Thousands of people are scheduled to march to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), in Pretoria, on Thursday, the 14 November 2024.
The Mining Affected Communities in United Action (MACUA) and the Women Affected By Mining United in Action (WAMUA), said the march is to demand mining affected communities, be involved, prior to granting mining or prospecting rights.
This way, the rights of indigenous and rural communities will be protected.
Magnificent Mndebele, Spokesperson of MACUA-WAMUA, said “the march has been organised to send a clear message to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, that mining affected communities are determined to realise their Right to Free Prior and Informed Consent and have gathered an extensive mandate from thousands of communities across the country.”
He also said mining-affected communities have been deprived of meaningful participation in decision-making processes, for too long now. “These communities continue to face displacement, environmental degradation and a loss of cultural heritage, while mining companies have failed to adequately disclose critical
information or include affected communities in planning processes.”
MACUA-WAMUA wants mining companies’ Social and Labour Plans (SLPs), adjusted, transparent and enforceable.
They also want public disclosure of compliance and monitoring information, through a proposed online database.