Rivers provide water for irrigation, domestic use, industrial use, livestock and wildlife, among other services; without water, there is no life. Clean river water is critical for our survival, sustenance, and a small economy-generating source, especially in South Africa, where job scarcity is a reality. Many informal traders or fisherfolk use our rivers to generate an income by either fishing, watering community vegetable gardens, stone washing or basket weaving from reeds etc. Rivers or dams are also used for recreational purposes and tourism attractions. Over the past two decades, our government has failed to maintain basic infrastructure or apply fundamental bylaws to ensure our freshwater sources remain clean and free from pollution and sewerage. If we don't demand that our government make access to clean water a priority, a fundamental human right, which basic human right will be the next to be degraded, or we also become another death statistic caused by E. Coli infested drinking water??.. Thank you for your support, On behalf of GPAF Durban Volunteers. Sources: MSN >>> https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/durban-mother-dead-scores-sick-with-diarrhoea-as-polluted-tap-water-confirmed/ar-AA10UoZM?ocid=Huawei&appid=hwbrowser&ctype=news Daily Maverick >>> https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-08-22-durbans-r20bn-water-troubles-get-deeper-and-deeper-and-theres-no-easy-solution-in-sight/

- We urge fellow South Africans to unite, help us protect and call on a permanent "BAN" of all seismic explorations on South Africa's coastline. Stop Minister Mantashe and the oil & gas giants from trapping South Africa in the future of harmful non-progressive fossil fuels. - It is a big concern that some areas targeted as blasting spots are among the most extensive, pristine marine environment in South African waters, and include significant and diverse marine habitats that protect endangered species (Coelacanths, Natal shy sharks, African penguin) and are essential environmental services. - The promise of job creation is a fairytale, there are no jobs, and the available jobs are for highly skilled rig operators and workers. - Small-scale fishers whose livelihoods depend on the oceans will be left without their means to make a living. - We need to break free from harmful oil and gas dependency and speed up a just transition to renewable energy. Renewable sources are cost-effective and safe for the environment. - Studies have shown that renewable energy can create about 231 400 jobs up to 2030, which beats the current 120,000 jobs the fossil fuels industry provides for South Africans. Sources: - Photo: David McNew/Getty Images - Mail & Guardian Article >>> https://mg.co.za/opinion/2021-09-01-renewable-energy-can-create-about-231-400-jobs-up-to-2030/ - amaBhungane Article >>>> https://amabhungane.org/stories/220528-the-case-for-gas-is-evaporating/ - Meridian Economics Report >>>> https://meridianeconomics.co.za/our-publications/hot-air-about-gas-an-economic-analysis-of-the-scope-and-role-for-gas-fired-power-generation-in-south-africa/ - Datafree Article >>> https://slrpublicdocs.datafree.co/en/public-documents/TEEPSA-567 - Petroleum Agency SA >>>> https://www.petroleumagencysa.com/index.php/maps

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa released the latest national climate commitment under the Paris Agreement in Nov 2021. South Africa intends to limit GHG emissions to 398-510 MtCO2e by 2025 and 350-420 MtCO2e by 2030. SA’s commitment shifts SA closer to what is needed globally for us to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is generally considered an unsatisfactory offer since the 500 megatonnes currently emitted puts South Africa as the third highest emitter per person per unit of GDP. A much more serious commitment to ending South Africa's addiction to fossil fuels is required. Mr Phuthuma Nhleko, Engen's local Black Economic Empowerment tycoon and President Cyril Ramaphosa's leading business partner (and purchaser of Shanduka empire assets in 2016) – consistently alienated communities that he should be empowering: the black communities of Wentworth and Merebank. Instead, he continues to deprive the communities of the right to an environment that is not detrimental to their health or well-being. Nhleko and the Malaysian (Petronas) owners of Engen Petroleum want to turn the already toxic refinery into a storage facility for fuel and crude oil. Durban activists worry that the residential area will increase approximately 2000 hazardous fuel tankers into Wentworth and Merebank, passing schools, sports fields, hospitals or small family-owned businesses. Instead of a detox, Engen is planning a retoxification instead of detox by introducing far more dangerous chemicals to the area, including methane pollution, despite CH4 being 85 times more potent than a greenhouse gas (GHG). The South Durban communities suffered terribly in terms of health and environmental damage during the April 11-12 and May 21 Rain Bombs. They also dread the likelihood that leakages, pipe bursts and other accidents at fuel oil storage facilities will increase as more storms pound Durban due to climate change, whose primary cause is greenhouse gases such as those from refineries and oil storage sites. Moreover, in addition to health damage, the road infrastructure can also not cope with heavy hazardous tankers driving in and out of the residential area. Mr Nhleko, we ask you to stop trying to kill the communities you are supposed to be empowering. Your toxic fumes from the Engen refinery have been disempowering the black communities for decades. These are breadwinners who are often too sick to go to work, lose their jobs, and suffer the cycle of poverty and hopelessness. You are already a billionaire. For once, choose the community over profit. Do the right thing for the communities you claim to empower in the South Durban Basin area. Compel your majority partner in Kuala Lumpur to decommission the Engen serial-killer refinery and fuel storage facility. Instead, detox the refinery complex and heed the community demands for a just transition, thereby giving hope for a healthier and more productive future for all South Africans and giving the environment a chance to recover after decades of pollution abuse. - Photo Source >>>> Alfonce Martins