Formal and informal mining: Two sides of the same coin: Macua

By Johnathan Paoli

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) has called on communities to unite across formal and informal sectors and challenge systemic injustices and build a movement capable of achieving true accountability and justice.

Speaking during the 2nd Annual Marginalised and Affected Communities Summit, Macua executive director Christopher Rutledge underscored the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability within the country’s mining sector.

“By uniting formal and informal struggles, shifting narratives and building a resilient, multi-class coalition, grounded in strong grassroots organisation, our movement can transcend the limitations seen in the response to Stilfontein and create a foundation for lasting change,” Rutledge said in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The summit brought together activists, community leaders and stakeholders committed to challenging the unchecked power of mining corporations and advocating for the rights of those most impacted by extractive industries.

It follows the recent Stilfontein humanitarian crisis at a disused gold