Earthlife Africa Johannesburg supporting The Green Connection outside the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, demanding transparency from Nersa and DMRE regarding the controversial Karpowerships deals.
In a crucial move for environmental justice, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg stood with The Green Connection, who was back in court to ‘force’ the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to supply critical information regarding the Karpowerships deals.
Community activists join Earthlife Africa and The Green Connection to advocate for renewable energy solutions, not Karpowerships.
Programs Officer at Earthlife Africa, Ulrich Steenkamp says, “With regards to the ongoing Karpowership court case, it is ironic how government is trying to promote fossil fuel industry in South Africa. Karpowerships are a false solution to our energy crisis. We do not have the infrastructure needed for Karpowerships at the designated ports. This means, there may be a major financial burden to taxpayers if we opt to go ahead with it.
Activists from Earthlife Africa and The Green Connection gather at the Gauteng High Court to oppose the government’s push for Karpowerships, calling for a commitment to sustainable energy and climate justice.
Steenkamp adds, “South Africa is in an energy shortfall, but we cannot marry ourselves in a contract with fossil fuel industry, where we are supposed to be decommissioning our old existing coal, fire stations. The gas burnt on the ships could have a huge impact to climate change. We should rather be accelerating and investing in renewable energy so that our just transition targets can be achieved as soon as possible. This is the main reason that Earthlife Africa supports The Green Connection’s court case, as they are fighting for truth and justice, and fighting for the upliftment of South Africa and for the protection of the ocean and coastal livelihoods.”
Green Connection’s Liziwe McDaid, addressing demonstrators and providing updates regarding proceedings inside the courtroom.
Read more about this pivotal case on The Green Connection’s website here.
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