Just Us and the Climate - Climate Justice Coalition

This episode is for young South Africans, policymakers and activists who want an honest, ground-level conversation about how unemployment, the rising cost of living, climate change, and spatial inequality shape the daily realities of youth in townships, farming communities, and urban areas. Hosted by Snako Msi from Project 90 by 2030, this Youth Voices discussion on Just Us and the Climate brings together two young change-makers to speak candidly about what it means to be young in South Africa today - and what it will take to build a more just future.

Jasnine Anthony, an agroecology and…

Who gets to decide what South Africa’s green industrial future looks like? And what happens when communities, workers, and activists are placed at the centre of that vision?

In this episode, host Shaazia Ebrahim speaks with Tara Nair van Ryneveld and Motlatsi Makhasane about new research from the Climate Justice Coalition’s Economic Justice Working Group that explores bottom-up approaches to green industrialisation rooted in climate justice, democratic ownership, decent livelihoods, and ecological sustainability.

South Africa is experiencing a water paradox. Communities in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern and Western Cape have lost homes and loved ones to devastating floods, while members in communities across Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Free State struggle with contaminated water, failing infrastructure, and chronic shortages.

In this episode, we explore what it means to be "drowning while thirsting" and how climate change, inequality, and failing public infrastructure are reshaping everyday life. Through stories from affected communities, we examine who bears the burden of South Africa's water crisis and…

In this episode, we explore a new legal advisory report produced for the South African BDS Coalition, examining South Africa’s obligations in relation to the continued export of coal to Israel. Sunny Morgan of the PSA South Africa hosts SA BDS Coalition's Roshan Dadoo, and lawyer and author of the report, Sirhaan Ché Khan in discussion.

Grounded in international law, constitutional principles, and the lived realities of Palestinians, the conversation unpacks how decades of dispossession, occupation, and systemic violence intersect with global systems of trade and energy. We ask what it means…

In this special crossover episode, Just Us and the Climate partners with Radio Workshop to bring you Just Enough Light — a story about community, resilience, and the uneven path toward South Africa’s energy transition.

Before we dive into the story, host Shaazia Ebrahim speaks with Siya Mokoena, one of the reporters behind the episode. Siya shares how he got involved with Radio Workshop, what it was like to document life in Nomzamo, and the insights that emerged while telling this powerful story about hope, disappointment, and energy justice.

Then, we head to Nomzamo, Mpumalanga, a…

South Africa’s water and energy crises are national emergencies — but for women in rural and township communities, these crises are daily struggles.

In this special Women’s Month episode, we bring you the voices of women on the frontlines: those walking long distances to fetch water, cooking in the dark during load-shedding, keeping their families safe without public lighting, and managing households with scarce resources. Beyond survival, many of these women are also community organisers and activists: fighting for better service delivery, advocating for local solutions, and building…

This episode of Just Us and the Climate investigates the ongoing struggle to legalise artisanal mining in South Africa, focusing on the mining town of Stilfontein as a case study. The conversation is about how informal miners who, often vilified as illegal or criminal, are in fact survivors of economic exclusion, carrying historical knowledge and skills in a collapsing mining economy. The podcast sheds light on why formalising artisanal mining is a justice issue, both socio-economically and environmentally.

It unpacks the legal vacuum and policing of informal miners, the economic and…

From Plans to Power: How Communities Can Drive Change Through IDPs.

In this episode of Just Us and the Climate, we unpack a powerful yet often overlooked or misunderstood tool in the fight for social and climate justice: Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). Host Ferron Pedro explores how communities can make use of these strategic local government plans to drive real, equitable change on the ground — whether it's looking at housing, tackling drought in farming towns, or launching water conservation projects.

Listen to climate activist Motlatsi Makhasane talk about how to use the IDP process…

In this episode, Shaazia Ebrahim speaks to the outgoing leadership of the Climate Justice Coalition, as they reflect on the challenges, rewards, and lessons learnt from having led and grown the coalition from when it was just beginning just over five years ago.

Mbali Baduza and Alex Lenferna, the outgoing and inaugural deputy and general secretary of the coalition speak about the challenges of movement building, the importance of mental health, the need to be radical, and so much more. The conversation gives open, honest, and heartfelt insights into the difficulties, rewards, and lessons of…

The threat posed by coal and the MMSEZ to Limpopo's water resources.

This podcast episode is incendiary, a must-listen – affording a vivid insight into what economic colonialism means, and why it’s urgent that the public exercise their democratic right to participate in fundamental decisions about how Limpopo's scarce water resources will be exploited in the future to support the planned expansion of coal mining, development of a new coal field, and a dirty, foreign-owned industrial zone.

In this episode, host Robert Krause of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) a human rights…

What will a People's Power movement look like in South Africa?

In this episode, Francina Nkosi of the Waterberg Women's Advocacy Organisation leads a powerful discussion on the meaning and impact of People's Power. Joined by Thandi Tess Tshaka from the Botshabelo Unemployed Movement, Brighton Phiri of Nu-Climate Vision, Priyanka Naidoo from Green Connection, and Thumeka Magwangqana of the Sinethemba Women's Organisation, the panel explores what a People's Power movement could look like.

The conversation is set against the backdrop of the nationwide People's Power marches in March 2024,…

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 Africa faces.

In this episode, CJC General Secretary Alex Lenferna and Deputy Secretary General Mbali Baduza host a live session at the May 2024 Gathering tracing the Coalition's beginnings. They engage an audience of Coalition members on how the…

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 government's proposals for reforming the electricity sector, such as unbundling and the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill.

Trevor Shaku explains SAFTU's opposition to the privatisation of the electricity sector and the unbundling of Eskom, the…

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 Busisiwe Zasekhaya talks with Heidi Swart from Intelwatch about the proposed changes and why they're concerning for both civil society and regular citizens in South Africa.

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 research they undertook to understand what social ownership of renewable energy means, what the state of it is in South Africa, and how we can advance it.

Their research culminated in a report delivered to the Presidential Climate Commission with…

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 failures to regulate mines or support transition plans. Shaazia, digital and communications specialist at the CJC, speaks about upcoming People's Power marches against the draft Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) calling for safe, affordable and clean…

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 discuss how her workplace, which manufactures catalytic convertors, was shut down largely due to the transition to electric vehicles, and how the failures to protect workers demonstrates the need for a truly just transition.

We discuss a range of…

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 conducted. Moving forward, proposing solutions to the energy crisis, encouraging activism from the public and coastal communities to stand together and take action towards protecting their livelihoods and the environment.

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 Participation Process.

Host Lauren Liebenberg of Living Limpopo interviews Makoma Lekalakala of EarthLife Africa and Mphatheleni Makaulule of grassroots community organisation, Dzomo La Mupo, who have both been deeply involved in the campaign against this…

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 Youens of All Rise Attorneys.

Lauren, a leading voice in opposition to the MMSEZ will speak of the environmental and human rights dangers of this carbon-intensive heavy industrial development. Kirsten Youens, the attorney representing Living…

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 accounts for 80% of all South Africa's coal production and 76% of all electricity, generated primarily from 12 major coal-fired power stations, out of the 18 in the country.

Many people of Mpumalanga have a love-hate relationship with coal, as while it…

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 that trauma is not dispersed equally, young, Black, non-Black, people of colour, women, and queer climate activists shoulder a greater trauma load.

In this episode, Ferron speaks to youth climate activists Mbali, Shaazia, and Gabriel about how…

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 the just transition to a low-carbon economy. She joins host Alex Lenferna as they discuss why capitalism is at the root of the climate crisis, and why COSATU believes that a truly just transition must mean a radical transformation towards…

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 Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt, specifically about discussions relating to the health sector and climate change. Our guests weigh in on whether or not we are making meaningful progress towards defining climate change as a health…

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 change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimise the damage it can cause.

Government will have to develop and strengthen national and sectoral climate adaptation policies and ensure they are implemented. This will require significant…

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 (women, youth and persons living with disabilities etc), it is vital that the legal framework is developed in a manner that facilitates the broadest involvement and which contains mechanisms to ensure that prevention and adaptation measures…

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 how the policies and practices of the DMRE are harming them. We hear about the "crimes" that the DMRE is enabling against its own people, from air pollution to energy racism, climate chaos to load shedding, corruption to exclusion. We also…

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 corporations’ plans to blast marine life along South Africa’s wild coast and west coast galvanised activists and ordinary citizens to put a stop to it. But what exactly are the impacts on small scale fisher livelihoods and ocean conservation when…

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 Callaghan a researcher from the Centre for Sustainability Transitions and Dr Emily Tyler an economist from Meridian Economics, join our host climate justice campaigner Alex Lenferna from 350Africa.org. They talk about questions like: what role…

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, University of Johannesburg)

The often unchecked exploitation of South Africa’s so-called mineral wealth has destructive effects far beyond the obvious impact on the local environment.

Local communities bear the burden of a wide range of long-term…

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 association between the quality of an individual’s environment and their health is a well-documented concern articulated by experts on climate change and advocates for climate justice.

Research extensively points to air pollution as a health…

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 plans to enact a just energy transition away from polluting coal towards a renewable energy future. It discusses some of the positives of Eskom's plans and the opportunities it creates, such as Eskom's plans to secure international climate…

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” and we explore where we are, where we need to be and how we shall get there?

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 populations living in those areas. Specifically, the show focuses on the intersectionality between depleting natural resources (water, food insecurity etc.), livelihoods and the conflicts which may arise as a result.

We provide suggestions on how…

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 insights living next to one of the world's biggest coal power stations in Lephalale, Limpopo.

Mpai tells us about what it's like living with the toxic legacies left behind by mines in Welkom in the Free State. Together we explore questions like,…

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 young climate justice activists, we hear about how the school curriculum doesn't pay enough attention to issues around climate change or how climate change can be understood in the context of other topics and subjects. Young climate justice activists…

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 Tatenda Muponde from the Centre for Environmental Rights to the podcast. The right to water is enshrined in our constitution, however it is still not enjoyed by many in this country.

- Is climate change impacting our water?
- What does it mean to…

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 basics of climate change in a simplified way that breaks down the science and impacts of climate change without using overwhelming jargons. The episode aims to make climate change information accessible by presenting the episode in a local language,…

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 upcoming episodes of the 'Just Us and the Climate' podcast series. Representing different South African communities and organisations, our speakers highlight the climate challenges that face vulnerable communities and contend with whether the South…

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 the need for a just recovery to COVID-19. We explore why austerity will cause more pain for South Africa, and why we need to invest instead in building a more socially and ecologically just future.

Sonia and Carilee discuss a recent report they…