Ethiopia v south africa liberia v south africa

"Expecting us to go back is like an insult. Many of our friends and colleagues are dead, then they expect us to resume work. Never," miner Zachariah Mbewu told South Africa's Mail & Guardian. "Some are in prison and hospitals. Tomorrow we are going back to the mountain [protest site], not underground, unless management gives us what we want." … [Read more...] about Striking South African miners face ultimatum from company

I think there is hypocrisy on the part of energy donors and investors, because they want to fund dirty projects in Africa. We need to challenge these donors to ensure their investment in Africa is consistent with their climate objectives. If, for example, the UK has committed to net zero [carbon emissions] by 2050, then its investment must be consistent with a pathway that allows for zero carbon development — not just in the UK but in the rest of the world. I think a growing movement of people and countries are calling for equitable, effective, science-based solutions to climate change. The basic idea is simple: That those became wealthy while [contributing to] climate change shall compensate those who did not and who [are experiencing the] worst effects. That will include compensating Africa and incentivising Africa to [keep] fossil fuels in the ground and exploit the abundant resources we have in renewable energy. … [Read more...] about ‘We are not locked into fossil fuels in Africa’

Over the past few years the NUM has been split by succession battles inside the ANC, with the current leadership campaigning for ANC President Jacob Zuma to win a second term. The union has paid a heavy price for this. At the Lonmin mines its membership has declined from 66% of workers to 49% and it has lost its organisational rights. Disgruntled and expelled union leaders had in the meantime started a new union, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, and were organising on the NUM's turf. … [Read more...] about The Marikana action is a strike by the poor against the state and the haves

Since his time on the mines some things have changed, Andile says, but many others have not. It was risky being a rock driller in the 80s, but "I had no options. I didn't go to school and I had to ensure that the children had a better future. Cebisile too, he wasn't good in school so I decided to send him there and he also supported his family." … [Read more...] about Marikana: a father’s story

And on Tuesday, another 119 Covid-related deaths were recorded in the UK - the same day the quarantine for Spain was extended to the country's Balearic and Canary islands, where case numbers are lower. … [Read more...] about Don’t shut down UK again, experts warn Boris – despite PM’s fears of second coronavirus wave