Question NW690 to the Minister of Public Enterprises

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07 May 2018 - NW690

Profile picture: Marais, Mr S

Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises

(1)      Whether public participation processes were conducted with the Steenbokpan community for the construction of a Transnet railway line from the new Medupi Power Station; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date will public participation processes with the specified community commence; if so, (i) on what dates were meetings held and (ii) what are the details of the feedback received; (2) Whether the specified community will benefit from the construction of the specified railway line; if not, why not; if so, to what extent; (3) Whether the specified community is in any danger of being removed from the Steenbokpan; (4) (a) What is the current status of the construction of the specified railway line and (b) by what date will construction on the specified line recommence?

Reply:

                                                                           

This response is according to information received from the SOC:

1. Transnet is NOT building a new railway line from Medupi Power Station but is building a 860m take off line into Resgen Mine from Transnet’s Thabazimbi – Lephalale Main Line. Once the take off line is completed, a new 38km railway line into Resgen Mine will be constructed by Resgen Mine in their private capacity.

(b)(i) Yes, with regards to the take-off line into Resgen, Transnet’s RME department conducted two meetings on 17 January 2018 and 14 February 2018 facilitated by the Local Municipality. On 17 January 2018, RME Management met with the Local Municipality Manager and others (details can be provided from municipality). At this meeting Transnet Management presented the Human Capital policies and procedures. They also discussed the work scope and human resources requirements for the take-off line.

(b)(ii) It was agreed that CVs will be handed-in at the Municipality for the local authorities to verify that it is Lephalale people applying and not “outsiders”. Subsequent to a follow-up meeting on 14 February 2018, the Mayor gave a go-ahead and the recruitment process started. Transnet has interviewed all the potential candidates and is now ready to issue Fixed Term Contracts for a month’s duration to all successful candidates.  

(2)       The local community will benefit from the employment opportunities created as follows:

  • 42 x General Workers,
  • 2 x Safety Reps,
  • 2 x Flagmen,
  • 1x Machine Operator.

 

(3)     The specified community is not in any danger of being removed from the Steenbokpan;

(4)(a)  Transnet is busy with the preparatory works, i.e. ballast offloading, tamping and regulating.

(b)  The construction work will commence as soon as the local community members are given their Fixed Term Contracts, as per 2 above.

 

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