On the 16th of June, South Africa will be celebrating Youth Day.
Recognising that the climate crisis is one of the gravest threats to the future of today’s youth, 350 Africa is calling on South Africans to rise up for climate justice this Youth Day. It’s time to stand together and call on our government and leaders to take ambitious and rapid action on a transformative climate justice agenda to tackle not only the climate crisis but the interlinked crises of unemployment, inequality and poverty facing South Africa’s youth.
We are calling on people, young and old, take part in actions, rallies, events, art installations, and teach-ins at schools, workplaces, provincial legislatures, city halls, and other public spaces across the country. We plan to start on Friday the 14th of June (in honour of and partnership with the youth-led Fridays for Future Movement, which has been leading school strikes across the world) and have events until Youth Day is observed on the 17th of June. Although June is Youth Month too so actions can take place throughout the month too, and not only in South Africa but across the continent.
We at 350 Africa are already working with partners to hold rallies and creative actions across South Africa. We are planning rallies actions at places like Calata House in King Williams Town, Parliament in Cape Town, and the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where we will be calling on lawmakers and leaders to take rapid and ambitious action on climate justice. We are also working with youth, community and school groups across the country who will be holding community discussions, events, and rallies on climate justice.
2) Newcastle Environmental Justice Alliance 16 June 2019 Durnacol, Kwazulu Natal Climate Change workshop for the youth.
3) In Durban, the Mayini Azanian Movement and Oceans Not Oil will organize a climate justice rally and workshop on June 16th.During Youth Day, and throughout Youth Month we would also like to use the hashtag #YouthDemandClimateJustice
To elevate the Youth’s demands for climate justice, and as a way to raise the issue on social media, and provide space to reflect on the climate crisis, why people care, what sort of vision of the future they want, and how we can work together to build it. We welcome not only use of the hashtag on social media, but in opinion pieces, radio discussions, and community forums.
It is long past time we launched a massive nationwide mobilisation to equitably transform South Africa to a renewable energy-powered, socially and ecologically just future. As part of that vision, we need major green jobs, training, upskilling and reskilling programs so young South Africans can make a living playing an active part in creating a better future for all.
If you are interested in joining, being part of the action, helping organise an event of your own, or have any feedback, comments or concerns, please contact Alex Lenferna (alex.lenferna@350.org) and/or Ahmed Mokgopo (ahmed@350.org). Please feel free to spread the word too, as we’d like as many people as possible involved, taking action, and building the political will for climate justice.