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South Africa’s fork in the road — does it take the path of nuclear power, or people’s power?
South Africa finds itself at a tipping point as it relates to energy governance and our nuclear energy future. It has been four years since President...
SAFCEI appeals nuclear license extension for Koeberg Power Station
Unit 1 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (KNPS) has been on an “unexpected shutdown” since 11 September, coinciding with an appeal submitted by the Sou...
Public and civil society excluded from Government's Seminar
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) along with other not for profit organisations who monitor energy decision-makin...
AGRA's Policy Influence Exposed: African Faith Leaders Demand Reparations from Gates Foundation
AGRA Doubles Down on Harmful Policies On August 28, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) hosted a press conference, where they released...
Press Conference: African Faith Leaders Demand Reparations from Gates - Wednesday, 28 August 2024
Press Conference Wednesday, 28 August 2024 8 AM EDT | 12 PM GMT (Accra/Bamako) | 2 PM SAST (Johannesburg) | 3 PM EAT (Nairobi) Language interpretatio...
Civil society vindicated: Minister concedes to SAFCEI and EarthLife Africa's court challenge against nuclear procurement
Today, less than a month after the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Earthlife Africa Johannesburg received news...
Civil society launches legal challenge against South African government’s plans for new nuclear energy
Hot off the heels of their recent solidarity visit to Kenya, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Earthlife Af...
Russian eco-defender boosts South Africa's anti-nuclear campaign with timely visit
Award-winning Russian environmentalist Vladimir Slivyak of Ecodefense is visiting South Africa for the rest of July. Slivyak, a Right Livelihoods Lau...
From Russia to Kenya and South Africa: Global Activists unite for a sustainable, Nuclear-Free Future
![]( "Photo Caption: Francesca de Gasparis (SAFCEI) Executive Director, Makoma Lekalakala (Earthlife Africa) Director, David Munene (SAFCEI Board...
Cage-Free Community Indaba calls for an end to battery cages for layer hens
The second Cage-free Community Indaba this year – hosted by the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) at Bertha House in...
“NNR Public participation process is a governance and compliance issue, not to be taken lightly” – Civil Society
Public uproar over the lack of information shared, running up to the last consultation process in February, forced the National Nuclear Regulator (NN...
Parties still not prepared to tackle climate change and energy poverty
As we head into next week’s National Elections, with the news that unemployment is now at an all-time-high of 33% overall and 46% among the youth, ma...
Standing Strong: 7 Years Since Nuclear Deal Ruling, Civil Society Remains Vigilant, Committed To Energy Justice
On the eve of South Africa’s Freedom Day, Friday 26 April 2024, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) – together wit...
South Africa: Who Ends Up Paying If DMRE Cooks the Price of Nuclear Power?
It has been just over two (2) weeks since the deadline for comments on the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) draft 2023 Integrated...
South Africa’s nuclear energy expansion plans continue to draw criticism, environmental NGOs chew over legal challenge
Government’s announcement that the s34 determination – to start the process to procure 2500 MW of new nuclear capacity – had been gazetted (in Januar...
#Sona2024 - “Far Too Many Inconsistencies Between Government’s Rhetoric And Its Actions”
While President Cyril Ramaphosa shared, in his state of the nation address (SONA) on 8 February, a seemingly positive vision and outlook for what So...
“Just Another Glossy Brochure Budget Speech” - Safcei
SAFCEI MEDIA COMMENT - Budget Speech 23 FEBRUARY 2024 “JUST ANOTHER GLOSSY BROCHURE BUDGET SPEECH” - SAFCEI The Southern African Faith Communities’ E...
Earthlife Africa and SAFCEI respond to latest unsettling nuclear news regarding the ministerial determination
This morning 12 December 2023, Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa held a briefing to update media on the ministerial determination for the...
"Address energy poverty in South Africa's climate commitments so that communities can become climate resilient" - SAFCEI
“Address energy poverty in South Africa’s climate commitments so that communities can become climate resilient” – SAFCEI As South Africa gears up to...
Faith communities welcome Eskom’s release of crucial information about safety at Koeberg
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) has expressed its satisfaction following the news that “Eskom has finally bowed...
Climate Justice Resistance Against Oil and Gas Corporations
From the 13th to the 14th of September government officials and corporate representatives will gather at the Southern Africa Oil And Gas Conference in...
More than just a cost issue, secret decisions about Koeberg could result in more harm than good
For years, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) has been raising awareness about cost and safety concerns associated...
“No decision about us without us!” – Africa’s Leading Farmer Groups Call Out AGRA Over Corporate Interference
AGRA, until recently known as The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa — will hold its annual Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 5-8 Septemb...
Civil society calls for proper energy planning, "Don't indebt our youth or destroy our oceans with harmful energy systems!"
On Wednesday 7 June, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and The Green Connection – joined by people of faith and N...
Faith Communities, Safcei react to Parliament comments about new nuclear
Reacting to the news from parliament this week that government plans, once again, to procure new nuclear, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Envi...
Vindicated, civil society finally makes headway to compel government to develop SA’s energy plan
A week ago, on 28 April 2023, the President finally published, in the Government Gazette, his decision to bring Section 6 of the National Energy Act (...
6th anniversary of the corrupt nuclear deal court victory (and the Chernobyl plant disaster) - lessons and what is the future for Nuclear
Today, in the midst of Eskom’s ongoing troubles at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which has left many South Africans uneasy about the safety of the pl...
The Green Connection and SAFCEI respond to President, Minister's absurd record of decision in energy planning court case
**NEXT STEPS…**Following the court application (launched in January 2023) by The Green Connection and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environm...
Faith communities oppose proposal to extend the lifespan of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant
Yesterday (16 March) was the deadline for public comment on Eskom’s proposal to extend the life of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant by another 20 years...
Fatally flawed, plans to extend the lifespan of Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant by another 20 years
With little more than a week remaining until the deadline for public comment (16 March) on Eskom’s proposal to extend the functioning of the Koeberg N...
President and Minister of Energy oppose legally binding energy planning for South Africa (in response to The Green Connection and SAFCEI’s court challenge)
Following recent court application (brought in January 2023 ahead of the President’s SONA speech) by The Green Connection and the Southern African Fai...
“FAIL TO PLAN. PLAN TO FAIL” – TWO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS LAUNCH LEGAL CASE TO FORCE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP AN INCLUSIVE ENERGY PLAN TO DEAL WITH CRISIs
Three weeks into the New Year and South Africa’s energy crisis – the recent announcement of yet another above-inflation electricity price increase ami...
Nersa/Eskom tariff hike: How much more can South Africans take?
On Thursday 12 January 2023, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) delivered another devastating blow when it granted Eskom’s request...
OPEN WING ALLIANCE AFRICA MEMBERS LAUNCH CAGE-FREE CAMPAIGN AGAINST PICK N PAY
As the leading South African retailer refuses to remove cruel cages from egg supply chains despite months of public engagement Leading retailer in th...
SAFCEI submission to NERSA: 10 years on and South Africans still suffer tariff increases that only benefit a failing Eskom
MEDIA RELEASE 9 SEPTEMBER 2022 SAFCEI SUBMISSION TO NERSA: 10 YEARS ON AND SOUTH AFRICANS STILL SUFFER TARIFF INCREASES THAT ONLY BENEFIT A FAILING E...
Our Africa, Our Agriculture: African farmers and faith leaders demand an end to the failed Green Revolution
MEDIA RELEASE SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 Our Africa, Our Agriculture: African farmers and faith leaders demand an end to the failed Green Revolution Ahead of t...
Press Advisory
Our Africa, Our Agriculture African farmers and faith leaders demand an end to the failed Green Revolution 4PM Kigali / 5PM Nairobi / 10AM Washingt...
Faith communities' vigil calls for an #energyplan4all, as crises continue
MEDIA RELEASE JULY 2022 FAITH COMMUNITIES’ VIGIL CALLS FOR AN #ENERGYPLAN4ALL, AS CRISES CONTINUE On the morning of 20 July, in time to rise with the...
Government's new amendments for fracking regulations do not make sense
MEDIA RELEASE 26 JULY 2022 GOVERNMENT’S NEW AMENDMENTS FOR FRACKING REGULATIONS DO NOT MAKE SENSE According to the Southern African Faith Communities...
Civil society calls for Minister Mantashe to issue determinations to address energy crisis
In an effort to alleviate the worsening energy crisis, a growing list of South African civil society organisations have called on the Department of Mi...
Op-Ed: Green Revolution is failing African farmers
OP-ED BY FRANCESCA DE GASPARIS AND FLETCHER HARPER In March, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) sent letters to th...
5 YEARS AFTER THE CORRUPT NUCLEAR DEAL WAS STOPPED, SA STILL WAITS FOR IMPROVED ENERGY DECISION-MAKING
MEDIA RELEASE 28 APRIL 2022 5 YEARS AFTER THE CORRUPT NUCLEAR DEAL WAS STOPPED, SA STILL WAITS FOR IMPROVED ENERGY DECISION-MAKING It has been five ye...
African faith communities appeal to U.S. congress: "Stop funding industrial agriculture, AGRA is hurting Africa"
MEDIA RELEASE 30 MARCH 2022 AFRICAN FAITH COMMUNITIES APPEAL TO U.S. CONGRESS: “STOP FUNDING INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE, AGRA IS HURTING AFRICA” Today,...
Northern Cape communities shocked that liquid radioactive waste is planned for storage at Vaalputs, without any public consultation
During a workshop with faith leaders in Northern Cape, held by the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) this week, the m...
Civil Society unconvinced that Koeberg is safe enough for a lifespan extension
MEDIA RELEASE 11 MARCH 2022 CIVIL SOCIETY UNCONVINCED THAT KOEBERG IS SAFE ENOUGH FOR A LIFESPAN EXTENSION The latest announcement from Eskom that ‘pl...
Nuclear safety issues rise with minister’s dismissal of community representative on National Nuclear Regulator board
It has now been just over a week since Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe fired Peter Becker (on 25 February) – the community representative on the board...
Faith communities and concerned citizens call for more transparency from Nuclear Regulator
Yesterday 17 February 2022, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) joined communities and other eco-justice NGOs – inc...
Civil Society Representative suspended from National Nuclear Regulator Board as Koeberg unit shut down
“It has been nearly two weeks since Minister Gwede Mantashe suspended the civil society representative on the board of the National Nuclear Regulator...
NERSA must shield South Africa from (yet) another electricity tariff hike
MEDIA RELEASE 18 JANUARY 2022 NERSA MUST SHIELD SOUTH AFRICANS FROM (YET) ANOTHER ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE On Monday (yesterday), the National Energy R...
People of faith oppose Shell: "Environmental rights are human rights. When you violate nature, you violate the people!"
MEDIA RELEASE DECEMBER 2021 PEOPLE OF FAITH OPPOSE SHELL: “ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. WHEN YOU VIOLATE NATURE, YOU VIOLATE THE PEOPLE!”...
As COP26 kicks off, NGOs highlight concerns over South African government's nuclear power aspirations
At a critical time for decisions about the intensifying climate crises – with global climate action talks (COP26) happening in Glasgow Scotland – the...
Youth Citizenship Journalism Programme
Rural Action for Climate Resilience is looking for youth to join a year-long Youth Citizen Journalism Fellowship Programme. The fellowship aims to amp...
South African Faith Communities join global demonstration calling for #Faiths4ClimateJustice!
MEDIA RELEASE 18 OCTOBER 2021 South African Faith Communities join global demonstration calling for #Faiths4ClimateJustice! It is two weeks before t...
Statement: People of Faith in South Africa say “NO to Nuclear Energy”
As we face (yet) another push for nuclear energy from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), faith communities are saying NO to nuclea...
Major Concerns over DMRE’s Obsession with Nuclear Energy, While Avoiding Renewables
MEDIA RELEASE 31 AUGUST 2021 Major Concerns over DMRE’s Obsession with Nuclear Energy, While Avoiding Renewables The Southern African Faith Communitie...
Press Release: African Faith Communities Tell Gates Foundation, "Big Farming is No Solution for Africa"
Following the United Nations (UN) Food Systems Pre-Summit in Rome last week - a prequel to the Head of State-level Summit in New York, this September...
Faith-based organisations key in strengthening climate voices
THE role of faith-based institutions in environmental management has come a long way and cannot be underestimated. The Catholics, Anglicans, Adventist...
Press Release: “LET US REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR PEACE” - SAFCEI
12 July 2021 The Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI) joins faith organisations from around Southern Africa calling for...
“LATEST ENERGY PRICE HIKES, ANOTHER HUGE BLOW FOR SA’S POOREST” – SAFCEI
MEDIA RELEASE 25 JUNE 2021 “LATEST ENERGY PRICE HIKES, ANOTHER HUGE BLOW FOR SA’S POOREST” – SAFCEI Next week, in the heart of winter, South Africans...
Perfect storm for South Africa brews as broken Eskom faces more issues at Koeberg
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says a combination of factors currently impacting the Koeberg Nuclear Power Sta...
Important lessons remain from landmark South African nuclear court case four years on
MEDIA RELEASE On Monday 26 April, it will be four years since the Western Cape High Court found the government’s R1-trillion nuclear deal and associat...
POOR SOUTH AFRICANS LIKELY TO BE HIT HARDEST BY LOOMING ESKOM TARIFF INCREASE
MEDIA RELEASE 30 MARCH 2021 POOR SOUTH AFRICANS LIKELY TO BE HIT HARDEST BY LOOMING ESKOM TARIFF INCREASE This week, those consumers receiving their...
10-YEARS AFTER FUKUSHIMA DISASTER, SOUTH AFRICANS SPEAK OUT AGAINST NUCLEAR
MEDIA RELEASE MARCH 2021 10-YEARS AFTER FUKUSHIMA DISASTER, SOUTH AFRICANS SPEAK OUT AGAINST NUCLEAR “The ongoing issues from the Fukushima nuclear di...
OPEN LETTER: AFRICAN FAITH COMMUNITIES CALL ON GATES FOUNDATION, “STOP PUSHING INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE!”
MEDIA RELEASE MARCH 2021 OPEN LETTER: AFRICAN FAITH COMMUNITIES CALL ON GATES FOUNDATION, “STOP PUSHING INDUSTRIAL AGRICULTURE!” SOUTH AFRICA: The Sou...
#SONA2021 SHOULD HAVE SET THE TONE FOR MORE TRANSPARENT, INCLUSIVE ENERGY PLANNING
MEDIA RELEASE 12 FEBRUARY 2021 #SONA2021 SHOULD HAVE SET THE TONE FOR MORE TRANSPARENT, INCLUSIVE ENERGY PLANNING Government’s ‘too little, too late’...
Have Your Say by 5 February: Deadline for Public Comment on Proposed New Nuclear Energy
Today, Friday 5 February, is the deadline for South Africans to submit comments to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) on whether or...
Minister Mantashe avoids oversight, fails to appoint civil society representative to NNR board - as required by law
MEDIA RELEASE 5 NOVEMBER 2020 MINISTER MANTASHE AVOIDS OVERSIGHT, FAILS TO APPOINT CIVIL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVE TO NNR BOARD - AS REQUIRED BY LAW The...
Global cage-free campaign demands Burger King eliminate cages from its supply chain
MEDIA RELEASE 28 OCTOBER 2020 GLOBAL CAGE-FREE CAMPAIGN DEMANDS BURGER KING ELIMINATE CAGES FROM ITS SUPPLY CHAIN Today, the Southern African Faith Co...
Recent earthquakes off Cape coast raise concerns over government's ability to contain a nuclear disaster
MEDIA RELEASE 8 OCTOBER 2020 RECENT EARTHQUAKES OFF CAPE COAST RAISE CONCERNS OVER GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO CONTAIN A NUCLEAR DISASTER While the rece...
Faith communities' NGO calls for CoCT to involve civil society in matters regarding the Cape's baboons
MEDIA RELEASE 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 FAITH COMMUNITIES’ NGO CALLS FOR CoCT TO INVOLVE CIVIL SOCIETY IN MATTERS REGARDING THE CAPE’S BABOONS In a recent l...
“SOUTH AFRICANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT THE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT’S NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANS” – SAFCEI
MEDIA RELEASE 13 August 2020 “SOUTH AFRICANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT THE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT’S NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANS” – SAFCEI The Southern Africa...
Government should be more concerned about citizens unable to afford the rising cost of electricity
MEDIA RELEASE 17 JULY 2020 GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT CITIZENS UNABLE TO AFFORD THE RISING COST OF ELECTRICITY The Southern African Fa...
Bishop Geoff Davies celebrates 50th Anniversary of Priesthood
Bishop Geoff Davies or more affectionately known as the Green Bishop is the founder and patron of the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment...
SAFCEI Calls on Parliament to Provide Rigorous Oversight of Proposed Energy Projects
Media Release 5 June 2020 In its recent written submission to Parliament’s Appropriations Committee, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environ...
Submission to the Standing Committee on Appropriations: Parliament of South Africa on the 2020 Appropriations Bill
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Statement on news of Religious Gatherings at Level 3
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute, SAFCEI, welcomes the engagement between faith representatives and the South African gov...
Reconstruction and redevelopment of our economy is only way forward
By Mamphela Ramphele We cannot solve our socio-economic problems by using the same thinking that generated them. Ground-up citizen participation and c...
Three years after the nuke deal court victory, the fight for clean energy continues even during Covid-19
By Francesca de Gasparis Last weekend, we celebrated the third anniversary of the court case victory that set aside the secret R1-trillion nuclear dea...
Eskom Should Initiate Plans to Decommission Koeberg Nuclear Power Station
NEWS RELEASE 11 MARCH 2020 ESKOM SHOULD INITIATE PLANS TO DECOMMISSION KOEBERG NUCLEAR POWER STATION The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environme...
African NGOs call to stop proliferation of coal, oil and gas ahead of African Union summit
Ahead of this week’s African Union meeting (Feb 9-10), more than 25 organisations, networks and community resistance groups from Africa and around the...
Faith communities call for urgent climate action and government accountability
SAFCEI Policy Conference 2019, eMseni Christian Centre, Benoni, South Africa. Photo by Elkan Butler Photography. Press Release Faith communities c...
CONCERN OVER INCREASING SUPPORT FOR NUCLEAR POWER IN SOUTH AFRICA
1 November 2019 Media Release Concern over increasing support for nuclear power in South Africa Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivered the Medium-Te...
CORRUPT, STATE CAPTURE NUCLEAR DEALS LIVES ON IN NEW IRP
Media Release 19 October 2019 Corrupt, state capture nuclear deals lives on in new IRP “We are dismayed that the government has included nuclear in it...
RURAL POOR BIGGEST LOSERS IN NUCLEAR DEAL CAPTURE
Media Release 12 October 2019 The People’s Hearing on State Capture is intended to collect and provide evidence of the impact of state capture and cor...
Wyndham announces international cage-free policy
On 20th September, Wyndham Destinations and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts both published a strong global cage-free commitment online following a publi...
Nuclear energy procurement problems highlighted in submission to Zondo Commission
Major energy procurement projects need independent oversight at all stages – pre-procurement, procurement and post-procurement – to prevent further st...
Mantashe shows his hand as SA government backslides on its energy plans
MEDIA RELEASE 12 JULY 2019 MANTASHE SHOWS HIS HAND AS SA GOVERNMENT BACKSLIDES ON ITS ENERGY PLANS In his budget speech on Thursday, Minister of Miner...
SAFCEI calls on the South African government to take the necessary "bold steps" in creating a just future for all
MEDIA RELEASE 21 JUNE 2019 FAITH-BASED NGO CALLS ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE NECESSARY “BOLD STEPS” IN CREATING A JUST FUTURE FOR AL...
SA’s new cabinet, a blow for efforts against climate change
MEDIA RELEASE 31 MAY 2019 SA’S NEW CABINET, A BLOW FOR EFFORTS AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Following the delayed announcement of President Ramaphosa’s c...
If not addressed, climate change will shift political power structures
MEDIA RELEASE 10 MAY 2019 IF NOT ADDRESSED, CLIMATE CHANGE WILL SHIFT POLITICAL POWER STRUCTURES Preliminary Election 2019 results show that the Afr...
Groundbreaking international cage-free campaign scores overnight success with leading hospitality company
MEDIA RELEASE 10 MAY 2019 GROUNDBREAKING INTERNATIONAL CAGE-FREE CAMPAIGN SCORES OVERNIGHT SUCCESS WITH LEADING HOSPITALITY COMPANY Yesterday (9 May)...
South Africans need an enviro-conscious government
South African Secretary-General of Amnesty International, Kumi Naidoo tells parties that if we continue on the path that we are on - with dirty energ...
Pre-election Political Party Manifesto Debate emphasises necessity for environmental-conciousness
MEDIA RELEASE 24 APRIL 2019 While the country’s politicians vie to secure support from citizens in the run-up to the National Elections next month,...
"Incidents" vs "Minor occurences" Why did the SA public not know about the safety issues at Koeberg?
MEDIA RELEASE 5 APRIL 2019 ‘INCIDENTS’ VS ‘MINOR OCCURRENCES" WHY DID THE SA PUBLIC NOT KNOW ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUES AT KOEBERG? According to the...
How Zuma's R1-trillion nuclear deal led to the Eskom crisis
MEDIA RELEASE 26 MARCH 2019 HOW ZUMA’S ILLEGAL R1-TRILLION NUCLEAR DEAL LED TO THE ESKOM CRISIS A few days ago, former President Jacob Zuma went on r...
"Increase in electricity prices without fixing Eskom is a threat to SA citizen's human rights!" - SAFCEI
MEDIA RELEASE 21 MARCH 2019 “INCREASING ELECTRICITY PRICES WITHOUT FIXING ESKOM IS A THREAT TO SA CITIZENS’ HUMAN RIGHTS!” – SAFCEI “The National Ener...
"Budget needs stronger focus on enviro issues and decisive plan to address climate change" - SAFCEI
MEDIA RELEASE 21 FEBRUARY 2019 The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) says that it has mixed feelings about the prio...
Faith-based NGO optimistic after SONA, but encourages more emphasis on eco-social sustainability
MEDIA RELEASE 8 FEBRUARY 2019 FAITH-BASED NGO OPTIMISTIC AFTER SONA, BUT ENCOURAGES MORE EMPHASIS ON ECO-SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY The Southern Africa...
Communities affected by mining stand together to fight against human rights violations
MEDIA RELEASE 7 FEBRUARY 2019 FRIDAY – COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY MINING STAND TOGETHER TO FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS The West Coast Foo...
SAFCEI joins with civil society in opposing Eskom’s requested tariff increases
SAFCEI MEDIA RELEASE 18 JANUARY 2019 From 14 January, the National Energy Regulator (NERSA) started its public hearings on Eskom’s proposed electrici...
"30 pieces of silver for Xolobeni mining licences, Minister Mantashe?" - SAFCEI
MEDIA RELEASE 15 JANUARY 2019 “30 PIECES OF SILVER FOR XOLOBENI MINING LICENCES, MINISTER MANTASHE?” - SAFCEI As Minister of Mineral Resources, Gwed...
Civil society opposed to Eskom's requested tariff increases
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Wednesday 21 November 2018: Delegates participate in the Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI)...
Marriott International to go Cage-Free by 2025
In less than 48 hours of the Open Wing Alliance campaign launch, Marriott Hotels, the world's *largest* hotel group, has committed to dropping batter...
Public outcry at disappointing energy planning report on Nuclear, to Parliament
On 27 November 2018, the Portfolio Committee on Energy (PCE) delivered its report on the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Integrated Resource Plan (IRP),...
Umgungundlovu residents have the right to say NO!
Sustaining the Wild Coast (SWC) welcomes today’s judgement that the residents of Umgungundlovu have the right to say no to mining on their land. We ha...
SAFCEI People's Power Learning Fest, critical of PCE outputs
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Wednesday 21 November 2018: Delegates participate in the Southern African Faith Communities' Environment Institute (SAFCEI)...
SAFCEI’s Cage-Free Campaign - A big step closer to ethical egg farming
MEDIA RELEASE 5 NOVEMBER 2018 SAFCEI’S CAGE-FREE CAMPAIGN – A BIG STEP CLOSER TO ETHICAL EGG FARMING Just two months after the Southern African Fai...
IRP Hearings - SA public unpacks financial, social cost of Energy Plan
MEDIA RELEASE 23 OCTOBER 2018 Today in Parliament – As the country braces itself for the National Treasury’s Medium-Term Budget, the South...
SAFCEI takes the IRP to the Karoo
MEDIA RELEASE 17 OCTOBER 2018 SAFCEI TAKES THE IRP TO THE KAROO Today, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) – the s...
Submission into the Western Cape Government’s proposed amendments to the Provincial Constitution (2018)
SAFCEI has sent a submission in objection to Western Cape Government's proposed amendments to its Provincial Constitution (2018). SAFCEI’s objections...
MEDIA RELEASE: "FAMOUS BRANDS, UNCAGE YOUR EGGS!" – SAFCEI
MEDIA RELEASE 18 SEPTEMBER 2018 "FAMOUS BRANDS, UNCAGE YOUR EGGS!" In an effort to eradicate inhumane battery cage farms for hens, the South...
Liziwe McDaid and Makoma Lekalakala Africa’s 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize winners
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) congratulates our own Liz McDaid, and Makoma Lekalakala of Earthlife Africa Jo...
SAFCEI stands with the Amadiba Crisis Committee and its #Right2SayNo!
© Facebook.com/amadibacrisiscommittee Ahead of the significant case to be heard in the Pretoria High Court from 23 April 2018 – which should set a pr...
Learning from our campaign: How can we stop the nuclear deal forever?
Today – a panel discussion including faith leaders, community representatives, members of the public, and activists, who have been working to keep nuc...
New ministers - Energy, Finance and Public Enterprises – get the nod from anti-nuke campaigners
Yesterday – in a late-night cabinet reshuffle that was anticipated by many, and has been far more welcome than any of the previous three reshuffles –...
5 days to deadline: lodge your appeal against the Duynefontein environmental approval for nuclear
Tipped to be its last anti-nuclear deal vigil held outside Parliament on Wednesday morning, #StopSecretNukeDeal campaigners are optimistic about Pres...
The trillion Rand question: Is President Zuma hanging on to seal a nuclear deal?
“We have excess power and we have no money to go for a major nuclear plant building.” That was the word from ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa last month...
Faith leaders pray for a just future for South Africa
This morning the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), with faith leaders and citizens, held their weekly Wednesday vig...
Civil society sceptical about Minister's IRP
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), along with other civil society organisations, will once again seek legal couns...
SAFCEI public statement on the Animal Protection Amendment Bill
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) welcomes the publication of the Animals Protection Amendment Bill. The bill is...
NGOs make urgent high court application to halt rushed nuclear deal
Yesterday, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg (ELA-JHB) and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) launched an urgent High...
Nuclear plans for South Africa will face resistance at all levels
Earthlife Africa Jhb, Greenpeace Africa and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) have officially filed a notice info...
Environmental and faith-based NGOs call on Minister of Energy and Eskom to halt the nuclear deal tender process
Yesterday, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Earthlife Africa Johannesburg (ELA-JHB) issued letters to the Mi...
Karoo anti-uranium mining activists celebrate divestment plans with caution
While it seems reasonable to assume that Karoo locals should celebrate Peninsula Energy’s decision to divest their interests in the Karoo Uranium Proj...
Job opening: Company Relations & Campaigns Coordinator
Company Relations & Campaigns Coordinator One year fixed-term contract post (renewable if further funding is secured) SAFCEI invites applications...
Anti-nuke campaigners demand public participation in the nuclear deal
Yesterday, on the eve of the Finance Minister’s mid-term budget speech, the Stop the Secret Nuke Deal campaign and the Campaign for a Just Energy Futu...
Costly nuclear gets the green light while Eskom continues to squeeze impoverished South Africans with more price hikes
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment institute (SAFCEI) submitted their opposition to Eskom’s proposed tariff increases, calling on the...
News Release: NGO urges SA government to scrap Russian nuclear agreement
Yesterday, Monday 9 October, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) – a faith-based NGO concerned with the protection...
Nuclear Deal Blocked! Judgement made on the South African Government’s Secret Trillion-Rand Nuclear Court Case
26th April 2017 “Victory for justice and the rule of law and the people of South Africa”, is how Makoma Lekalakala of Earthlife Africa Johannesburg...
Secret Trillion-Rand Nuclear Deal Case Judgement to be Delivered on 26th April 2017
On the eve of Freedom Day at 9:45 am tomorrow, the Western Cape High Court will deliver its judgement in the nuclear deal court case brought by Earthl...
D-Day for public comment on Govt's proposed Electricity Plan amidst Cabinet reshuffle chaos
NEWS RELEASE 31 MARCH 2017 D-DAY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED ELECTRICITY PLAN AMIDST CABINET RESHUFFLE CHAOS The Cabinet reshuffle...
Have your say on the State’s Electricity Plan – 3 days to deadline
NEWS RELEASE 29 MARCH 2017 HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE STATE’S ELECTRICITY PLAN – 3 DAYS TO DEADLINE With only 3 days left until the 31 March deadline for pu...
Human Rights Day 2017 – reflection on our humanity
22 March 2016 Media release Human Rights Day 2017 – reflection on our humanity We link Human Rights Day in South Africa with 21 March 1960 and Sharpev...
Save the Budget (and the Country), Minister Gordhan. Say 'No!' to Nuclear!
NEWS RELEASE 22 FEBRUARY 2017 SAFCEI, Earthlife Africa Jhb and supporters gathered outside the Cape High Court for the first court hearing on 13 Dec...
Energy minister still taking secret actions on Nuclear Energy
In a surprise move late last year, the Minister of Energy’s legal team, revealed the decision to give the procurement of the nuclear new build to Esko...
Nuclear case postponed to February 2017 – Govt ordered to pay punitive costs
NEWS RELEASE 13 DECEMBER 2016 UPDATE: NUCLEAR CASE POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 2017 – GOVERNMENT ORDERED TO PAY PUNITIVE COSTS On 13 December 2016, the West...
Are SA’s Energy Plans a Threat to Citizens’ Human Rights?
Press Release 9 December Are SA’s Energy Plans a Threat to Citizens’ Human Rights? On Tuesday and Wednesday, 13 & 14 December the Southern African...
“Our ‘People’s Statement’ Aims to Give a Voice to the People of SA” - SAFCEI
On Wednesday, community and faith leaders from around the country, marched to Parliament to deliver a ‘People’s statement’ opposing government’s ener...
Public participation is crucial to progressing SA's electricity plan - SAFCEI
NEWS RELEASE 23 NOVEMBER 2016 “PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IS CRUC...
Parliament going backwards into the dark ages
16 November 2016 Press release: Parliament going backwards into the dark ages According to media reports, Parliament is going to discuss the nuclear d...
Those without integrity must be held accountable
14 November 2016 Press release: Those without integrity must be held accountable One month after the Public Protector’s State Capture report was relea...
Faith Community responds to the Nuclear Build Briefing
11 October 2016 Press release Faith Community responds to the Nuclear Build Briefing SAFCEI attended the Energy Portfolio Committee meeting in Parliam...
Let the courts decide
Press release Let the courts decide SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa Jhb are seeking justice in the courts. In an interview with Fin24, Rosatom’s regional...
Nuclear Court Date Set
The legal team of SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa JHB met with the Judge President today, who set the date of hearing of the application on the nuclear pr...
“See you in court”
Be part of protecting our democracy and future, donate to the nuclear court case 16 September 2016 Press release “See you in court” Civil society s...
Press releases and court papers
SAFCEI and Earthlife Africa Johannesburg's court papers and press releases on the nuclear court case that ran from October 2015 to February 2017 and i...
Nuclear procurement – government ignores court case
Press Release 9 September 2016 Nuclear procurement – government ignores court case In what appears to be a blatant disregard for the court process, th...
Nuclear court case – more missing documents requested
18 August 2016 Media release Nuclear court case – more missing documents requested Legal counsel for the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environme...
Tail wagging the dog
Eskom’s position regarding the advent of renewable energy is worrisome. Alarm bells rang when we heard of the call by the utility for a halt to furthe...
Uranium is the dirty underbelly of nuclear - scientist
By Matthew le Cordeur This article was published in Fin24 Cape Town – Anti-nuclear sentiment tends to focus on nuclear waste or operational risks, but...
Nuclear industry prefers to keep the public in the dark
The Pelindaba nuclear reactor plant near Pretoria. Picture: THE TIMES By Neil Overy This article was published in BDLive IN 1994, the Western Cape AN...
Press release: Is uranium mining in the Karoo over before it even began?
PRESS RELEASE: Is uranium mining in the Karoo over before it even began? Mining application areas are down to 12% of original application. The beginni...
SAFCEI in the media
SAFCEI has enjoyed another two months of good media coverage due to the hard work of staff. ONLINE****Bloomberg 04 May 2016 Uranium Joins Fracking in...
ELA Press Release: WorleyParsons - more evidence of Rosatom nuclear scandal
29 June 2016 Media release WORLEYPARSONS - MORE EVIDENCE OF ROSATOM NUCLEAR SCANDAL EARTHLIFE AFRICA JOHANNESBURG TO PROTEST Earthlife Africa Johann...
Government finally replies to nuclear court case
Government has finally responded to Earthlife Africa Johannesburg (ELA) and SAFCEI's court papers. The court case was launched in October 2015, and...
A Faith-full response to World Environment Day
The Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum (WCRLF) is calling on religious leaders of all faiths to make a stand this World environment Day Sunday 5th J...
Government lawyers miss third deadline in nuke court case
Press release 3rd June 2016 Government has failed to meet the legal deadline of 31st May. By close of business on Monday, government had once again fa...
Government dragging its heels in nuclear court case
Press release 17th May 2016 According to the court rules, Friday 13th was the day government was supposed to respond to civil society’s application to...
No nuclear bail outs
Press release 11th May 2016 Minister Joemat-Pettersson’s energy budget debate was characterised by some anomalies. The Minister and various MPs spoke...
The Sacred Secrets of Nature
SAFCEI has been featured in the SABC series 'The Sacred Secrets of Nature'! It is an inspiring series about people of faith tackling the environmental...
South African ‘Green’ Bishop receives award from the Archbishop of Canterbury
Bishop Davies receives his award from the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop of Canterbury has given an award to a South African Bishop for enc...
Is this sanity or incompetence?
Press release 6th April 2016 Earthlife Africa Jhburg and Southern Africa Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), responded to the latest ne...
SAFCEI in the media
We have had a flurry of media attention in the last two months which we would like to celebrate. Dr Stefan Cramer, Liz McDaid, the Green Bishop and OW...
Court case exposes web of secrecy in government nuclear dealings
30 March 2016 Media release embargoed until 12 noon on 30th March 2016 COURT CASE EXPOSES WEB OF SECRECY IN GOVERNMENT NUCLEAR DEALINGS Today, Earthli...
Govt attempts to undermine legal case against nuclear
Media release GOVERNMENT ATTEMPTS TO UNDERMINE LEGAL CASE AGAINST NUCLEAR Government correspondence provided to Earthlife Africa Jhb (ELA) and the Sou...
Nuclear energy, PetroSA storm brewing over Parliament
By Matthew le Cordeur This article was published in Fin24 Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson. Cape Town – A storm that has been brewing over the...
R2K Statement: The right to protest denied for the opening of Parliament!
R2K is appalled by the City of Cape Town’s decision to deny our right to protest. The City, SAPS and SANDF have shut down parliament and the surroun...
Nuclear goes ahead despite omission from NDC
SAFCEI's Regional Coordinator meets with Minister of Eenvironment Edna Molewa at COP debriefing on 27th January 2016 Ahead of COP21 in Paris last yea...
SAFCEI opposes Eskom’s tariff increases
Liz McDaid is representing SAFCEI at the NERSA hearings today. Read our press release below. Liz McDaid representing SAFCEI at the NERSA hearings, Tu...
Press Release: Court Action
Earthlife Africa Jhb and SAFCEI draw the line on Joemat- Pettersson's secret nuclear deal Earthlife Africa Jhb and Southern African Faith Communities'...
Invitation to Press Briefing
INVITATION TO PRESS BRIEFING From: Earthlife Africa Jhb (ELA) Southern Africa Faith Communities Environment Institution (SAFCEI) Venue:...
Why SA does not need nuclear energy
By: Matthew le Cordeur South Africa’s renewable energy programme will deliver enough electricity on time and on budget without the risk of nuclear ac...
Faith Leaders speak out against fracking
Faith Leaders Speak Out Against Fracking Amid Pope Francis' Visit to U.S. By Wenonah Hauter Earlier this year, Pope Francis called for decisive climat...
Prof Steve Thomas hits back at Rosatom claims
VLADIMIR SLIVYAK very effectively contests some of the points made by Viktor Polikarpov on behalf of Rosatom. There are a couple of important issues S...
Morality shut out of energy debate
Minister Joematt-Petterson. Picture: Trevor Samson How ironic! As I walked into the parliamentary energy portfolio committee meeting in my episcopal...
Pan African Climate Justice Campaign - Cycling Caravan from Mozambique to Kenya
29 August 2015: Pan Africa Climate Justice Campaign launches with Cycling Caravan from Mozambique to Kenya Please join us by promoting this campaign...
SAFCEI legal response to SA secret nuclear deals
South Africa's government is poised to commence procurement of up to eight nuclear reactors at a cost of at least R500 billion (more likely R1 trillio...
SAFCEI rejects non-transparent nuclear deals
MEDIA RELEASE SAFCEI questions why South Africa is rushing into nuclear energy. According to latest media reports, nuclear power plants are supposed...
The Green Bishop's editorial on the Pope's encyclical
Pope Francis : Laudato si – Praise be to you The course of European history was changed when allied forces defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo...
Thumbs up for NERSA in turning Eskom down
The Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) congratulates NERSA for applying its mind and rejecting Eskom's application for...
The NERSA hearings
The NERSA hearings continue into the second day. Groups like Women Energy and Climate Change Forum (WECCF) spoke of everyday hardships, and called for...
SAFCEI Responds to Pope’s Encyclical
The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) endorses the Pope’s call for systemic change, for an acknowledgement that we ar...
SAFCEI rejects Eskom's 25,3% price increase application
At a time when Eskom is unable to supply sufficient electricity and is suffering from insufficient funds to complete its maintenance and buy expensive...
SAFCEI statement on Xenophobic attacks
God calls us to live in harmony and peace with one another and all of creation. SAFCEI, the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute,...
Shell gets cold feet in the Karoo
By Dr Stefan Cramer, SAFCEI Science Advisor Royal Dutch Shell is pulling its top shale-gas people out of South Africa, was the screaming headline news...
Dog-fighting - Cape Times 09-03-2015
Do the right thing and help police arrest those responsible for dog-fighting....
Response to President Zuma’s State of the Nation Address.
SAFCEI supports the president in his acknowledgement of the youth as our future. Their success in the future will build on the legacy present generat...