Environmental group hosts women’s rally

TO mark the end of Women’s Month, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance’s Richards Bay branch hosted a women’s rally.

The event sought to highlight women and climate change.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Comrades crawl as KZN runner claims fourth

The theme of the day was ‘Women Against Oil and Gas’, and brought together 100 ladies from in and around

Richards Bay and surrounding areas, including Mtubutuba, Mtunzini, Dokodweni and eMfuleni.

Dawn Wayde (Mtunzini), Zodwa Khumalo (eMfuleni) and Clare Campbell (Mtunzini) gave moving speeches as they highlighted the various work they carry out in their communities, such as counselling young victims of rape, women in the fishing industry, and how oil and gas affect them.

They also spoke about the impacts of seismic surveys along our coast, proposed developments like Karpowership, and the renewable alternatives to oil and gas-based power.

“Women are affected more when natural disasters hit. The rebuilding and construction work that come after, for example, floods are male-dominated, while the women are left to fend for their households.

“Oil and gas developments will do the same. It will destroy the oceans and many people who rely on the ocean will suffer.

“Fishermen will not be able to catch fish, on which many rely as a source of food and income.

“Traditional healers who use the ocean to heal people will not be able to continue. South Africa is a largely tourist area, so cutting off access to the beach, as well as its destruction, will do away with that entire industry,” said SDCEA’s Just Energy transition and environmental justice project officer Tanica Naidoo.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer