Eskom, which supplies 90% of South Africa’s electricity needs through its 18 coal-fired power stations, is in the running to win the international award for this year’s worst corporation in the annual Public Eye Awards [1], taking place parallel to the World Economic Forum. In a bid to maneuver its way out of its social and environmental responsibilities, cut costs and fuel its coal addiction, Eskom has applied for two-thirds of its coal-fired power stations to be exempt from and/or postpone complying with the law on air pollution standards (minimum emission standards) put in place to protect people’s health

With the majority of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations leading to entire areas in Mpumalanga and the Vaal Triangle being out of compliance with South Africa’s Ambient Air Quality Standards, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg [3], Greenpeace Africa [4] and groundWork [5] have taken these applications as a flagrant disregard for people’s health. Thus, a joint submission was made to the Public Eye Awards to nominate Eskom, which has now been shortlisted with seven other corporations internationally.

Makoma Lekalakala, Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Programme Officer at Earthlife Africa Johannesburg:

“Instead of using South Africa’s abundant wind and solar resources to generate electricity, Eskom continues to use more expensive coal, poisoning our communities and destroying our water resources. Instead of helping to solve local pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Eskom spends our money on expensive, dirty energy. It is selling out both South Africa and the world.”

During the Switzerland-based World Economic Forum – taking place next year from the 22nd to 25th January – the world’s elite 1%, including Eskom, will gather to discuss ways to increase deregulation of global markets and enable transnational corporations to gain further strongholds over the natural resources, livelihoods and labour of marginalized people across the world. At the same time, the Public Eye Awards – hosted by Greenpeace Switzerland and the Berne Declaration – will be exposing the human rights violations, environmental destruction and corruption that corporations, like Eskom, impose on people and the planet.

Bobby Peek, Director of groundWork states:

“The health impact of coal combustion in power stations is severe and the financial cost which the state must bear because of this is massive. Pollutants generated from coal combustion have major effects on the health of communities, particularly the most vulnerable such as the elderly, the young and pregnant women. According to a study conducted by the University of Pretoria, the estimated external public health cost resulting from Kusile in Mpumalanga, will be over R180 million, and 51% of hospital admissions in this province are from power generation activities.”

Today marks the launch of the voting period, giving the public the power to vote for the worst corporation. Melita Steele, Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Africa calls on South Africans and the world to vote:

“According to Section 24 of the constitution, South Africans are entitled to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. Eskom’s application to be exempted from complying with air quality legislation clearly puts people’s health and well-being at risk, while giving the utility a license to pollute for the foreseeable future. Eskom is nominated in very bad company, surrounded by corporations like Gazprom, who seek to put profits before people. However, it is important to remember that Eskom’s application to pollute can still be stopped; it is vital that South Africans demand that the utility complies with air quality legislation by voting in the Public Eye Awards.”