Over the last 5 days I've been working with Mpumalanga Youth Against Climate Change (MYACC) in the beginning stages of our mapping project in their area. This group of highly dedicated individuals is working to maintain their piece of the Olifants River that once flowed freely into the wetlands of eMalahleni. Also they are all exceptional poets who spend their free time writing poetry and plays, hopefully they'll allow me to get some of their work up.
They took me on what they call the "toxic tour" of their home. Through the tour they showed me where many of the local environmental issue are stemming with coal production being at the top. Coal produced here accounts for 80% of the coal being used by the country and the mining industry here is flourishing. The lack of respect for the surrounding communities is highly concerning and is obvious from the tour. Additionally the sewage system in the area is also not helping the problem.
In better news, my Indiegogo has been fully funded and reached not just one, but both goals! This will substantially help the project, as we will now be able to get all necessary tools for documentation. I am so incredibly grateful to have such amazing family and friends help support this project. I love you guys!
Tyler
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| Chemical build up from water flowing toward the city from mines |
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