ACTIVISIM MINEFIELD: Activists live in ‘environment of fear’ in mining communities

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ACTIVISIM MINEFIELD: Activists live in ‘environment of fear’ in mining communities By Greg Nicolson

When Ibutho Coal wanted to mine in Fuleni, KwaZulu-Natal, Silindile N was one of the activists who organised a protest in April 2016. Hundreds of people were going to be relocated and thousands may have been harmed by the mine’s blasting vibration, dust and floodlights.You must stop what you are doing. If you don’t stop, we will shoot you.

Numerous studies highlight how the economic and developmental benefits promised to mining-affected communities rarely materialise while residents experience tangible drawbacks, including relocation, environmental damage and health risks.In communities across South Africa, the rights of activists to peacefully organise to protect their livelihoods and the environment from the harm of mining are under threat,” said Centre for Environmental Rights attorney Matome Kapa.

As municipalities wittingly or unwittingly frustrate legitimate attempts to protest, activists embark on “illegal” protests, which can lead to arbitrary arrests.Police have used violence, including tear gas and rubber bullets, to suppress protest in mining-affected communities.

Mining companies also embark on strategic litigation to silence opponents, says the report, “to censor, intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defence until they abandon their criticism or opposition”.

 

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