Greenpeace Africa tobto the streets of Tshwane to protests against coal mining at Rietvlei Dam.
Ethel Malatji
Greenpeace Africa members took to the streets of Pretoria to protest against the opening of a coal mine at Ritvlei Dam by Corobrik Company on July 31.
The protest caused disruptions for motorists, affecting streets such as Spark, Meintjies, Hamilton, and Steve Biko in Tshwane.
The main purpose of the protest was to raise awareness and stop the opening of the mine.
Protesters aimed to hand over a petition to the Department of Minerals and Resources, urging them to reverse stop the mine from operating in the area.
The mining operation is expected to affect a nearby nature reserve and threaten the water supply to Pretoria.
The Rietvlei Dam is set to supply 20% of Pretoria’s water, and the mining operation could jeopardise this supply.
Corobrik claims to have discovered coal in the area and plans to remove it over the next seven years.
Protesters argue that the mining operation will have devastating effects on the community, livelihoods, and the environment.
They believe that profit-driven decisions should not sacrifice the future and health of the community and the environment.
“The mining operation will have catastrophic effects on our water supply and nature reserve,” said Jean-Marie De Vos Mentz, a local resident.
Greenpeace Africa and the protesters demand that the Department of Minerals and Resources reverses its decision to grant Corobrick a license to mine in the area.
They urge the department to prioritise the community’s well-being and environmental protection over corporate interests.
“The department received us well, they sent out their director Modilati Malapane to tell us that they will respond within seven days,” said Cynthia Moyo, Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Africa.
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