Pinky Langa

Is an environmental justice activist with over 10 years’ experience working on various issues, including access to water and health care and preventing gender-based violence. She holds a Diploma in Information Technology from MSC Business College. Pinky is skilled in facilitation, evaluation, research, organising, and mobilising. She leads a women’s study circle called “Her Initiatives,” working with communities affected by mining, creating educational materials, facilitating sessions, planning, and drafting reports, and training over 60 women using the “Women Can Do It” training tool, with some trainees now holding government positions. In 2019, Pinky received an award from Human Rights South Africa for inclusivity. She played a significant role in the Civil BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) process in 2018. She organised toxic tours for communities affected by mining, such as Xholobeni and Karoo, and led several nationwide campaigns to resist environmental degradation and community exploitation. Pinky dreamed of pursuing a career in engineering, inspired by her family’s involvement in mining, but shifted her focus after witnessing the environmental destruction, biodiversity loss, and land conflicts caused by mining. Her vision is that women are recognised as key decision-makers, contributing to sustainable local economies, and ensuring that future generations inherit a clean and biodiverse environment.