<"Seems like Mr. Deal is ready to get on board for the big win.....">

Actually, I think it's just the opposite.

Go back and read Mr. Deal's comments again. It sounds to me like he's determined to have this thing drag on for as long as possible.

"...the enormous amount of work and research that needs to be conducted before South Africa would be in a position to even consider shale gas exploration and production."

"...government appears to be ignoring international developments around shale gas which are showing documented negative impacts on communities, the fiscus and the environment.”

"All necessary aspects must be thoroughly dealt with..."

http://agoracom.com/ir/Falcon/forums/discussion/topics/514999-karoo/messages/1997311#message

Go back and read it for yourself, then decide if it sounds like Mr. Deal is "ready to get on board for the big win".

jmo