▶️ The post Statement: Civil Society condemns the violence in Entembeni, Kwa-Zulu Natal appeared first on AIDC | Alternative Information & Development Centre.
In a statement today the Alliance for Rural Democracy (ARD) and partner organizations (listed below) condemn the killing of Sbusiso Hlongwane, a land rights activist from Matshansundu village. Hlongwane was assassinated on Sunday near the village’s main road. He had opposed mining in his community, advocating for the rights of customary landowners.
Entembeni residents, including several villages, are divided over the Jindal Iron Ore Project’s application to mine up to 26,000 hectares of communal land, claimed land, and commercial farms. Mining could lead to relocations, job losses, and environmental damage. The community is experiencing increased violence related to these tensions. Local farmers have been battling wildfires, some suspected to be arson attacks on those opposing mining. The fires have caused loss of homes, livestock, and property, impacting rural residents’ income and jobs.
The ARD calls for calm and opposes any loss of life, destruction of land, or loss of income. They emphasize that all individuals have the right to their views and that violence undermines participatory decision-making. They urge the police to investigate Hlongwane’s murder and the suspected arson. Recent violent incidents have left community members fearful, particularly with Jindal’s new mining rights application. The ARD stresses the need to protect residents’ rights and property to ensure safety.
PARTNERS: Alliance for Rural Democracy (ARD)
Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC)
Right to Say No Campaign (R2SN)
BenchMarks Foundation (BMF)
Land Access Movement of South Africa (LAMOSA)
StopTheBantustans Campaign (STB)
For media comments, contact:
Tshepo Fokane on 010 021 0572 or fokanet@ardt.org.za
Matthews Hlabane on 082 707 9860 or mnyeva@gmail.com
Eric Mokuoa on 083 371 2947 or eric@bench-marks.org.za
