Mandela Day Statement by Southern Africa Resource Watch – Thursday 18th July 2024

On this Mandela Day, we, at Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW), call upon extractive companies and African governments to earnestly prioritize the pursuit for the eradication of poverty and inequality, diligently protect our environment, and actively combat climate change. The era of pursuing maximum profit at all costs by extractive companies, marked by corruption and a culture of primitive accumulation, is over. Together, we need to respond to the challenges before us to protect the planet —not only for our generation but for the generations to come.

The historical narrative of resource extraction in Africa—one of brutality and immense suffering, particularly for African women—needs a radical transformation. The mining industry, in its current form, has perpetuated poverty, incited violent conflicts, exacerbated greenhouse gas emissions, and led to severe water and air pollution. It has also contributed to land dispossession, food insecurity, and the spread of occupational diseases like silicosis and tuberculosis, fostering political instability and wars.

As global demand for minerals crucial for the energy transition increases, it is important that the extraction of these resources is done responsibly. This includes respecting the rights of indigenous communities, investing in the decarbonization of extractive operations, mitigating all negative impacts on nature and society, and promoting stringent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

More importantly, as we transition to a zero-carbon economy, it is paramount that this new era is equitable in all its dimensions, ensuring that everyone benefits fully. Africa is a reservoir holding the majority of the world’s critical minerals, meaning the continent has an extraordinary opportunity to lift its people out of poverty with pragmatic and integrated industrial strategies.

On Mandela Day, let us renew our commitment to these ideals, striving to create a just and sustainable future for all. Together, we can change the legacy of extraction on our continent and turn it into a source of prosperity and stability.