Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Julia Evans
Published on 2024-03-13 21:32:40
In a powerful display of solidarity and determination, activists gathered outside the Standard Bank headquarters in Rosebank, Johannesburg, to protest the bank’s involvement in fossil fuel projects. Zaki Mamdoo from the #StopEACOP campaign expressed the frustrations of the protesters, highlighting the repeated lack of response from Standard Bank to their demands over the years.
The protesters, who included members of Extinction Rebellion Gauteng and #StopEACOP campaign, were also standing in support of two climate activists who had been previously arrested at Standard Bank protests. The group, which consisted of over 60 participants from various community-based organizations, demanded that Standard Bank adopt a coal exclusion policy and cease financing harmful oil and gas projects like the Cabo Delgado gas projects in Mozambique and EACOP in Uganda and Tanzania.
Extinction Rebellion has been actively protesting outside Standard Bank, staging blockades and sit-ins to draw attention to the bank’s involvement in environmentally damaging projects. The activists also called for a live public debate with Standard Bank’s CEO, Sim Tshabalala, and its corporate and investment banking head, Kenny Fihla.
Nester Ndelebele, a member of Macua from a mining town in Sedibeng, emphasized her right to protest and stood against accusations of being “used” for the cause. She shared her firsthand experiences of witnessing the negative impacts of mining on communities and canceled her Standard Bank account in solidarity with the protest.
Unathi Boyi from the Be The Future Foundation traveled from Bekkersdal to attend the protest, highlighting the devastating effects of mining activities on his community’s land and water sources. The protesters condemned Standard Bank’s support for such projects that contribute to environmental degradation and human rights violations.
The activists’ peaceful protests were met with intimidation and arrests, with climate activist Malik Dasoo being arrested by SAPS officers during a previous demonstration. The disproportionate response from law enforcement agencies led to concerns about the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
Despite these challenges, the activists remained resolute in their demand for Standard Bank to divest from fossil fuel projects and prioritize sustainable investments. Just Share’s analysis revealed a concerning increase in Standard Bank’s exposure to coal mining, oil, gas, and power generation from fossil fuels, indicating a lack of commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Standard Bank defended its position, citing the country’s dependence on coal for power generation and emphasizing its investments in renewable energy projects. However, the protesters and environmental advocates stressed the urgency of shifting away from fossil fuels and holding financial institutions accountable for their impact on the environment and communities.
The ongoing protests and activism outside Standard Bank’s headquarters reflect a growing movement demanding responsible and sustainable financial practices. Despite resistance and challenges, the activists remain unwavering in their commitment to advocating for a greener and more sustainable future.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
