Page 35 - Vol 33 Issue 34 2021

Column energy

Activists speak on how energy justice. Activists drew on the Green New and polluting energy projects but it has also
Eskom needs to change Eskom booklet and multiple studies to show how repeatedly refused to listen to community voices
transforming Eskom and pursuing renewable demanding change.
Francina Nkosi from the Waterberg Women’s energy can ensure greater economic growth and Nkanyiso Mthombeni from the Newcastle
Advocacy Organisation spoke during the webinar job creation, while reducing pollution and climate Environmental Justice Alliance, said: “The issues
launch of the booklet. “With Eskom,” she said, change. One of the biggest obstacles to change, around DMRE have been problematic and we
“there is less community participation and with however, is the Department of Mineral Resources have experienced a lot of pressure when we
this campaign, we’re demanding our rights and and Energy (DMRE). are trying to engage with that department. They
we’re claiming our rights because it’s a bottom- Alex Lenferna, 350Africa.org campaigner and seem to be pro-mining and carrying the pre-
up approach of saying we need to have a just secretary of the Climate Justice Coalition said: “In approved agenda of the mining industry to some
transition”. Using farming as an example of how South Africa, and across pretty much the whole extent that whenever we engage with the mines
communities are adversely affected by pollution, world, renewables are now our cheapest most we know that DMRE will be on their side.”
she emphasised that it is people who suffer most affordable energy source and so it’s quite clear Activists called on all South Africans to get
from climate change and said it is not sustainable that this should be our energy future. Instead, involved in the Green New Eskom campaign, to
for the government to continue using coal. we have the likes of the Department of Mineral help spread the word, protest, and take action.
Activists from the coalition highlighted why Resources and Energy (DMRE) rigging our energy
Eskom cannot be allowed to die and instead plan, the integrated resource plan, to force in
needs to transform from a national burden new coal, to force in a lot of new fossil gas.” Not
to a national asset and a force for climate and only has the DMRE corruptly pursued expensive

AFRICAN POWER Mining & Oil Review Vol33 Issue 34 2021 | 35