Call for justice for the murder of activist Fikile Ntshangase
- Lee-Anne Bruce
CALS condemns the murder of environmental community activist Fikile Ntshangase and joins calls for justice
Today we mourn the devastating loss of courageous community activist Fikile Ntshangase, who was murdered last night. In spite of a history of threats and attacks against human rights defenders opposing the conduct of the Tendele Coal Mine, Fikile fought fearlessly against the expansion of the mine which posed grave risks to the environment and livelihoods of her community. Tendele borders the iMfolozi National Park, the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Its expansion would again put profits before people and hamper efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change. CALS condemns the pattern of murder of environmental activists and violence against women, and joins the call for authorities to investigate Fikile’s murder thoroughly and expeditiously.
CALS continues to work on a number of projects aimed at protecting human rights defenders who face attack and victimisation on a daily basis. Read more about our research revealing the particular threats against women trying to protect the environmental rights of their communities in the face of mining here.