Christinah Mdau

Is a dedicated activist with over 10 years’ experience in environmental, human rights, and land rights issues. She is a qualified OpenCast Drill Rig operator. Christinah’s activism was catalysed by the Marikana massacre, which led her to defend communities’ rights to a safe environment and a sustainable future. She combines grassroots advocacy with legal knowledge to challenge environmental and human rights violations, particularly in mining and communal land contexts. She founded the Defenders of Environmental and Human Rights Violations in Africa, which empowers communities through training, advocacy, and legal support. Her work includes promoting sustainable agriculture, raising environmental awareness, and holding authorities accountable. Christinah contributes actively to media discussions, drafts legal appeals, and invokes the principles of the National Environmental Management Act in her activism. Christinah’s extensive training includes the Center for Environmental Rights’ Rights and Remedies course, the Dullah Omar School of Paralegal Studies, and the Human Rights Defenders in Leadership and Learning Programme. Her organisation has been honoured by the South African Human Rights Commission, and she is recognised for her courage, passion, and dedication to justice. Her long-term vision is a socially equitable and environmentally sustainable society, achieved through active citizenship, legal compliance, and inclusive participation.