Interview with Philiswa Gwazela, Programme Manager at Qunu Community Advice Office Across South Africa, communities are experiencing the growing impacts of climate change in their daily lives: from water shortages and extreme heat to destructive storms. In the beginning of 2026, many parts of southern Africa including Limpopo and Mpumalanga experienced devastating floods sparking international…
By Lindokuhle Masango In an era driven by climate urgency, consumers look for ways to be environmentally responsible by buying sustainable products. Companies are aware of this and try to manipulate them into buying products that will make them feel environmentally responsible. However, as “eco-friendly”, “green” and “sustainable” claims increase rapidly, a deceptive practice of…
Johannesburg hums with flashing lights, Motorcades cut through restless nights. Leaders gather, twenty strong, To speak of growth, of right and wrong They talk of trade, of debt relief, Of climate pledges, bold yet brief. But outside halls of glass and steel, The people march with louder zeal. “Eleven women lost each day, How can…
By Shaazia Ebrahim, Cleopatra Shezi, Lydia Petersen, and Lisa Makaula – 6 November 2025 In a world facing rising austerity, authoritarianism, and decision-making which benefits the elite few rather than the suffering majority, it begs the question: Who truly holds the power, and what happens when the people decide to take it back? Over the…
by Lindokuhle Masango Nomonde Nkosi is known as a feminist and environmentalist. She uses her voice to liberate women and the environment from mining injustice. Nkosi’s activism is about exposing the patriarchal systems that exploit women and the planet. Nkosi believes that both struggles are dehumanising and devalue the culture of the people. Nkosi was…
July 10, 2025 – As environmental and human rights defenders, we have observed a troubling pattern. Since the start of mining development and prospecting in our communities, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), formerly known as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has consistently failed to protect those living near mining…
June 19, 2025 – Forty-nine years ago, on June 16, 1976, South African youth took to the streets, demanding dignity, education, and freedom. They stood against oppression, fearless in the face of bullets and brutality. Nearly half a century later, the same spirit of resistance is alive in communities like Carolina and Breyten, where young…