http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-23/south-africa-to-issue-shale-gas-permits-in-first-quarter-of-2014.html

This explains the volume today. No more rumors, right from the S.A government. Now all we have to do is wait for the permits themselves and the court battle shortly thereafter. We need some S.A law experts to chime in on this issue.

From what I can gather from their constitution the government must take sufficient steps to protect the environment. If it does not, it is unconstitutional. I think that is why we see the government with soo much power in this case; to prove to the courts they have sweeping powers to take action if the situation arises.