In 2002 South Africa officially became a water constrained economy, when the National Water Resource Strategy reported that we had allocated 98% of our total water resource. Subsequent high confidence studies have shown that we over-estimated the water available at the time, so in short, we have allocated all the water that we have. This means that we are simply unable to grow … [Read more...]
Help stop South Africa’s corrupt nuclear deal
On 11 October 2017, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) issued an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) authorisation for a new nuclear power plant and a radioactive waste disposal facility at Koeberg, about 26 km North of Cape Town. The public (this includes all South African citizens) may appeal this decision by 4 March 2018. We have a short window of time to … [Read more...]
Climate litigation creates a strong mandate for global climate action
Two years ago, a courageous law student, Sarah Thomson (pictured, right), sued the New Zealand Government over its weak climate targets. Now she’s made history. On 2 November, 2017, the High Court of New Zealand issued a game-changing ruling. It found that climate change presents significant risks and government actions on climate change are subject to judicial scrutiny. The … [Read more...]
Resistance is fertile! Farmers rise up against SA’s corporate seed laws
Calls to decolonise our seed system at Gauteng public hearings on the Plant Improvement and Plant Breeders’ Rights Bills. Are there alternative systems that put farmers at the centre, do not reduce genetic and agricultural diversity, and support agroecology, seed and food sovereignty and resilience? South African smallholder farmers, consumers, academics and civil society … [Read more...]
Yet more secrets for nuclear power
Yet another secretive Section 34 Determination for nuclear power had been signed by the current Minister of Energy, Tina Joemat-Pettersson. This was revealed in Court during what was described as a “disquieting” twist of events by senior counsel for the State (Marius Oosthuizen SC) on Tuesday. In the Western Cape High Court Environmental Justice Groups - Earthlife Africa … [Read more...]
AmaMpondo’s rights threatened by Wild Coast irregularities
A formal complaint has been lodged with the Public Protector against Sanral CEO Mr Nazir Alli with respect to his handling of an Unsolicited Bid received in 2001 for the N2 Wild Coast Toll road. Following storms of protest against Sanral's GFIP e-tolling scheme, it is now alleged that Mr Nazir Alli acted contrary to policy and good corporate governance principles to … [Read more...]
Tampering with our past
The Save Mapungubwe Coalition Group in co-operation with Green Renaissance is on a mission to prevent any further development of the intended opencast and underground coal mine that is to be located near Mapungubwe. Many South Africans disagree with this decision. Intellectual and writer Vele 'Christopher' Neluvhalani believes that on a fundamental level, people have always … [Read more...]
Calls to halt Karoo fracking
In its written objection to Shell Exploration Company's application to use hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in its search for shale gas in the Karoo, Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG) has called on the authorities for an immediate ha lt to any such plans, not only by Shell but by any other organisation seeking similar authorisation. In a critical review report … [Read more...]
