Impact of Climate change

Lindiwe Matshiane

On 07 April 2024 (Sunday) there was heavy rain in Mhluzi (which is in Middelburg in Mpumalanga Province) causing made lot of damage. There were a lot of black clouds formed on the day around 16h30 resulting in heavy rain.

It was heavy rains that resulted in communities such as those who had to farm their gardens being destroyed by the heavy rain which has led to a loss of production to sell and also to eat. Some bridges were damaged and vehicles and people couldn’t cross. The Middelburg Dam had to be open for water to flow to the Mhluzi River which connects to Klein Olifants and Klein Olifants connect to Loskop Dam. Some school children didn’t manage to attend School on 08 April 2024 because it was too muddy while the Mhluzi River overflowing. This heavy rain is caused by Climate change. Many shacks were affected and the Municipality with firefighters had to give tents to assist communities.

CLIMATE CHANGE is caused by many factors: emissions that come from industrial smoke and power stations. Climate change needs to be addressed through communities and school awareness. Department of Education can include it in their curriculum. Industries must have more monitoring systems to curb the smoke/emissions that affect the living environment conditions.

We are to continue to voice out that Government to speed up the issue of JUST TRANSITION.

CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW…!!!