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500 signatures reached
To: Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
No new data centres until we have regulations
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Tech companies like Equinix have their eyes on South Africa for their new, big, electricity-chowing data centres, with 4 new ones already in the pipeline in Cape Town [1]. The problem is that right now, these developments are totally unregulated, and communities aren’t getting anything back, let alone being consulted and asked for permission.
Data centres are destructive; they consume large amounts of water and electricity and generate noise, contributing to sound pollution [2]. Allowing them to operate without regulations is irresponsible.
We Demand:
- A temporary pause on the approvals on data centres until legally binding regulations are developed. These regulations should shield both the environment and communities from harm.
- Communities should be given real negotiating power before data centres are brought into their communities.
- A dedicated regulatory body mandated to specifically handle data centre regulations and their enforcement.
Data centre companies should be required to bring resources rather than take them. And for that to happen, we will need a regulatory framework in place.
Why is this important?
Data Centres are building facilities that house computer servers. They are like storage, but for digital information. And now that AI use is increasing, demand for more data centres is also high, as more information will need to be stored.
However, South Africa does not have enough affordable electricity or clean water to meet the water demands of data centres, and yet our government wants to allow big corporations to take these resources anyway. These big investments will either be another scandal in which profits are prioritised over people, or an opportunity for communities to shape the future of investment. Add your name to demand regulation & community involvement now!
References
[1] South Africa needs data centres, but not without transparency, by Tyronne McCrindle for Ground Up, 04 August 2026.
[2] More data centers coming to Illinois as residents complain about noise, electric bills: What to know by Jason Knowles and Maggie Green for ABC7 Chicago, 18 February 2026.