A manifesto to fight against the direct effects of climate change was drafted by the Mpungose community of Eshowe, Northern KwaZulu Natal this week.
The manifesto paves the way for community-driven responses to environmental matters that negatively impact the daily lives of many South Africans.
This collaboration spearheaded by Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose, traditional leader of the Eshowe district and the founder of Bezekela Community Foundation, the Mpungose community of Eshowe, and ALL RISE – Attorneys for Climate and Environmental Justice – resulted in the first community-based climate change workshop in the country.
It was held with the Mpungose Traditional Authority to create the community’s official climate manifesto.
The purpose of this gathering was to discuss the impacts of climate change on the community, what responses are being taken on a national level, and what can be done to mitigate the negative impacts both as individuals and as a community.
Over 40 delegates including learners, educators, farmers, and leaders of the Mpungose community, attended the two-day workshop and contributed to the points that would make up the Mpungose Community Climate Change Manifesto.
“At ALL RISE, we’ve noticed a significant gap between national government and local communities, where often decisions are made about community members without their input. This initiative of a Climate Change Awareness Workshop aims to bring awareness to what is being done on a national and global scale to mitigate the impacts of climate change and how we can implement some of these ideas ourselves.
“We hope that workshops like this will be a way for our communities to be empowered, self-determine their futures, and input on decisions and developments in their areas,” said Janice Tooley, Director and founder of ALL RISE.
Outlined in the manifesto are several responsibilities and actions to be taken by the Mpungose community, such as actively participating in the conservation of natural resources and wildlife, promoting indigenous knowledge, participating in global climate action and creating awareness.
Click here to access the manifesto.
