groundWork: 25 Years of Activism for Environmental Justice
A Celebration of Climate and Environmental Justice
On the 2nd of May 2025, the KZNSA Gallery will host the opening of groundWork’s 25-year legacy exhibition. This milestone marks a quarter century of activism for environmental justice and a testament to the dedication and perseverance of groundWork’s members and supporters. The exhibition promises to be a celebration of the organisation’s achievements and a call to action for the future.
DJ Legends on the Decks
The exhibition opening will feature legendary DJs at the decks, including Chris Albertyn, Tutu, KBZL, and Gary Church. These musicians are not only renowned for their talents but also for their contributions to the environmental justice movement. They will be spinning a selection of tracks that showcase their unique styles and perspectives.
- Chris Albertyn
- Tutu
- KBZL
- Gary Church
A Unique Exploration of groundWork’s History
The exhibition will offer a unique exploration of groundWork’s history over the past 25 years. The different campaign stories are revealed through compelling documentary photography, with images representing people, places and actions towards realising environmental justice and a future envisioned by groundWork in which – people live well with each other and with the earth.
| Campaigns | Photos |
|---|---|
| Climate and Energy Justice | Images of protests, rallies and community meetings |
| Just Transition | Photos of renewable energy projects, community-owned initiatives and green infrastructure |
| Coal, Waste, Environmental Health | Images of industrial sites, pollution, and community struggles |
A Dynamic Display of Archival Material
Visitors will also have the opportunity to delve into a dynamic display of archival material featuring an array of publications, posters, banners, placards and t-shirts drawn from the struggles of fenceline communities directly affected by environmental injustice. The exhibition runs for six weeks until Sunday, 8 June 2025.
Festival Programme
Throughout the exhibition period, groundWork and the KZNSA Gallery will host an extensive festival programme of events, including:
- Labtalks, screenings and open mic sessions on Friday afternoons/evenings (4:30 onwards)
- Focussed walkabouts on Saturday mornings (10:00 – 12:00)
- Schools programme introducing kids to future alternatives like community owned renewable energy, circular economies and recycling creativity.
About groundWork
groundWork Friends of the Earth South Africa is a principles-driven non-profit environmental justice organisation working towards a just transition and open democracy in South Africa and beyond. Its vision is that people live well with each other and with the earth. To realise this vision, groundWork partners with affected communities to resist dirty energy and toxic production, building solidarity and local alliances that advocate for open debate and democratic control over resources such as energy, waste and health towards a viable future.
Key Campaigns
groundWork works with community organisations, peoples’ movements, and other civil society actors to hold government and corporates to account, and challenge environmental racism and injustice on the ground. Its key campaigns include:
- Campaigns for Climate and Energy Justice, Just Transition and Coal, Waste, Environmental Health and Environmental Justice Education
Awards and Recognition
groundWork has received numerous awards and recognition for its work, including:
“groundWork has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance for me. Their commitment to environmental justice is unwavering and their work is a testament to the power of collective action.” – Chris Albertyn
Media Enquiries
For media enquiries, please contact Tsepang Molefe, Media and Communications Campaigner, on 074-4051257.
Schools and Programme Information
For information on the schools programme, please contact Azola pr Sithobile Madiba.
Contact
Contact us at groundwork@south africa.org for more information.
