SAFCEI started holding monthly vigils in 2015 to raise awareness of the fraudulent R1 trillion nuclear deal, which at the time posed a serious danger to the nation’s economic future and general well-being. Even though the vigils have changed this year in light of the country’s crippling electricity crisis, it still emphasises the need for the supply of safe and cheap energy.

Liz McDaid  PHOTO: safcei.org

“We are standing outside of Parliament to raise awareness about the ongoing energy crisis. Everyone knows we have load-shedding but they do not realise it is because of poor energy decision-making by our government,” said Francesca de Gasparis, executive director of SAFCEI.

Strategic lead at The Green Connection, Liz McDaid, said: “We are standing here to raise awareness among our politicians. We absolutely need to halt all oil and gas exploration along our coast, and we need to focus on an integrated energy plan.”

The SAFCEI and The Green Connection are currently pleading with the government to speed up addressing the root of the issue. They are asking for a legally compliant integrated energy plan, which considers the climate crisis and its effects on the environment and does not put people’s livelihoods at further risk. It should also place a strong emphasis on an inclusive economy that operates within ecological boundaries, according to the two groups.

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