MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Gordon Kegakilwe has requested Taung Giants Mining Company to temporarily hold back mining operations in Taung. This follows a complaint directed to the Office of the Premier by the traditional leaders (Dikgosi) in Taung, regarding the awarding of a mining permit in the area.
Yesterday, MEC Kegakilwe met with Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroana of Batlhaping ba Ga-Phuduhutswana, officials of the Department of Minerals and the South African Police Services (SAPS) in an attempt to resolve the issue. Traditional leaders argue that they were not consulted about mining operations that is due to take place.
MEC Kegakilwe has reiterated the department's commitment to assist and support traditional leaders in the province. "I must state clearly that the department does not allocate land, however we provide a supporting function to traditional leaders and municipalities. We will always have the community’s interests at heart," he said.
MEC Kegakilwe will on Friday, 16 October 2009, convene a meeting with the traditional leadership and stakeholders in Taung to resolve the dispute.
