In a pivotal legal confrontation regarding South Africa‘s energy future, judgement has been reserved in the #CancelCoalCase. The Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA) has emerged as a Friend of the Court, contesting the government’s controversial plan to procure an additional 1,500MW of electricity from coal. This initiative has raised significant health concerns among civil society groups, particularly regarding its impact on vulnerable populations, including black women living in polluted environments.
Key Takeaways
- Judgement reserved in the #CancelCoalCase.
- VEJA argues against increased coal reliance due to health impacts.
- The case highlights the intersection of environmental justice and public health.
The legal action stems from the government’s Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019), which aimed to enhance the country’s energy supply through increased coal usage. Despite the IRP 2023 indicating a reduction in coal reliance, critics argue that the 2019 plan continues to shape current energy strategies.
VEJA’s intervention is particularly timely, as they present a compelling national perspective on the health impacts of coal-related pollution. Their submissions are supported by testimonies from women in regions such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Vaal Triangle, areas heavily affected by coal-fired power stations and industrial projects.
Health Impacts of Coal Pollution
The affidavits submitted by VEJA focus on the direct health impacts of pollution from coal-fired power stations, including:
- Asthma
- Respiratory ailments
- Other chronic health issues
These health concerns are exacerbated by the continued operation of coal plants, which have been linked to alarming rates of health deterioration in affected communities.
VEJA emphasizes that the health and well-being of citizens must take precedence over government energy ambitions. They argue that the government has a moral obligation to consider the health impacts of coal energy production, particularly on vulnerable populations.
The Role of Women in Environmental Justice
VEJA highlights the intersectionality of environmental justice, particularly the challenges faced by black women. Often seen as the backbone of their families, these women face compounded difficulties in securing their health and livelihoods. The affidavits shared by VEJA illustrate the lived realities of these women, who are not only raising children amid deteriorating air quality but also dealing with socio-economic pressures that compel them to seek employment in heavily polluted areas.
Legal Background
The legal battle was initiated by the African Climate Alliance (ACA), Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action (VEM), and the groundWork Trust, all represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER). They contend that the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy has failed to adequately consider the adverse effects of coal energy production on various constitutional rights, particularly the right to health.
VEJA, a non-profit organization rooted in the severely polluted Vaal Triangle, stands as a testament to the impact of industrial pollution on community health. Through the lens of those affected, VEJA urges the court to recognize the necessity of sustainable energy production while grappling with the moral responsibility of balancing health and safety against the state’s energy generation ambitions.
Sources
- Judgement reserved in #CancelCoalCase as activists challenge coal reliance and its health impacts, IOL.
