Remarks by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Dr Nobuhle Nkabane (MP) SAMANCOR SLP Handover, North West, Madibeng Local Municipality
Programme Director, Ms Motladi Modipane;
Acting Premier of the North West, Mr Nono Maloyi;
Chief Operations Officer of Samancor Chrome, Mr George Kleynhans;
Acting Mayor of Bojanala District Municipality, Cllr Victoria Makhaula;
Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Cllr Douglas Maimane;
Our Traditional Leaders;
Our Religious Leaders;
Distinguished Guests;
Members of the Media
I thought we should start by observing a moment of silence in honour of the thirteen mineworkers who perished following a disaster which occurred over a week ago a few kilometres from here.
This disaster, which is similar to the 1995 Vaal Reefs disaster that killed over 100 mineworkers, is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with mining.
Notwithstanding the contribution of mining to the South African economy over the years, reality that we all need to come to terms with is that mining is dangerous, difficult, dirty, and deceased.
The Rustenburg disaster has yet again brought to the fore the urgency and the need for each and every social partner in the South African mining industry to put a shoulder to the wheel to change the reputation of the industry.
Fact of the matter is that the primary responsibility of every employer is to provide a safe working place for its employees. On the other hand, government’s overarching responsibility is to develop, strengthen, and enforce policies and laws that will not only protect all persons at mines, but herald the desired mining industry for the benefit of all South Africans.
Since the realization of this democratic government in 1994, this government enacted several laws to redress historical injustices by the apartheid government against the people of South Africa, majority of which were blacks in general, and Africans in particular.
For us in the mining sector, transformation was inevitable as we had to urgently address the inhumane conditions under which mineworkers, mining communities and labour sending areas had been subjected to for the longest of time.
I am not sure if any of you would remember that at some point in the history of South African mining, no black person could get their hands on a blasting certificate - regardless of the skills and academic qualifications they possessed. The certificate was reserved for what was termed “scheduled persons”, which in real terms were “white people”.
This unjust act was reversed as a result of the efforts of mineworkers who stood against their oppressors and demanded equal treatment for all mineworkers, irrespective of race and gender.
As part of government’s concerted efforts aimed facilitating sustainable transformation, growth and development of the South African mining industry, the democratic government enacted the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) in 2002 and introduced the Mining Charter in 2004.
At the centre of these regulatory frameworks is the need to improve the working and living conditions of mineworkers and mining communities.
Cognisant of the fact that some of our mining communities and labour sending areas continue to live in abject poverty, government continues to enforce meaningful development and implementation of the Social and Labour Plans (SLP) as social licenses for mining companies to coexist with mining communities.
We are therefore pleased that today, we are gathered here not only to officially handover 33 hectares of land to the Madibeng Local Municipality for the relocation of De Kroon community, but to restore human dignity to this community which has been subjected to an uninhabitable area.
Conscious of the fact that the Madibeng Local Municipality is facing challenges with water shortages, we are particularly pleased with the completion and handover of the Majakaneng Bulk Water and infrastructure development and supply.
Notwithstanding this important development which will ensure that the people of Majakaneng have access to clean water, we are convinced that the completion of the Birts Water Treatment Plant will benefit even more people.
Hence, we are encouraged by the commitment made by the mining companies operating in this area and beyond to pull their resources together and contribute towards the completion of this project.
It is impactful projects of this nature that will bring change in our communities and ultimately change the reputation of the mining industry for the better.
In closing, let me once again appeal to the mining industry to ensure that every mineworker returns home unharmed, and that the living conditions of our mining communities are improved.
Allow me to also appeal to community members to safeguard and ensure that these facilities are well maintained. It is you who will live in this area, therefore keeping it clean remains your responsibility, as much as it is the responsibility of the municipality.
I thank you
