Question NW1698 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
27 May 2022 - NW1698
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What are the (a) reasons that mining communities such as (i) Sasolburg, (ii) Secunda, (iii) Witbank and (iv) Rustenburg are still largely underdeveloped after so many years of mining activities on their shores and (b) consequences for the mining houses that have failed to fulfil their responsibilities toward the specified communities?
Reply:
a) Although Social economic development is the constitutional mandate of the Local Government, mining companies have to also contribute to the socio-economic development of the area they are operating through Social and Labour Plans. Mining companies around those areas have committed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the area in line with the IDPs of the municipalities.
b) The Department has a responsibility to monitor compliance. If non-compliance is detected, the Department issues a directive to remedy the non-compliance. If the non-compliance is not addressed, it may lead to a right being suspended or cancelled.