South Africa’s data centre ‘gold rush’ risks resource crunch

JOHANNESBURG: Rapid expansion of data centres has helped make South Africa the continent’s biggest digital hub, even as critics warn the industry’s appetite for electricity and water could worsen shortages affecting millions of people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa this month hailed the growth of data centres as essential for the country’s security and its businesses, while calling for the protection of human rights and the environment amid the boom.