Given these challenges, it is crucial   for South African policymakers to adopt a more comprehensive approach to environmental governance and food security. This entails implementing stringent regulations that hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact, ensuring that communities are not left to bear the burden of corporate negligence. Furthermore, fostering partnerships between Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and local communities, can lead to innovative solutions that address both the immediate needs for safety and the long-term goals of sustainable development.

Education and awareness are also crucial components of this effort. By equipping communities with knowledge about the risks associated with abandoned mines and the importance of environmental conservation, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and their environment.

Ultimately, the intersection of environmental integrity and food security must be recognized as a foundational element for the well-being of South African society. As the nation grapples with the legacies of its mining past, it can forge a new path, one that honours the rights enshrined in its Constitution and ensures that all citizens can enjoy a safe, healthy environment, and access to sufficient food resources.

Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to ethical practices, South Africa can transform its challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and community empowerment.

Event details:

• Dates: Tuesday, 15 October 2024
• Time: 09h30
• Place: Kutlwanong Library

- Ends –

 For further information, contact the SAHRC Acting-Provincial Manager, Mr. Thonoko Modise @ 061 684 9731 email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Lecholo; Advocacy and Research Officer @ 081 349 7860 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.