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
Human Cost of Energy
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
Cobalt crush undermines future of DRC’s community forests
Historic UN deal to restore degraded forest ecosystems in southeastern DRC is being torn apart by mining companies. Jonas Kiriko investigates...
22 July, 2024
Dark side to ‘a new dawn’
Tanzania is banking on its natural resources during the global transition to clean energy, but analysts warn there are dangers ahead. Oscar Nkala investigates...
12 July, 2024
The dark light: Zimbabwe’s energy nightmare
Power shortages across the country are fuelling deforestation through the illegal charcoal trade. Nqobile Tshili, Yolanda Moyo and Nkosana Vuma investigate how this network operates...
12 June, 2024
Environmental (mis)management in Zimbabwe
The Environmental Management Agency does not have enough power to curb rampant water pollution and land degradation. Mandla Tshuma investigates the battles it faces...
24 May, 2024