In a fervent plea to President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s esteemed environmental champions, including Liziwe McDaid, Makoma Lekalakala, Desmond D’Sa, Jonathan Deal, and Bobby Peek, have called for the immediate withdrawal of the National Petroleum Company Bill. The bill, which seeks to consolidate iGas, PetroSA, and the Strategic Fuel Fund into a single state-owned enterprise, has stirred controversy due to its potential promotion of further fossil fuel development.
The esteemed environmental leaders, recipients of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, are at the forefront of empowering grassroots communities to defend their environmental rights. They have voiced their concerns about the government’s contradictory stance on climate action, calling for a decisive move towards phasing out fossil fuels on the continent. They emphasize the need for genuine solutions and urge the President to steer clear of false promises like Carbon Capture and Storage.
Liziwe McDaid, the Strategic Lead at The Green Connection, criticizes the timing of the draft legislation, given the impending COP28 negotiations and the urgent need to curtail fossil fuel usage. The impact of climate change on South Africa is undeniable, with devastating events like severe droughts and catastrophic floods leading to immense economic and human losses.
Makoma Lekalakala, Director at Earthlife Africa, stresses the imperative of rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels. She emphasizes that the next three to five years will be pivotal in determining South Africa’s position in the global shift from fossil fuels. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental and social struggles and urges the government to invest in sustainable, renewable energy while empowering communities to participate fully in the transition.
Bobby Peek, Director at groundWork, denounces the government’s conflicting stance on renewables and its continued pursuit of oil, gas, and coal. He highlights the inherent contradictions that threaten to stifle progress towards a just transition, echoing the sentiments of renowned scholar Professor Patrick Bond.
The focus on financing for loss and damage at COP28 brings to light the significant financial support required by developing countries to address the impacts of climate change. With African countries facing a substantial adaptation gap, the need for support in implementing crucial adaptations to limit loss and damage is more evident than ever.
Jonathan Deal, CEO at Treasure Karoo Action Group, emphasizes the importance of ethical and courageous leadership in securing Africa’s long-term sustainability. He draws attention to the intrinsic link between the environment and the real economy, underscoring the critical role of visionary leaders in shaping the continent’s future.
Desmond D’Sa, representing the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, urges President Ramaphosa to prioritize the well-being of the country and its people over perpetuating the fossil fuel industry. He calls for a radical shift to address the far-reaching impacts of global warming, particularly on vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The impassioned plea from South Africa’s eco-warriors resonates beyond national borders, serving as a clarion call for global solidarity in combating the pressing challenges of climate change. As the world convenes at COP28, the urgency of genuine climate action and sustainable solutions looms large on the international stage.
