With geopolitical tensions rising, whether the Russian president himself finally decides to stay at home or not, all eyes will be on Ramaphosa in the coming weeks
There are questions about its sustainability and effect on the environment
The SEZ in Limpopo’s Vhembe district will still be fuelled by a coal-fired power plant
It is unconscionable in terms of climate change that the zone is going ahead with a coal plant at its epicentre.
MMSEZ chief executive Lehlogonolo Masoga, the Limpopo Economic Development Agency and the consulting agency Enviroxcellence failed to address the concerns of people living in the Vhembe biosphere
While the summit leaders solemnly swear that they are singing off the same struggle song sheet towards progressive development, the bloc’s leaders’ solidarity is mostly skin-deep
Environmentalists are up in arms over the decision
Civilians working together signals the possible germination of a deeply embedded democratic culture where ethnicity no longer divides
The environmental and social impact of the special economic zone has been reduced, but Chinese investment and loans haven’t been disclosed, job creation is uncertain, and water use and toxic waste remain troubling
Information is not getting to the right people or places as voices of discontent are getting louder