POLOKWANE – SAWAU recently joined Earthlife Africa, groundwork and 350.org in a campaign to break free from fossil fuels.
In South Africa thousands of people have been negatively impacted by mining, fuel plants and coal fired power stations.
Although these industries supply work to many, the costs on the people and the environment are simply too high.
As women, members of the organisation feel that the health of their families, clean water and clean air are not negotiable.
In Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo people are badly affected by poor air quality due to pollution of coal fired power stations.Water quality and availability has become a huge issue throughout the country.
“We believe there are alternatives that will generate power and generate jobs without generating so much pollution, death and destruction,” says SAWAU President, Tharina Rossel.
“Conserving the environment is of utmost importance, not only so that our children and grandchildren can also enjoy the irreplaceable beauty of our country, but also because nature feeds and nurtures us.
“Food security is becoming a critical issue for South Africans, who had been used to so much bounty.
“We want our children to grow up in a healthy, non-toxic environment and our families to be safe. This is not only a basic need, but a basic right.”