Call To Action – Take A Stand Against The Menace Of Misplaced Wind Farms

In a resolute stance against the impending threat to Makhanda’s and the Eastern Cape’s heritage, wildlife and future, The Indalo Private Game Reserve Association has launched an impassioned campaign to challenge misplaced wind farms endangering the very fabric of this historic town and the region.

The immediate threat is the approval of the proposed Albany Wind Farm immediately adjacent to Makhanda, currently under appeal to the Minister of the Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The call is clear: protect our heritage, preserve our biodiversity, and stand against the ecological injustice unfolding in our midst.

Indalo is an Association of the most well-known game reserves in the Eastern Cape, including Kwandwe, Shamwari, Kariega, Lalibela, Pumba, Amakhala, Hopewell and Oceana.

The Indalo Association, Kwandwe, Buffalo Kloof, Wilderness Foundation Africa and concerned citizens are calling on the people, communities and the relevant government authorities of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape, to urgently take a stand against the impending menace of misplaced wind farms.

Preserving Heritage & Biodiversity: A Rally for Makhanda’s Soul

The Indalo Association is mobilising to safeguard Makhanda’s historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural heritage. The encroachment of colossal wind turbines threatens to rewrite the town’s narrative, compromising the essence that makes Makhanda a cultural gem.

Protecting the Eastern Cape: A Broader Call to Action

While Makhanda is at the heart of our concerns, this battle extends to the entire Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape, home to vital biodiversity and renowned reserves like Shamwari, Kwandwe, Lalibela, Kariega, Buffalo Kloof and many others, face an ecological and socio-economic crisis with poorly located wind turbines.

All the reserves employ significant numbers of people in rural areas where there are limited economic opportunities. The Eastern Cape economy in Q2 2022 contracted by -0,6% from growth of just 1.8% the previous quarter.

All the lodges employ workers and hospitality staff who live nearby and also procure as many services as possible and as much locally made merchandise as they can from small businesses in the surrounding area, in some cases helping to establish these.

Preserving Local Communities: An Unsettling Reality

The threat isn’t just to Makhanda’s aesthetics and the regions landscape; it’s a direct blow to its schools, university, suburbs, and the very heart of its community. The potential misuse of municipal land for wind farms jeopardises the livelihoods of local residents. The Indalo Association calls on the public to rise against this assault on their homes.

Safeguarding Wildlife: A Plea for Responsible Energy

The Indalo Association advocates for the application of the precautionary principle, emphasising that alternative, less impactful locations for wind farms exist. The potential cruelty to wildlife, including the disruption to the world’s most successful black rhino breeding program, demands a reconsideration of these ill-placed developments.

Cumulative Impact & Responsible Development: A Call for Unity

The cumulative effect of poorly located wind turbines threatens the Eastern Cape’s identity and socio-economic potential. The Indalo Association urges the public to unite and demand responsible development that aligns with long-term benefits for all South Africans.

Object Now: Stand Against the Albany Wind Farm

Join the movement, raise your voice, and object to the Albany Wind Farm.

The so called public participation process is underway, and your objection is crucial.

For more information and guidelines on how to object visit https://www.indaloreserves.com/s/Protect-Makhandas-the-Eastern-Capes-Future.pdf

The public participation process has been inadequate for a number of years (including the current process) and objections should include a demand for adequate public participation and a public meeting.

You can also visit https://www.cesnet.co.za/albany-wind-energy-facility-empr for full details.

Join the Movement: Object to Protect Makhanda’s and the Eastern Cape’s Legacy and Future.