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Hamba kahle Baba Phila
This beautiful tribute to Philasingazi Alson Ndimande was written by Sinegugu Zukulu, chairperson of the Global Environmental Trust (GET). Phila was co-founder of the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (MCEJO).
For over 10 years he led the struggle preventing coal mining in the Fuleni reserve, neighbouring the iMfolozi Wilderness Area.
He also supported the Mpukonyoni communities in challenging Tendele Coal mine’s non-compliance and plans to expand. His courage, integrity and uncompromising leadership won him respect and trust.
He was dearly loved and his death has sent shockwaves through the communities and organisations he worked with. Phila died of pancreatic cancer on Tuesday evening, 14 July, after a valiant struggle. This was a few months after his 60th birthday. There was still so much he wanted to do.
Our thoughts are with his family, the Ocilwane community, Fuleni, MCEJO members, friends and comrades. He will be sorely missed.
May your body and soul rest in peace, dear Phila, and may your spirit soar free.
“In deed, Comrade Phila was bigger than the biggest tree in the forest that supports thousands of creepers to reach the forest canopy for the much needed sunshine. A tree that bears fruits to feed all the birds in the forest. A tree that gives shelter to many other species. A tree that it’s leaves fall down, decompose and fertilise the soil to support growth of many other young trees. May his spirit continue to water the struggle of the people of Zululand. May he be the umbrella that protects, lifts and guides those left behind. May he be a good ancestor to his family. Rest in peace Comrade Phila!!! Phila ngonaphakade kwelemimoya, ulwile ukulwa okuhle!!!”
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