Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Environmental affairs Media statements | Media statements

Illegal mining activities on Free State farmer’s land require urgent attention

ByAfriForum 16/08/202316/08/2023

AfriForum today made an urgent appeal to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to investigate and resolve the issue where a company illegally entered the land of a Free State farmer and already started mining.

According to Lambert de Klerk, manager for Environmental Affairs at AfriForum, the organisation requests in a letter to the Department to pay attention to the serious matter of illegal mining activities. These activities not only threaten and damage the environment, but also create an unfavourable environment for honest businesspeople and communities that follow the right processes and regulations.

“We cannot remain silent while these illegal practices continue. Its impact on our environment and our society as a whole is unacceptable,” says De Klerk. “It is crucial that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy immediately begin a comprehensive investigation to establish the full extent of this issue and hold those who break the law accountable.”

AfriForum trusts that the Department will take the necessary steps to deal with this issue in a transparent and efficient manner. The organisation is determined to work with relevant government agencies to ensure an environment of honesty, responsibility and full compliance with legislation in the mining sector.

“We call on the Department to show strong leadership and take the necessary steps to fully investigate and end illegal mining activities,” emphasizes De Klerk.

AfriForum will monitor the situation and is ready to offer further support to maintain an environment of law and justice. “We believe in the importance of a responsible and sustained use of our natural resources for the current and future generations,” concludes De Klerk.