Consumer insights group, Pondering Panda, said on Monday that nearly two thirds of young South Africans have little idea of what hydraulic fracking is about.

The details came to light from information garnered in a survey of close to 3 000 young people. The survey was conducted through social media platform Mxit after Cabinet lifted a moratorium on applications to explore for shale gas in the Karoo.

Pondering Panda said in a statement:

Of those who claimed they had heard of fracking, only 25 per cent thought it referred to a method of extracting natural gas from under the ground. About 34 per cent thought it [fracking] was a way to protect yourself from sunburn, while a further 26 per cent believed it was a type of sexual activity.

Thankfully, among those familiar with real fracking, that is, fracturing rock deep below the surface to extract natural gas deposits, 84 per cent said they were concerned about its possible impact.

Pondering Panda spokeswoman, Shirley Wakefield, continued:

Young South Africans who are aware of fracking clearly feel very strongly about the issue.

Both government and business need to do more to educate the public about fracking – both its economic benefits and potential environmental dangers.

Where people do have reservations about fracking, these should be addressed to ensure support for any future project from the people it will affect most.

[Source: IOL]