Civil society out in cold on talks

A NUMBER of civil society organisations have expressed concern about not being involved in the hastily convened Energy Indaba.

Greenpeace Africa‚ Groundwork‚ Earthlife Africa and the Centre for Environmental Rights said yesterday morning they did not regard the indaba as a legitimate process for the discussion of South Africa’s energy future.

They said the discussion should include members of civil society‚ particularly of communities most affected by the pollution and harmful effects of electricity generation and labour.

Life After Coal Campaign and Greenpeace Africa met Energy Minister David Mahlobo on Tuesday‚ when he indicated to them that there would be no further public participation on the contents of the integrated resource plan (IRP) for electricity‚ its approval by cabinet‚ and its subsequent publication.

The IRP is the country’s future roadmap for electricity planning.

Mahlobo also told the organisations that the Energy Indaba was not intended to address the IRP in any way‚ shape or form – instead it was for business‚ labour and the government to discuss ways to reinvigorate the energy sector to stimulate economic growth.

The organisations said they regarded the consultation around the IRP as inadequate and susceptible to legal challenge.