Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says government remains committed to finding amicable solutions to the Xolobeni matter.
“The Minister of Mineral Resources, Gwede Mantashe, at his initiative, convened a meeting with the Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC) on 17 November 2018, with the express aim of hearing their views.
“At the meeting, the ACC requested the Minister to return to Xolobeni and engage the broader community, to which Minister Mantashe acceded,” said the Department of Mineral Resources on Tuesday.
Mantashe had intended to return to Xolobeni this weekend but has since postponed his visit to allow stakeholders more time to prepare.
Mantashe has also interacted with Richard Spoor, the legal representative of the ACC, on these matters.
The department said Spoor’s statement issued to the media was “rather unfortunate and disingenuous regarding the Minister’s intentions”.
The department bemoaned the statement, further saying it was highly irresponsible and “can only serve to fuel tensions in the community”.
“As it is the ministry’s commitment and practice, details of the Minister’s visit to Xolobeni - like in other cases - will be communicated by the department to stakeholders, including members of the media,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
