Resource Politics

Yesterday, May 3rd 2018, a historic settlement was reached between South African mineworkers who contracted silicosis or tuberculosis while working underground and seven gold mining companies, the first class action settlement of its kind in the country.

An Australian firm which planned to mine in the iconic Karoo region of South Africa has been forced to leave after costly delays in the licensing process. Dr Stefan Cramer hopes its exit - combined with the environmental efforts of the new South African government - may enable the Karoo to finally realise its full potential in sustainable agriculture and renewable energies

After a long struggle to protect the rights of indigenous communities, a landmark decision has been taken by the Rooibos Industry to enter into negotiations with the Khoi and San as the associated traditional knowledge rights holders to the uses of Rooibos. An Access and Benefit Sharing Agreement is currently being concluded between the two parties based on mutually agreed terms, and in compliance with Nagoya Protocol.

Community protocols are not just documents, they’re a process and innovative processes can create new opportunities.

The rural Amadiba community of Xolobeni on South Africa’s picturesque Wild Coast won a rare victory in July when an Australian company gave up its 13-year battle to mine titanium from the dunes that have sustained them for generations.

Led by HBS partners Earthlife Africa (ELA) and the South African Faith Communities Environmental Institute (SAFCEI), the anti-nuke campaign has managed to challenge the South African government on its decision to pursue a 9.6GW nuclear procurement programme.  

This trailer offers a short preview of the much awaited HBF documentary developed by Sylvia Vollenhoven from Vision in Africa in collaboration with Natural Justice.

On Wednesday 8 February 2017, as mine industry executives gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the Invest in Africa Mining Indaba, Sonke Gender Justice with support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation protested in front of the Cecil Rhodes statue in the Company Gardens, Cape Town.