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Article

12 Nov 2019

Auteur:
Esther Rose, All Africa

So. Africa: Civil society & community members urge govt. to accept "responsible investment only"

‘Only Responsible Investors Need Apply - Activists Urge Govt’  5 November 2019

The annual South African Investment Conference kicks off at the Sandton Convention Centre on November 5-7 under the theme "Accelerating Growth by Building Partnerships". But what awaits investors and those in government is deeper than the discussion around the economy and investment.

In an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa activist lawyers, civil society and community organisations have urged the president to consider "responsible investment only" in light of growing concerns of the environmental impact of among others, coal mining, that is leading to the displacement of people, the lack of drinking water and pollution. "For far too long, coal companies have been allowed to pollute water resources, destroy people's health, agricultural livelihoods and any chance for future generations to live on the land and enjoy fresh, clean air and water and health" said Thomas Mnguni from GroundWork, one of the organisations making the call.

… Activists have said that "investments should involve clear commitments to ensuring that proper due diligence is conducted on the impacts of coal mining, coal infrastructure and other mining activities so that environmental, social and corporate governance issues and impacts are properly investigated and addressed. Investment to stimulate and develop our economy must be environmentally rational and socially acceptable".