The Climate Justice Sessions

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This is a space where marginalised voices, grassroots activists, community leaders, and everyday people on the frontlines of the climate crisis share their truths. From the just energy transition, climate activism, greenwashing to real solutions — we unpack it all. Whether you're a climate rookie or a seasoned organiser, there's a seat for you at this table. Social Justice is Climate Justice.

Episodes

  1. Sentle Nell Talks Climate Justice & Entering the Podcasting Space | The Climate Justice Sessions

    12 May

    Sentle Nell Talks Climate Justice & Entering the Podcasting Space | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this special episode of The Climate Justice Sessions, the mic turns to our host and creator, Sentle Nell, for an honest conversation with Claudia Jones about why the podcast began, the stories that inspired it, and the urgency of centreing justice in climate conversations. From growing up in a country deeply affected by inequality and environmental injustice to recognising the need for more accessible, people-focused climate storytelling, this episode unpacks the vision behind the platform. The conversation explores the intersection of climate, community, policy, labour, energy, and lived experience and why amplifying African voices and grassroots perspectives matters now more than ever. Expect reflections on the challenges of building the podcast, lessons learned along the way, and hopes for the future of climate justice storytelling.

    42 min
  2. Understanding Climate Finance in South Africa | The Climate Justice Sessions

    7 Apr

    Understanding Climate Finance in South Africa | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this episode of Just SA – The Climate Justice Sessions, we’re joined by Alia Kajee from 350 Org to unpack one of the most talked-about — yet often misunderstood — topics in climate conversations: climate finance. We break down what climate finance actually is, how it works in South Africa, and how it differs from traditional forms of funding. From global funding flows to local impact, this conversation explores who controls climate money, who benefits from it, and what it means for a truly just energy transition.

    53 min
  3. Legal Tools for Climate Justice in South Africa: Insights from the Centre for Environmental Rights | The Climate Justice Sessions

    25/11/2025

    Legal Tools for Climate Justice in South Africa: Insights from the Centre for Environmental Rights | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this episode of Just SA – The Climate Justice Sessions, we sit down with Dimakatso Sefatsa from the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) to unpack how South Africa’s constitutional environmental rights shape the fight for climate justice. Dimakatso breaks down the legal tools, policy levers, and accountability mechanisms available to communities affected by pollution, climate impacts, mining, and industrial development. We explore how law and justice can drive a people-centred just transition, and how CER empowers activists through legal training, rights education, and direct support. Through real case studies, we unpack the challenges and opportunities facing frontline communities and highlight how everyday South Africans can use the law to demand cleaner air, safer environments, and a more equitable energy future. A powerful, insight-rich episode for anyone interested in climate justice, policy reform, community rights, and legal advocacy in South Africa.

    42 min
  4. Mobilising Faith Communities for a Just Transition: SAFCEI’s Vision for Climate Justice | The Climate Justice Sessions

    11/11/2025

    Mobilising Faith Communities for a Just Transition: SAFCEI’s Vision for Climate Justice | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this episode of Just SA – The Climate Justice Sessions, we speak to Ntombizodidi Mapapu from the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) about the powerful role of faith in driving South Africa’s just transition. Together, we explore how religious communities are mobilising for climate justice, advocating for a fair shift away from fossil fuels, and tackling the deep links between faith, poverty, and inequality. Ntombizodidi unpacks key theological principles — stewardship, creation care, and eco-justice — and how South African faith leaders are putting these ideas into practice to build a more sustainable and equitable future. This conversation offers an inspiring look at how faith-based action can transform climate advocacy, amplify community voices, and ensure that the journey toward a green economy leaves no one behind.

    33 min
  5. Climate Change and Inequality: The Role of Communities in Fighting Climate Action | The Climate Justice Sessions

    14/10/2025

    Climate Change and Inequality: The Role of Communities in Fighting Climate Action | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this episode of Just SA – The Climate Justice Sessions, we sit down with Mduduzi Tshabalala, the Media Coordinator of the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA), to explore what environmental justice really looks like on the ground in South Africa’s Vaal region — one of the country’s most industrially polluted areas. Mduduzi shares his journey from community activism to environmental leadership, reflecting on how ordinary people in the Vaal are mobilising for clean air, accountability, and a just energy transition. We unpack the realities of living next to heavy industry, the power of grassroots organising, and why community voices are essential in shaping South Africa’s climate future. This conversation shines a light on how local struggles connect to the global fight for climate justice — and reminds us that real change often begins with those most affected.

    41 min
  6. The Role of Women in Fighting Climate Change: Lessons from Earthlife Africa | The Climate Justice Sessions

    26/08/2025

    The Role of Women in Fighting Climate Change: Lessons from Earthlife Africa | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this episode of Just SA – The Climate Justice Sessions, host Sentle Nell speaks with Makoma Lekalakala, Director of Earthlife Africa, about the powerful role women play in leading climate action in South Africa. Together, they explore how gender, race and class intersect to shape women’s experiences of climate change and why women remain on the frontlines of both its impacts and solutions. From gender-responsive climate policies to the vital contributions of traditional African knowledge, Makoma shares how women and communities are resisting harmful environmental practices and driving meaningful change. This conversation sheds light on the urgent need for inclusive climate justice and how amplifying women’s voices can transform South Africa’s sustainability journey.

    40 min
  7. Inside COSATU’s Climate Agenda: A Just Transition for Workers and Communities | The Climate Justice Sessions

    05/08/2025

    Inside COSATU’s Climate Agenda: A Just Transition for Workers and Communities | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this episode of Just SA – The Climate Justice Sessions, host Sentle Nell sits down with Boitumelo Molete, Social Development Policy Coordinator and Co-lead on Climate Change and the Just Transition at COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions). Together, they unpack the critical role that labour unions play in South Africa’s just energy transition, and how COSATU is advocating for worker protection, job security, and climate justice in vulnerable sectors like mining, agriculture, and forestry.

    37 min
  8. The Presidential Climate Commission on Driving Climate Justice in South Africa | The Climate Justice Sessions

    08/07/2025

    The Presidential Climate Commission on Driving Climate Justice in South Africa | The Climate Justice Sessions

    In this episode of The Climate Justice Sessions, host Sentle Nell sits down with Blessing Manale, Head of Communications & Outreach at the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), to explore how climate justice is being woven into South Africa’s climate policies and strategies. We unpack the role of the PCC in shaping climate action, simplifying key climate terms like Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Mitigation, Adaptation, UNFCCC, and COP, and discuss how government, civil society, and local communities can work together to build climate resilience. Tune in for a powerful conversation on how inclusive, equitable climate solutions can shape a just transition and protect those most affected by climate change.

    31 min
  9. The Climate Justice Sessions

    Season 1 Trailer

    The Climate Justice Sessions

    This is a space where marginalised voices, grassroots activists, community leaders, and everyday people on the frontlines of the climate crisis share their truths. From the just energy transition, climate activism, greenwashing to real solutions — we unpack it all. Whether you're a climate rookie or a seasoned organiser, there's a seat for you at this table. Social Justice is Climate Justice. New episode every month

    26 sec
  10. Unpacking Climate Change and Social Justice with Climate Justice Coalition | The Climate Justice Sessions

    03/06/2025

    Unpacking Climate Change and Social Justice with Climate Justice Coalition | The Climate Justice Sessions

    Kholwani Simelane from Climate Justice Coalition joins our host, Sentle Nell, in an insightful discussion about climate change, climate justice and social justice. They discuss the effects of climate change on Africans and why everyday citizens should care about climate change and its effects. This is a space where marginalised voices, grassroots activists, community leaders, and everyday people on the frontlines of the climate crisis share their truths. From the just energy transition, climate activism, greenwashing to real solutions — we unpack it all. Whether you're a climate rookie or a seasoned organiser, there's a seat for you at this table. Social Justice is Climate Justice. https://estahale.com/ https://www.instagram.com/justsapod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justsapod

    30 min

Trailer

About

This is a space where marginalised voices, grassroots activists, community leaders, and everyday people on the frontlines of the climate crisis share their truths. From the just energy transition, climate activism, greenwashing to real solutions — we unpack it all. Whether you're a climate rookie or a seasoned organiser, there's a seat for you at this table. Social Justice is Climate Justice.

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