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The politics of weaning Africa off coal

Going strong: Operations at Morupule Coal Mine where the Motheo expansion is being finalised. Capital for new coal projects is rapidly drying up globally 
PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Going strong: Operations at Morupule Coal Mine where the Motheo expansion is being finalised. Capital for new coal projects is rapidly drying up globally PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

South African energy minister, Gwede Mantashe, this week stuck to his guns insisting that Africa should not be hurried into moving from coal to cleaner energy, given its unique developmental challenges. The debate over the pace of change, how it is funded and who stands to lose and gain, rages on. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports

“Someone came to me and said renewable energy will create 330,000 jobs in South Africa and I said give me the formula looking at the 90,000 jobs we have in coal.

“I have not found that formula.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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