Come and learn how to facilitate truly transformational, deep dialogue aligned to the vision of healing our past and present in order to create a more empowered, active South African citizenship now and for the future. “No-Name Initiative” (NNI) was launched in South Africa as a non-profit initiative to create true dialogue in families, communities, towns, countries, across … [Read more...]
Time for transition in South Africa
“In Transition 2.0” is a film that offers hope and resilience in challenging times. It was a pleasure to be part of the audience at the Eco Film Festival this month at the Labia in Gardens. For me the film presents a tried and tested opportunity for change. Very real change from a grassroots movement that is starting to gain ground in a time when we are looking for answers to … [Read more...]
The “Million Trees Project” Tree-a-thon
the “Million Trees Project” is a partnership between the Stellenbosch Municipality, Leaf-a-Legacy and Wildlands which aims to plant up to one million trees in and around Stellenbosch. On the 10th of April 2014 up to 3000 trees will be planted in and around Klapmuts, as part of a Tree-a-thon, the first of many of its kind set to be held in the Stellenbosch municipal area. … [Read more...]
The cost of coal fired power stations to people and planet
When building new coal fired power stations, are those bent on this path for energy provision factoring in the cost to human health and the environment? In recent years, South Africa has experienced power deficits and load shedding. Subsequently, the SA government had started building new power stations in order to supplement the country’s socio-economic energy demands. This … [Read more...]
City cancels Princess Vlei shopping centre project
The City of Cape Town has listened to the community and decided that the proposal for a shopping centre on the Princess Vlei land is inappropriate and will cancel the project. As an inclusive city, we urge residents to work with us to develop an alternative vision for this land. The City of Cape Town has decided to cancel the proposed sale of a portion of the land at … [Read more...]
Mining boss found liable for company’s eco damage
Matome Maponya, the managing director of clay-mining company Blue Platinum Ventures, has become the first director in South Africa to be held personally liable for a mining-related environmental offense. The director of Blue Platinum, based in Tzaneen in Limpopo, was found guilty of causing environmental degradation outside Batlhabine village in Limpopo. The company had also … [Read more...]
Uniting to resolve Cape fishing permit crisis
Southern Peninsula faith leaders and clergy will unite this evening in support of fishing communities in serious crisis in the Western Cape. Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2014 Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Kalk Bay Time: 19h00 On New Year’s Eve, the long term fishing rights in eight fishing sectors expired and led to the fishing industry experiencing a … [Read more...]
My life for water
Why do lives have to be sacrificed before crucial human needs are addressed in this country? The water bubble finally burst when 4 people died in protest about poor water delivery.This propelled the truth about water onto public platforms. Do we really understand what it’s like to walk ten hours for one bucket of water? Up to the light comes the worm of corruption and … [Read more...]
Molewa responds to SA water crisis investigation
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa has responded to an Eyewitness News investigation into the state of South Africa’s water crisis. Speaking to 702 Talk Radio’s John Robbie, Molewa says government has adequate resources and will continue supplying communities with water. She says maintaining existing infrastructure is key. “Most of them are things we … [Read more...]
Community garden bulldozed in dead of night
A developer bulldozed a beloved community garden in Coney Island, New York on Saturday to make way for an amphitheater — uprooting 20 chickens on a decades-old plot that survived Hurricane Sandy. Construction workers entered the Boardwalk Garden under the cover of darkness and chucked tools and wheelbarrows, along with farm fowl and a colony of feral cats, activists … [Read more...]
Dying for water in Brits
Two men were shot dead, apparently by police, while residents of Madibeng municipality were protesting about the fact that they had been deprived of water for almost a week. Ficksburg. Marikana. Robertson. Cato Crest. Very different South African places, many miles apart, which have all seen citizens who were demonstrating for an improvement in their living conditions killed … [Read more...]
SA water challenge Part 2: Conflicts over water interests
The challenges with water as our life giving and most threatened resource, especially in Africa, continues to be one of our core focus areas of this year. In our last issue Green Times student Allen Tshautshau examined the scope of this crucial issue. In this article he analyses the conflicts arising from competition for water. The current water scarcity has induced … [Read more...]
Inter-connectedness facilitates peace
To do justice means to live in a way that generates a strong community where humans flourish. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice. -ADR Network SA It is an honour to write for the Green Times and to become part of a significant and advancing community. We are a private agency, ADR Network SA, engaged in Dispute Resolution, … [Read more...]
