Activists from mining-affected communities in South Africa shared harrowing tales of intimidation and violence at the Human Rights Defenders People’s Hearing in Johannesburg. Civil society groups are urging Parliament to enact a law protecting those defending justice and the environment. The event highlighted ongoing threats amid opposition to coal and titanium mining projects.
On 22 October 2025, the Human Rights Defenders People’s Hearing took place at the Women’s Jail in Constitution Hill, Johannesburg. Organised by the Life After Coal campaign—a coalition of Earthlife Africa, groundWork, and the Centre for Environmental Rights—the event amplified voices of whistleblowers, community leaders, and activists from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Israel Nkosi, a member of the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (MCEJO), recounted his experiences opposing the Tendele Coal Mine expansion. “When I was in hiding, I wanted to test the people who were targeting us. I went to my house and parked outside just to see what they would do. They came and shot in and around the house because they thought I was inside. This is how crazy they are,” Nkosi said. He noted that colleague Fikile Ntshangase was killed on 22 October 2022 for similar activism, with her killers still at large.
Billy Mnqondo from MCEJO described how a 2013 mining announcement initially promised jobs but led to land dispossession, pollution, and violence. He reported a community member's house demolished without police intervention and another activist's home shot at, leaving 17 bullet holes. The victim later signed a memorandum of understanding for R10,000. Nkosi added that the mine fosters community divisions by blaming MCEJO for job losses.
In Xolobeni, Eastern Cape, the Amadiba Crisis Committee opposes titanium mining. Member Baliwe Dlamini shared being beaten by police in 2020 during a protest, resulting in permanent eye damage and emotional trauma.
Bobby Peak of groundWork highlighted failed petitions to government bodies and plans to submit a report to Parliament. Sifiso Dlala, a groundWork campaigner, called for new legislation recognising human rights defenders, imposing protection duties on authorities, and ensuring accountability. “We’re not asking for charity. We’re asking for recognition, for protection, and for a country that protects those who protect it,” Dlala said.
Tendele Mining's Nathi Kunene denied involvement in intimidation, affirming legal operations, extensive public participation with over 30 meetings, and expected employment for 1,200 people benefiting 20,000 community members. He referenced a prior right of reply dismissing MCEJO allegations.