More than 200 people representing 20 community organisations, part of the Eastern Cape Combined Environmental Forum (ECCEF), from Uitenhage/Kariega, Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, and Gqeberha, took to the streets of Kariega, Uitenhage on Thursday.
The Eastern Cape was rated as having the highest number of impoverished communities, alongside Limpopo, by the Southern African Regional Poverty Network.
The ECCEF led Thursday’s protest, supported by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, in demanding an urgent response from Government, to deal with the flood crisis and pollution, in vulnerable communities.
The July floods, destroyed infrastructure in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, leaving residents without access to clean water, safe roads, and basic services.
The ECCEF, has used this recent incident, to raise a voice for all vulnerable communities.
In a statement, the organisation said “communities are calling for a coordinated, robust response to natural disasters – particularly in regions like Uitenhage and surrounding areas, where climate-related catastrophes have become increasingly frequent.”
Local activist from KwanoBuhle’s Ward 46, Xolelwa Magalakanqa, from #FriendEnvironment, said “we marched to the municipal offices to remind the local government of the promises they’ve broken. kwaNobuhle has been without water for months. Our roads are dangerous, and pollution in the air is making everything worse. On top of that, companies are illegally dumping waste near where people live. Enough is enough! Municipalities must act now.”
The march also called for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, with many pointing out that industries in the region continue to pollute the air, putting public health and safety at risk.
Melikhaya Blani, Chairperson of Hlumani Nande Environmental Ambassadors, said “we’ve joined this march to stand with Uitenhage, which has suffered firsthand from climate change disasters. It’s time authorities enforce the environmental bylaws that already exist.”
In addition to advocating for stricter policies on pollution, community leaders urged local and national governments to take a more proactive approach to disaster management and climate resilience.
Thandokazi Hewu from the Zwide-based Lean On Me organisation, said, in addition to points raised, there is a need for improved disaster response and education.
Earthlife Africa Johannesburg expressed its commitment to standing with these communities.
The environmental justice organisation’s Thabo Sibeko said, “we are here to support the ECCEF and their partners in amplifying these urgent climate issues. The recent floods are just one example of how hard climate change is hitting our communities. The residents of kwaNobuhle have been suffering from severe air pollution, which not only affects their health and wellbeing but also worsens global warming and increases the likelihood of future disasters.”
Picture: Earthlife Africa Johannesburg’s Thabo Sibeko joined the march. He says the recent floods are just one example of the impact of climate change on communities like kwaNobuhle.