Martinus Fredericks, a South African born in 1965 and identifying as “coloured”, has become an unexpected leader in the fight for the rights of the !Ama tribe, of which he discovered he was a descendant in 2012. The !Ama people, originally pastoralists who roamed Southern Africa, have faced exclusion and displacement due to land issues, particularly from diamond and mineral mining operations on the West Coast. Fredericks, along with allies such as the Protect the West Coast group, is challenging these operations that threaten the environment, livelihoods, and culture of the local communities. Despite legal victories, such as a land claim granted to the Richtersveld community in 2003, the people continue to struggle for control over their resources and a fair share of the wealth generated by mining activities.
Protect the West Coast, founded in 2020, has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including surfers, scientists, activists, and cultural leaders, to advocate for environmental protection and social justice on the West Coast. Through social media campaigns, legal interventions, and community activism, the organization has raised awareness and achieved significant victories, such as halting mining operations at the Olifants Estuary. The group’s efforts highlight the importance of community engagement and collaboration in preserving natural resources and challenging harmful mining practices. With the development of the RIPL app, which facilitates public participation in mining rights applications, Protect the West Coast aims to empower citizens across South Africa to protect their environment and demand accountability from mining companies and government regulators.
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