The Anglican Church of Southern Africa (South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Angola Mozambique and Namibia) passed a motion at their Provincial Synod to divest from fossil fuels. Following the Paris Climate Change agreement, it is vital that global warming does not pass a 2° degree increase, otherwise this could lead to catastrophic climate change. The Province is already … [Read more...]
Why government’s nuclear deal will destroy SA
Former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein (pictured, right), who resigned from parliament in protest over the bribes compatriots took from South Africa’s infamous R70bn Arms Procurement Deal, says that plundering will “seem like small change” against what’s planned from the proposed Nuclear Build programme. In our interview two months ago, Feinstein urged his countrymen to “take to the … [Read more...]
Protecting SA’s most endangered cultural heritage sites
Every time South Africa loses a heritage site, a part of our history and our culture is lost, as well as the possibility of understanding something new about our past. South Africa’s top ten most endangered sites speak of the fragility of our shared national heritage. Whether they are precious archaeological sites, living cultural landscapes, early commercial industrial sites, … [Read more...]
New revelations in SA nuclear deal
The department of energy was tight-lipped on Friday over the awarding of a tender for the controversial nuclear build programme to the son of a close friend of President Jacob Zuma. When approached for comment, departmental spokesperson Thandiwe Maimane said by email: "For now the department of energy will not be commenting further on the matter. The Mail & Guardian … [Read more...]
Nuclear plans ‘too sensitive’ for public to see, says minister
Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson has refused to supply the DA with a range of documents related to the government’s nuclear power procurement plans, saying they are privileged, sensitive state documents the release of which "could compromise the new build process". Another ground for her refusal is that the requested documents are also subject to the sub judice rule as … [Read more...]
Will SA government protect our indigenous medicine?
Southern Africa possesses a remarkable diversity of indigenous plants, coupled with rich cultural traditions on the use of plants for medicine. Despite huge strides in provision of health care, many rural areas still do not have easy access to Western primary health care and veterinary services. Even where clinics and allopathic medicines are readily available, a large … [Read more...]
New study looks at costs of SA’s proposed nuclear expansion
A new study by EE Publishers looks at the initial capital cost as well as the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) generated by the proposed 9.6 GW new-nuclear build in South Africa. Initial cost R776 billion The EE Publishers study estimates an initial overnight capital cost (including owner’s development costs, but excluding interest during construction) of the 9.6 GW … [Read more...]
The time has come to un-muzzle the SABC
The SABC is under attack - corrupted into a pro-government megaphone that deafens democracy and drowns out dissent. Six journalists have now been suspended for criticising the propaganda policies of SABC chief, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Policies that silence reports on public protests and require 80% of SABC news to be good news - news the government likes. As elections … [Read more...]
Comment sought on draft carbon-offset rules
National Treasury on Monday published the draft regulations on carbon offset in terms of the Draft Carbon Tax Bill for public comment and further consultation. The Carbon Offset Regulations were developed jointly by National Treasury, the Department of Energy and the Department of Environmental Affairs in terms of Sections 13 and 20 (b) of the Draft Carbon Tax Bill and sets … [Read more...]
Ethical Coffee Part 1: How to drink a cuppa that matters
On the journey towards regenerative living you transition from consumer to conserver. You want all your shopping to serve a greater purpose. Where does it come from, how was it produced, how were the workers treated? How can us coffee drinkers ensure that our drink or purchase is as close to harmless as possible? There are different criteria here – organic, shade-grown and … [Read more...]
SA sends 300 firefighters to help battle Canadian blaze
Canada is hammered by excessive fires and our skilled firefighters are helping. South Africa has answered the call and is providing aid to Canada. 300 of their firefighters have come to help with the Fort McMurray Beast, landing at Edmonton International Airport a week ago. Anyone who’s ever flown between Canada and South Africa knows that you’re pretty much semi-conscious … [Read more...]
No end in sight for Fukushima’s reign of marine terror
The 5th anniversary of the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan has come and gone, and, still the whole story hasn't been told. The cover-up began almost immediately after the 11 March 2011 disaster, and Japanese journalists who dared write about it, risked criminal action. Besides Japanese pride, there are many reasons for the cover-up. … [Read more...]
What are the next steps to domesticate the Paris Agreement?
Although South Africa has announced its intention to sign the Paris Agreement, there is still a long road ahead before it can be translated into constructive action domestically. The Paris climate change conference (UNFCCC COP21) stood out as not only a symbol of global solidarity, but also a beacon of hope for the then flailing international climate change negotiations. It … [Read more...]
