South African groups call for pause on new data centers over water and power concerns

Civil rights organizations across South Africa are calling for a pause on new data center construction while concerns about water, land, electricity and transparency are investigated. The campaign puts South Africa alongside Thailand and the United States, where similar community opposition has emerged.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa hosts 70% of Africa’s total data center capacity and views that position as an economic opportunity. Amazon, Microsoft and Equinix have expanded their digital infrastructure in the country.

The South African Human Rights Commission received more than 250 submissions after inviting public input in May 2026. Dr. Eileen Carter said the process raised questions about electricity and water demand, land use, infrastructure, environmental impacts and effects on surrounding communities.

An Equinix hyperscale facility approved for Cape Town is a particular focus. The city narrowly avoided “Day Zero” in 2018, when officials predicted that municipal taps could run dry. The facility is estimated to require roughly 160 megawatts of electricity.

Operators are not currently required to disclose water, electricity and land commitments upfront. Industry representatives dispute claims that data centers have materially driven wider shortages or tariff increases, while noting that local projects may have different resource footprints from large American facilities. Whether a construction pause would clarify regulation or delay digital investment remains uncertain.