The demonstration forms part of a broader campaign to spotlight corporations whose packaging and production practices are worsening the planet’s plastic crisis. This year’s World Environment Day is themed around the global fight to end plastic pollution.

Hellen Dena, Project Lead for the Pan African Plastics Project at Greenpeace Africa, said the protest was intended to hold Coca-Cola accountable for its role in environmental degradation.

“Coca-Cola has been named the world’s top plastic polluter for six years in a row, from 2018 to 2023,” Dena stated. “The company produces 120 billion throwaway plastic bottles annually. Much of this plastic ends up in the environment, especially in marine ecosystems, where it causes serious environmental damage and risks to public health.”

Greenpeace Africa and other environmental groups argue that voluntary pledges by corporations have done little to stem the tide of single-use plastics. They are calling for legally binding global agreements to reduce plastic production and for companies like Coca-Cola to shift to sustainable alternatives.

The protest in Johannesburg saw activists holding placards, distributing flyers, and engaging with members of the public about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and the need for systemic change.

Dena emphasised the importance of corporate accountability and called on governments to enforce stricter regulations. “It is no longer enough to rely on recycling. We need a dramatic reduction in plastic production and strong commitments to reuse and refill systems.”

--ChannelAfrica--