A silent killer lurks in Zimbabwe coal capital’s rivers
The rivers in Hwange carry toxic waste from coal mines, sickening residents, livestock and fish alike. Could selenium poisoning be the culprit? Oscar Nkala investigates...
22 May, 2026
Human Cost of Energy
Oxpeckers lifts the veil of secrecy from Botswana’s flagship gas project
After months of tense discussions with authorities, Oxpeckers journalist Sello Motseta finally gets to see the environmental plan for Botala Energy’s coal bed methane project...
18 May, 2026
Botswana bets on gas boost for flagging economy
Watchdogs are worried about a lack of transparency around a flagship project – and warn against risks for local communities, wildlife and ecosystems. Sello Motseta investigates...
31 March, 2026
Zimbabwe bans export of lithium ore after Oxpeckers exposed smuggling
The unexpected move is testament to the power of journalism to enforce accountability, offer scrutiny and influence policy re-think, writes Tatenda Chitagu...
03 March, 2026
Eswatini’s coal comeback: From green promises to black fuel
The approval of a new thermal coal power project derails the kingdom’s green transition efforts, and marginalises local residents, reports Phathizwe Zulu...
29 January, 2026
Red flags along KZN’s South Coast
Andiswa Matikinca tracks concerns around critical minerals mining applications – and now a small harbour – in KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism mecca...
15 August, 2025
On the trail of lithium smugglers in Southern Africa
International data shows a recent boom in lithium exports from Southern Africa to Chinese markets. Where’s it coming from, and how does it get there? #PowerTracker investigates...
07 April, 2025
Stuck between lithium rocks and a hard place
Zimbabwean communities living around lithium mines have to put up with noise pollution, gas emissions, dust, flying-rock hazards and ground vibrations. Oscar Nkala investigates...
20 September, 2024
Hwange’s coal-mining horrors
Oscar Nkala travels to Hwange in north-western Zimbabwe to expose the environmental and health hazards caused by more than a century of coal mining...
05 September, 2024
‘Silent predators’ in the energy transition
Companies mining commodities needed for the global energy transition accused of keeping affected communities in Madagascar in the dark about their plans. Oscar Nkala investigates...
16 August, 2024