On Wednesday, the Morning Cruise show welcomed Makoma Lekalakala, the director of Earthlife Africa.
About Earthlife Africa
Earthlife Africa is an environmental justice organization, founded in 1988. Earthlife Africa’s mission is to empower citizens to take action against the government and stand up for their environmental rights.
Key Themes for Earthlife Africa
-The protection of biodiversity—plants, animals, resources
-Advocating for a movement to a low-carbon economy
-Maintain an ecological balance
“If we don’t have an ecological balance, we won’t live,” said Lekalalaka. “We won’t live on a dead planet.”
How is Africa doing?
Morning Cruise host Khusi asked Lekalaka if she thought South Africa, or Africa as a whole, were moving in the right direction to improve climate change.
In response, Lekalaka said that she believed biodiversity all over the continent is very threatened. She stated that over-hunting, over-fishing, over-harvesting are still rampant problems which are significantly hurting the planet.
However, Lekalaka stated that South Africa is one of the leading countries in positive climate change efforts.
Biodiversity and Indigenous Rights
Lekalaka said that environmental threats are also threats to our dignity.
“Our people’s cultures and traditions are embedded in nature,” said Lekalaka.
The Earthlife Africa Director explained that uprooting a tree may seem like nothing to some, but it can have significant impacts on the culture of a community. Nature that is used for burials, prayers, and rituals are all functioning and sacred parts of African communities.
Lekalaka said that the African people are taking action to protect their homes and stop climate change.
”We all have a right to life, and we cannot allow anyone to come in and destroy it at the expense of our life,” said Lekalaka.
If you want to learn more about Earthlife Africa, click here.
Listen to the interview here
Presentor: Mkuseli Khusi Veto
Producer: Nikoletta Anagnostou
Written by Nikoletta Anagnostou
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