1755245861687.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Petrus-Gysman-Reverend-of-the-Uniting-Reformed-Church-in-Kroonvale-Graaff-Reinet-e1755245861687.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Petrus-Gysman-Reverend-of-the-Uniting-Reformed-Church-in-Kroonvale-Graaff-Reinet-e1755245861687.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Petrus-Gysman-Reverend-of-the-Uniting-Reformed-Church-in-Kroonvale-Graaff-Reinet-e1755245861687.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":69055,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/south-africa-to-buy-gas-from-us-in-proposed-new-trade-deal\/","url_meta":{"origin":294721,"position":2},"title":"South Africa to buy gas from US in proposed new trade deal","author":"Novus Media","date":"27 May 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"South Africa said Monday it plans to buy liquefied natural gas from the United States in a proposed deal worth around $1 billion a year, after a tense televised encounter between the countries\u2019 presidents. In return for agreeing to buy the gas (LNG), South Africa would avoid paying duty on\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/cabinet-minister-Khumbudzo-Ntshavheni.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":265372,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/residents-object-to-proposed-karoo-geophysical-research-project\/","url_meta":{"origin":294721,"position":3},"title":"Residents object to proposed Karoo Geophysical Research Project","author":"Komani Karoo Express","date":"28 July 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"KEJM members from Willowmore, Rietbron, Graaff-Reinet, Middelburg and Cradock joined SCLC at Karoo Geophysical Research Project hearings.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A group of people standing next to each other with a large poster.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Members-of-SCLC-and-KEJM-who-participated-in-the-public-hearing-in-Middelburg.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Members-of-SCLC-and-KEJM-who-participated-in-the-public-hearing-in-Middelburg.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Members-of-SCLC-and-KEJM-who-participated-in-the-public-hearing-in-Middelburg.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Members-of-SCLC-and-KEJM-who-participated-in-the-public-hearing-in-Middelburg.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Members-of-SCLC-and-KEJM-who-participated-in-the-public-hearing-in-Middelburg.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Members-of-SCLC-and-KEJM-who-participated-in-the-public-hearing-in-Middelburg.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47640,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/raising-awareness-against-fracking-20191127\/","url_meta":{"origin":294721,"position":4},"title":"Raising awareness against fracking","author":"Komani Karoo Express","date":"28 November 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"A MEMORANDUM prepared for the mayor of the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality last week, by the Support Centre for Land Change (SCLC), was \u201can urgent call to declare the municipality a fracking-free zone and to accele-rate a just transition towards a","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/9776008c72d7420bafaece5236c7d59f.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/9776008c72d7420bafaece5236c7d59f.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/9776008c72d7420bafaece5236c7d59f.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/9776008c72d7420bafaece5236c7d59f.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":294320,"url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/public-invited-to-comment-on-karoo-geophysical-research-project-phase-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":294721,"position":5},"title":"Public invited to comment on Karoo Geophysical Research Project Phase 2","author":"Komani Karoo Express","date":"17 November 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Public comment deadline 17 November 2025 for Karoo Geophysical Research Project Phase 2 seismic surveys in Eastern and Northern Cape.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Paperwork being signed.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/laptop-3196481_1280-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/laptop-3196481_1280-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/laptop-3196481_1280-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/laptop-3196481_1280-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/laptop-3196481_1280-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Komani Karoo Express","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/294721","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=294721"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/294721\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/294722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=294721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=294721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=294721"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=294721"},{"taxonomy":"publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/komani-karoo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publication?post=294721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}