The Climate Justice Coalition (CJC) is a South African coalition of over 60 trade unions, civil society, grassroots, and community-based organisations. It is a powerful movement taking on the climate crisis by advancing a transformative climate justice agenda, which works to overcome the deep inequality, poverty and multiple injustices that South A…

Why trade unions are worried about electricity market reforms. In this episode, Trevor Shaku, the national spokesperson of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), talks to host Alex Lenferna about the major electricity market reforms underway in South Africa. The discussion revolves around South Africa's electricity future and the gov…

Unpacking the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill. The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, also known as the Spy Bill, aims to put into action certain suggestions from a review panel regarding the State Security Agency. However, it has sparked significant worry among South African civil society groups. In this episode, CJC coordinator Bu…

Why social ownership of renewable energy is key. In this episode, Janet Cherry (Professor of Development Studies and renowned anti-Apartheid activist) speaks to us about the exciting work she has been doing on the social ownership of renewable energy. The episode host, Alex Lenferna, speaks to Janet about the team she has been leading, and the rese…

In this episode, Cleo, an organiser with the Climate Justice Coalition (CJC), sheds light on Mpumalanga's plight - a province ravaged by coal mining and pollution. Cleo goes into detail about its impacts on local communities which include respiratory issues among children, dirty and unsafe water, women being exploited for jobs, and government failu…

How trade unions & climate justice activists can transform the world. In this podcast episode, we speak to Ruth Ntlokotse, the president of the South African Federation of Trade Unions and a new coordinator of the Climate Justice Coalition. We speak to her about the important role that trade unions have to play in the climate justice movement. We d…

Why is there massive opposition of Karpowerships within coastal towns of South Africa? The Green Connection and a Small-Scale Fisher talk about the risks of Karpowerships. Bringing about their advocacy actions and stories relating to their journey to oppose the power ships, along with sharing the myths and reality of Karpowerships, from research co…

Part 2: How this industrial development threatens rural communities livelihoods. In this episode, we delve into how this coal-fuelled industrial development threatens rural communities living in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province and the extent to which it is driving a corporate land grab in the region and the failings of the Public Participat…

Part 1: Why should we be concerned and how is it being challenged legally? In this episode, the first in a two-part series unpacking the significant dangers posed by the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ), host Robert Krause of Centre for Applied Legal Studies speaks to Lauren Liebenberg of Living Limpopo and Heard Reserve, and Kirsten Yo…

Telling the story of Mpumalanga's difficult energy transition. In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions surrounding South Africa’s energy and climate crisis - how do we ensure a just energy transition for the people of Mpumalanga? Mpumalanga is the province most heavily dependent on coal for its economy and livelihoods. It account…

Addressing the deep traumas faced by our young climate activists. We must address the deep traumas faced by those who are fighting in our social movements. When we fail to care for and acknowledge them and their trauma, we risk burnout of activists themselves and the movement as a whole. The climate justice movement is no different. Recognising tha…

Learning from COSATU's radical vision of a just transition. In this episode, we speak to Lebogang Mulaisi, the labour market policy coordinator at the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and a commissioner on the Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission. Lebogang coordinates and implements COSATU's labour market policy and th…

Defining climate change as a health issue. Health, as we understand it, should be considered central to climate change. Climate change will have profound impacts on people and public health. In this episode, we speak to guests who work at the intersection between coal, climate, energy, and health. We reflect on the outcomes of the 2022 United Natio…

Can the national budget advance adaptation efforts and climate justice? The need to mitigate and adapt to the realities of the climate crisis in these and other sectors has become increasingly apparent. This episode will focus on the adaptation pillar of climate action. Climate change adaptation means anticipating the adverse effects of climate cha…

An analysis of the Climate Change Bill for activists. The tabling of the Climate Change Bill before parliament represents an important moment in tackling climate change, the most severe crisis facing the future of humanity and the planet. As impacts of the climate crisis are especially keenly felt by the Black working class, and marginalised groups…

A people's tribunal putting the government on trial for its crimes Guests: Cleopatra Shezi (United Front) In this special episode of Just Us and the Climate, we take you to a live People's Tribunal, entitled the People of South Africa versus the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). We hear stories from people across the country about …

Seismic surveys on South Africa's east and west coasts Guests: Nonhle Mbuthuma (Amadiba Crisis Committee) Sinegugu Zukulu (Sustaining the Wild Coast) Wilmien Wicomb (Legal Resources Center) Christian Adams (Steenberg Cove Small Scale Fishers Community) Dr Mnqobi Ngubane and Moenieba Isaacs (Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies) Big corp…

Can climate finance unlock South Africa's just energy transition? Guests: Nina Callaghan (Centre for Sustainability Transitions) Dr Emily Tyler (Meridian Economics) In this episode, we dive into the details (or lack thereof) surrounding South Africa's major R130 billion climate finance deal announced at the COP 26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow. Nina…

An exploration of how extractivism creates environmental, social and climate justice. Host: Robert.Krause (Researcher: Environmental Justice | Wits) Guests: Nomakhosazana Precious Nomnqa (Women Affected by Mining United in Action – WAMUA) Ramabina Mahapa (Land and Accountability Research Centre – LARC) Patrick Bond (Professor of Sociology, Universi…

Guests in this episode: James Irlam (PHASA) Thandile Chinyavanhu (Greenpeace Africa) Thomas Mnguni (groundWork) With three exciting and considered guests and hosted by SECTION27, this episode is in conversation about the impact of climate change on health, honing in on the consequences of poor quality air on population morbidity and mortality. The …

With Mandy Rambharos (Eskom | Head of the Just Energy Transition Office) In this episode Mandy Rambharos, head of Eskom's Just Energy Transition office, speaks to Dr Alex Lenferna, the secretary of the Climate Justice Coalition and campaigner with 350Africa.org. The episode focuses on Eskom, the biggest polluter on the African continent, and how it…

Brenda Martin (Director: Careers Service at University of Cape Town) Just transitions have featured regularly in national-level conversations in South Africa around its energy transition plans and climate change policies and commitments. In this episode, with climate policy expert Brenda Martin we unpack “Climate Policy in a Developmental State” an…

What happens when conflict arises from depleting natural resources? Thando Lukuko (Mansa advisory | Director) Rev. Oscar Siwali (SADRA | Director) This episode looks at the impacts of climate change policy decisions for frontline communities across southern Africa. We explore what climate science predicts for the region and what it means for the po…

Exploring gender and climate justice Alex Lenferna (350Africa.org) Mpai Nkali (Women Affected by Mining United in Action) Francina Nkosi (Waterberg Women's Advocacy Organisation) Join us as we explore climate, environmental and gender justice for women on the frontlines of extractive and polluting industries. Francina shares her experiences and ins…

Climate Justice now! - Young climate justice activists want schools to teach about climate change Boitumelo Masipa (Section27) Raeesah Noor Mahomed (Parktown Girls) Awande Duma (SA YCCC ) Liyema Saliwa (Equal Education | Equaliser) In this episode, we explore the intersection between the right to basic education and climate. Speaking with three you…

Unpacking the impact of South Africa's water woes on women Jennifer Wells (Amnesty International | Campaigner) Nabeelah Mia (Centre for Environmental Rights | Attorney) Tatenda Muponde (Centre for Environmental Rights | Candidate Attorney) In this episode, Jennifer Wells talks to an all-star female line up as she welcomes guests Nabeelah Mia and Ta…

Ndi mini, na hone iri kwama hani? Khodani Mulaudzi (WWF South Africa | Research and Project coordinator) Vhalinavho Khavhagali (Palladium | South Africa Country Facilitator - Climate and Environment) Pfunzo Mudau (British High Commission | Policy and Campaigns Officer - Climate Change and Energy) The episode conducted in Tshivenda, presents the bas…

Is climate justice taken seriously in South Africa? Tumi Masipa (section27.org.za) Alex Lenferna (350Africa.org) Caroline Ntaopane (Womin) General Moyo (Makause Community Development forum) In this episode, we speak with few members from the Climate Justice Coalition (CJC) who tell us more about the work about the CJC and share a glimpse into upcom…

To recover from COVID-19 activists are calling for a just recovery Alex Lenferna (350Africa.org) Sonia Phalatse (Institute for Economic Justice) Carilee Osborne (Institute for Economic Justice) In this episode Sonia Phalatse and Carilee Osborne from the Institute for Economic Justice talks to Climate Justice Coalition secretary Alex Lenferna about …