EnviroLaw & SPLUMB Seminars – 20 to 26 September 2012

LexisNexis is pleased to announce new seminars on two hot topics – the growing flood of environmental litigation and the new Spacial Planning and Land Use Management Bill – have now been scheduled. In addition, we are offering a highly attractive combined rate if you should choose to attend both half-day seminars, which have been scheduled for the same venue on the same day - for your convenience. We feel that the urgent nature of the subject matters under discussion will certainly make it worth your while.

The 2nd Annual Environmental Law seminar entitled The Growing Flood of Environmental Litigation will take a close look at the potential for litigation that exists for companies and municipalities that fail to consider the consequences of polluting the environment, either through ignorance or wilful neglect. Needless to say, the potential for massive costs are considerable. Presenter Adv Douglas Shaw will show you how to avoid expensive litigation and remain on the right side of the law when it comes to pollution and waste management. The new Spacial Planning and Land Use Management Bill, a decade in the making, is now a reality. The impact of this new bill on how land is utilised in South Africa will be profound. Adv Shaw will once again apply his insights and experience to unpack this new bill. He will also delve into the hot topic of land reform during the course of the afternoon.

About the seminars:

2nd Annual Environmental Law 2012: The Growing Flood of Environmental Litigation
In the last 10 years or so we have seen the passing of the National Environmental Management Act and its Air and Waste sub-acts: the National Water Act; the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act and others. Litigation normally lags behind the passing of acts as attorneys and victims become familiar with new legislation. Now, however, we are seeing an exponential growth of litigation in these matters. Companies and Municipalities could be facing bills running into the billions in the next few years - unless they learn how to act in such a way so as to reduce their liabilities.
In addition, the seminar will cover the potential impact of the Macsands constitutional case on the EIA process in future and other new developments in Environmental Law in the last year or two.

The New SPLUM Bill and the Land Reform Threat: What it means for property development, town planning and agriculture
When the Constitutional Court in 2010 decided that certain sections of the Development Facilitation Act were illegal, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform decided that a new Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Bill must come into effect. This bill had been in development for over 10 years but now it needed to be in place by June 2012, along with nine Provincial Acts that were consistent with it. This also involved a six month process of negotiations at NEDLAC at which the speaker was part of the BUSA team. This is not a minor adjustment but a complete overhaul of the whole land use management system.

2nd Annual Environmental Law 2012: 

  • When am I responsible for pollution (probably a lot more than you think).
  • What exactly do I need to do to know I am safe in each pollution area.
  • How to react when the inevitable problems arise. 
  • How to think ahead and prevent problems from arising in the first place.
  • An overview of cases relevant to your organisation that have gone to court in recent history.


The New SPLUM Bill and the Land Reform Threat:

  • What will be the impact of the new Spatial Planning Bill?
  • The new time limits and what happens if municipalities fail to comply.
  • What the government is trying to achieve socially and how will it impact you.
  • The new rules about restrictive covenants.
  • What are the new processes?
  • Is the new system better or worse – or both?
  • The new computer systems the Department is putting in place for municipalities.

Advocate Douglas J Shaw specialises in Environmental Law, and has thus far authored three books in the subject for LexisNexis.  He is the current Chairman of Mensa Johannesburg and has authored over ten books on other subjects. He is currently involved in a number of cases in this area.
Although concerned for the environment, Adv Shaw also understands the business world, having in the past completed management consultancy projects for several mining companies, in addition to running investment companies at a high level.  
When defending victims of environmental pollution Adv Shaw always asks the question: “what is the best way to sue in the case of this form of damage or pollution?” He is therefore uniquely qualified to provide valuable insights into what you have to fear from well-advised litigants and is undoubtedly someone you would want on your side.

 

Dates and venues

20 September 2012 – Johannesburg, Sandton Sun (011-780 5000)
25 September 2012 – Cape Town, Townhouse Hotel (021-465 7050)
26 September 2012 – Durban, Southern Sun North Beach (031-332 7361)

Times

1st Session
08h00  Registration
08h30  Seminar commences
10h30  Tea break
11h00  Seminar continues
12h00  Close

2nd Session
13h00  Registration
13h30  Seminar commences
15h00 Tea break
15h30  Session continues
17h00 Close

The Fees (VAT Inclusive)

ENVIROLAW
One delegate – R 1 800
Two or more delegates – R 1 620 per delegate

SPLUMB
One delegate – R 1 800
Two or more delegates – R 1 620 per delegate

ENVIROLAW/SPLUMB COMBO
One delegate – R 3 000
Two or more delegates – R 2 700 per delegate