THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2003: The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mohammed Valli Moosa and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Penuel Maduna, will be launching a special Environmental Court on Thursday 6 March 2003 in Hermanus, Western Cape.

The court, which is a joint initiative by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, is a major breakthrough in the battle against illegal exploitation of marine resources and in particular abalone.

The two ministers will launch the Environmental Court at the Hermanus Magistrate Court, Harmony Street, at 10:00. All media are invited to attend.

Enquiries:
Advocate Hishaam Mohammed,
Regional Head
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
082 455 5549

Ms Phindile Makwakwa
Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
082 850 9559