The message banner that participants filled out with their messages, requests and complaints to be raised by the delegates sent by Earthlife Africa at COP30 in Brazil.
Earthlife Africa and its grassroots partners have wrapped up another successful round of Scamtho Dialogues – a dynamic series of four community conversations held in the Vaal, Vosloorus and Tembisa (Gauteng), as well as Zwide (Eastern Cape). These vibrant, township-rooted exchanges brought together residents, activists, youth groups and community leaders to share lived experiences, debate solutions and advance a people-led just transition that places communities before corporate interests.
Community members writing their messages to COP30 on the message banner during the Vosloorus Scamtho event.
Designed to strengthen democratic participation in climate and energy decision-making, the Scamtho Dialogues create inclusive, safe spaces where grassroots communities can discuss the challenges and opportunities of South Africa’s rapidly changing energy landscape. This year’s dialogues also served as preparation for community representatives who are currently attending COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Insights from the sessions helped shape a set of collective, community-based demands for climate justice and energy equity – ensuring that township voices influence global climate discussions rather than remain at the margins.
Thabo Sibeko, engaging in dialogue with the community participants at the Vosloorus Scamtho.
Earthlife Africa’s Senior Program Officer, Thabo Sibeko, emphasised the particular urgency facing communities affected by the decline of coal. He says, “For people living in coal-affected areas, the Just Transition is not an abstract policy concept – it’s a daily reality.”
Earthlife Africa’s Program Coordinator, Sibongile Ndlovu leading a dialogue at the Vaal Scamtho event in Poortjie.
“Communities in places like the Vaal are already grappling with unemployment, pollution and failing infrastructure as the coal economy winds down. A people-led transition means restoring what has been damaged, distributing new opportunities fairly and ensuring that local voices shape the future. If we don’t center restorative, distributive and procedural justice, then the transition won’t be just at all,” adds Sibeko, who is also in Belém.
Jabulani Mtsweni Prorgams Assistant as Earthlife Africa raising issues for discussion during the Tembisa Scamtho event.
Now firmly established as an annual event, the Scamtho Dialogues have become a cornerstone of Earthlife Africa’s efforts to inform, empower and mobilise grassroots communities in the struggle for climate justice. By centering people’s knowledge, lived realities and capacity for collective action, Earthlife Africa is helping to build a just and inclusive transition toward a low-carbon economy – one that benefits communities rather than burdens them.
Makoma Lekalakala engaging in a deep dialogue with community representatives during the Eastern Cape Scamtho.
Ulrich Steenkamp, Program Officer at Earthlife Africa, highlighted the importance of inclusive decision-making in broader energy debates. “We are here in Zwide to ensure Eastern Cape communities are not sidelined from these global debates. Decisions made at global forums like the G20 and COP30 directly affect people here, yet they’re often excluded. The recent Kariega floods show how urgently climate action is needed. The insights shared during the dialogue has been sent to our COP30 delegation in Belém, so grassroots voices are heard where it matters most.”
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