By Senthati Katlego Zasekhaya
Paballo Mokwanatle is a 24-year-old from Springbokpan in the North West. He is the Youth Affected by Mining United in Action (YAMUA) Coordinator for the Springbokpan Branch. Paballo is a passionate activist who is driven by a deep love for politics and a strong commitment to advocating for change. His journey is built on self-confidence and a strong desire to create a better future for everyone. These values have made him a key figure in the fight for social justice and community development.
Paballo’s activism is rooted in a desire to see real change in his community. “My love for politics inspired me to become an activist and advocate for change and better living for all,” he says. Paballo wishes to fight against the ongoing lack of social justice in South Africa. He is determined to fight for future generations to have equal opportunities and to inherit a better world.
He recognises that many communities lack empowerment and access to information, which makes it difficult for them to confront these issues. His activism seeks to bridge this gap by advocating for his community and empowering them to challenge injustices head-on. He joined MACUA last year and he has since empowered his community and the youth through the movement. “We share the knowledge together and empower each other”, he says.
Like many activists, Paballo has faced some challenges, especially when it comes to rejection and mistrust from his own community. “People think we are doing this for our own selfish benefits instead of seeing the bigger picture and supporting the movement,” he explains. However, he understands where this skepticism comes from, noting that self-enrichment at the expense of communities has become common. Paballo overcomes these challenges by constantly reminding his community why he and others are fighting. “This is for the greater good of us all,” he adds.
Paballo is a strong advocate for youth involvement in politics and activism. He believes that today’s activism is crucial for the future, especially since older generations may no longer be around to continue the fight. Activism can be challenging, but Paballo doesn’t let criticism stop him. He firmly believes in staying true to oneself. “Even if they try to create a monster out of you, just smile knowing you are nothing like what they say.” For him, the key is not to take things personally. “What happened, happened—it comes with the job," he says. Since it’s Mental Health Month, Paballo has an important message for other activists: “You need to be sure of yourself. Even if people try to tear you down, know that you’re doing it for the greater good. Focus on your goals and not the noise around you.”
Paballo wishes to transform his mineral-rich community into something that the younger generation can be proud of. “Activism gives us a chance to ensure that the future becomes a reality,” he says. He is determined to fight for a community that benefits from its resources rather than being left behind. Through his work, he is not only advocating for his community but also laying the foundation for future generations to thrive.
