Remembering Johnathan van der Westhuizen

On 13 December 2023, Natural Justice lost a formidable activist and respected colleague – Johnathan van der Westhuizen. His passing has been unexpected and deeply upsetting, and we remember him now for his deep commitment to his work, and as a friend and mentor for many.

Johnathan was a Community Environmental Legal Officer based on the West Coast of South Africa. Before joining Natural Justice in 2021, he was recognised for his long-standing work as a paralegal and activist working in the communities of the Sandveld area along the West Coast.

At Natural Justice, he worked daily in difficult circumstances to undertake community legal empowerment and advocacy. He was also involved in other community and organisational structures, and his network and influence was widespread. He was involved in the litigation work, workshop facilitation and also held together the process of developing a Biocultural Community Protocol for the Indigenous Guriqua community, of which he was a part.

Natural Justice is saddened by his passing, and humbled by the overwhelming outpouring of support and messages of condolences received from our peers, partners and friends.

We thank everyone for your contributions in remembrance of a stalwart who has impacted so many people’s lives.

He leaves behind his wife Melissa and their four children.

“The passing of Johnathan van der Westhuizen is a great loss to Natural Justice and the Guriqua community.  We will remember him as a staunch and principled defender of the land and the indigenous people of the West Coast, for which he had such a profound love.  He was a humble but fearless servant leader of his people, and a respected and beloved colleague.  We will miss him greatly, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Melissa and their four children.  May he rest in eternal grace and power.”

Delme Cupido, Director: Natural Justice Southern Africa hub

“Johnathan, a stalwart for justice on the West Coast, your death has rocked us deeply, as it will your community. You held a room in respect, peace and solidarity. People listened to you, they saw you. You will forever be missed, and I will continue to hold your name in our fight for environmental justice with west coast communities. Rest in peace.”

Melissa Groenink-Groves, Programme Manager: Defending Rights, Natural Justice, Southern Africa

“A strong leader with a gentle spirit. Johnathan, you fought against the injustices affecting the Indigenous and coastal communities of the West Coast with deep conviction and have supported many to fight alongside you. You challenged conventional thinking, living in a way that is in harmony and connected with nature. Thank you for teaching all of us. I will miss you.”

Amelia Heyns, Programme Manager: Standing With Communities, Natural Justice, Southern Africa

“Johnathan was such a quiet presence, but with a formidable activist spirit. When he talked, you wanted to listen, as he always had something important to say. He always felt injustices keenly and was not afraid to speak out. Johnathan did really excellent work on the west coast of South Africa, and was well known for his knowledge of the issues facing the Indigenous peoples and communities there. The climate movement will feel this loss. Johnathan was a special team member to Natural Justice staff. I will miss him.”

Claire Martens, Communications Co-ordinator, Natural Justice

“I would definitely describe Johnathan as interesting. He was so passionate about justice and making things right. Johnathan was the go-to person in his community when something was wrong, or when someone needed advice.

Once at a youth meeting, one of the youth who works with him said that Johnathan should be the councillor of the area because he is the only person they could trust. What stood out for me was his ethical stand points that he stood so firmly on. He believed in an equal society for all. Even though he was the West Coast Community Environmental Legal Officer (CELO), he worked far beyond the West Coast because he could not say no to helping people.

He was very zealous about making sure the youth in his community were involved in environmental programmes to understand climate change and were active citizens. Johanthan was very actively working with Indigenous people’s rights making sure that no one was left behind and he stood for everyone no matter where they came from.

Johnathan started as a CELO in November of 2021 and we could say that he was the first CELO in the SA Hub experiencing the all highs and lows it comes with being a CELO, ultimately helping to grow the CELO programme to what it is now. Johnathan will surely be missed in our team as he stood out with his strong opinions and weird sense of humour. Hamba Kahle Johnathan.”

Sherelee Odayar, Senior Programme Officer, Standing with Communities, Natural Justice Southern Africa

“I met Johnathan in 2018 at the beginning of the process of developing the initial draft for the Guriqua Biocultural Community Protocol (BCP). Even then, I could tell he was committed to ensuring the interests of the community he represented was best articulated in the process accurately. Following that, we travelled together a number of times and I always found myself discussing with Johnathan how he managed to support his community and I always admired his dedication to the cause despite the strain it sometimes took on him. I admired his dedication for justice and his dedication to ensure his community and the region he represented was supported well. I will miss his stoic presence and the pearls of wisdom he always provided. Rest in peace my friend.”

Allan Basajjasubi, Programme Officer, Defending Rights, Natural Justice, Southern Africa

“I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Johnathan’s passing today. My sincere and deepest sympathy to you all.  I wish I had had the opportunity to work more closely with him as the few times we did engage I was always so impressed with his way of being in the world and his deep commitment to the West Coast communities. 

May he rest in peace.”

Jackie Sunde, fisheries researcher

“Deep condolences to the family of NJ and the CELO Johnathan, who passed away suddenly this morning. May his soul rest in peace. Sterkte to his family, friends and Natural Justice colleagues”

Nazeer Sonday, PHA food and Farming campaign