John GI Clarke by Thom Pierce Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. John Clarke is a social worker who, through a deep-seated obligation to challenge social injustice, turns his work into activism time and time again. Although he professes to be merely upholding his role as a social worker, his passion for political, economic and environmental justice comes through in the lengths to which he will go to get justice. Not only is he a passionate advocate for the rights of his clients, but he takes on the broader issues that they have taught him about. He then writes, campaigns and makes films about them; anything that he can do to engage a wider audience and get the stories heard. It should be noted that he does this whilst simultaneously providing his clients with safe counsel and respecting the strict code of practice that social workers have towards client confidentiality. His work has led him to work closely with the Amadiba Crisis Committee in their fight to save the community of Xolobeni from an Australian mining company that wanted to develop the land. More recently, arising from lessons learned from the Amadiba experience, he now works to support whistleblowers in Africa facing harsh retaliation. “Social workers are not meant to become the story, but it was time to start putting my head above the parapet here… It’s not what social workers should be doing, but the exceptional nature of the country we live in means that we have got to do exceptional things.” His social conscience developed as a young man when he became a conscientious objector after spending a year as a non-combatant in the South African Defence Force - through this experience he was forced to evaluate his own values and the impact that he wanted to make with his life. “Our growth and development as human beings is a simultaneous process of self-reflection into your own conscience and an outward journey to consciousness” Over the years his conscience has led him into some sticky situations with lawsuits and threats from powerful people that he is unafraid to call out. But John keeps on going, speaking truth about a power that really doesn’t want you to hear it. Read more from John on his website www.icosindaba.co.za or his Medium page here. You can follow John on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook: @icosindaba Next Item Previous Item Log In About Projects All Projects UDWOSA #PayTheGrants Join Us Blog Print Store Donate CART CART Log In MENU Home All Projects Join Us Blog Print Store Donate

Alfred Mahlole by Thom Pierce Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. At 11 years old Alfred found out that the man who was raising him was not his father. He needed a birth certificate for school and he was told that he only had a clinic card because his mother had abandoned him. This started him on a heartbreaking, decade-long journey from statelessness to owning an ID book and being recognised as a South African citizen. This same journey took him to the doors of local councilors, NGOs and finally up in front of a judge who told him that he was a ghost in this country and that he did not exist according to the law. From this experience, he learned everything that he needed to know about activism. He learned to fight for what he needed and he learned that he was going to have to do everything himself if he was going to make any changes in his, or anyone else’s life. “My background was broken, the concrete was cracked. I had this thing in my mind that I do not want to see what happened to me happen to someone else. I know when there is no help what it feels like.” In 2010 Alfred joined the Thembelihle Crisis Committee (TCC), a group of volunteers living in Thembelihle informal settlement who get together to campaign for positive changes in their community. At the time there was no formal infrastructure for electricity, and the township was using an illegal system of informal wiring that was regularly electrocuting people and killing children. Within 5 years the TCC managed to get a legal electricity infrastructure installed, which was opened by none other than then-President Jacob Zuma. This was an empowering moment for Alfred, giving him the confidence to know that with enough hard work, anything can happen. Working with the TCC helped him to realise that he could make a change and so he started to volunteer with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation as a youth club leader. His role is to mentor young people in the community, encouraging them to be more engaged members of society through educational programs and taking them to community events where they can get involved in social, environmental and political issues. “I want to see happiness in people. We have suffered a lot. When I see people smiling, and happy, I get inspired and I feel connected to them. I’m addicted to being around people and coming up with solutions on how we can make a change, how we can solve a challenge that affects everyone.” Alfred was nominated as an Actionist by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. Next Item Previous Item Log In About Projects All Projects UDWOSA #PayTheGrants Join Us Blog Print Store Donate CART CART Log In MENU Home All Projects Join Us Blog Print Store Donate

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Zama Gangi Go Go Zama Gangi, 60, organised traditional dancing competitions when he worked at South Deep Gold Mine. The competitions were usually between different mines and were judged by their supervisors. There were no prizes, it was for fun, pride and to keep their heritage alive, he recalled. In 2007 Mr Gangi was diagnosed with silicosis and was told to bring his eldest son to replace him. He was retrenched in 2008 after 19 years and was paid no compensation. Speaking about the dangers of working in the gold mines he said: “Most times I would feel sad when I left my family because the working conditions are not good underground. When you are a winch driver you are risking your life. I had fears of leaving them behind in case I died on the mines…I worried I would never see them again.” Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Watu Livingstone Dala Go Go Watu Livingstone Dala was attending a funeral in the neighbouring village when I visited him. We collected him afterwards and took him back to his home in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape where he told us about the time that a huge underground explosion almost killed him. He recalls that the dorm rooms they lived in slept between 12 and 16 men on steel bunk beds with sponge mattresses. Work cycles were six-day weeks for 13 months at a time. All of this they endured for a wage of R2 800 per month (approx. $204). Mr Dala was diagnosed with 1st degree silicosis and was given R37 000 (approx. $2,704) when he left the mine, due to ill health, after 25 years working in the industry. Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Joseph Lebone Go Go Joseph Lebone started working in the gold mines in 1972 when he was 21 years old. He worked for 33 years until he was diagnosed with silicosis at the mine hospital. He was compensated R40 000 and only sent home when he developed tuberculosis. He started working there because he saw others who were managing to find jobs and provide for their families. Now he has to survive off the land. He grows vegetables, maize and wheat. Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Zaneyezi Ntloni Go Go Zaneyezi Ntloni lives in Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape. He is 59 years old and started working on the gold mines when he was 16 years old. He stayed for 34 years and worked as a machine operator. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and silicosis and told to send his eldest son to replace him. When his son arrived, Mr Ntloni was sent home with no compensation. “I loved my job so much,” he said. “I was able to support my family, especially my wife and children. That is what I was thinking about all the time I was working.” Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Zwelengaba Mgidi Go Go Zwelengaba Mgidi spent all of his free time training to be a boxer while he was working at Harmony Gold Mine. He fought under the name “Fix” and would train after work during the week and compete at the weekends. Now he says that he cannot even walk to the gate in his garden without getting out of breath. He is 55 years old and has silicosis. After 34 years working as a winch driver and team leader he was compensated R83 000 (approx. £4,000) and sent home. Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Zwelakhe Dala Go Go Zwelakhe Dala passed away on 30 March 2015. His death certificate just states that he died of natural causes. He was 55 years old and was suffering from silicosis. He worked on the gold mines for 28 years and received no compensation when he got sick from exposure to the silica dust. “It is too painful. If my husband was not working on the mines, he would still be alive.” says his wife, Nosipho. Mrs Dala raised their five children on her own, for the most part. She is now left with no income except for a small pension. Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Landile Qebela Go Go Landile Qebela, 52 years old, has nine children and works as a security guard now that he cannot work in the mines any longer. He has silicosis from his 32 years service at Vaal Reefs Shaft No 8 and received R52 000 compensation in 1995 (approx. £2,460 or $3,730). He stayed at the mine for another 5 years working as a locomotive driver on the surface until he was retrenched because they could not find a suitable job for someone so sick. Mr Qebela went to find work in the mines when he was 25 years old because his mother became sick and he needed to make money to provide for his sister's future. He managed to send enough money home over the years to support her until she gained her teacher’s certificate. Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam

THE PRICE OF GOLD In May 2016 the high court in Johannesburg decided that a class action lawsuit could be laid against 32 gold mining companies in South Africa. Three law firms represented a group of miners who were applying for this class action certification on behalf of all miners suffering from silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of working in the gold mines. ​ Silicosis is a preventable but incurable lung disease that is contracted in the gold mines through inadequate protection from silica dust. Miners who contract silicosis get tired and out of breath quickly. They are prone to lung infections, respiratory failure and TB. ​ Over a period of 20 days in September and October 2015, Thom Pierce traveled around South Africa's Eastern Cape, into Lesotho and up to Johannesburg to find and photograph the 56 miners and widows named in the court documents. ​ This project was commissioned by the TAC, Sonke Gender Justice and Section 27; and generously funded by Heinrich Böll Stiftung. Zolisa Jejana Go Go Zolisa Jejana, 56, was diagnosed with Pulmonary tuberculosis after he had left his job on the gold mines. He was retrenched in 1989 due to his participation in a three-day strike where 59 miners stayed underground for three days. At the time they were earning R1000 a month (approx. £50) and were demanding a wage increase. All 59 miners were retrenched. Mr Jejana received no compensation for his illness and now tries to pick up casual work as a bricklayer. With the small amount of work he can get he needs to support his wife and 6 children. Next Item Previous Item Zimoshile Bozo Zamukulungisa Dyanti Agrippa Dlisani Siqhamo Hoyi Luduko Enoch Madindala Zolisa Jejana Patrick Sitwayi Leseli Kompi Sekhobe Letsie Mthuthuzeli Mtshange Makatleho Selibo Dyamara Jibhana Zwelakhe Dala Mncedisi Dlisani Matsekelo Masupha Noebejara Tau Monde Mxesibe Toulang Mako Bongani Nkala Masiko Somi Zama Gangi Nanabezi Mgoduswa Xolisile Butu Matona Mabea Siporono Phahlam