The Sefikile Community, near Swartklip in the North West, launched another protest against Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine, this week.
They want the mine to address urgent matters, including broken internal roads, non-functioning street lights, youth unemployment, unfair procurement practices and exclusion from Social and Labour Plan (SLP) benefits.
The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) has used the grievance, to illustrate cracks in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
Sabelo Mnguni, of MACUA, said “in its current form, the MPRDA, fails to protect communities, it enforces transformation, but fails to hold mining companies accountable for the devastation they leave behind.
The Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has become a silent partner in this injustice, routinely siding with corporations while ignoring the cries of the people.”
But Hope Tyira, Group Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Siyanda Bakgatla said the mine remains committed to creating an enabling environment for all community members to benefit from the operation of the mine.
He said engagements held with the community are via representation by the Tribal Authority, Ward Councilors, Local SMME’s, Office of the Municipal Manager, Office of the Speaker and the Office of the Mayor.
He also said reports are shared with the community, pertaining to the social and labor plan, preferential procurement reports, employment figures (local employment), infrastructure project progress and the mine’s financial position.
“The mine will continue to have an open-door policy on matters that relate to community improvement but will also observe the POPIA and respect for confidentiality.”
Picture: Siyanda Bakgatla Mine