Martinus Fredericks, a descendant of the !Ama tribe, has become a prominent figure in South Africa’s fight against social and environmental injustices. Born in 1965, he was approached by representatives of the !Ama Chieftaincy in Namibia in 2012 and asked to lead the South African branch of the tribe. Since then, he has been advocating for the rights of his people, who have been marginalized for centuries.
The !Ama people, indigenous pastoralists, have been pushed off their ancestral lands due to mining activities. Mining companies, both legal and illegal, have caused significant environmental damage along the West Coast, threatening endemic plant species and marine habitats. Despite legal victories granting mineral rights to the Richtersveld community, the people remain impoverished and their land remains exploited.
In response, Martinus Fredericks, along with activists like Mike Schlebach of Protect the West Coast, and Suzanne du Plessis, are leading a grassroots movement to protect the West Coast from destructive mining practices. They have successfully halted mining operations in important ecological areas like the Olifants Estuary.
Protect the West Coast has gained support from a diverse group of stakeholders and aims to bring more awareness to the environmental and social impacts of mining. They have developed an app, RIPL, to facilitate citizen objections to mining applications, making it easier for communities to have their voices heard.
Through social media, legal actions, and community activism, Protect the West Coast is working to ensure that the last pristine stretches of the West Coast are preserved, and that mining companies adhere to stricter environmental regulations. Their efforts have already made a significant impact, and they are continuing to push for justice and environmental conservation in South Africa.
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