Earthlife Africa is a non-profit organisation, founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1988, that seeks a better life for all people without exploiting other people or degrading their environment. Earthlife Africa works to encourage and support individuals, businesses and industries to reduce pollution, minimise waste and protect our natural resources.

THABO SIBEKO

Earthlife Africa was formed in the late 80s by a group of student activists who formed the organization in response to environmental injustice issues and part of those issues were more related to radioactive waste as well as energy-related issues which they were encountering, particularly in local communities, but for the past fifteen, the organization evolved. There are a lot of changes. Generation to generation and they leave and pass it on to others; activists passing a baton to other activists to move on with the organization.

Thabo Sibeko is an Activist with 20 years of experience working with various communities using art and re-usable material towards the realisation of clean, affordable and sustainable energy in South Africa. Thabo is credited with partnering with women organisations in setting up a Sustainable Energy and Livelihood Project that gave women skills to install solar panels and build biodigesters in their communities, showcasing the benefit of renewable energy (RE) technologies. This project is now run by grassroots women aimed at supporting climate resiliency through socially-owned RE projects. As a coal campaigner, he works with coal affected communities in Limpopo discouraging the further development of new coal projects.

Ulrich Steenkamp is a vocal and dynamic environmental, youth and cultural activist. He has always cared about social justice matters especially growing up in a rich cultural and biologically diverse region. For the past fifteen years, he has been actively involved in civil society spaces and movements. He was the inaugural President of the Karoo Environmental Justice Movement, a community-based organisation in the Eastern and Western Cape that opposed and continues to challenge hydraulic fracturing and uranium mining in the Karoo.  He joined Earthlife Africa – Johannesburg in 2016 and is currently an Outreach and Education officer focusing on Anti-Nuclear Advocacy as well as Youth and Climate Change campaigns and mobilisation.

Bongiwe Matsoha currently works at Earthlife Africa as a Researcher/Energy Policy Officer. She is passionate and driven by research that makes a difference. Her current work focuses on implementing a ‘just transition in South Africa. Bongiwe has more than 5 years of experience in the Sustainability Sector and holds an MPhil degree in Environmental Management. She has gained broad experience in sustainable development, climate change and energy policy. Previously, she worked as a Sustainability (Carbon) Analyst, where she gained experience in carbon footprints, carbon tax and the Carbon and Water Disclosure Projects (CDP/WDP).

This interview was conducted by Mia Funk with the participation of collaborating universities and students. Associate Interviews Producer on this podcast was Corey Donnelly. Digital Media Coordinator is Hannah Story Brown.

Mia Funk is an artist, interviewer and founder of The Creative Process.