Sibongile Ndlovu from Earthlife Africa addressing the crowd during the StopEACOP march on 29 May 2026.
Earthlife Africa Johannesburg joined communities, activists and civil society organisations in two public demonstrations during the recent Global Week of Action, calling for climate accountability, energy justice and a faster transition to affordable renewable energy. The actions highlighted growing concern over continued fossil fuel expansion, rising electricity costs and plans for costly new nuclear power projects that could deepen energy poverty and divert resources from cleaner, more accessible energy solutions.
On 29 May, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg joined a demonstration organised by 350.org and the Stop East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) campaign ahead of TotalEnergies’ Annual General Meeting. The action drew attention to the role of major fossil fuel companies in driving climate change while communities continue to bear the social and economic costs.
“Polluters must be held accountable and we must accelerate the just transition and move away from fossil fuels,” said Sibongile Ndlovu, Just Transition Programme Coordinator at Earthlife Africa Johannesburg. “While TotalEnergies celebrates record profits, communities are struggling with rising electricity costs and deepening energy poverty. We are calling for people before profits and for renewable energy that is affordable, community-owned and accessible to all. No one should have to choose between buying food and paying for electricity.”
Earlier in the same week, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg held a picket outside the Department of Electricity and Energy in Pretoria on Africa Day, calling on government to halt plans for nuclear expansion and prioritise renewable energy alternatives.
According to Ulrich Steenkamp, Programmes Officer at Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, South Africa cannot afford to be locked into expensive and centralised energy technologies. “Nuclear power and fossil fuels are often presented as separate solutions, but both risk locking South Africa into costly and unjust energy pathways that do not respond to the country’s social, economic and climate realities,” he says. “What we need is an energy system that advances equity, protects communities and livelihoods, safeguards ecosystems and delivers climate justice for present and future generations.”
Community activist protesting outside Matimba House, Department of Electricity head office, demanding more renewable energy technologies instead of dangerous, expensive nuclear energy on Africa Day 2026.
The demonstrations also highlighted the link between energy affordability and climate justice. Participants called for greater investment in renewable energy, expanded access to Free Basic Electricity and a just transition that prioritises working-class and low-income households.
Earthlife Africa Johannesburg works alongside communities affected by coal mining and fossil fuel developments in Limpopo, including those resisting the proposed Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, as well as communities in Lephalale facing severe air pollution from mines and power stations. The organisation also supports communities in the Eastern Cape that oppose nuclear developments due to concerns over costs, water use, radioactive waste and safety.
“The message from communities is clear,” said Steenkamp. “Development cannot come at the expense of people, public health, water security, the environment or future generations. South Africans want an energy future that is clean, affordable and just.”
The crowd outside TotalEnergies’ head offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg during the StopEACOP march.
Community representatives participating in the actions echoed these demands:
Aphelele Mkhangwana of Earth Child Creative Hub noted that, “We oppose the East African Crude Oil Pipeline because it represents continued fossil fuel expansion at a time when renewable alternatives already exist. We stand for climate justice and a renewable energy future.”
Bongani Dlamini of the Tshwaranang Community-Based Organisation from Vaal adds, “Millions of people are struggling with rising electricity costs while fossil fuel companies continue to make record profits. Access to energy is a right, not a privilege. We demand renewable energy, Free Basic Electricity and a just transition that puts people first.”
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