By Asanda Magadla
South Africa is not exempt from the challenges posed by climate change. In recent years, the country has witnessed a shift in weather patterns, leading to adverse effects on its environment. The Rural Women’s Assembly of South Africa has taken proactive steps to educate communities about the implications of climate change, recognizing its widespread impact on households across the nation. It is imperative for the government to engage in collaborative efforts with community-based organizations to combat the effects of climate change. A significant portion, approximately 70%, of South African citizens attribute the cause of climate change to pollution and improper waste disposal, with deforestation also playing a substantial role in exacerbating the crisis. In response to these pressing issues, the government introduced a climate change crisis bill in 2022, inviting public participation in shaping the legislation, which was subsequently passed on October 24, 2023.
The aftermath of the floods that struck the Eastern Cape in June 2024 left a devastating impact on the local population. Heavy rainfall resulted in numerous families losing their homes and essential resources, with certain areas even experiencing uncharacteristic snowfall. The disaster unfolded over a two-week period, reminiscent of similar flood events in the preceding years that claimed the lives of two individuals. The municipalities most severely affected were Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Municipality. Organizations such as the Rural Women’s Assembly provided crucial emotional support to those adversely affected, particularly small-scale farmers. This year’s floods tragically claimed the lives of 10 individuals, prompting a compassionate response from the community towards the bereaved families.
The regions of Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal have also felt the repercussions of the climate change crisis. KwaZulu Natal bore witness to tornadoes and veld fires within a short timeframe, resulting in loss of life and livestock for small-scale farmers. Meanwhile, Cape Town grappled with prolonged flooding, submerging homes in the Western Cape region. The inclement weather brought about significant damage to communities, with over 160,000 individuals directly impacted by the storms in the Western Cape. The inundated roads, mudslides, and overflowing rivers not only caused material destruction but also claimed lives. Small-scale farmers and backyard gardeners faced substantial losses as their produce was washed away by the relentless rainfall that saturated the soil for nearly two weeks. The inability of the government to implement effective disaster risk management strategies was glaringly evident, with a lack of coordinated plans at the national, provincial, and local levels. Displaced communities found themselves overcrowded in shelters, where women and children were vulnerable to sexual violence and harassment. The reliance on humanitarian aid organizations for basic necessities underscored the absence of gender-sensitive budgeting priorities, leaving women and children disproportionately affected during disasters. Authorities struggled to comprehend the reluctance of residents, particularly in informal settlements, to evacuate their homes, prioritizing the protection of large-scale agriculture over the prevention of flooding in informal dwellings. Prior to the floods, women from the Cape Wine lands area engaged in climate change workshops and feminist discussions. Ongoing dialogues are planned to assess the full impact, both material and psychological, of the devastating storms. On June 21, Celeste and Carmen participated in a stakeholder consultation on the “Draft National Climate Change Gender Action Plan,” facilitated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, emphasizing the intersectionality of climate change and gender dynamics.
The Rural Women’s Assembly in Free State province hosted a climate change workshop with over 20 women in attendance. The primary aim of the workshop was to enlighten women in the community about climate change and the ramifications of energy poverty. Spanning two days, the workshop took place in the locales of Excelsior and Botshabelo, with the Free State provincial coordinator leading the sessions. Women were imparted with knowledge and skills on crafting “Wonder Bags”, which serve as an innovative solution to energy scarcity by retaining food warmth in a cost-effective manner. The prevailing austerity measures have adversely affected many individuals, particularly women, making it challenging to sustain their families’ well-being. Furthermore, these women will have the opportunity to generate income by selling these Wonder Bags, thereby enhancing their livelihoods.
Agroecology is a method employed by small-scale farmers to mitigate the risks posed by climate change. Communities of small-scale farmers have convened to share insights on cultivating and harvesting organic produce. In the current era of climate change, ensuring food security is paramount for families. It is imperative for every household to possess a guerrilla garden to guarantee food security. The cost of food in South Africa is exorbitant, with research indicating that approximately 15.72% of the population resides below the poverty line. A significant challenge faced by women, particularly single and unemployed mothers, is the soaring rate of unemployment. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants emphasizes the entitlement of individuals to access food. Cultivating indigenous crops not only ensures a healthy lifestyle but also aligns with the stance of the Rural Women’s Assembly, which opposes the legalization of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) by the government. Many communities lack awareness regarding the adverse effects of GMOs on human health, prompting our provincial coordinators to actively educate the populace on the benefits of organic farming practices.
Provinces such as Northern Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Free State, and Limpopo have a unique opportunity this month to delve deeper into the intricacies of climate change and agroecology. RWA Western Cape played a pivotal role in facilitating a knowledge-sharing visit and the establishment of RWA in the Northern Cape region. A comprehensive workshop was organized focusing on agroecology, the concept of one woman managing one hectare of land, and the pressing issue of climate change. The Northern Cape province, known for its scorching weather conditions and persistent water scarcity challenges, served as the perfect backdrop for this educational initiative. The women in the province were empowered with both theoretical insights and practical skills related to agroecology, while also being sensitized to the urgent need for climate change awareness. The workshop saw active participation from over 30 women, all of whom expressed great enthusiasm and gratitude for being equipped with such valuable knowledge within their community of Springbok.
Our sisters in Libode convened a women’s session to address the pressing issues affecting the community. Within the rural landscape where Traditional Leaders hold dominion over land ownership, many women face significant challenges in obtaining land rights, as Chiefs predominantly allocate land to men. In the vicinity of Libode in the Eastern Cape, a workshop focusing on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants (UNDROP) was organized. More than 30 rural women participated in this enlightening workshop, where they were educated on the fundamental rights of peasants. Particularly in the community of Maphanga, women who have long awaited land allocations from the Chief can now rejoice as they have the opportunity to acquire land for agricultural purposes.
However, the climate change crisis did not deter our sisters from continuing their dedicated service to the community. Makukhanye revitalized the community spirit in the aftermath of the devastating floods that inflicted significant damage on a community where numerous small-scale farmers bore the brunt of the destruction. She conducted a workshop on Agroecology, drawing the participation of women and young girls. The Despatch community, situated in the Nelson Mandela Bay, grapples with high levels of unemployment. The Agroecology workshop proved instrumental in empowering families to achieve self-reliance, encouraging them to utilize backyard gardens as a means of sustenance and combating poverty.
The Raymond Mhlaba municipality in Alice was graced with a visit from our esteemed sisters who extended invitations to 20 women for a thought-provoking women’s dialogue. Women, in their daily lives, often require emotional sustenance to navigate through various challenges. Presently, a notable number of women are grappling with mental health afflictions, with statistics indicating that one in five women in South Africa endure the burdens of anxiety and depression. Capacity building stands as a paramount tool in empowering individuals with essential skills and knowledge. The session, skillfully coordinated by our sisters in the Buffalo City Municipality (Eastern Cape RWA), proved to be a resounding success.
When women advocate for land access, they aim to nurture the land in order to receive its reciprocal care. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our sisters in the Vaal, Gauteng, a substantial 2-hectare plot has been secured for the women in our community who are affiliated with our RWA. They have commenced cultivation on the land, igniting a wave of motivation among women eager to participate in this initiative. Acquiring land is often a formidable challenge for women, yet our determined sisters have successfully obtained this land to bolster livelihoods and ensure food sovereignty. The “One Woman One Hectare” initiative stands as a crucial step towards alleviating hunger and poverty. RWA remains steadfast in their pursuit of land rights, urging the government to acknowledge the tireless efforts of women and the indispensable role land plays in sustaining their families.
In the Western Cape Province, a vibrant Market Day was organized where our sisters showcased an array of products including fresh vegetables, fish, coffee, and honey. The community of Mowbray and its environs wholeheartedly supported the women, generating a positive response. These Market Days are held monthly, providing our sisters with a platform to vend their produce. The women find immense inspiration and motivation from these market events, recognizing the challenges of accessing retail markets. Such opportunities are invaluable to small-scale farmers and must be fully embraced and utilized.
Rural Women’s Assembly of South Africa urges our government to promptly enact the policies and legislation on climate change pledged at the Cop28 conference. Increased funding is imperative to combat the adverse effects contributing to climate change, such as fossil fuels. The repercussions of climate disasters often result in prolonged recovery periods. Collaborative efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions and other detrimental factors driving climate change are paramount. Presently, we grapple with trepidation due to the shifting weather patterns, which adversely impact small-scale farmers who have toiled diligently for their families.
