Bertha Letsoko
Environment, Agriculture and Sustainability
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Project Name/Description:
African Climate Reality Project, International Cooperation and Policy Campaigner.
From social justice to climate justice, the Soweto-born Bertha Letsoko has waged a fight to move the global warming discussions from boardrooms to the communities that are directly affected by mining, manufacturing, and other companies, especially in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal. “My involvement in this space is driven by a deep belief that we can’t meaningfully address climate change without addressing the injustices it worsens. For me, working toward a just, sustainable future means centering the voices and needs of those most affected and ensuring that environmental solutions are rooted in equity and inclusion,” Letsoko said. She moved away from social justice to focus on climate justice when she realised that climate change was not only affecting developed nations, but it was also doing a lot of harm to poorer communities, as can be evidenced by droughts, floods, veld fires, etc. Her civil society and educational history were pivotal in honing her advocacy capabilities. She has worked with communities as people are facing direct consequences of rising temperatures and environmental degradation. It is true against this backdrop that climate change threatens the food security and health crises to communities.
