Organizing Through Adversity: The Lessons Activism Taught Me
Moshabi Selowa
by Moshabi Selowa
Back in 2005, Bokoni Platinum Mine engaged how our community about the initiation of opening a new shaft, whereby the mine promised the community massive job opportunities including tenders. After the first blast of a new shaft called Brakfontein, everyone felt unsafe when looking for them house cracks created by the Bokoni platinum mine. As part of the community members around the Tipeng section, felt that l must network with some other stakeholders which affected by mines in their communities.
Luckily enough codes from the upper side of the Sekhukhune like Cde Mmathapelo and coworkers introduced me to some NGO to join, which assisted me to be part of activist. I followed the struggle for more information on how to hold myself accountable for the missuses ambition, which made me stronger.
In 2009, tried to mobilize community members to double-check the impact of most affected Community members affected by the mine shaft. We successfully completed mobilization and started to engage the mine through letters which never responded till today, continually network with other provincial community leaders for more information. The serious sad impact of house cracks was then followed up to assist fellow residents, particularly around the Monametse Tipeng section and part of Mokgotho.
The NGO called Malengine Corruption Watch was formed to fight against the impact of house cracks, and mine opened its gates to engage the issue. Amongst the residents were some hidden opportunists who denied our mission. This happens to Monametse community residents because of the Bokoni platinum mine, and the mine effects residents by dust, noise, and polluting air to us community members.
Actions taken and the mine negligence to all letters and emails written to my social performance. During the engagement, l only mobilized residents but only opportunists fought for justice to happen in our communities. I continued writing emails to challenge my stubbornness or arrogance.
