Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe is set to engage mining companies and communities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape this long weekend.
“The visits form part of the Minister's on-going frank and open discussions with all stakeholders in an effort to rebuild relationships and levels of trust and confidence in the mining sector, for the sector’s meaningful contribution to the country's economy,” said the Department of Mineral Resources on Wednesday.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Mantashe and officials of the department will engage with the Zululand Anthracite Colliery on Friday at the Matayi sportsground in Ulundi.
On Saturday, the Minister will meet with the Tendele Colliery and Mpukunyoni Community at the Somkhele sportsground in Mtubatuba.
Mantashe will meet with the Xolobeni community at the Xolobeni Junior School in Mbizana, Eastern Cape.
“In an effort to promote a conducive mining environment, the ministerial community meetings will also provide the Minister and the department an opportunity to directly listen to concerns raised by communities in relation to the challenges they face as a result of mining.”
The Minister’s upcoming community engagements follows on the closing of public comments into the draft Mining Charter at the end of August.
The draft Mining Charter was gazetted for public comments in June 2018.
Among others the new Charter proposes to raise black ownership at permit-holding mining companies to 30% from 26% within five years and 1% of profits paid to employees and communities. – SAnews.gov.za
