Indalo Association Reveals Threat to Makhanda and the Eastern Cape’s Socio-Economic Fabric by Albany Wind Farm Project

Makhanda and the Eastern Cape in Peril: Indalo Exposes the Hidden Socio-Economic Impact of Albany Wind Farm

[Makhanda], [08 April 2024] — Today, the Indalo Association unveils critical revelations surrounding the proposed Albany Wind Farm, emphasising the profound threat it poses to the socio-economic fabric of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape. In a focused exposé, Indalo brings attention to the alarming realities that demand immediate consideration.

Dubious Job Creation Claims: The Indalo Association challenges the purported job creation benefits touted by the Developer, EDF Renewables, who claim that the project will generate 900 jobs. The Association contends that the majority of these jobs will be temporary and non-local, casting doubt on EDF’s commitment to genuine socio-economic development in the region. EDF has confirmed that the Albany Wind Farm will only create 20 permanent jobs.

In comparison, the eight Indalo reserves that constitute the Indalo Protected Environment already provide over 1 600 permanent jobs, of which 70% are held by the primary income earner in their family. This employment by the Indalo reserves is but a small proportion of the thousands of jobs relying on tourism and tourism activity in the region. In 2023, the eight Indalo reserves attracted more than 86 000 visitors, of which the large majority were foreigners, generating economic activity in excess of R600 million for the region. Once again, this is only a small component of the overall industry. A decline in tourism activity in the region threatens not only the existence of these protected areas and the employment opportunities they present to local residents, but risks destroying the ecological integrity of the greater region, and the natural inheritance of future generations.

Economic Displacement Looms: The Indalo Association warns of potential economic displacement within local communities, emphasising that the Albany Wind Farm’s impact on ecotourism and other regional revenue will lead to a significant reduction in private funding for biodiversity conservation. The association highlights the adverse effects on current and future jobs in nature-based tourism and related enterprises.

Overall study results indicate that the average wildlife ranch employs 25 people – 15 male and 10 female – and that this is significantly more than the employment at livestock farms of the same size. In addition, an average of 18 temporary workers are also employed on a seasonal basis, of which half are typically women.

Socio-Economic Upliftment at Stake: With emphasis on the socio-economic well-being of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape, Indalo asserts that the purported benefits of the Albany Wind Farm will be clearly overshadowed by the negative consequences on existing and future community structures and businesses in the region. The association calls for a re-evaluation of the project’s socio-economic promises to ensure the true upliftment of the local population and region.