Working Exchange Fellow: Thuli Makama of Swaziland

Working Exchange Fellow Thuli Brilliance Makama, Swaziland.

Swaziland’s only public interest environmental lawyer traveled to Oregon in May to work with E-LAW U.S. on her efforts to protect workers at a poorly managed Swiss-owned coal mine and ferro vanadium plant, and challenge a paper mill that could destroy a river and jeopardize the health of local communities.

Thuli Brilliance Makama is the Director of Yonge Nawe Environmental Action Group. ("Yonge Nawe" means, "You too must conserve"). In Eugene, Thuli worked one-on-one with E-LAW U.S. Staff Attorneys and Scientists to get the tools and resources she needs to protect the environment and public health in Swaziland.

Swaziland is one of five countries in Africa hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic. Communities suffer from high levels of poverty, HIV infection, and an increasingly degraded natural environment. Weak governance makes addressing these issues a serious challenge.

Thuli traveled to Eugene after participating in the 2004 E-LAW Annual International Meeting where she collaborated with E-LAW advocates from Slovakia, Russia, Czech Republic, and other countries working to protect communities from polluting pulp mills and other industries that endanger public health.

Thuli studied law at the University of Swaziland and received an MSC from the London School of Economics. She currently directs Yonge Nawe’s environmental law program.

For more information on Yonge Nawe Environmental Action Group, visit http://www.yongenawe.com.