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Sekhukhune mining communities call for renewable energy solutions

- SCMAC, CALS, 350 Africa, Ahinasa and Lawyers for Human Rights

Mining-affected communities from the Sekhukhune region of Limpopo are calling for social ownership of renewable energy

South Africa—On Monday, 12 May 2025, the Sekhukhune Combined Mining-Affected Communities (SCMAC), in collaboration with 350.org, the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), Ahinasa and Lawyers for Human Rights, invite the media and the public to the Sekhukhune Social Ownership Case Study Online Report Launch.

Mining-affected communities in Burgersfort are amplifying their call for socially-owned renewable energy (SORE) as part of South Africa’s Just Transition. This demand aligns with longstanding advocacy by trade unions, civil society and researchers, calling for a just energy transition that prioritises the protection and empowerment of workers and communities whose lives and livelihoods have been deeply intertwined with the impact of the fossil fuel industry. These groups remain particularly vulnerable in the shift toward a carbon-neutral economy. 

The SCMAC Report highlights the community-led push for socially owned renewable energy in Sekhukhune, a mining-affected community in Limpopo. It showcases how mining-affected communities are organising for energy access and justice and examines the feasibility of different models for socially-owned renewable energy. It outlines the role of Eskom and other state entities in supporting these initiatives as part of South Africa’s just energy transition and a vision for a Green New Eskom.

“A just transition must serve as an engine for transformation, addressing the legacies of inequality, poverty, and injustice. It must be guided by principles of social, racial, environmental, gender and economic justice. Social ownership of energy generation at the community level, supported by Eskom and other state bodies, is critical to achieving this vision,” said Ferron Pedro, senior campaigner from 350Africa.org.

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, 12 May 2025  
  • Time: 10:00 AM South Africa Standard Time / GMT +2
  • Location: Online. Click here to register. 
  • Organisers: Sekhukhune Combined Mining Affected Community, 350.org, Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Lawyers for Human Rights and Ahinasa  

For interviews and additional information, please contact:

From 350 Africa.org

From the Centre for Applied Legal Studies: 

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Learn more about the Green New Eskom campaign here.

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