Locals ask for Climate Justice

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - A protest calling for climate justice in the Karoo, as well as in South Africa, was underway in Graaff-Reinet in Caledon Street on Friday 16 October shortly before noon.

The protest coincided with World Food Day and called for an end to hunger, thirst, pollution and climate harm. Multiple organisations, such as the NGO Support Centre for Land Change (SCLC) and climate activists Afrika Vuka, supported the cause.

The SCLC, with the support of 170 organisations, handed over a Climate Justice Charter to Parliament the same day, at 14:00.

"Together, we can help ensure Parliament brings an end to water problems, hunger and solution," a statement by the organisation read. "We want action!".

Residents from Graaff-Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda, Klipplaat and Steytlerville participated in the protest.

"We want to show or support to those [doing the handover] in Parliament," a participant told the Advertiser. "We also do not want fracking to take place in the Karoo."

Photo: Paula-Ann Smit