By Asanda Magadla
South Africa’s participation in this year’s Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN) event was primarily centered on fostering resilience in the face of the challenges posed by climate change. The summit took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, and brought together delegates from diverse sectors of society. The Rural Women Assembly (RWA) took the opportunity to shed light on the adversities experienced by women in rural areas. In recent years, countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have been grappling with severe floods. South Africa, having experienced a range of unpredictable weather patterns, stands out as one of the nations significantly affected by these changes. As representatives of the Rural Women Assembly of South Africa at SAPSN, our objective is to effectively convey to government officials from SADC and the United Nations the grave implications of the climate change crisis, particularly on women.
South Africa was well-represented with over 100 women participating from their respective provinces. These women demonstrated unwavering support for our sisters in Zimbabwe. The Rural Women Assembly delivered a powerful message outlining their demands to SADC. The event took place on the 16th of August 2024, with our sisters also participating remotely. Our communication to the Head of State emphasizes that the demands of the South African Rural Women Assembly must be acknowledged and addressed. These are pressing issues that significantly impact women on a daily basis and require immediate attention.
South African food security is gradually emerging as a pressing issue due to the lack of governmental support. Failure to address the policies and legislation concerning food security will pose significant challenges, especially for women who often serve as the primary breadwinners in their households. Many rural communities continue to struggle with Land and Agrarian Reform that does not adequately benefit women. Our “One Woman, One Hectare” initiative aims to mobilize women to unite their voices in advocating for governmental reform. The land that women are advocating for should include rights to access water. The Rural Women’s Assembly plays a pivotal role in empowering women to comprehend their rights, particularly as a member of SASPN. We are committed to ensuring that rural women are well-versed in their South African rights. The UNDROP has simplified peasants’ rights to empower women who may feel marginalized by the legal system. Despite previous unfulfilled promises such as the Maputo Declaration, the Rural Women’s Assembly is urging the government to promptly implement these agreements without further delays. The SASPN must prioritize the demands of its members to prevent unresolved issues.
The following are the demands to SADC from our rural women in South Africa:
1. Abolish the Green Revolution, Implement Agroecology: We call on SADC to end the Green Revolution policies that have marginalized small-scale farmers. In it’s place,we demand the implementation of agroecology practices that are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and rooted in traditional agricultural knowledge.
2. Allocate 10% of CAADP to Agroecology: We demand that 10% of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) budget be directed toward agroecology practices. This will ensure sustainable food systems and the empowerment of rural communities.
3. Protect and Promote Indigenous Seeds and Knowledge: SADC must abolish seed laws that undermine our traditional seeds and indigenous knowledge. These laws threaten our food sovereignty and cultural heritage. Additionally, we demand the decriminalization of the use,sharing, selling, and multiplication of traditional seeds across the region.
4. Recognition of Indigenous Seeds in Seed Laws: We demand that indigenous seeds be recognised and protected under current seed laws and policies, including being added to Plant Breeders’ Rights. This recognition is crucial for the preservation of our agricultural heritage and food sovereignty.
5. Inclusion of Small-Scale Farmers in UNDROP Policy Drafting: Small- scale farmers must be involved in drafting policies related to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas(UNDROP). Their participation is essential to ensure that their rights and needs are fully represented and protected.
6. Immediate Implementation of UNDROP: We call for the immediate Implementation of UNDROP by all SADC member states to guarantee that the rights of peasants and rural workers are respected.
7. Access to Climate Change Fund for Small-Scale Farmers: We demand immediate access to climate funds for small- scale farmers to support climate change resilience and adaptation. This includes access to water and seeds to break the cycle of poverty and improve the economic livelihoods of women.
8. Ban Harmful Pesticides Across SADC:We demand the banning of harmful pesticides across the SADC region to protect the health of our communities and the environment.
9. Subsidies for Small-Scale Farmers: We call for the implementation of subsidies for small-scale farmers, which will support sustainable agricultural practices and ensure food sovereignty for our communities.
10. Implement the Maputo Declaration: The commitments made in the Maputo Declaration must be fulfilled,with a particular focus on ensuring that at least 5% of agricultural budgets are allocated to support rural women,who are the backbone of food production in their region.
11. Allocate Budgets to Combat GBV and Femicide: SADC states must allocate sufficient budgets to address gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide,recognizing these issues as critical to achieving gender equity and social justice.
12. Support for Women Producers and Land Rights: Implement the “One Woman, One Hectare of Land with Water ” campaign to ensure women have access to land and water for agriculture. Support the recognition and protection of land rights, including surface and subsurface ownership (“BO en ONDER ground “).
13. Opposition to Harmful Practices and Pollution: Ban the promotion and use of GMOs, harmful chemicals, and pesticides. Enforce measures to stop pollution, hold polluters accountable, and prevent waste dumping and incineration near residential areas.
14. Promotion of Sustainable Alternatives: Support and invest in renewable energy, agroecology,waste management, and bio- digesters as sustainable alternatives to harmful pesticides.
15. Just Transition and Food System Transformation: Advocate for a Just Transition that includes equitable and sustainable food systems, ensuring social, economic, and environmental resilience.
