New research by CER partner groundWork shows how coal power is turning Mpumalanga Highveld into wasteland
21 November 2017 at 2:50 pm
At the launch of a new groundWork report entitled Destruction of the Highveld: Part 2 – Burning Coal in eMalahleni, “the place of coal”, yesterday, community members* confirmed the study’s findings that Eskom’s coal addiction is causing serious health problems and killing people in the Highveld. They also called for a community and worker-led process to drive a just transition, and end the way in which coal power is turning the Mpumalanga Highveld into a wasteland.
Furthermore, the report finds that people are already experiencing the severe effects of climate change and that a just transition requires the following:
- A new energy system based on socially owned renewables;
- New jobs in renewables;
- Large scale restoration and detoxification of land and ecosystems injured by the fossil fuel economy on the Highveld;
- A new and healthier food economy;
- Properly built, energy efficient housing;
- A new and healthier transport economy;
- The reorientation and expansion of municipal services; and
- A basic income grant for all.
Download the new report here together with groundWork’s 2016 report Destruction of the Highveld: Part 1 – Digging Coal. Read more about the 2016 report here.
* Community organisations represented at the event included the Highveld Environmental Justice Network and Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action.
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For media queries, please contact:
- groundWork: Bobby Peek on 082 464 1383, or David Hallows on 083 262 4922
- Highveld Environmental Justice Network: Nomcebo Makhubelo on 072 120 1626
- Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action: Promise Mabilo on 079 748 9115
Together with Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the CER, goundWork is a member of the Life After Coal/Impilo Ngaphandle Kwamalahle campaign. We discourage investment in new coal-fired power stations and mines; accelerate the retirement of South Africa’s coal infrastructure; and enable a just transition to renewable energy systems for the people.
Life After Coal Campaign contacts:
- Centre for Environmental Rights: Annette Gibbs, Email: [email protected], Mobile: 082 467 1295
- groundWork: Bobby Peek, Email: [email protected], Mobile: 082 464 1383
- Earthlife Africa: Makoma Lekalakala, Email: [email protected], Mobile: 082 682 9177
