Delayed coal phase-out could lead to 32,000 premature deaths in South Africa, report warns
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A new report by climate rights groups, including Greenpeace, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, and GroundWork, indicates that South Africa risks up to 32,000 premature deaths between 2026 and 2050 if the phase-out of coal plants is delayed. This delay is attributed to the government’s updated decommissioning dates, which allow some of the 14 coal-fired power plants to operate until 2050. Coal currently supplies 80 percent of South Africa’s power and employs over 90,000 people, making decommissioning a contentious issue. The report projects that Gauteng province, despite having no state-owned coal plants, could experience 15,000 deaths due to transboundary pollution. Cynthia Moyo, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace, highlighted that pollution travels and does not remain localized. The delay is also expected to impact children's health, potentially causing 41,000 pre-term births, 17,000 new cases of childhood asthma, and 370 deaths among children under five. Residents of Middelburg in Mpumalanga shared experiences of air pollution effects, including early-onset asthma and skin diseases. The report estimates the economic cost of the delay at 721 billion rand $38 billion, accounting for lost working days and increased strain on the public healthcare system. South Africa, the continent’s most industrialized nation, signed a Just Energy Transition Partnership JETP deal in 2021 to transition from coal, but this process has faced internal government disputes.
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Bang Si-hyuk, the founder of Hybe, the management company behind K-pop group BTS, could face arrest due to allegations of fraudulent trading related to the company's stock market debut. South Korean police have requested prosecutors seek an arrest warrant, claiming Bang misled investors in 2019 about Hybe’s initial public offering while allegedly preparing for the listing in secret. Police allege that Bang, who is also Hybe’s chairman, misrepresented the company’s listing prospects and financially benefited, reportedly pocketing approximately 200 billion won $136 million; £101 million. Bang has denied any wrongdoing, with his legal team expressing regret over the police's move and stating their intention to cooperate with legal procedures to clarify their position. The case, under investigation for months, has involved raids on Hybe’s headquarters, asset freezes, and calls for Bang to resign as chairman. He has also been under a travel ban since August. Hybe, listed on South Korea’s Kospi exchange in October 2020, gained global prominence largely through BTS. This development occurs as BTS begins a comeback world tour, projected to generate over $1 billion in revenue for Hybe. Under South Korean law, illicit gains exceeding 5 billion won can lead to penalties ranging from five years to life imprisonment. Bang Si-hyuk, who co-founded JYP Entertainment before establishing Big Hit Entertainment now Hybe, is considered a key figure in K-pop’s global rise.
The Federation Account Allocation Committee FAAC distributed N2.04 trillion as revenue for March 2026, an increase of N150 billion from the N1.89 trillion shared in February. This was announced by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, following the April 2026 FAAC meeting in Abuja. The total distributable revenue included N1.32 trillion from statutory revenue, N515.39 billion from Value Added Tax VAT, and N200 billion in augmentation. The Federal Government received N789.16 billion 38.8%, states received N657.60 billion 32.3%, and local government councils received N468.83 billion 23.0%. Oil-producing states were allocated N120.76 billion as derivation 5.9%. Total gross revenue for March 2026 was N2.364 trillion, with N81.08 billion deducted for collection costs and N246.87 billion for transfers, refunds, and savings. Gross statutory revenue for March 2026 was N1.699 trillion, an increase of N137.91 billion from February, which largely drove the higher FAAC distribution. However, VAT collections saw a marginal decrease, with N664.425 billion in March compared to N668.450 billion in February. Companies Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duties, and Excise Duty showed significant increases, indicating improved non-oil tax performance. Conversely, Petroleum Profit Tax, Hydrocarbon Tax, oil and gas royalty, import duty, and CET declined. The FAAC outcome highlights the growing strength of non-oil taxes, wh
Must ReadThe Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission NIPC recently hosted a UK trade and investment delegation in Abuja, positioning Nigeria as a competitive and reform-driven destination for global capital. The UK–Nigeria Trade and Investment Mission, held from April 20 to 21, 2026, was a collaboration with DMA Invest and the UK Department of Trade, with participation from the British High Commission and private sector stakeholders. The NIPC stated that the mission delivered a clear message to potential investors that Nigeria is open for business and ready to compete. The two-day event included ministerial roundtables, sector-specific discussions, and targeted Business-to-Government and Business-to-Business meetings, aiming to convert dialogue into concrete investment deals. Participants identified specific, bankable opportunities to accelerate investment inflows and deepen bilateral economic ties. DMA Invest described the mission's performance as its best ever, attributing it to ongoing institutional reforms and improved coordination. Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary and CEO of NIPC, led the engagements, emphasizing the goal of translating strategic engagements into real projects and partnerships that impact Nigeria’s economy. She highlighted the need to convert gains from President Bola Tinubu's recent state visit and other UK–Nigeria engagements into measurable investment outcomes. The NIPC views the mission as a significant step in strengthening economic cooperation and attractin
Chelsea Football Club has announced the dismissal of head coach Liam Rosenior after 107 days in charge, citing a string of poor results including five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring. The club confirmed the decision in a statement, acknowledging it was not taken lightly but was necessary due to performances falling below required standards. Rosenior, appointed in January on a six-year contract to replace Enzo Maresca, leaves Chelsea seventh in the Premier League and seven points shy of Champions League qualification, though the team remains in the FA Cup. Calum McFarlane will serve as interim head coach until the end of the season, starting with Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds. Chelsea stated they will undertake a process of self-reflection to find a long-term appointment for the head coach position.