[ [link removed] ]350.org
[ [link removed] ]Climate Campaigner Spotlight: Tshepo Peele
Hey John -
You might not hear from me a lot via email — that's because I tend to stay
behind-the-scenes making sure everything is running smoothly for our
climate campaigns in South Africa.
My name's Tshepo and I live in Johannesburg. My job is to support and lift
up the work of our campaigners and local groups, and I'm reaching out to
you today as part of our climate spotlight series to talk about the work
350.org is doing in South Africa. Here it goes:
In the last few years, South Africa has experienced a mad rush for fossil
fuel projects because oil companies are trying to convince our people that
gas is a necessary “bridge” to renewable energy. So every day, I support
around 30 local groups around the country, providing them training and
strategic advice on how to change this false narrative. I hear from them
about their experiences, how they utilized the resources we provided, and
what their plans are for the next action or campaign. It is one of my
biggest joys!
[ [link removed] ]Youth activists participating in a protest.
Youth activists participating in a protest.
350 South Africa is also part of groundbreaking coalitions that are really
changing the path of energy and climate policies around here. In 2022, we
have widened the participation of community-based organizations in the
[ [link removed] ]Climate Justice Coalition, which is fighting for clean, safe, and
affordable energy for all.
[ [link removed] ]This was a training we held this year in August on Digi-Comms with our
partners just before the GDA. This was in Johannesburg.
This was a training we held this year in August on Digi-Comms with our
partners just before the GDA. This was in Johannesburg.
A lot of my job is to help open these doors to new coalitions, and to help
the power of people emerge and flourish in their leadership. Last year, we
developed a Community Campaigning Handbook with case studies from our own
network, so we can learn from and with each other and build inspiration.
In 2023, our plan is to support these local groups to develop continuous
and longer-term campaigns, to welcome new members and youth, and to build
sustainable communications strategies for amplifying their projects and
wins! We also want to support the groups we already work with to be more
independent — financially and strategically — so we can keep growing our
network and adding more voices to our climate action stage.
Next year will be decisive for climate action in South Africa, and we need
your help to keep the momentum growing.
[ [link removed] ]This was a Global day of Action protest in September held by one of our
partners in Sasolburg, south of Johannesburg. This group is called VEJA
(Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance).
This was a Global day of Action protest in September held by one of our
partners in Sasolburg, south of Johannesburg. This group is called VEJA
(Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance).
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our work here in South
Africa. I hope to talk to you more soon.
Tshepo Peele
South Africa Organizer
Do you have two more minutes? [ [link removed] ]Please send Tshepo a quick note of
solidarity and thanks. We'll be sending every message directly to him and
his family ahead of the holidays.
[ [link removed] ]Send a note »
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350.org is a global movement that fights for a just and equitable world by stopping the fossil fuel industry from continuing to destroy our climate.
