MACUA Summit| Mining communities say MPRDA fails to protect their rights

Johnathan Paoli

Despite the promises embedded in South Africa’s Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) of 2002, aimed at ensuring equitable access to mineral resources and socio-economic benefits, affected communities argue that the legislation has failed to protect their rights and promote meaningful development.

This emerged on Tuesday at the summit organized by Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) and Women Affected by Mining United in Action (WAMUA), which took place from February 4 to 6, 2025, at the Holiday Inn in Sunnyside Park, Johannesburg.

The summit, held under the theme “Our Land, Our Rights, Our Future: Laws for People and the Planet, Not for Mining,” brought together a diverse group of experts and activists.

Attendees included representatives from Youth Affected by Mining United in Action, Women Affected by Mining United in Action, Lawyers for Human Rights, and the Centre for Environmental Rights, along with academics from Wits