FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE:Brave Activists Stand Up Against Mining Company Tendele Coal and its owners, Petmin – Urgent Action Required to Protect the rights of Somkhele Residents
In a bold and courageous display of unity and determination, activists from the affected communities of Somkhele KwaZulu-Natal, gathered on Wednesday 05 June in a peaceful protest against Tendele’s flouting of the law, and Tendele’s attempts to bulldoze the community out of their homes.
However, the activists’ efforts to exercise their constitutional right to protest and bring attention to the injustices caused by the mining company and their owners Petmin, were met with aggressive interference and threats from armed thugs who have been mobilised to protect the mine. All of which was done in front of the Police, who did nothing to prevent the armed thugs from intimidating and threatening the community members who were exercising their constitutional right to protest.
During the gathering, it was observed that Lucky Mkhwanazi, an employee of Tendele Coal, which is majority owned by Petmin, was actively photographing the activists even before the protest commenced in a clear and visible attempt to intimidate the protesters. As the march began, Mr. Mkhwanazi continued to drive alongside the activists, recording their every move. This intimidating behaviour, which is clearly undertaken by an employee of the mine, raises serious concerns about the bona fide’s of a corporate entity that operates more like a despotic profiteer, than a good corporate citizen.
Approximately 400 meters into the march, a group of armed individuals confronted the activists, obstructing their path and issuing menacing threats. Shockingly, they explicitly stated that anyone attempting to proceed would be shot. These threats were made repeatedly, and despite the presence of the police, they were not arrested or prevented from intimidating the protesters.
It is deeply concerning that the police, represented by an officer named Mathaba, declared the protest illegal and insisted that the activists retreat. When questioned about the legality of the actions of those obstructing the protest, Officer Mathaba failed to provide a satisfactory response, raising doubts about the impartiality and commitment to justice within the law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, it is alarming to note that the individuals responsible for the obstruction are well-known members of the Somkhele community. Their derogatory remarks and offensive language directed towards the activists is an affront to the principles of democracy and human rights.
This incident highlights the urgent need for mining companies and their owners like Petmin, who often operate from the comfort of their fancy offices in the leafy suburbs, to be held accountable under the law. It is imperative that justice prevails in affected communities, and those responsible for the exploitation and disregard of human rights are brought to justice.
Ater the assassination of Fikile Ntshangase in Somkehele in 2021, and the continued armed attacks on residences in the community who object to the mine, we believe that the more media attention we can bring to this issue, the less likely these thugs will act against the activists. It is essential that the press amplifies this message and spotlight the atrocious acts of intimidation being undertaken with the consent and approval of corporate entities and in violation of the constitutional rights of marginalised communities, to ensure the safety and well-being of the brave individuals fighting for justice.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Gilbert Moela
Cell: 079 777 6175