How environmental activism can be a light in the quest for change in South Africa – 1976 Dream

It has been 45 years since the Soweto uprising where students were ambushed by the apartheid regime. Whilst facing oppression through the Bantu education act, lives were lost in search for change of the educational act that was only changed in 1979 to The Education and training act which continued the system of racially segregated education that had a few changes from the Bantu education system (1). The act was amended but it felt like it was repackaged in a pleasant way to halt the protests.

The question that should be asked is if we are facing socio-economic oppression. I would like to propose that the systems that were in place were a foundational phase of the systems we see today, where black students are now educated but still face difficulties due to the high unemployment rate of South Africa (2). The struggle has shifted from educational to conservational. Change does not have to take time if the intentions are pursued with plans and action.

The change from the Bantu education system to the education and training act did not incorporate issues like the environment, social and economic justice, the evidence is seen with the major socio-economic imbalance and the carbon footprint South Africa has established (3). All these aspects are interconnected, as the environment takes a toll through energy production methods that are not sustainable, the economy takes a toll through load shedding, air pollution and death through unsustainable mining which affects business operations. Social classism is evident as some places experience load shedding more than others, especially in areas where the mines are left with polluted air that created a standard of living that is not desirable. Making an informed decision that considers more than one field will drive the change that was longed for from 1976.

Environmental activism engages in environmental concerns that shape the decisions for social, political, and economic acts (4). Decisions made to favour one approach result in an imbalance in the standard of living, whereas when the environment is placed first the results would be beneficial for the majority. Environmental activism plays a crucial role in influencing legislature to enact laws that protect the environment. In 2021 the government is a danger to the environment and is seen through the youth unemployment recorded at 46.3% among 15-34-year-olds during the first quarter of 2021 (5).

Ideologies, policies, and laws that still favour a life that does not account for the environment first is one of the issues faced. The local government elections will be a topic of discussion yet again but let us have a look as to whether the government and opposing parties are putting the environment first in decision making for voters.

Section 24 of the constitution states: “everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation, promote conservation and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”.

Section 24 is particularly important in deciding about where your vote should go. The education system is functional as more and more young black students are being educated enough to handle the new world and propel it to newer heights. In an article in the Daily Maverick the political parties in South Africa were put in contrast as to how serious they take the Environmental act. The parties were conscious of the Act and outline green mining, air pollution, renewable energy and education and poverty (3).

Green mining is a concept that will keep the mining industry alive by killing it first. Mines would have to be officially closed before the ideas of green mining can commence. Only 1% of mines in Mpumalanga (SA’s biggest mining province) were declared officially closed which makes us wonder why implementation of green mining has not been given a front seat regarding the issues of section 24 of the constitution (3). Criminal charges will be set in place to be but a band-aid over the wound, when the R60b that was issued in 2017 for environmental rehab should be tapped into, the funds can only be used once a mine is officially closed (3). What will happen to the money when the concept is not fully understood.

Air pollution was another topic that was part of the agenda focused on support for section 24 of the constitution. The deaths that occur due to mining are costly to the economy as R18b goes out to mediate the deaths that are results of the mining industry (3).

The renewable energy concept is one that is not even enforced as South Africa is considered a place with a lot of coal that can offer low-cost electricity which is not true as Eskom are in debt and cannot offer electricity to everyone at a stable state (3).

The fight in 2021 has been one of information to make informed decisions. If this is a democratic nation, accountability for acts and laws that are being violated needs to be addressed. The youth of 1976 put their lives on the line for the quality of education to be considerate of black students. The black students and many others that are not black have benefited in the change of the education system to a point where we see the violation of human rights. It is now our turn to implement the benefits of the educational changes that they have strived for and use it to make wise decisions about our environment that in turn looks out for our social, economic, and environmental.

Live green, see green,

Njabulo

References

(1) African Travel Canvas (2021). Why We Celebrate Youth Day on 16 June. African Travel Canvas.[ONLINE] Available from: https://africantravelcanvas.com/experiences/history-and-politics/hector-pieterson-and-the-soweto-uprising-why-we-celebrate-youth-day-on-16-june/ (Accessed 15/06/2021).

(2) South African Government (2021). National Youth Commission Act 19 of 1996 [repealed]. South African Government. [ONLINE] Available from: https://www.gov.za/documents/national-youth-commission-act (Accessed 15/06/2021).

(3) Mazomba, S., Klaasen, G., Farrell, S. R. (2021). South Africa’s nationally determined plan for climate change must be more ambitious, say nation’s youth. Mail and Guardian. [ONLINE] Available from: https://mg.co.za/opinion/2021-06-04-south-africas-nationally-determined-contribution-plan-for-climate-change-must-be-more-ambitious-say-nations-youth/ (Accessed 15/06/2021).

(4) Rinkesh (No date). What is Environmental Activism? Conserve, Energy, Future. [ONLINE] Available from: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/importance-types-examples-environmental-activism.php (15/06/2021).

(5) BusinessTech (2021). Ramaphosa on South Africa’s 46% youth unemployment problem. [ONLINE] Available from: https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/498177/ramaphosa-on-south-africas-46-youth-unemployment-problem/ (Accessed 15/06/2021).

(6) Warnich, B. (2018). Environmental Right in Terms of the Constitution. [ONLINE] Available from: https://www.polity.org.za/article/environmental-right-in-terms-of-the-constitution-2018-02-14 (Accessed 15/06/2021).