The Centre for Environmental Justice in Africa (CEJA) was launched on November 19th and 20th, 2024, at the University of Pretoria's Hatfield Campus. The event brought together an eclectic lineup of academics, practitioners, and advocates who discussed crucial environmental and human rights issues confronting people especially those marginalised in Africa.

During the opening session, Professor Elsabe Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, welcomed the participants. She underlined CEJA's purpose of connecting disadvantaged people to decision-makers, as well as the need of strategic litigation in holding governments and companies accountable for environmental damage. She conveyed the need for multidisciplinary approaches to tackle intricate environmental challenges.

Professor Loretta Feris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, gave guests an overview of CEJA's establishment. She signaled the importance of taking action to address environmental injustices that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, aligning CEJA's goals with South Africa's constitutional mandates and recent legal developments such as the Climate Change Act of 2024 and the South African Water Resource Infrastructure Agency. Prof Feris noted that CEJA's advocacy and research seeks to raise the voices of underrepresented groups and effect systemic change through impactful research.

Professor Gustav Muller then discussed the implications of establishing a research and advocacy units at the University of Pretoria. He explained how environmental justice is fundamentally inter- and transdisciplinary, necessitating solutions from both the natural and social sciences in order to resolve expansive environmental issues. Prof Muller noted that scientific disciplines provide empirical evidence on environmental challenges as well, whilst the humanities look into how these issues link with social inequities. He brought out the need for legal studies to develop frameworks that protect environmental rights and enforce overall social responsibility, noting that indigenous knowledge systems can provide valuable methods for sustainable resource management.

Mr Kumi Naidoo, Global Ambassador for Africans Rising for Justice, Peace, and Dignity, delivered a keynote address. Mr Naidoo pressed for immediate action in the climate justice movement, critiquing fossil fuel reliance and pushing for a treaty similar to those established for landmine and Ozone protection. His remarks stressed the need for incorporating frontline communities in climate change activities and tackling the mental health problem caused by eco-anxiety among young people.

A series of discussions ensued, focusing on various themes of environmental justice. Professor Joel Modiri moderated the first session, which was titled Exploration of alternative paradigms relating to environmental justice in Africa. Notable discussions included Ms. Mphatheleni Makaulule's emphasis on the interconnectedness of life forms and the cultural significance of preserving language and traditional practices, as well as Mr. Cormac Cullinan's advocacy for a paradigm shift in environmental governance, criticising current frameworks as insufficient to address ecological degradation. Finally, Ms Makoma Lekalakala provided significant views on the Just and Equitable Energy Transition: Moving from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Professor Charles Maimela presented a session on CEJA's strategic goals for addressing environmental justice concerns. Mr Pooven Moodley presented current developments in international environmental and human rights legislation. Dr. Michael Addaney discussed CEJA's role in the African advocacy landscape, underscoring the need for community engagement interactions. Overall, the session reiterated CEJA's commitment to empowering communities through advocacy and effective litigation, as well as increasing awareness of the interconnection of environmental health, human rights, and social fairness.

A panel discussion on CEJA's strategic areas, including research, litigation, governance, and transdisciplinary approaches. This panel featured views from experts such as Dr. Felix Dube and Ms. Yasmine Luhandjula, Ms. Karabo Ozah, and Professor Emma Archer, who discussed how CEJA could navigate the shifting landscape of international environmental law while empowering affected communities. The session was an engagement with participants enabling them to exchange their thoughts, reflections, and prospects for CEJA's cooperative efforts. Also, highlighted the shared commitment to advancing judicial education and strengthening regional relations.

Professor Dyani-Mhango, Head of the Department of Public Law, where the centre will be located, delivered closing remarks in which she thanked all participants for their active participation and invaluable contributions throughout the sessions, saying, "I look forward to CEJA shaping the future of environmental legal education and practice across the continent" and reaffirming the Department's unwavering support for CEJA's vision. 

The establishment of CEJA was a crucial step toward tackling environmental justice in Africa by integrating legal frameworks with grassroots participation. The meeting not only addressed critical challenges, but also established a framework for future efforts to promote sustainable development and human rights across the continent.This reflects a commitment to making the environment cleaner and healthier for everyone, as well as ensuring that marginalized voices are heard in environmental policy and justice decision-making processes.