Activists from the Goldfields Community Forum have brought forward an application in the Bloemfontein High Court, seeking to overturn an interdict against Harmony Gold Mining Company prohibiting them from protesting. Goldfields Community Forum is a non-profit organisation seeking to promote the rights of mining-affected communities near Odedendaalsrus in the Free State.

Since 2018, the form tried engaging with the management of Harmony Gold about their social and labour plan. This plan is a legally binding document that details how a mining company will share the benefits of mining with affected communities. However, an audit showed that the mine failed to comply with its legal obligations resulting in worker demonstrations.

To tell us more, we are joined by Aubrey Tsoeute. He is the Chairperson of the Goldfields Community Forum…