FEBRUARY 2026
‘Not an era of change, but a change of era’ – Pope Leo XIV, 9 January 2026
Dear Comrades and Friends, Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of 2026.
We are not okay; and so are many of the world’s dispossessed, working class and poor.
Across the world and here at home, we face many struggles.
The invasion of Venezuela represents an affront to sovereignty and international law.
In Palestine the inauguration of a Board of Peace is an imposition that harks back to colonial times, while the genocide continues.
In Darfur and on our continent the scramble for sources continues unabated.
While oil – a fossil fuel is sought at any cost – if seen together with the withdrawal of the United States from global climate agreements, then the planet and global peace is in danger!
In Bapong, in the North West Province unregulated mining continues to harm communities.
Anglo American’s disinvestment and corporate conduct leave behind socio-economic and environmental damage that Parliament must urgently address. The Anglo America campaign is about demanding accountability and making sure corporations cannot walk away from their responsibilities.
The upcoming Mining Indaba, February, in Cape Town will be another space where decisions are made that affect our future, and we must be ready to raise our voices, through the Alternative Mining Indaba and other spaces. The upcoming 17th Alternative Mining Indaba, from 9–11 February 2026, will bring these issues to the forefront. While the official Mining Indaba focuses on profit and industry, the Alternative Mining Indaba is rooted in the voices of communities, workers, and activists. It is a space where we can demand accountability, challenge corporate greed, and call for mining practices that respect people and the planet.
At the same time, climate change is hitting our country hard, with shocking cases showing how urgent the crisis has become. These issues show how exploitation, injustice, and environmental destruction are part of the same system. A system where imperialism is in crisis!
The Riverlea Mining Forum case against the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy is another reminder of how communities are forced to fight for their rights. Riverlea residents live with abandoned mines, environmental degradation, and safety risks caused by mining activities. Their legal action shows the courage of ordinary people demanding accountability from both corporations and government. It is a call for rehabilitation, safety, and dignity in the face of neglect.
This bulletin is about global resistance and voices from the ground.
Hope lies with the people.
‘Not an era of change, but a change of era’ – Pope Leo XIV, 9 January 2026.
Read the Pope’s assessment of the world, where he defends migrants, is against war, and the hegemons of this world…To members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See (9 January 2026)
An era is coming to end.
..OPINION PIECE..
Photo courtesy : A view of the installations at the Puerto La Cruz oil refinery of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Samir Aponte/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
What is the End Game in Venezuela?
By Moses Cloete (Executive Director of the Bench Marks Foundation)
What is really the end game? The United States’ (US) invasion of Venezuela and the kidnapping of the sitting president, Nicolás Maduro and first lady and deputy in the National Assembly, Cilia Flores1 on the 3rd of January 2026 is simply outrageous. This has repercussions for Venezuela and people across the globe. The invasion and kidnappings erode the sovereignty of a nation state and violates international law. While the situation in Venezuela is evolving, the end game is still unclear; and it is important to pay attention what happens in Venezuela, domestically in the US and internationally.
Here are some thoughts on the invasion.
- Baseless charges were used for the kidnappings:
The court in New York dropped the drug related charges alleging that Nicolás Maduro is the head of the Cartel de los Soles. The cartel does not exist and was a myth perpetuated by the US administration.
- The kidnappings was an act of violence and war:
A 100 people including 32 Cuban bodyguards were killed along with civilians during the bombing of Caracas and other cities in Venezuela. It followed on of bombings of mainly fisherfolk in small boats in the Caribbean Sea, on the false pretence that drugs were being transported that was preceded by a huge military buildup in the Caribbean Sea.
- Regime change was not affected:
The government remains in place, with Delcy Rodriques, former Vice President now the Acting President. Rodriques is leading the negotiations with the United States (US) and was in the charge of the Oil Ministry in the Maduro-led government. Negotiations with the US were taking place long before the kidnapping of Maduro; aimed at lifting the US sanctions that have been in place for many years.
- The China factor:
The Peoples Republic of China has significant if not the largest manufacturing capacity in the world. It is endowed with the raw materials needed for the transition to a “carbon free” world. It is a superpower able to trade in its own currency, the Yuan. China holds like other countries a large part of the US debt. Importantly, China along with Russia, was buying oil from Venezuela. For some time and the US is threatened by China’s trading power. Further China jointly with the private sector, through its Belt and Road Initiative was building infrastructure in Latin America and elsewhere. That includes ports and oil refining capacity.
- It is and has always been about oil and control of natural resources:
Venezuela holds the worlds largest oil reserves in the world, in addition key mineral resources. Historically, Venezuela’s oil was historically controlled and exploited by US companies, even in the period since the nationalisation of the industry in 1976. The US invasion and kidnappings aimed to put Venezuelan oil under the control of the US government and US oil companies.
- The imposition of sanctions is a war by another name:
The sanctions imposed by the US has over time caused great harm and suffering in Venezuela. The reforms put in place by the Hugo Chavez led government from1999 to 2012 transformed the health system, education, housing, transport, and other public services. These reforms were limited by the imposition of sanctions that crippled the economy. This contributed significantly to the exodus of millions of Venezuelans. The United States and the European Union uses sanctions on nations that are viewed unfavourably and are in effect a weapon of destruction of a nations’ well-being.
- It wasn’t about democracy:
The right-wing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace winner hails from a Venezuelan family that had interests in the electrical industry. She is politically aligned with the Donald Trump led US administration and the Israeli government. Machado repeatedly called for military interventions in Venezuela by the US administration and the subsequent privatisation of state assets.
- Venezuelans were and are against occupation of any sort:
Being bombed and invaded is a horrendous experience; and many Venezuelans are prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and development path.
The end game is not in sight yet:
Many Venezuelans will respond and defend their country. Other nations both nearby and from distant regions will offer them support. Others will line up with the Trump led US administration, but others will not.
This invasion and kidnappings carried out by the Trump administration is naked imperialism and must be stopped in in all corners of the globe and on our continent.
A version of this article first appeared in the Khanya College Karibu Publication 28 January 2026
..ARTICLES..
Picture courtesy of: Shandukani Mashesha and Thabelo Siala
When the Waters Came: Voices from Vhembe
By Thokozile Mntambo
From broken bridges to lost lives: communities demand accountability
The rain began softly in early January, but soon the skies opened with fury that Vhembe had not seen in years. Rivers swelled, roads disappeared under rushing water, and villages were cut off from the outside world. By mid‑month, the government had declared a national state of disaster. For the people of Vhembe, however, the declaration was just words.
On 17 January 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced:
“We are declaring a national state of disaster to respond to the floods that have devastated communities across Limpopo and other provinces.”
The announcement was meant to mobilize resources and coordinate relief efforts. Yet in villages like Mpele, residents say they have not seen any assistance.
In Mpele Village, Vhenda, Limpopo, the floods tore through daily life. Electricity lines collapsed, roads vanished, and the community was left stranded. Shops became unreachable; taxis stopped running, and the nearest clinic was now a five‑kilometre walk through mud and danger.
Mathesha Elda, a 36‑year‑old woman and secretary of the Mpele Village Community in Musina Municipality, described the devastation:
“The floods destroyed our roads and electricity. We don’t have any roads anymore two children have died after being bitten by snakes. We have not received any assistance or help from the government.”
Another voice, Edson Mutele Treasure from MEJCON, recalled how the community’s pleas have been ignored for decades:
“Our bridge was swept away by floods back in 2001. Since then, we have been asking the municipality to build a new bridge, but our pleas were ignored. This year, the floods once again destroyed the roads, leaving us cut off and vulnerable.”
These testimonies reveal not only immediate suffering but also the long history of neglect that has left communities exposed to disaster.
This week, Parliament’s Joint Oversight Delegation on Cooperative Governance visited flood‑hit areas in Limpopo, including Tshakhuma (Makhado Municipality) and Matsakali Village (Collins Chabane Municipality). Led by Mxolisi Kaunda and Dr Zweli Mkhize, the delegation inspected damaged homes, collapsed bridges, and broken water systems.
Picture courtesy of: Shandukani Mashesha and Thabelo Siala
Kaunda emphasized that while humanitarian relief is urgent, long‑term safety and climate resilience must be prioritized:
“Preparation must be our focus, not only responding after the damage has been done.”
The delegation highlighted the need to restore essential services roads, water, sanitation, electricity, and schooling while also planning smarter rebuilding strategies. This includes relocating families from dangerous floodplains, improving stormwater drainage, protecting wetlands, and integrating environmental planning into municipal development.
The January floods were not only a natural disaster; they were a reminder of how climate change is reshaping life in South Africa and in the SADC region. Extreme weather is becoming the new normal. And when government response is slow or absent, it is ordinary people who carry the heaviest burden.
..RESEARCH..
A Century of extraction, a generation of consequences: Anglo American’s South African Legacy
Anglo American has been in South Africa for more than 100 years, becoming one of the world’s biggest mining companies. During this time, it gained huge wealth by controlling gold, diamonds, and other minerals. But this success came at a heavy cost for Black workers and communities. The company benefited from apartheid laws, paying workers very low wages and forcing them into dangerous, unhealthy conditions. Many miners became sick, were sent home without support, and their families were left in poverty.
Anglo also left environmental damage across the country, especially in the Witwatersrand, where abandoned mines still pollute the land. Over the decades, the company grew into many other industries and became extremely powerful. It also played a role in South Africa’s nuclear and political history, often acting in ways that protected its profits.
After apartheid, Anglo shifted its focus overseas. It moved its headquarters to London in 1999 and has slowly sold many of its South African assets. Today, it is preparing to leave the country almost completely.
Its exit raises important questions:
How can a company profit from a century of South Africa’s resources, labour, and land, and then walk away without fixing the damage it caused?
This opinion piece argues that Anglo’s departure should not be quiet South Africans deserve accountability for the economic, social, and environmental harm left behind. Read more here: Century of extraction
..COMMUNITY RESILIENCE..
Photo Courtesy :https://macua.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mining-101-slide-5-980×427.jpg
The Anglo Disinvestment Campaign: Communities Demand Accountability
Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), in partnership with the Bench Marks Foundation (BMF), Tlou Mogale Foundation (TMF), SAFTU, GIWUSA, IEJ, CALS, LRC, LHR, Just Share, and Open Secrets, have launched a petition to Parliament challenging Anglo American’s disinvestment from South Africa.
The campaign raises urgent concerns about:
- Economic sovereignty threatened by capital flight and corporate restructuring.
- Environmental liabilities from thousands of unrehabilitated mines.
- Community abandonment, with job losses and unmet Social and Labour Plan obligations.
- Regulatory capture undermining state oversight of multinational mining corporations.
- Public finance accountability, as pension funds and national revenue are eroded.
The petition calls for a Parliamentary Inquiry, binding legislation on mine closure and rehabilitation, corporate reparations, diplomatic engagement with Canada, and the creation of an Independent Grievance Mechanism for mining-affected communities. Read more about the campaign here : Petition To Parliament on Mining Accountability and Capital Flight
..GRASSROOTS VOICES..
Picture courtesy of: Riverlea Mining Forum
Riverlea Community Wins Voice in Court Battle Over Mining Rehabilitation
Riverlea residents have won a crucial step in their fight for environmental justice. In January 2026, the High Court rescinded a flawed contempt order against the Minister of Mineral Resources, but granted Riverlea Mining Forum the right to intervene in ongoing proceedings.
Despite losing their bid to jail the Minister or force a structural interdict, the court recognized Riverlea’s direct stake in rehabilitation of abandoned mine land near schools and homes. The community, plagued by toxic dumping, “illegal” unregulated mining, and radiation exposure, now has a formal voice in ensuring government compliance with the 2021 rehabilitation order.
This ruling affirms that grassroots communities can use the courts to hold officials accountable and keep the struggle for a safe, healthy environment alive. Read more about the judgement here: Judgment-Minister-Mineral-Resources-v-Industrial-Zone
..NOTICE BOARD..
Picture courtesy of: FATLHOGA
The 17th Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) will happen from 9–11 February 2026 at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town.
- It will focus on “Alternative Stories of Mining” and will give space for communities to share their experiences of mining.
- The event will move away from a big hotel conference style and instead use creative ways like exhibitions, drama, poetry, and music.
- Day 1: Opening session, panels, and discussions.
- Day 2: Exhibition day with stalls and performances to show community stories.
- Day 3: Final meeting, peaceful march, and engagement with the official Mining Indaba.
- Participation is free for community groups, while NGOs are encouraged to support them. Mining companies can only attend as observers.
- A General Assembly will follow in May 2026 in Johannesburg to plan the long-term sustainability of the AMI network.
This year’s AMI is about solidarity, creativity, and holding governments and corporations accountable for the impact of mining.
..RECENT MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS..
Our Lead Researcher, David van Wyk, has been actively engaging with the media to highlight the urgent crisis of illegal and unregulated chrome mining in Bapong Village, North West. These interviews bring grassroots voices to the forefront, exposing the dangers faced by communities and calling for accountability from both government and corporations.
Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia has echoed these concerns, stressing the need for stricter legislation to curb the growing scourge of “illegal” unregulated mining.
Below, we share the links to David’s recent media interviews, which document the lived realities of Bapong residents and amplify their struggle for justice and dignity.
..RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS..
Picture courtesy of: Mahmound Ssa/Andolu-Getty
Moses Cloete serves as the editor at large of this edition. Unless otherwise indicated the writing and presentation of the Bulletin is by Thokozile Mntambo. Olebogeng Motene is responsible for additional editing and layout of the newsletter. Simo Gumede is responsible for the members and partners database management. Header Photo: Courtesy of ZAPIRO – Daily Maverick.
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