Sisonke Environmental sounds alarm on Newcastle mining
The surge in mining activities in Newcastle and the surrounding Amajuba district has prompted strong reactions from environmental groups with Sisonke Environmental, calling for consultation and more protection for affected communities and the environment.
Led by activist Lucky Shabalala, who has extensive experience in mining rights and the fight against unregulated mining practices, the group has been outspoken about the implications of the sudden explosion of coal mining activities.
While Shabalala acknowledges the economic contributions that mining operations bring to local communities, he raised concerns over the lack of environmental oversight and the insufficient enforcement of regulations governing these activities.
Formed in 2014, Sisonke Environmental Justice Network, serves as the voice of mining-affected communities, advocating for greater involvement in decision-making processes when mining companies apply for permits, rights, or prospecting licenses.
Shabalala’s frustration stems which he says are the absence of proper environmental safeguards, which he argues jeopardizes both the local ecosystems and the long-term health of affected communities.
“Since becoming an activist I have faced death threats, harassment, and even been arrested for my work in protecting the disadvantaged,” he said. “I recall being arrested for attempting to block the establishment of a prominent local mine in 2017.”
One of his primary concerns is that current efforts to fight mining across the Amajuba district are not collaborative.
“Even though we have concerns about the poor consultations, which are neither adequate nor meaningful, our hands are tied because some farmers exclude us,” he told the Advertiser.
The group also have major environmental concerns.
“We are concerned about the wetlands in Mattandu Farm, as well as the endangered wildlife species, which we don’t want to disappear. We also have concerns about our streams, water, and rivers, especially the pollution in the Ncandu River. Like with the public, we are concerned about the damage the traffic to the mines will do to our roads… and the blasting in close proximity to houses in the residential areas.”
He is also apprehensive over what he calls in the ‘inaction’ of the Department of Environmental Affairs, (DMRE).
“They are not doing anything because, as per municipal zoning certificates and radius regulations, they claim they can’t intervene.”
Sisonke Environmental believes that the DMR is conflicted as the Department is mandated to ensure mining continues in the country while also addressing environmental harm caused by the industry.
While admitting the need for jobs in Newcastle – brought to the fore by the pending closure of Arcelor Mittal – Shabalala stressed that mining ‘should not be harmful to the lives of the community and should be done in a sustainable way.’
He warned that unfair labour practices should be rigorously enforced to safeguard workers’ rights.
Another challenge in opposing new mines is that landowners holding surface rights ultimately have the authority to permit mining activities. “If they sign for a prospecting application, we as activists can’t do anything,” Shabalala lamented, emphasizing the limitations faced by environmental groups in preventing mining expansion.
Sisonke Environmental called for a more coordinated and independent regulatory approach to balance economic growth with environmental and labour rights protections. The group insisted that mining regulations need urgent review to prevent unchecked environmental degradation while ensuring that workers’ rights are upheld.
As mining continues to expand in the Newcastle and Amajuba regions, the debate around its impact remains heated. For activists like Shabalala, the challenge is not just in holding mining companies accountable but also in pushing government agencies to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. The question remains: Who will step up to ensure that mining benefits do not come at the irreversible cost of the environment and local livelihoods.
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
