Johannesburg, South Africa – Earthlife Africa Johannesburg welcomes the recognition of its director, Makoma Lekalakala, who has received Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa’s Award for Environmental Justice and Courageous Climate Leadership. Presented as part of Celebrating Women Who Protect Life, the award honours her sustained contribution to environmental justice, climate accountability and community-centred advocacy in South Africa.
“This recognition belongs not only to me, but to the communities and movements that continue to stand up for environmental justice,” says Lekalakala. “Earthlife Africa’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone has the right to a healthy environment and a say in decisions that shape their future. Courageous climate leadership means challenging powerful interests, holding decision-makers accountable and ensuring that the transition to a liveable future does not leave communities behind. This award strengthens our resolve to keep doing that work together.”
For Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, the award affirms its long-standing work to ensure that communities have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their health, livelihoods and environment. The organisation has consistently challenged harmful energy and development choices while advocating for a just and sustainable transition.
Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa says, “Environmental justice is inseparable from dignity, equality, public health and the right of communities to shape decisions affecting their lives. Makoma’s courageous leadership has kept these truths connected. Through her sustained work for environmental justice, climate accountability and community-led advocacy, she has helped ensure that communities are heard where power, development and the future of our living world are at stake.”
“This recognition honours Makoma’s leadership and the collective courage of the communities and movements with whom she works. Her example reminds us that protecting people, animals and the environment is shared work, and that a healthier, fairer and more liveable future is possible when we act with courage and integrity,” says Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa.
The award also highlights the critical role of civil society leadership in South Africa’s environmental and climate justice movement. As communities continue to confront the social, health and environmental consequences of energy and development decisions, meaningful public participation, accountability and a just transition remain essential.
For Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, Lekalakala’s award ultimately honours the collective work of communities, activists and movements building a healthier, more equitable and liveable future.
