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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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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Must ReadThe African Travel Commission has extended its condolences to Uganda following a road crash on July 16, 2026, in Chekwatit Village, Kapchorwa District, which resulted in the deaths of students and school officials from King David Junior School during an educational excursion to Sipi Falls. In a statement signed by Executive Director Lucky George, the commission expressed sympathy to the affected families and solidarity with the Ugandan government and tourism bodies. Ola Awakan, Chairman of the African Travel Commission and Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the tragedy as a call to action for African tourism authorities and stakeholders to enhance safety protocols for educational and tourism-related travel. Awakan emphasized the necessity of risk assessments, vehicle safety inspections, the use of qualified drivers, emergency response plans, adequate adult supervision, and strict adherence to road safety regulations for all organized trips involving children. The commission commended emergency responders and expressed confidence that Ugandan authorities would investigate the accident thoroughly to prevent future tragedies, reaffirming its commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism across Africa.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has requested the Lagos State House of Assembly's approval to raise N200bn through a bond issuance and access approximately $17m in infrastructure financing. These funds are intended to finance key projects before the end of his administration. The requests, detailed in two letters from Commissioner for Finance Abayomi Oluyomi, were read in the House. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa referred both requests to the Joint Committee on Economic Planning and Budget and the Committee on Finance for scrutiny. The first request seeks authorization for Lagos to participate in the Federation Account Allocation Committee Receivables Discounting Programme, which would provide immediate liquidity by leveraging future FAAC allocations to finance critical infrastructure and other capital projects, enabling access to about $17m in third-party funding. The second request seeks legislative approval to issue a N200bn Series V bond under its N1tn Debt and Hybrid Instruments Issuance Programme. Proceeds from this bond would fund priority projects such as the New Massey Children鈥檚 Hospital, Lagos Island General Hospital, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Line, the Omu Creek Bridge, and other strategic infrastructure projects. The Commissioner assured the Assembly of the government鈥檚 commitment to prudent financial management and sustainable infrastructure development.
The House of Representatives has intensified its investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council PFIPC, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs accused of obstructing the probe. The House Ad-hoc Committee, chaired by Yusuf Gagdi, warned that it would use its constitutional powers to compel compliance if MDAs fail to appear with requested documents and officials. Gagdi stated that the refusal of some agencies to honor invitations is an affront to the National Assembly's oversight powers and undermines efforts to establish facts about the controversial body. He emphasized that invitations from House committees are legally binding under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. The committee has directed all defaulting MDAs to appear on Thursday, marking the final opportunity for voluntary compliance, and warned of sanctions against non-compliant entities. The investigation aims to establish facts, protect public administration integrity, and ensure adherence to the Constitution, not to victimize individuals or institutions. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to impartial and professional conduct. This development comes amid other twists, including the House committee insisting on Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu's appearance, despite a representative attending. Additionally, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana withdrew from representing Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged Director-General of