Activist Spotlight: Nonhlanhla Ncaweni

An interview with Nonhlanhla Ncaweni — a South African changemaker who is cultivating a Green Communities Movement from the ground up.

Nonhlanhla Ncaweni is a South African changemaker who was one of our 2022 ACA Ambassadors. She is passionate about tackling environmental racism. Based in Katlehong, Gauteng, Nonhlanhla’s socio-environmental activism is motivated by the spatial inequality and the uneven distribution of green spaces in low-income communities compared to high income communities. She is using her Green Communities Movement as a tool to address social inequality and environmental racism in low-income communities.

We asked Nonhlanhla a few questions to learn more about her activist journey and how she is turning the project she started during the programme into a movement for change.

How did your activist journey begin?

It all started with my active participation in the Youth@SAIIA Programmes. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that I realised my passion for leading change.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a lot of inequities in service delivery in low-income communities. As a green enthusiast, I find nature refreshing. During the pandemic, I saw the importance of green spaces and how they play an important role in one’s mental health.

Unfortunately, we had a limited number of green spaces, and the ones we had were prone to illegal dumping. This made me realise and acknowledge how my community was not equipped to adapt to the effects of climate change. I used my background in climate change together with my love for nature and plants to start the greening movement, creating urban green spaces one site at a time in my community.

Two years ago you started a project when you were part of the ACA Ambassador Programme. How has it grown since you first started it?

I started by rejuvenating the abandoned trees in a local playground. Community members never believed in what I was doing. They never believed that the trees would grow after being neglected for more than four years. The trees grew and the rest is history.

ACA came to my rescue with the ambassador project. I managed to purchase more trees which were planted in the cleaned-up site in the playground. Since I managed to lead by example and help the neglected trees grow, community members are taking the initiative to ensure that the trees are taken care of and that the site is always clean and accessible.

 

Why was it important for you to focus on an illegal dumping site?

My focus was not really on dumping sites, it was on existing green spaces. Unfortunately, all of them were prone to illegal dumping and I realised how limited they were in numbers. Upon doing my research I learned about the effects of illegal dumping sites on human health and biodiversity and realised that there had to be more green spaces.

The local government cleans up the sites, but the dumping re-occurs. Creating green spaces in the cleaned-up dumping areas was a way for me to encourage community members not to use it as a dumping ground. It’s like killing two birds with one stone; clearing up illegal dumping sites and converting them to more green spaces.

You decided to bring other partners and stakeholders into the project. Who are these partners? And what value have you seen in collaborating with others to increase your positive impact?

The Green Development Foundation (GDF) was the first to believe in my vision of creating a green community. They became my initial sponsors, providing valuable resources that I continue to use today.

My local community members have also been supportive. I remember mentioning to them that it is possible to create green spaces, but I needed help with cleaning up. They took it upon themselves to establish a clean-up series on weekends where all community members volunteered. We have been able to create an impact together.

My mentorship and experience at Youth@SAIIA have equipped me to engage in policy processes as a youth advocate. This has enabled me to use policy to hold the local government accountable and offer recommendations for creating a climate-resilient community. Additionally, I am part of the Youth Implementers for Change program, where we use policy to drive positive change in our local community. As part of this program, I received additional funding to create a green space and further the agenda of the greening movement. 

I am also a trained UNICEF Champion trainer. I use my experience and the Youth Advocacy Guide to train and capacitate local youth on advocacy and activism, policy, and participation. In my role, I train local youth on using the guide as a tool to become agents of change and hold leaders accountable, while also enhancing their leadership skills. This platform serves as the foundation for the greening project, aiming to create a significant impact by encouraging more young people to take the lead in the fight against climate change.

In your project, have you seen the issue of climate justice intersect with social justice issues?

Yes, and it is quite prevalent. The limited number of green spaces in my township is a consequence of ‘Green Apartheid’ and spatial inequality. It is a previously disadvantaged community that was established on the grounds of environmental racism. Hence the illegal dumping sites and poor service delivery in communities of colour compared to their white counterparts.

What is your vision for the future of your project?

The name ‘Green Communities Movement’ says it all. I envision low-income, previously disadvantaged communities becoming green, healthy, and sustainable to better adapt to the effects of climate change. Most importantly, the green movement must be rooted in policy; using policy to drive and sustain these changes.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt over the past two years since becoming an ACA Ambassador?

In the ACA Ambassador Programme, we were taught the basics of project management. As an activist skilled in project management, I can effectively plan, execute, and oversee projects to ensure they achieve their goals and create a positive impact.

I have also learnt how to embrace an Afrocentric perspective in climate activism. I learnt the importance of focusing on local knowledge, resources, and cultural contexts, to be able to develop more effective and sustainable strategies to address climate challenges unique to my local community.

The Ambassador Programme and community project have been instrumental in promoting inclusive climate action. By empowering local youth, encouraging community participation, and integrating Indigenous practices, these initiatives ensure that everyone, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can contribute to and benefit from climate resilience efforts.

What keeps you hopeful?

Seeing the passion and determination of my community members. Their eagerness to learn, take action, and lead initiatives for a greener future inspires me every day.

The tangible progress we have made in the movement, such as converting dumping sites into green spaces and fostering community engagement in inclusive climate action, makes me believe that positive change is possible. The support from partners and stakeholders also gives me the confidence that together, we can create a sustainable and resilient future.

Seeing young people actively involved in the climate justice movement. They are truly an inspiration to the work I do and make good case studies for inspiring others.

What advice would you give to a young person looking to become more involved in the climate justice movement?

"Do not change yourself for the world, the world must adapt to your changes". This is a quote I crafted to motivate myself. Finding your entry point in climate activism starts with discovering your passion and letting it guide your journey. Align your passion with your goals.