In Memory of Comrade Samson Mokoena

The environmental and social justice community in South Africa and around the world remembers and honours the life and work of our friend, colleague and comrade - Samson Mokoena. He passed away on Friday, 28 June and leaves behind two beautiful children, their loving mother, his own dear mother as well as countless friends and family. 

Samson’s work and life has been a source of immense inspiration, a galvanising force in building people power to challenge environmental and human rights abuses. He worked for decades to highlight the pollution caused by companies like ArcelorMittal and Sasol, in Vanderbijlpark, Sasolburg and surrounding areas. He also took on the state over their failure to respect, protect and promote environmental and human rights. His leadership of the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance has been part of his legacy of change making and mentorship, leaving an indelible impact on those he worked with. He did all this with a sense of humour, injecting a courageous energy into any space he found himself in. 

He fought for justice for those liv...