Rifqah represented ACT Ubumbano at the annual Bench Marks Foundation Conference at the end of September, joining mining-affected communities, civil society organizations, and activists from across Southern Africa in critical conversations about justice in mining.

The choice of Riverlea township just outside Soweto as the venue was deeply symbolic. It is a community that has directly experienced the devastating impacts of mining operations and environmental degradation. Conference discussions ranged from the continental race for “critical minerals” and increasing unemployment, to the often-overlooked gendered impacts of mining on women’s health, dignity, and livelihoods. The tragedy at Stilfontein where close to 100 unregulated miners lost their lives, and the Jagersfontein mine waste dam disaster were key discussion points that illustrate the human cost of inadequate regulation and mine closure planning.

One panel discussion that resonated focused on defending Chapter Nine institutions – the constitutional bodies tasked with protecting democracy. As one speaker argued, these institutions are under-resourced and sometimes set up to fail, yet they remain essential safeguards for communities seeking accountability from mining companies and government in South Africa.

The speaker encouraged citizens to use the Public Protector to investigate corruption and dishonesty, and strongly emphasised the need for People’s Forums where ordinary citizens can voice their opinions. The panel called progressive organisations to both defend these institutions and constructively criticise them when necessary, while fighting against the austerity measures that undermine their effectiveness.

After more than 20 years of championing mining-affected communities’ rights, the Bench Marks Foundation continues to insist that mining companies must be held accountable for their social, environmental, and economic responsibilities. More importantly, they affirm that communities themselves must lead in shaping solutions.

ACT Ubumbano shares this commitment to community-led justice and accountability. The conversations at the conference reinforced our conviction that meaningful change requires sustained collaboration between communities, civil society, labour unions, and all who believe that people’s dignity and rights must come before profit.