Residents from across Cape Town gathered outside the Civic Centre on 14 July to call for greater transparency over a proposed 174-megavolt-ampere (MVA) hyperscale data centre planned for the King Air Industria logistics park in Matroosfontein.
The demonstration took place at the same time as a Municipal Planning Tribunal hearing, where community objections to the development were being considered.
Community organisations, represented by the Legal Resources Centre (LRC), the Housing Assembly and advocacy group Foxglove South Africa, say residents have not received enough information about the project. They want clear details on the data centre's expected water and electricity use, possible air pollution, the use of diesel generators, and the overall impact on nearby communities.
A major concern is the pressure the facility could place on already limited resources. Many residents say they still remember the Day Zero water crisis and are worried that a large data centre could increase demand for water and electricity at a time when many households already struggle with rising costs and unreliable supply.
Some community members also questioned whether developments of this size are too often located in lower-income neighbourhoods without meaningful public participation. They argue that residents should have access to all relevant information before decisions are made.
While there is recognition that the project could create employment opportunities, many residents believe economic development should not come at the expense of basic services, public health or community well-being. They are calling for a development process that balances investment with the needs of local communities.
Organisers say their campaign is not aimed at stopping development, but at ensuring transparency, accountability and genuine public consultation before any final decisions are taken.
At the time of publication, the City of Cape Town had not responded to the concerns raised by residents.
Done by: Liema Nyengule
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