THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) led a protest outside Eskom’s head office in Westville on Wednesday, 28 September, calling for renewable energy investment and support for the poor.
The organisation was joined by Ubunya Bama Hostela and Wentworth, Merebank, Umlazi, KwaMakhutha, Sydenham, Phoenix and Klaarwater residents.
“Over 200 hundred community members participated in a placard demonstration stating the ‘trillions of rands’ earmarked for the nuclear build could be better spent on providing free access to tertiary education for the poor. The songs and slogans on the placards vividly spoke volumes, calling upon President Zuma; minister of energy, Joemat Peterson and Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe to be open and transparent about the development of nuclear and coal-fired energy production. There should be no secrecy and withholding of information,” read a statement released by SDCEA.
They highlighted the ever-increasing tariffs which lead to disconnections for the poor; the health and environmental concerns of coal and nuclear stations and a lack of investment in renewable energy. These were among their main concerns for which they demanded action.
“The high tariff increases, lack of consultation, unsustainable energy practises and lack of a vision by our government and the parastatal, Eskom is resulting in an everyday struggle for ordinary people of our beloved city and country at large.
The commitment to renewable energy should be achieved soon and prioritised ahead of the procurement of new fossil fuel or nuclear options, which are expensive, hazardous and dirty.”
The protestors handed over a memorandum to Eskom’s management with a list of demands, including a cessation of all nuclear development, channelling the funds into renewable energy resources instead; community engagement; an end to reliance on fossil fuels; an increase in the free basic electricity amount to 200 kWh per household and monthly electricity meter readings to reduce over-estimations.
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