Bench Marks Foundation

01/06/2026

The Mountain That Kills

Behind the minerals that power industries and global economies are stories of dangerous working conditions, environmental destruction, poverty, and communities struggling for dignity and justice.

This powerful story highlights the human cost of mining and reminds us that development cannot come at the expense of people's lives and wellbeing. As conversations around a just transition and responsible resource extraction continue, the voices and experiences of mining-affected communities must remain at the centre.

Read more: https://www.kirkensnodhjelp.no/en/news/the-mountain-that-kills

As a young girl, Bongekile Pozane loved the beautiful yellow mountain she could see from her home. It was where she learned to swim, where she went to find peace, and where she holds some of her most cherished childhood memories. Little did she know that the mountain was actually a toxic waste dump....

29/05/2026

NEW BULLETIN OUT NOW | Bench Marks Foundation Issue 40 - May 2026

“Freedom, Fragility & Accountability”

This month’s edition reflects on workers’ struggles, mining justice, migration, xenophobia, and the ongoing fight for accountability in mining-affected communities.

Inside the bulletin:
- The Jagersfontein tailings disaster and community demands for justice
- Tribute to Prof. Freek Cronjé
- Regional migration and labour realities facing Zimbabwean workers in South Africa
- Voices from mining-affected communities on freedom, health, and dignity

📎 Read, engage, and share widely. https://mailchi.mp/bench-marks/freedom-fragility-accountability

We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Bench Marks Foundation Bulletin (Issue 40 / May 2026), titled “Freedom, Fragility & Accountability.” This edition reflects on workers’ struggles, migration and xenophobia, mining justice, and the urgent need for accountability in communities af...

28/05/2026

The Bench Marks Foundation (BMF) rejects xenophobia, hate speech, violence, and all attempts to scapegoat migrants and vulnerable communities for systemic social and economic failures. Grounded in the principles of social justice, human dignity, equality, and solidarity, BMF maintains that the root causes of poverty, unemployment, inequality, and exploitation lie in structural governance and economic failures not in the presence of foreign nationals.

BMF cautions against narratives perpetuated by sections of the mainstream media and public discourse that seek to divide poor and working-class communities while diverting attention from the real causes of socio-economic injustice. As an organisation committed to ethical accountability and community empowerment, BMF continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence, Pan-African solidarity, universal human rights, and collective accountability.

As BMF has consistently affirmed, “justice requires that we stand with those oppressed by poverty and exploitation and work to change the structures and policies that support their oppression.” Equally, “our empathy and solidarity cannot be conditional but universal,” particularly in the face of growing discrimination and violence against vulnerable communities.

Our work remains focused on advancing the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of all affected communities through constructive dialogue, social justice, and sustainable transformation.

This fact sheet was produced by Collective Voices for Health Access, a civil society consortium in South Africa. Document credits: Researcher - Rebecca Walker.

17/04/2026

Community Monitoring School local area training workshops underway
Kwa Zulu Natal and Sekhukhune,Limpopo

17/04/2026

Community Monitoring School local area training workshops underway
Klerksdorp : North West

17/04/2026

April Bulletin Out Now!

“Building Capacity, Advancing Justice in Times of Crisis”

Explore insights on rising petrol prices, CMS at 17 years, community resistance, and ongoing advocacy work.

https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=6ebdbe986824e570f01e3d555&id=c71fa8de3c

Friendly and comradely greetings, We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Bench Marks Foundation Bulletin (Issue 39 / April 2026), titled “Building Capacity, Advancing Justice in Times of Crisis.” This edition reflects on the growing pressures facing communities, including rising fuel...

03/04/2026

Wishing You a Joyous Easter

02/04/2026

📢 WE’RE HIRING: RESEARCHER
📍 Johannesburg | Bench Marks Foundation

The Bench Marks Foundation is looking for a socially conscious researcher to support our research and advocacy work on the impacts of mining and the extractive sector.

The role focuses on community monitoring, policy analysis, and corporate accountability, contributing to meaningful change and public debate.

📩 Apply by sending your CV (max 4 pages) and motivation (max 2 pages) to [ [email protected] ]

🔗 Full details: [ https://www.bench-marks.org.za/researcher-position/ ]

✊🏾 Be part of advancing justice and community voices.

RESEARCHER POSITION BENCH MARKS FOUNDATION Johannesburg The Bench Marks Foundation (BMF) is looking for a socially conscious researcher to be based at its Johannesburg offices. The researcher’s primary role is to support Bench Marks Foundation’s research and advocacy efforts. S/he will work clos...

26/03/2026