{
  "id": 9693314,
  "title": "Debate over new Makhanda wind farm",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/debate-over-new-makhanda-wind-farm",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-25T03:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GroundUp",
    "slug": "groundup",
    "url": "https://groundup.org.za/article/debate-over-new-makhanda-wind-farm/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The hills around Makhanda, Eastern Cape, boast among the country's most promising wind power potential. During a public participation meeting at Makhanda City Hall on September 15th concerning the scoping report for the Governors Kop Wind Energy Facility, residents engaged in heated debate over the project's implications. The proposed 296MW wind farm, featuring 37 turbines, would be constructed on a 9,386-hectare site roughly 17 kilometers from the city center. The developer's own consultants have marked the site as high to very high in environmental sensitivity. Should the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) reject the scoping report, the project would cease. However, approval would advance the project to a full environmental impact assessment (EIA). Makhanda currently hosts four wind farm projects within roughly 20 kilometers of the city, with varying levels of development. The oldest project, Waainek, commissioned in January 2016, set a high benchmark, though later projects have not matched its success. Developed by EDF Renewables, Waainek supplies a significant portion of the city's winter energy demand. Notably, the Makana Winds of Change Community Trust holds a 26% stake in Waainek Wind Power (Pty) Ltd, which should yield substantial dividend income over the farm's operational lifetime. The Albany Wind Energy Facility, with 25 turbines, faced legal challenges and remains unresolved. The Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, along with Wilderness Foundation Africa and the Indalo Association, have filed High Court review applications, arguing that the Department's approval was unlawful and irrational. They claim a six-kilometer buffer zone around an endangered martial eagle nest would require the removal of 11 turbines. The case is ongoing. A third project, Wind Garden – 94.5MW, wholly South African-owned by NOA Group – is under construction on the R350 towards Bedford. NOA has run social investment programs, including bursary and hospitality training initiatives, to benefit local communities. However, no community equity stake exists for the Governors Kop project. The developer's identity remains undisclosed, and environmental assessment practitioners have not disclosed the ultimate beneficial owner. At the public meeting, tensions revolved around job creation. While the construction phase could potentially employ up to 300 people, the sustainability and permanence of such employment drew criticism. Craig Sholto-Douglas of Kwandwe suggested only ten individuals might be permanently employed. Local environmental manager Ronnel Kuppen emphasized the project's potential for social development spending and community trust involvement, but could not provide specific figures. Shamwari, Kwandwe, and Buffalo Kloof argue that the project endangers existing livelihoods sustained by game reserves. John O'Brien of Shamwari highlighted that four private reserves directly employ approximately 1,200 people. Additionally, Kwandwe spent R88-million with South African suppliers in 2025, benefiting 69 Makhanda-area businesses. Richard Summers, a lawyer representing Kwandwe, warned of a \"tipping point\" where game reserves perceive the viability of their model under threat. If tourism declines, financial support would diminish. Township residents at the meeting emphasized the high unemployment rate in Makhanda, questioning the importance of bats compared to the impact on their livelihoods. Kuppen acknowledged the site's high environmental sensitivity but argued that this does not necessarily preclude development. However, Summers cautioned that mitigation measures and offsets cannot compensate for a \"fundamental problem\" with the site location. He stated that the EIA process cannot \"cure\" severe deficiencies and that Kwandwe will pursue legal action if the report is approved.",
  "summary": "Questions raised about jobs, community benefits, ownership and environmental impact of proposed 37-turbine facility",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}