By Tholakele Thabane
Monica Ngcobo, 49, is a traditional healer and the Kagung branch coordinator in Northern Cape. Monica—who has been with MACUA since 2013— is a passionate activist dedicated to fighting for women’s rights and marginalised communities.
Monica grew up in Ellendale village on the outskirts of Joe Morolong Municipality, where she developed leadership skills from a young age. She was a “clap and tap” leader in school, where her mobilising skills began.
Having grown up as a leader, activism is one thing she dedicates her life to and being situated in a province rich in minerals, it pains her that beneficiation from mines is something they do not know.
Since joining MACUA, Monica has learnt a lot about mining related laws and how to tackle them. She has had a chance to learn about the Social Labour Plans and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department Act.
Living in a mine community
Living in a mine community for Monica is a struggle as a mother who is unemployed. Issues like water and electricity are the biggest challenges. To outmaneuver this daily struggle, the community where Monica lives must walk long distances during midnight or the early hours to fetch water. This is the only time water is accessible.
This temporary situation leaves women vulnerable and become victims of gender- based violence crimes like rape. While this is the daily reality for the community, their host mines Black Rock Mine Operations, Kumba Iron Ore Resources and Kolomela Mine consistently have more than enough running water.
“We wake up at 2am sometimes for only a 20-litre bucket of water, drinking water we need to buy with money we do not have,” Monica says, adding that there was an incident where a lady in her community left her children sleeping at night to get water and they got raped.
Monica is involved in various campaigns and discussions, including feminism, Agroecology and women’s rights. She currently represents women at JTG Civil Council, which participates in the 365 days of women and children abuse-free country campaign.
“Women need to know the politics on how to represent themselves in parliament and everywhere,” she mentions.
The post A Champion for Women’s Rights in the Northern Cape first appeared on MACUA.
