By More Matshediso
Pretoria - Minister in The Presidency, Jeff Radebe, on Wednesday announced that government and the mining sector will partner with municipalities to make the family units of mine workers more liveable and have the feel of home.
The Minister commended the mining sector for collaborating with government to convert single-sex hostels into family units.
The move forms part of the objectives set out in the Mining Charter, which seeks to transform the industry. One of the prominent requirements in the charter is for mining companies to improve housing and living conditions of mine workers.
“This has brought dignity to our people. We believe that this work should be continued with a clear vision of making these family units even more liveable and homely,” said Minister Radebe.
He was addressing the third annual Mining Lekgotla gala dinner at Gallagher Convention Centre.
He said mining, as a key economic driver in South Africa, must result in the creation of sustainable communities, as opposed to the single-sex hostels of the past.
“It is envisaged that government will drive the process of improving living conditions for mine workers, with financial support from mining houses,” Minister Radebe said.
He also challenged professionals in the mining sector to consider the teaching of Mathematics and Science to disadvantaged communities as part of their overall contributions to the development of mining communities.
Operation Phakisa for the mining sector
Minister Radebe said government will also implement Operation Phakisa in the mining sector to help it realise its full potential for increasing its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP).
“We will be planning this Operation Phakisa in consultation with all the key stakeholders, including the Chamber of Mines and organised labour,” said the Minister.
He said estimates of total GDP contribution, including indirect and multiplier impacts and sectors that rely on mining activities, ranged between 15% and 18%.
“It remains a critical source of investment. As a proportion of total gross fixed capital formation, mining’s share was at 12% in 2012,” he said.
He added that mining commodities accounted for 46% of exports in the fourth quarter of 2013, and downstream mineral related manufacturing exports account for another 14%.
The first Operation Phakisa aims to grow the ocean economy from an estimated GDP contribution of R54 billion in 2010 to R129 billion - R177 billion by 2033.
It also seeks to increase the number of people employed in the ocean economy from approximately 300 000 people 2010 to approximately one million by 2033.
Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF)
Minister Radebe said the role of mining has been clearly defined in the MTSF and that the lekgotla will be seized with how it can positively respond to the achievements of the goals set in it.
“The NDP [National Development Plan] envisages a vibrant economy, which still has the mining sector playing a crucial role. This includes exports and foreign direct investment, production of commodities for energy and/or manufacturing, beneficiation and procurement,” he said.
He said the revised Mining Charter sets a target of 26% black ownership of South Africa’s mining assets by 2014, and adds that all levels of management of mining companies should constitute 40% of the total.
Decline in fatalities
The Minister noted that fatalities in the sector have declined from 400 per annum to below 100 in 2013.
“This decline is coming on the back of the triple growth in the mining operations over this period,” said the Minister. - SAnews.gov.za
