Saftu stands with Macua in protecting mining affected communities

By Johnathan Paoli

In the aftermath of Stilfontein, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action’s (Macua) mission to uphold the rights of communities impacted by mining activities.

Saftu general secretary told the Mining Affected Communities Summit in Johannesburg that there was a against exploitation and environmental injustices perpetuated by profit-driven mining corporations, who often left behind devastated communities and degraded environments.

“Macua’s steadfast fight for the recognition of community voices, equitable resource distribution, and environmental justice resonates deeply with Saftu’s own commitment to building a society founded on social justice, workers’ rights and economic democracy,” Vavi said.

Highlighting the natural alliance between Saftu and Macua, Vavi emphasised their mutual opposition to xenophobia and the scapegoating of migrant workers.

He condemned the tendency to blame migrant communities for systemic issues stemming from capitalist crises and governmental inefficiencies, identifying