Cape Town communities call for disclosure of data centre agreements — Daily Maverick
In Cape Town, South Africa, civic organisations and residents of the Montana, Belhar and Manenberg areas discussed the development of data centres and demanded greater transparency regarding city government decisions. The dialogue on 26 September 2026 at St George’s Cathedral was organised, among others, by Housing Assembly and Foxglove. Participants included academics, lawyers, community leaders and local residents, Daily Maverick reports.
Complaints over lack of consultations
Community representatives said they had not received direct consultations or door-to-door information about data centre projects near the airport. In their view, notices on the municipal website and in subcouncil communications did not make it possible to effectively inform residents affected by these projects.
Formal objections also raised the issue of the sequence of procedures. Community activists believe that approving rezoning and land-use rights before conducting environmental impact assessments, water-use studies and assessments of the impact on electricity supply deprives residents of the opportunity to influence decisions.
The City of Cape Town acknowledged the need for separate regulatory guidelines for large data centres. Community representatives insist that such a mechanism should be developed through open consultations rather than closed administrative procedures.
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The minister’s position and employment estimates
South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said in an interview ahead of the event that he does not consider Cape Town’s initial approval of the projects unlawful. According to him, the emergence of a new industry requires policy and regulatory adaptation. The minister called for avoiding hasty decisions under pressure from active groups and stressed that regulation must simultaneously protect the environment and create conditions for investment in the sector.
University of Edinburgh professor Muhammad Amir Anwar presented estimates according to which the construction of data centres creates from 0.7 to two jobs per megawatt, while their operation creates from 0.1 to 34 jobs per megawatt. After construction is completed, hyperscale facilities require relatively few staff; these are mainly security personnel, maintenance workers and technical specialists.
Civic organisations are also seeking the publication of water and electricity allocation agreements between municipalities, Eskom and multinational technology companies. They state that rights to water, housing and a safe environment must be a priority in such decisions.
