In order to foster community-wide innovation and sustainability, more young women should take the lead in community sustainability initiatives. Greater participation of young women in sustainability projects like Agrigreat Soiltech can improve the quality and longevity of solutions to environmental problems, while simultaneously advancing gender parity, empowering women economically, and helping communities overcome poverty. Meet 23-year-old, Buyiswa Twala, founder of Agrigreat Soiltech and Envirocare, a multiple award-winning lab that uses biowaste gathered from townships with minimal service delivery. The lab’s composts and fertilizers standout due to their organic composition and their proven ability to combat soil erosion and desertification. Ultimately, Buyiswa wants this to benefit people all throughout the globe, not only in Africa, by ensuring people have access to nutritious food. “I started out when I was 19 years old. With a few friends, we worked together to build a garden in Tembisa township, an informal settlement in Johannesburg. Although I dropped out of university owing to financial constraints, which prevented me from pursuing my scientific degree further, I overcame these obstacles by conducting my own research, developing my own formulas, and eventually running my own lab. I also had to overcome the difficulty of attracting clients and convincing them to switch from traditional, high-impact products to ones with a smaller environmental footprint. This experience taught me that the agricultural industry is woefully unprepared for the importance of sustainability, and this strengthened my resolve to do more to raise awareness about smart and sustainable agriculture," said Buyiswa.Like many others, Agrigreat Soiltech sees the increasing demand for food as a natural consequence of a growing human population. As a result, the lab needs agricultural practices that won't deplete resources and will be able to feed people in the future. The mission of Agrigreat Soiltech is to find ways to meet the demands of a growing population in a sustainable way. An essential part of industrial farming is preparing the soil. What distinguishes the lab from its competitors is its commitment to finding organic nitrogen sources for fertilizers that do not react too strongly with other natural elements. In the middle of Johannesburg's Alexandra township, Agrigreat Soiltech has established its first waste conversion station, which processes 5 tonnes of waste every month from surrounding townships. After all of South Africa's 500+ townships have their trash converted, she intends to establish a larger facility in 2025.   
In addition to her work as a community organizer, Buyiswa is the brains behind the Agrigreat Stem Club in townships. The club's mission is to introduce local youth to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and the innovative technologies that are shaping them through activities like science fairs and career fairs, which she hosts in partnership with local banks, engineering firms, and other businesses.       An important goal of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's Gender Action Plan is to increase the representation of women in climate-related decision-making and action by promoting their full, equitable, and meaningful involvement in these processes. More than just a question of social justice, the growing number of environmental catastrophes makes women's participation in conservation efforts a strategic need.Ms. Twala is only one of many young, forward-thinking women who can better South Africa's agriculture industry and boost economic growth.  

South Africans living under apartheid were governed by the Immorality Act of 1955, which prohibited relations between people of different racial groups and extended to acts of homosexuality in public spaces. A highly publicised police raid one weekend in January 1967, in the Johannesburg suburb of Forest Town, resulted in the arrest of nine men for masquerading as women and participating in what was termed “indecent activity”. This incident prompted the amendment of the Act in 1968, further criminalising homosexuality. Fast forward to 2024, and there is much to celebrate, not just in South Africa but around the world, including in neighbouring Namibia, which decriminalised same-sex relations earlier this month. UNAids data shows that 124 countries do not penalise same-sex relations, the highest number to date. A number of countries have recently scrapped punitive anti-LGBTQ+ laws, often remnants of colonial rule. Since 2019, Botswana; Gabon; Angola; Bhutan; Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Singapore; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Cook Islands; Mauritius and Dominica have repealed laws that criminalise LGBTQ+ people. However, UNAids executive director Winnie Byanyima fears the progress made is under threat adding that “the human rights of the LGBTQ+ community are threatened by a globally coordinated and well-funded extremist anti-rights network who are spending millions promoting hate and social division and are proposing ever more draconian laws to punish LGBTQ+ people”. “Attacks on LGBTQ+ people violate human rights and undermine public health.”According to UNAids 2022 data, about 310 000 people identify as men who have sex with men and close to 180 000 people identify as transgender in South Africa. Unfortunately, due to pervasive stigma and discrimination toward the LGBTIQ+ community, the data is mostly obtained from people who choose to self-identify and disclose. In other words, stigma, discrimination, acts of murder and corrective rape against LGBTI+ people, remain a barrier to disclosure. Data from Ritshidze’s latest Community-Led Monitoring report State of Healthcare for Key Populations, February 2024, which collected data from interviews with 13 832 people across 14 healthcare facilities nationally, revealed people who are queer or trans, use drugs or engage in sex work, often face uncaring, disrespectful, cruel and abusive treatment at public health facilities. Very few people reported that facility staff were always friendly: only 35% of trans people, 33% of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, 26% of sex workers and 17% of people who use drugs. Numerous people said they were treated worse, or feared they would be, when staff found out they were a member of a key population. Equally concerning is that confidentiality violations remain common — 57% of gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men; 61% of trans people; 65% of sex workers and 74% of people who use drugs did not think privacy was respected. Discrimination is not only evidenced at some health facilities. A survey on The Lived Experience of the LGBT+ Community in South Africa in 2020, by the Inclusive Society Institute, found that, in terms of social cohesion and integration, the majority (72%) of the LGBT+ community experienced some form of discrimination in terms of social integration. Of those who confirmed having experienced discrimination, 69% experienced it in the field of education and youth development; 65% in relation to safety, security and psychosocial services; 56% in job creation, employment and seeking asylum; 48% in accessing healthcare and 31% and 22% in accessing essential services and housing, respectively. According to the South African Department of Justice and Correctional Services, in June 2021, 42 hate crimes were perpetrated against members of the LGBTIQ+ community across the country, of which 30 cases were related to murder and 12 to rape. Many of these cases remain open.In a UNAids podcast with South African transgender activist and filmmaker Zoey Black, she agrees this is true and details her experience of being assaulted in a public space because of her transgender status and “not presenting as feminine enough”.Following her disclosure in 2016, she has severed friendships and family relations because of non-acceptance of her transgender status. She is not alone. This abuse, in all its shapes and forms, coupled with isolation, resonates with many in the LGBTIQ+ community, often resulting in mental health challenges, exacerbating the physical struggles. The 2020 Inclusive Society Institute survey confirms this. In it, 24% of respondents indicated that they were suffering from some form of medical condition and 41% registered the presence of a mental health condition. Mental health issues appear to be a challenge for 53% of respondents under the age of 26. The institute believes that this requires urgent attention, as it could lead to a potential mental health crisis.In the UNAids podcast, Black adds that it was isolation and lack of relatable content that prompted her to start a YouTube channel focusing on her journey and struggle with identity, hormone replacement therapy, transgender rights and other issues affecting her community. She adds that Africans need African content on transgender rights because the dynamics of inclusivity and acceptance differ from those of her international LGBTIQ+ friends. This is why initiatives such as Pride Month matter — they afford us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on, and raise awareness of, the challenges for equality and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of how they choose to identify. It is evident that today, more than ever, the LGBTIQ+ community needs our solidarity. Despite significant legal advancements, such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage and protections against discrimination, LGBTQ+ individuals still face high levels of violence, stigma and marginalisation. Hate crimes, corrective rape and social ostracisation remain persistent threats, particularly for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.By shining a spotlight on these issues during Pride Month, June, we not only amplified the voices of those who have been silenced but also mobilised support for meaningful and impactful change. It is a time to advocate for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, inclusive education and accessible healthcare services that cater to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. It is about fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, where diversity is celebrated and embraced as a source of strength, rather than a cause of division. We salute the work of our collaborating partners such as Access Chapter 2, WITS RHI, the Aurum Institute, OUT — LGBT Wellbeing and others who have specialised clinics and healthcare facilities to cater to the needs of the LGBTIQ+ community, providing the community with a space to be free in who they choose to be. However, we need to step up the momentum to ensure that all public spaces are safe spaces and health facilities can provide these services free from stigma and discrimination and with tolerance, dignity and respect.As Black says in the podcast, “it’s not what we do only in Pride Month that matters but how we follow through beyond pride that will influence consistent and impactful change,” because, ultimately, we are all advocating the same thing — that health rights are human rights. As the UNAids executive director so aptly put it, it is only by insisting on acceptance, and rejecting criminalisation, decriminalisation and stigmatisation, that we can ensure a fairer, safer future for all. We are all invited to be allies.Eva Kiwango is the country director for UNAids South Africa.First published by Mail & Guardian.

The United Nations in South Africa South, in collaboration with the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), recently hosted the inaugural Indigenous Languages and the Media seminar in Johannesburg, South Africa.  The diversity of languages spoken in South Africa is greatly influenced by indigenous languages. It is crucial for their preservation that the media use and promote them. Sadly, there has been a loss in the understanding and usage of indigenous languages, particularly among young people, and less usage of indigenous languages by the media. The seminar sought to discuss and resolve these problems by bringing together key players, such as PanSALB and well-known indigenous language practitioners and media personalities, in order to have open discussions and to start dialogues that could result in practical solutions after the seminar. In his remarks, Mr. Tafirenyika highlighted the UN’s role and efforts through the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in saving indigenous languages around the world as well as the lessons learned thus far. “The UN is therefore appealing to all South Africans, including the government, the business sector, the civil society and individuals to do everything in their power to protect and promote linguistic diversity. Such an approach will strengthen, not weaken, our collective cultural heritage. And I can’t but fail to notice that this conference is taking place in September, which is South Africa’s heritage month,” he said. He told participants that one of the most effective ways to preserve indigenous languages was to develop effective mechanisms for advocacy and awareness campaigns. “This is where the role of our partners in the media becomes crucial. Let me take this opportunity to commend the SABC, the national public broadcaster, for running radio stations with programmes that are broadcast in all the 11 official languages of South Africa.” The UNIC director urged the media to promote and protect linguistic diversity and form partnerships to preserve cultural diversity and respect traditional ways of life. Governments should enact laws to conserve indigenous languages, such as mobilizing funding, defending linguistic rights, and incorporating these languages into educational systems. He further emphasized that “education is the main instrument in our toolbox of language preservation”. The necessity of information, which is key to participation in a democracy was highlighted by Professor Abiodun Salawu, a professor of Journalism, Communication, and Media Studies at the North West University, and Director of the research entity, Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA). The media has a role to inform the masses in a language they will understand, he said. Prof. Salawu told his audience that the development of alternative media and the use of regional languages and creoles have been key factors in the evolution of participation issues, which are essential to democracy. He urged the media to take all the indigenous languages to platforms that the youth can relate with such as social media and reminded attendees that “indigenous language media still remain a potent vehicle for mobilizing people for positive (developmental) goals which include democracy.” In his address, Lance Schultz, the PanSALB Chief Executive Officer called for the end to “social linguistic tribalism which is essentially a lack of respect for our indigenous languages. We must be intentional with how we communicate for an informed and engaged citizenry,” he added. “The global decline of print media has negatively affected the development of indigenous languages. Therefore, the need to forge collaborative efforts between the media, parents, teachers and various other stakeholders to promote indigenous languages is now more pertinent than ever.”  The Treasurer-General of SANEF, Tshamano Makhadi, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to serve the needs of community media and open opportunities for the development of indigenous languages in this sector and beyond. “This proactive stance not only strengthens the vital role of community media but also fosters inclusivity and cultural diversity, creating a richer tapestry of voices in our ever-evolving media landscape, he said, adding: “Through its steadfast efforts, SANEF paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant media ecosystem, where indigenous languages can flourish, and communities can thrive.” The recognition of the media's pivotal role in reaching diverse audiences underscores the importance of broadcasting in indigenous languages. As the current media landscape predominantly operates in English, there is an urgent imperative to document, educate, and fortify the usage of indigenous languages. Embracing technology and fostering innovation becomes paramount in this endeavor, encompassing initiatives like translating books and dictionaries into indigenous languages and developing accessible mobile apps and online platforms. Moreover, the formulation of laws and policies, aligned with UN frameworks such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, becomes imperative to ensure the preservation and prosperity of indigenous languages for the betterment of all humanity. This multifaceted approach not only enriches people’s cultural fabric but also champions inclusivity and linguistic diversity in the global media landscape.