By Senthati Katlego Zasekhaya
When Mogalakwena Platinum Mine and Ivan Plats Mine began their operations in Mokopane, Limpopo, the Mapela and Tshamahansi communities were promised the benefits of economic empowerment, job creation and infrastructure development, but these promises have evaporated into thin air.
Instead, corruption and nepotism continue to impact the system, leaving majority of the residents, particularly unemployed women. Jobs are frequently assigned to those with connections to traditional leaders leaving many women feeling marginalised and discouraged.
The community members are struggling to provide for their families due to lack of access to meaningful employment opportunities. The corruption that is happening exacerbates social inequality, creating a gap between those with resources and those who are marginalised.
Men in these communities are often the first to receive job opportunities in the mines. The traditional governance systems, dominated by men, does not do much to address women’s specific needs, further deepening their exclusion from decision-making processes.
The lack of universal communication and transparency by both Mogalakwena and Ivan Plats Mines has left these communities feeling abandoned. The women demand that the mines uphold their promises of economic development, create sustainable jobs and invest in local infrastructure.
Lindobuhle Nene, a legal officer at MACUA-WAMUA Advice Office, said that mines— under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA)— are required to engage with communities regularly and provide meaningful consultation.
“When a mine drafts a Social and Labour Plan (SLP), they are supposed to consult the community and ask them what they want for the development of their communities. Instead, the mine only consults with traditional leaders, leaving the community in the dark,” said Nene.
One of the most pressing issues faced by these communities is water scarcity. This has worsened to a point where consuming contaminated water has become the norm. Yet, the burden of water collection often falls on women, forcing them to search for and purchase water for their families. Women witness the deterioration of their children’s health and are unable to afford basic necessities.
The women of Mapela and Tshamahansi are calling for a future where they can be self- sufficient and free from dependency on the mines. They want justice for the harm that has been done to their land, their livelihoods and their communities. As they continue to advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunities, they remain hopeful that change will come, not only for themselves but for future generations.
