My journey of becoming an activist

john mthembu

by John Mxolisi Mthembu

My journey as an activist began as a family-driven initiative. I grew up in a home where community involvement and speaking out against injustice were core values. My family’s deep concern for fairness and care for the environment planted a seed in me from an early age. When I relocated to Witbank, now known as Emalahleni, my passion for environmental advocacy grew stronger. I saw the real and painful effects of coal mining on people’s lives:
polluted air, degraded land, and a rise in respiratory illnesses. The disconnect between local decision makers and community voices pushed me to act. I could no longer sit on the
sidelines.

I co-founded the Vukani Environmental Movement (VEM) in Empumelelweni, where I found like-minded individuals committed to justice, sustainability, and change. Through workshops and community meetings, I learned how to challenge environmental violations, engage with policymakers, and educate others about their rights. For me, activism is more than protest; it’s about building, informing, and empowering. It’s about creating spaces where
communities can speak for themselves and take part in decisions that shape their future.

Every day, I draw strength from those affected most: the children coughing through the night, the elderly struggling with chronic illness, the youth searching for a future beyond mining. These are the people I fight for. While we’ve won some battles, our work continues. I envision a future where Emalahleni is green, healthy, and thriving, a place where youth lead with courage, and the community owns its path forward. Through socially owned renewable energy projects, education, and constant engagement, I believe we will achieve our goal.