"“We Know Our Lives Are in Danger”: Environment of Fear in South Africa’s Mining-Affected Communities", 16 Apr 2019

In March 2016, activist Sikhosiphi “Bazooka” Rhadebe was killed at his home after receiving anonymous death threats. Bazooka was the chairperson of the Amadiba Crisis Committee, a community-based organization formed in 2007 to oppose mining activity in Xolobeni, Eastern Cape province... Other mining areas in South Africa, including Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Northwest provinces have had experiences similar to that of Xolobeni... This report documents threats, attacks, and other forms of intimidation against activists in mining-affected communities... Women play a leading role in voicing these concerns... Researchers...wrote to the companies...to request information on the steps taken to address the human rights issues documented.. The companies are Tendele Coal,...Anglo American Platinum,...Sefateng Chrome Mine PTY (LTD),...Ivanhoe Mines,...Tharisa,... Future Coal PTY (LTD),... Ibutho Coal Party Ltd,... Keysha Investments/Transworld Energy and Mineral Resources,...and Royal Bafokeng Platinum...We also contacted Eskom... In October 2018, researchers wrote a similar letter to the Minerals Council South Africa...In March 2019, researchers wrote follow-up letters with specific findings and recommendations to the nine mining companies mentioned above, ESKOM, Afarak... as well as the Minerals Council... At time of writing, four out of 12 recipients had responded....