Resource Politics

23 April 2021: Bangumzi Balakisi, 67, from Pikoli village in Peddie worked as a gold miner in Randfontein between 1974 and 1999. He now suffers from tuberculosis and silicosis, which he contracted at work.

‘Can They Just Pay Me Before I Die?’

Despite winning a R5 billion settlement in 2018, miners who contracted TB and silicosis at work and the family members of those who died are still waiting for that payment.

By Thabo Molelekwa

What we do

Southern Africa has a rich diversity of natural resources and yet most of the region's countries are characterised by high levels of poverty and inequality. Together with our partners in South Africa and Zimbabwe we seek to engage all relevant stakeholders, from local communities to national decision makers, in order to help realise the sustainable, fair and transparent management of natural resources in the region.

Partners

Extractive Industries

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Mortgaging the Future: How Zanu PF Turns Zimbabwe’s Natural Resources into Party Political Electoral Advantage

Illicit political party funding poses significant threats to democracies worldwide. But to what extent do the fundraising practices of Zimbabwe’s political parties also threaten ecological and environmental justice? This research by the Centre of Natural Resource Governance assesses parties’ practice of selling mineral rights in the context of Zimbabwe’s 2018, 2013 and 2008 elections.

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The right to belong and the protection of cultural property

Interview

For centuries, resources have been extracted from the African continent without adequate payment or compensation. With colonialism, Khoikhoi and San, the first inhabitants of Southern Africa, lost their land and many lost their lives. During decades of Apartheid they were racially discriminated and still have to fight for political and economic inclusion in the post-Apartheid era. We spoke to the Khoikhoi lawyer Lesle Jansen about her fight for the community and for the legal acknowledgement of the cultural heritage of Indigenous people.

By Imeh Ituen

Women Human Rights Defenders during the Covid19 Pandemic

The Impact of COVID-19 on Women in Mining Affected Communities

Margaret shares her story of how the pandemic added an extra burden on the lives of women, particularly women living in mining-affected areas.

MACUA & WAMUA National Caravan Roadshow to Deliver 50 000 Signed Petitions to the Speaker of the National Assembly and a Letter to the Portfolio Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

MACUA and WAMUA will embark on a Caravan Tour which stretches from Venda in the North to Cape Town in the South, as a symbol of the far-reaching impacts of Mining on the country, the environment and its people.

Gauteng High Court Approves Settlement Agreement in Silicosis Class Action

Partner News

The South Gauteng High Court has approved the historic ZAR5 billion silicosis class action settlement for thousands of former mineworkers who contracted pulmonary tuberculosis or silicosis on South Africa’s gold mines.

Penhalonga and Tsvingwe Community Opposition to Destructive Mining Impacts

Community Protocol

With the assistance of our project partner, the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, communities affected by gold mining in eastern Zimbabwe came together to formulate a Community Protocol taking a stand against destructive mining impacts.

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Biocultural Protocol of the Kukula Traditional Health Practitioners Association

Community Protocol

Community Protocols are living documents and the revised version incorporates references to legislation that substantiates the Kukula’s position, their evolving priorities and a renewed call for dialogue.

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Historic Silicosis/ Tuberculosis Class Action Settlement

Partner News

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.

Victory for Campaign Against Uranium Mining Project in South Africa's Karoo Region

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

By Dr Stefan Cramer

Watch: Rooibos Restitution

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.

Traditional health practitioners at the SANParks Pepperbark training workshop, Thulamahashe village, Bushbuckridge, South Africa.

Kukula Traditional Healers Reaping Rewards of an Inclusive Community Protocols Process

Blog

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

By Cath Traynor

Not all members of the Bafokeng community benefit from mining. Resident at Thekwana village near Rustenburg, South Africa.

From Undemocratic Laws to Violence: How South Africa’s Mine-Hosting Communities Are Silenced

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.

By Brendan Boyle

Supporting civil society under pressure – lessons from natural resource exploitation

Civil society is under pressure worldwide. This e-paper focuses on dynamics and patterns of shrinking spaces and repressions on civil society with regard to natural resource struggles and takes a closer look into consultation processes and the role of the economy.

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Watch: Civil Society Wins Nuclear Court Case

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.

By Amanda Luxande

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