Communities gather to pay tribute to anti-mining activist

PAYING tribute to the life and work of one of the most respected anti-mining activists in Mtubatuba, more than 100 people recently gathered at the homestead of Gednezar Dladla who lost his battle to cancer in 2015.

The Ihlambo ceremony, performed after a loved one has passed on, is an integral part of Zulu culture and it was at this ceremony that Dladla’s life was celebrated.

From a young age, Dladla made a name for himself in his native Dubelenkhunzi, Somkhele as well as neighbouring Mtubatuba and surrounds, as a leader who represented his community in challenging both corrupt traditional leaders and the presence of mining companies in the region.

An activist against mining in Zululand from the outset, Dladla helped form the Mining and Environmental Justice Communities Network of South Africa (MEJCON-SA) and was instrumental in getting the organisation off the ground.

‘The coming together of this organisation was in response to the violations of rights by mining companies in many communities all across South Africa,’ said Matome Kapa, an attorney for the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER).

Kapa became acquainted with Dladla as a young intern at CER and said Dladla was instrumental in influencing the environmental activist he is today.

Speaking at the memorial, Kapa said Dladla was not shy to lend his knowledge, experience and wisdom in the initial MEJCON-SA meetings.

‘The idea was to unite communities so they could share lessons, experiences and strategies to deal with mining companies.

‘MEJCON-SA has benefited so much from his activism, which is why we are here today to celebrate him.’

Sheila Berry, spokesperson for the Global Environmental Trust (GET) also paid tribute to Dladla, recalling specifically his involvement in Somkhele communities fighting against Tendele Mining and its Somkhele anthracite mine.

Berry praised Dladla for his quiet, reasoned voice that reached across KZN, South Africa and the African continent to the UK, Europe and the USA.

To highlight Dladla’s international reputation in anti-mining activism, London-based Gaia Foundation dedicated its film In Defence of Life to Dladla in honour of his good work.

Finally, Sifiso Dladla, activist and former journalist, also paid tribute to his mentor, referring to him as ‘an extraordinary man who lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary manner’.

‘His dedication and determination for helping his community has never, and will never be, questionable.’