About Us

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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.

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.

 

Our Mission

groundWork seeks to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people in South Africa, and increasingly in Southern Africa, through assisting civil society to have a greater impact on environmental governance.

groundWork places particular emphasis on assisting vulnerable and previously disadvantaged people who are most affected by environmental injustices.

Our Values

All groundWork campaigns are driven by putting our values to work. These values are founded on the principles of environmental justice and solidarity with communities that suffer environmental injustice.

We therefore work:

1

With community groups to empower them in relation to other major stakeholders. We see process and participatory action as the means to delivery on environmental rights.

2

To connect community groups with broader national and international campaigns and processes. We seek both to facilitate the voicing of community concerns at these levels and to ensure that they have access to the resources developed from the wider experience of struggle.

3

To promote the expression of the environmental concerns of communities within the public debate carried by the media.

4

To find equitable solutions to real and pressing problems.
To ensure that democratic process and gender equity is integral to all campaigns and all voices are heard.
groundWork is guided by the Section 24 of the SA Constitution which provides that everyone has the right:
  • (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and
  •  
  • (b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that-
    • (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
    •  
    • (ii) promote conservation; and
    •  
    • (iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources

while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

This site is designed for use by the general public. This site does not collect any personal information from users, and does not display advertising. The content is not influenced by sponsors. GroundWork takes no responsibility for the content and availability of information on this website.

View the complete text of our Disclaimer here.