BY AFIKA NDLELA, LILO MXAKA, SOPHUMLA NTOYABO 7 December 2023
EMG Team Afika, Apiwe, Lilo, Mandy and Sophumla facilitated the programme of the EcoPolitics School which was held from November 14-16, 2023 at the Nicol Hotel in Johannesburg.
Coming from all 9 provinces in South Africa, the participants were made up of a diverse group of comrades from different backgrounds, from communities, networks and organisations across South Africa: water activists, food and farming activists and youth environmental club members.
Objectives of the School:
● To provide a platform for comrades to share their experiences and perspectives,
● To develop a collective understanding of the political and economic realities of South Africa within a framework of the global context
● To explore strategies for social change.
Day 1:
Upon arrival at the Nicol Hotel, the EMG team welcomed a diverse group of comrades from various backgrounds. This set the tone for a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives throughout the political school. Apiwe and Sophumla facilitated an icebreaker session to establish ground rules for the workshop, encouraging self-governance and mutual respect among participants.
Participants then engaged in a reflective exercise, writing down their fears and wishesfor the future. This activity provided valuable insights into the common challenges and aspirations of the group.
Mandy led an economic discourse, breaking down the economic cycle and linking it to everyday household management practices. This interactive session highlighted the interconnectedness of individual actions and broader economic systems.
Participants analysed the relationships between communities, government, and corporate markets, identifying the locus of power within these dynamics.
Day 2:
Afika and Lilo initiated the start of the day’s programme by posing a thought-provoking question about community needs and challenges.
Participants watched a film on intergenerational black farmers that sparked discussions about the similarities between South African and American communities.
Following lunch, an in-depth exploration of the global economic system and its impact on food and water distribution was conducted using a three-sphere diagram.
This activity highlighted the interdependencies between various sectors and the influence of global forces on food production and local communities’ consumption.
Day 3:
The final day commenced with a recap of Day 2's discussions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the global economic system's impact on water, food and the environment.
Participants engaged in a lively debate about the distribution of power within the global economic system, sharing their knowledge and perspectives.
The workshop concluded with a reflection on current actions and potential strategies for social change, empowering participants to contribute to positive transformation.
Feedback: Participants engaged in high-quality dialogue throughout the political school.
The information shared and insights gained will undoubtedly contribute to the success of future political schools.
The EMG team commends the participants for their active participation and willingness to learn and engage in critical discussions.
🎧🎤We send appreciation to comrade Lwazi Kolanisi for helping us capture the school with photographs and video interviews. 📷
