The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) – a non-profit organisation of activist lawyers who help communities and civil society organisations realise their right to a healthy environment by advocating and litigating for environmental justice – has been seen as an enemy of mining companies and the jobless, particularly in its prolonged litigation with Uthaka Energy (Pty) Ltd, which wants to mine coal at an environmentally sensitive and protected area in Mabola near Wakkerstroom.