POWER TO THE PEOPLE: South Africans find voice in data centre dialogue, demand more transparency
A civic engagement hosted in Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral brought all the known data about data centres under one roof for concerned citizens to have an informed discussion.
A gathering at Cape Town's St George's Cathedral this past Saturday aimed to shed light on data centres and demand greater transparency. Representatives from academia, law, community, and local residents convened, including discussions with the Communications Minister Solly Malatsi. Malatsi defended the city's actions, stating they were reasonable given the rapid rise of the sector.
However, concerns arose over the lack of consultation with affected communities, particularly in Montana. Critics argue that public awareness of developments was negligible, relying solely on online notices posted on the municipal website. Additionally, environmental and resource impact assessments were bypassed, leaving residents with limited leverage.
Civil society advocates stress the need for transparent, participatory consultations, emphasizing constitutional rights to water, housing, and a safe environment. As South Africa moves forward, the focus is on finding a balanced approach that allows for growth while protecting the environment and surrounding communities.
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