Resilience, Memory & Division

Friendly and Comradely greetings,

We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Bench Marks Foundation Bulletin (Issue 42 / July–August 2026), titled “Resilience, Memory & Division”.

This edition reflects on the importance of solidarity, collective action and accountability in the face of inequality, social division and ongoing struggles for justice.

Inside this edition:

• Research as a Practice of Justice: Newly appointed Research Officer Thandolwethu Nkopane reflects on women, mining, extractive governance and the role of research in advancing social and environmental justice.

• Solidarity Across Borders: A look at the “Divided by Class, Not by Borders” dialogue and the Operation Ubuntu March, which brought together over 80 organisations in opposition to xenophobia and Afrophobia.

• Annual Conference 2026: Join us on 2–3 September 2026 in Johannesburg for the Bench Marks Foundation Annual Conference, themed “The ‘State’ of Corporate Accountability in a Changing World: What Is at Stake for Communities?” The conference will bring together communities, civil society, researchers, partners and advocates to reflect on corporate accountability, mining, environmental justice, human rights and inequality. Registration is open for online participation.

• In Loving Memory of Allan Wentzel: We honour the life and contribution of Allan Wentzel, Co-Founder and long-standing Board Member of the Bench Marks Foundation.

• Building Safety First – Together and from Below: Information on the 3rd Annual Tailings and Mine Waste Conference and Workshop taking place from 9–11 September 2026.

• Marikana: 14 Years Later – What Has Changed?: Reflections from the 14 August webinar on the enduring struggles of workers and mining-affected communities, corporate accountability and the legacy of Marikana.

• Maledu and Baleni Judgments: Updates on protecting and advancing Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

This edition brings together voices, reflections and experiences that remind us that communities are not passive victims, but active agents of change. It calls for solidarity, meaningful participation and accountability in shaping a more just future.

📎 Please find the full Bench Marks Foundation Bulletin – Issue 42 / July–August 2026 attached.

📢 Register for the Bench Marks Foundation Annual Conference 2026:
2–3 September 2026 | Johannesburg & Online
The “State” of Corporate Accountability in a Changing World: What Is at Stake for Communities?

Register for online participation

We encourage you to read, engage with the stories and reflections, register for the Annual Conference, and share the Bulletin widely.

In solidarity,

Bench Marks Foundation