Centre for Environmental Rights

Yesterday, the Roadshow was in Ermelo! 🗣️📍

We were proud to engage with 50+ participants from Voices of Breyten, who learned about their environmental rights, how to use the Ask Karabo website, and the important role communities play in advocating for sustainable environmental solutions.

When communities know their rights and have the tools to act, they can help protect the environment and create lasting change.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made your voices heard. 💚

is a reminder that the pursuit of justice is an ongoing journey. ✊

In a special Mail & Guardian feature, CER candidate legal practitioners Bokang Galogakoe and Mosangoaneng Leteane reflect on what Youth Day means for a generation confronting climate change, environmental injustice, and growing inequality.

Their reflections highlight the important role young people continue to play in advancing environmental rights and ensuring that all communities can enjoy a healthy and safe environment.

Read the full article here: https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2026-06-16-from-liberation-to-climate-justice-young-lawyers-reflect-on-youth-day/

What would a look like if everyone had a seat at the table?

CER attorneys Michelle Sithole and Ntombi Maphosa joined the conversation at the Learning Festival, exploring the power of community-led solutions and why meaningful participation is essential to building a truly just future.

A just transition depends on ensuring that communities have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, livelihoods, and environment.

The Ask Karabo Roadshow is underway, and we're bringing more than just conversations to communities across Gauteng and Mpumalanga. 🎉

We're proud to launch two new guides that help make environmental rights information more accessible and actionable:

📘 Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement in South Africa

📘 Environmental Crimes in South Africa

Do you know what to do if a river is polluted? Is waste being dumped illegally? Are mining activities affecting your community?

These guides provide practical information on:
✅ Understanding your environmental rights
✅ Identifying environmental violations
✅ Reporting environmental harm
✅ Holding polluters accountable
✅ Taking action to protect your community

Environmental justice starts with informed communities. The more we know about our rights, the better equipped we are to protect our health, our environment, and future generations.

Explore the guides and other free resources here: https://askkarabo.co.za/resources/

This Youth Month, join us for an important conversation on youth participation, climate justice, and the landmark judgment.

We'll discuss why young people must have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their communities, their environment, and their future.

📅 29 June 2026
⏰ 15:30–17:00
💻 Zoom Webinar

Register for free: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gfdPSThuRCahey0kq5H98g #/registration

Your voice matters. Your future matters. Join the conversation.

Young people are leading the fight for climate justice. 🚨

This , we're inviting emerging leaders, students, researchers, activists, and practitioners to apply for the Climate Litigation School 2026.

The programme will explore climate litigation strategies, environmental governance, climate science, and the role of legal and community advocacy in advancing climate justice. Participants will learn from experts and collaborate with peers committed to creating a more just and sustainable future.

📅 5–10 July 2026
📍 University of Pretoria – Future Africa Campus
✈️ Accommodation, meals, and travel support are available where required.

If you're passionate about using law, science, policy, or activism to tackle the climate crisis, we'd love to hear from you.

🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH0ZLQzWBq4vdmwlfkwf_6feVrxQnrzVdAUph866-HdWqG0g/viewform?usp=send_form

Join us on Radio azania online ! 🎙️

CER attorney Tatenda Mupondo will be discussing environmental rights, community activism, and the power of the law in protecting people and the environment.

Learn more about how communities can use legal tools to participate in decision-making, raise concerns, and advocate for environmental justice.

📅 04 June 2026
⏰ 14:45
📻 Azania Drive | Radio Azania Online

Don't miss this important conversation!

WHEN MINES CLOSE, THE IMPACT REMAINS.

For many communities, mine closure does not mean recovery. Without proper rehabilitation and accountability, the impacts can continue for years.

Poor mine closure can leave communities living with:
• Water contamination
• Loss of livelihoods
• Health impacts
• Environmental degradation

Closure should not mean abandonment.

Read our latest report, *No More Ghost Towns*, and learn more about the environmental and socio-economic impacts of mine closure in Mpumalanga:

Read the report here 👉:https://cer.org.za/reports/no-more-ghost-towns

Did you know South Africa has an estimated 6,100 abandoned mines?

When mines close without proper rehabilitation, communities can continue living with the impacts for decades. Environmental damage, health concerns, unsafe land, and economic uncertainty do not disappear when operations end.

Mine closure is not the end.

Read CER’s latest report, *No More Ghost Towns*, and learn more about mine closure in Mpumalanga and what meaningful accountability could look like.

Read the full report here: https://cer.org.za/reports/no-more-ghost-towns