Johannesburg, 09 February – In response to President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, Greenpeace Africa Climate and Energy Campaigner Nhlanhla Sibisi said:
“While South Africa is indeed defined as a nation by hope and resilience, South Africa’s reserves are running low. The President will not inspire more hope in South Africa with a good speech, but with decisive action against the climate crisis, the electricity crisis, and the growing unemployment crisis.
“As before, Greenpeace Africa welcomes new investment into renewable energy. They are the best and most immediate solution to South Africa’s electricity and unemployment crises. The just transition must continue, with coal-impacted communities at its center, and guided by climate science.
“However, the President’s plans to address energy security include throwing money into the gas industry and at Kusile which would require temporary exemption from the DFFE to enable it to bypass the air-pollution control. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries must not allow Eskom to renew its licence to kill in the name of government’s immense failure to manage this crisis, while Eskom has simultaneously been given the go ahead to raise electricity tariffs by 18%.
“The South African government does not have a good track record when it comes to corruption and managing funds earmarked to serve South Africans. The influx of funds dedicated to the energy transition must be handled with utmost transparency. They must not fall victim to graft and shady deals by corrupt officials. We simply cannot afford it,” ended Sibisi.
ENDS
Contact details
Greenpeace Africa Press Desk: [email protected]
Chris Vlavianos, Greenpeace Africa Communications Officer, +27798837036, [email protected]