This Day of Reconciliation on December 16, 2024, the communities of Namakwaland will gather at the historic Levy Hall in the town of Concordia in the Northern Cape, South Africa. They stand united against mass land grabs of Indigenous communal land for extractive mining projects. This historic gathering serves to amplify the voices of local communities who have long been fighting to protect their lands, livelihoods, and way of life from the devastating impacts of extractive industries.
The event will put a spotlight on the region and communities’ ongoing resistance to threats posed by extractive activities by multinational corporations, local investors and the state. These actors have been pushing for mining rights and oil and gas exploration on the coast to meet the rising global demand for minerals and energy sources to the detriment of the local communities. The South African government along with other countries from the Global North have identified Namakwaland as a critical site to solve the economic and energy crisis in South Africa and globally given the vast land, sea and natural resources of the area.
The Vrywillige, Vooraf en Voordurende Ingeligte Toestemming (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) or VVVT Namakwaland is a social movement in the Northern Cape province bringing together activists and community members from various towns and villages including Pella, Concordia, Komaggas, Steinkopf, Port Nolloth and the Richtersveld. In partnership with WoMin African Alliance, they will host ‘Reconciling Resistance’ Day, with a remembrance march starting from Jubilee Mine where Concordia community members were arrested last year for resisting new copper mining, to the Levy Hall, culminating with a cultural celebration. The official programme begins at 9:30am at the Levy Hall with community voices from across Namakwaland sharing their experiences of resisting the exploitation of their lands.
A history of resistance
The ‘Reconciling Resistance’ Day is a response to the ongoing crisis faced by Namakwaland’s communities as they defend their indigenous lands and rights. Reflecting on their history of resistance, one spokesperson shared, “We as Indigenous people come together to remember and learn from our heritage of resistance and resilience – we have fought colonialism and will continue to defend and protect our indigenous land from new extractive threats.”
Concordia is a current flashpoint in the fight against rampant communal land grabs for mining by corporations working hand-in-glove with the government, almost all without the consultation and consent of the community. The town was witness to the arrest of 29 community members for resisting copper mining on their land, on August 9, 2023. Despite the community’s resistance and objection, mining activity continues on their communal land.
Standing against “Green Extractivism”
The rise of “green extractivism” has provoked an increased demand for so-called “critical” or “green” minerals and metals, which are required for the construction of energy transition infrastructure and materials, like solar panels, wind turbines, batteries for electric vehicles that enable other green forms of energy like green hydrogen. With an estimated 54% of transition minerals located on or near Indigenous Peoples’ territories, communities like those in Namakwaland are facing unprecedented threats to their land, livelihoods, and way of life.
There has never been a more urgent moment to ensure the protection of the rights of Indigenous people to determine for themselves what “development” will look like. While addressing the climate crisis is vital, it must not come at the expense of Indigenous peoples’ rights to their lands and natural resources. “We should not have to continue to pay through the nose for the grabbing of our land for a crisis we did not create,” Ann Friedberg of VVVT Namakwaland said. “A Just Transition will not be JUST if it fails to put justice, equity and dignity at the centre – upholding our rights as Indigenous people is therefore critical.”
The Namakwaland communities are coming together to claim their right to be on their communal lands, and to protect their heritage, sustain their livelihoods and safeguard their way of life for themselves and those who will come after them. The march in Namakwaland is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of local communities in the face of global extractive forces. By standing united, these communities are sending a clear message that they will not back down until their rights and their lands are fully protected.
For media enquiries contact:
Ilanuscha Van Neel
Northern Cape Organiser, WoMin African Alliance
Cell: +27 63 041 6338
For more information visit: https://womin.africa/resisting-green-extractivism-in-south-africa/
