Johannesburg, South Africa — A delay in South Africa’s coal phase-out could result in an alarming 32,000 preventable deaths between 2026 and 2050, according to a joint report by Greenpeace Africa, CREA, and GroundWork.
The nation’s reliance on coal, which currently supplies 80% of its electricity, is at the heart of this growing health crisis.
The report highlights the significant health risks associated with air pollution, with Gauteng province, home to Pretoria and Johannesburg, expected to bear the brunt of the impact. Despite the absence of state-owned coal plants in Gauteng, transboundary pollution from Mpumalanga, the country’s most polluted industrial zone, is forecast to cause 15,000 deaths due to pollution.
The delay in shutting down coal — fired power plants is not only a health concern but also an economic one.
The report estimates the economic cost at 721 billion rand ($38 billion) due to lost workdays and increased healthcare pressure. Resident concerns are palpable, with pollution-related health issues like asthma and skin diseases reported. One mother recounted having to send her one-year-old son away due to breathing problems linked to pollution. “.
It is a pandemic for us, “she.
The economic implications are substantial, with the delay in the energy transition potentially costing South Africa’s economy billions in lost productivity and healthcare expenses. Climate rights groups argue that the delay is a shortsighted approach with long-term consequences for both the health and economy of the nation.
The South African government’s Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) outlines the country’s energy policy, including the retirement of coal plants.
However, the latest IRP 2025, gazetted by the Department for Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), continues to extend the operating lifetimes of coal-fired power plants, raising questions about the country’s commitment to climate goals.
As South Africa grapples with its energy future, the report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize health over short — term economic gains and to invest in renewable energy for long-term sustainability and energy security.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Dominic Wabwireh
