Activists appeal Cape Town data centre approval

Civil society activists in Cape Town have lodged a formal appeal against a land use approval that would allow US tech company Equinix to construct a data centre at King Air Industria. The approval, granted by the Municipal Planning Tribunal on July 14, permits one, possibly two data centres. The Housing Assembly and technology justice organization Foxglove, supported by the Legal Resources Centre, argue that the approval was premature due to insufficient information about the data centre's impact on the community, especially regarding water and electricity resources.

They claim the tribunal mischaracterized the case as a mere rezoning application. The tribunal's decision established a new "data centre" category of land use. Equinix operates over 280 data centres in 36 countries. The objectors argue there were "critical information gaps" and insist that any future application must be evaluated with complete information and meaningful community engagement.

They contend that the data centre project conflicts with residents' constitutional rights to environmental protection, property, housing, food, and water. The tribunal's approval of the development for economic benefits, such as job creation, was not substantiated, and the impact on communities, who were not consulted, was not considered.

The activists assert their concerns about water, emissions, electricity, air pollution, and noise were not addressed in the application. They state the proposed 174 megavolt-ampere facility would be situated near informal settlements affected by water and electricity shortages, similar to the "Day Zero" crisis in 2018. The appeal follows a joint report to the South African Human Rights Commission, calling for national data centre sector rules, including mandatory disclosure of water and electricity usage.

The Housing Assembly's Kashiefa Achmat emphasized that the community's rights are being overlooked. Foxglove co-executive director Rosa Curling stated that no new data centres should be approved in Cape Town until the city has comprehensive information about the environmental and resource impacts. Equinix can provide additional input during the appeal process.

GroundUp has been unable to reach Equinix for comment, but the company has previously stated it will be transparent and engage with stakeholders when submitting its site development plan. Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, mayco member for spatial planning and environment, noted that the matter is pending an appeal and the City cannot comment on the appeal's merits or anticipate the Planning Appeals Authority's decision.