FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) vehemently denounces the glaring preference that the government, in particular the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), has shown towards wealthy elites at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
Gwede Mantashe’s department of mineral exploitation is very much eager to sleep with unconscionable mining companies, who enrich themselves yet leaving behind communities in a much destitute condition. Despite numerous invitations, DMRE as a vested stakeholder, has failed to commit to listen to the voices representing the communities most impacted by mining activities. Our government has made its choice: rich companies over citizens. This is profoundly troubling and disappointing.
The Mining Indaba in Cape Town has become a masterclass where the exploitation of natural resources and the deprivation of affected communities’ rights are discussed in great detail. Therefore, the little representation from the communities affected by these decisions is not surprising. This is yet another tactic to control the narrative so that the viciousness that mining companies have unleashed to communities is kept under the table.
Once again, we remain firm in our conviction that “Nothing About Us Without Us.” The mining companies and our promiscuous DMRE are very much aware of the extent to which they exploited our communities, our ancestral lands and the health hazards that our people endure just so that these mines could extract minerals to “boost” the economy that does not benefit the citizens. This is hypocrisy on grand scale.
MACUA calls for a fundamental shift in the approach taken by DMRE and the government, urging them to prioritise the inclusion of marginalised and affected communities in discussions and decision-making processes related to the mining industry. The absence of meaningful engagement with these communities not only perpetuates the cycle of exploitation, but also undermines the democratic principles of representation and participation.
MACUA’s MAC Summit that will take place on 07 February, followed by a march on the 8th in Pretoria, presents an opportunity for the government to rectify this troubling trend as over 300 community representatives will be together to discuss the extent to which mining companies have failed to honour their Social Labour Plans and DMRE’s reluctance to hold them accountable. It is time that the masses reclaim their power. Enough is enough!
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Gilbert Moela
Media and Communication Officer
Cell: 079-777-6175