Johannesburg – Civil‑rights organisations in South Africa have asked the government to halt further data‑center approvals until the impact on scarce water, land and electricity resources is fully examined. The South African Human Rights Commission, which opened a public comment period in May, says it has received more than 250 submissions from concerned groups.
Transparency and resource use at issue
President Cyril Ramaphosa touts the country’s position as Africa’s primary data hub, noting that it now hosts roughly 70% of the continent’s data‑center capacity. He has encouraged additional U.S. tech firms such as Amazon, Microsoft and Equinix to expand their digital infrastructure here.
But activists warn that the rapid expansion lacks clear data on electricity and water demand, land use, and environmental effects on nearby communities. Dr. Eileen Carter, who leads the commission’s preliminary review, said the key problem is the “availability, consistency and transparency of information” about these critical resources.
Specific projects raise alarms
One recent approval that has drawn particular criticism is Equinix’s plan for a hyperscale facility in Cape Town – a city that narrowly avoided a “Day Zero” water crisis in 2018. The proposed centre would require an estimated 160 megawatts of power, prompting worries about further strain on the national grid.
Although Eskom, the state utility, reports a power surplus during the winter peak‑demand season, civil‑society groups remain skeptical that surplus electricity should be diverted to data centres without clear safeguards.
Industry response
Industry representatives argue that South African data centres consume far less water and power than comparable U.S. facilities and that many are increasingly powered by renewable sources. Sasha Booth‑Beharilal, chair of the Internet Service Providers Association, said the sector’s growth is not driving electricity scarcity or higher tariffs.
University of Cape Town senior lecturer Pitso Tsibolane added that serious investors are not deterred by clear rules; rather, uncertainty caused by an unregulated boom is the real risk.
Calls for clear rules, not rejection of investment
Experts stress that the request for a temporary pause is not a rejection of foreign investment but a plea for transparent, binding disclosures on water, land and power usage. Clear guidelines, they argue, would give investors the certainty they need while protecting South Africa’s vital resources.
The commission’s findings and the public’s input will shape future policy on data‑center development, balancing economic opportunity with stewardship of the nation’s limited natural resources.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
