By: Lindobuhle David Nene
Youth participation in the governance of South Africa’s natural resources and environmental justice is essential for sustainable development and the protection of local communities. In recent years, youth activists have been at the forefront of efforts to hold mining companies accountable for their impact on the environment and human rights.
Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) and the Women Affected by Mining United in Action (WAMUA), Youth Affected by Mining United in Action (YAMUA) is hosting events today in Merafong, Khutsong, Phola in Mpumalanga, Welkom in Thabong and Mokopane to commemorate the 16 June. The day is significant, as it marks the Soweto Uprising of 1976, which was a turning point in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. It also serves as a reminder that environmental and social justice are intrinsically linked, and that communities have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and future.
MACUA and WAMUA is a human rights and environmental organizations that seek to empower youth affected by mining activities in South Africa. Through their advocacy and community mobilization, the organizations aim to ensure that mining companies respect human rights, protect the environment, and provide meaningful benefits to local communities.
One of the key challenges facing youth participation in the governance of natural resources and environmental justice in South Africa is the limited space for engagement and dialogue between mining companies, government, and affected communities. Often, decisions are made behind closed doors, with little or no input from those who are most affected. This lack of transparency and accountability can lead to conflict, social unrest, and environmental degradation.
To address these issues, MACUA-WAMUA engage in regular dialogue with mining companies, government officials, and other stakeholders to advocate for the rights of communities and ensure that their voices are heard. They also provide training and support to youth activists to enable them to participate more effectively in decision-making processes.
In addition, MACUA – WAMUA and YAMUA conduct research and advocate for the implementation of progressive policies and regulations that balance economic development with environmental sustainability and human rights. They also use strategic litigation to hold mining companies accountable for human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and other harmful practices.
The events taking place today in Merafong, Khutsong, Phola in Mpumalanga, Thabong in Welkom and Mokopane are part of MACUA and WAMUA’s ongoing efforts to promote effective youth participation in the governance of natural resources and environmental justice in South Africa. The events provide an opportunity for local communities, youth activists, government officials, and mining companies to engage in dialogue, share information, and collaborate on efforts to promote sustainable development and protect human rights.
The events will feature discussions on key issues such as the impacts of mining on the environment and local communities, the challenges faced by youth activists in advocating for their rights, and the role of government and mining companies in promoting sustainable development and environmental justice. There will also be interactive sessions and workshops to provide training and support to youth activists, as well as cultural performances highlighting the importance of environmental and social justice.
NB: David Lindobuhle Nene is a Human Rights and Social Justice Legal activist currently Employed as a Paralegal at MACUA-WAMUA. He had followed the career in Law as a passion and mostly important to fight the injustices in the marginalized communities.
Throughout his career, she has undertaken extensive work aimed at promoting the human rights of vulnerable groups, primarily in Southern Africa has through public law, compliance, social audits , grant-making, capacity building, organizational development, program, projects coordination, research and Social Labour Plan / MPRDA interpretation.
His research interests are within the Human rights and Social Justice, in Social Policy, Gender justice, Environmental law, Non-compliances from corporate mines.
On a personal note I firmly believe in the adage mind management is the essence of life management.
In conclusion, promoting effective youth participation in the governance of South Africa’s natural resources and environmental justice is essential for the achievement of sustainable development and the protection of local communities. MACUA and WAMUA’s work in empowering youth affected by mining activities is a crucial step towards ensuring that communities have a voice in decisions that affect their lives and future. The events taking place today in the said MACUA-WAMUA branches serve as a reminder that the struggle for human rights and environmental justice is ongoing, and that youth activism is a powerful force for change.
