Climate justice and food sovereignty organisations are calling for a coordinated national response to severe El Niño conditions, with a march to Parliament in Cape Town and solidarity actions planned across South Africa on October 16.
The Climate Justice Charter Movement, the South African Food Sovereignty Campaign and their allies are calling on the government to place South Africa on a climate emergency footing as part of a national day of action on World Food Day, October 16.
The campaign calls for an immediate, coordinated national response to severe El Niño conditions, focusing on strengthening early-warning systems, protecting shared water resources, promoting agroecology and supporting vulnerable communities.
In a statement , the organisations warned that South Africa was not prepared for the unfolding conditions. They argued that the country needed to prioritise proactive risk reduction rather than responding to crises after they occur.
The groups are planning a march to Parliament in Cape Town to advocate for a society-driven Climate Emergency Social Contract aimed at advancing a just transition.
They are also urging organisations to endorse the call for South Africa to adopt a climate emergency footing.
Nationwide solidarity actions planned
Alongside the Cape Town march, the campaign is encouraging communities across the country to organise solidarity actions, including food sovereignty workshops, community gardening initiatives, seed exchanges, climate and land justice activities, traditional food-sharing events, and engagements with ward councillors and local government.
The organisers say these activities are intended to build community participation in addressing climate risks, food insecurity and the need for a just transition.
Organisations can endorse the campaign through the online endorsement form, while groups and individuals can register their solidarity activities through the campaign’s action reporting form.
The October 16 mobilisation links climate action with food sovereignty, highlighting the campaign’s call for coordinated government action and community-led responses to climate-related challenges.
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