Calls for Justice for Murder of Environmental Activist Fikile Ntshangase

The Democratic Party (DA) says it is horrified at the murder of community and environmental activist Fikile Ntshangase at her home in Ophondweni, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa. “The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be found, and justice swiftly meted out,” Hannah Shameema Winkler – Shadow Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries – said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

“Fikile Ntshangase was a leading member of the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (MCEJO) and was opposed to the extension of a Tendele owned Somkhele open coal mine extending its operations, driven out of concern for the impact the operation would have on her community and the natural environment. It is alleged that her murder was linked to her activism,” said Winkler.

“Fikile Ntshangase was a courageous warrior who fought for her community and for environmental justice. The DA send their heartfelt condolences to Fikile Ntshangase’s family and her community.”

The EMS Foundation praised Ntshangase for “courageously” opposing the Tendele Coal Mine expansion program in KZN, and quoted Nelson Mandela – “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”.

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