By Tholakele Thabane
The Mbabane community, under the Dannhauser Municipality in Newcastle KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), lives in disturbing conditions that result from the devastating environmental and health impacts of Ikwezi Mining’s operations according to local activists. They claim that the mine has contaminated their water streams, destroyed crops and created respiratory issues for the community.
You may at this point have heard of almost the same issues faced by other mining host communities. This is no different for the once-thriving community surrounding Newcastle Ikwezi Mining Kliprand Colliery and Emoyeni coal beneficiation plant, where a devastating environmental disaster is unfolding. Living conditions for this community have been unfavorable for the past 7 years.
The environment suffers the same fate as community members, dying slowly but surely. The community used to be green and lively, and has since Ikwezi started operating in 2018, turned into coal dust. Their operations emit a very dark smoke which has been the reason community members suffer from respiratory related issues.
Activists claim that the mine has been dumping coal waste and pollutants into the nearby Mbabane River, causing livestock to fall ill and die. Community members have also reported respiratory problems, sinus issues and other health concerns due to the constant dust and smoke emanating from the mine. Despite repeated requests for consultation and action, the mine has refused to engage with the community, citing a 7-year-old consultation as sufficient.
According to Themba Khumalo, MACUA KZN Branch Coordinator, the mine consulted in 2012 where other villages were not present.
The mine currently has a 30-year lifespan and affects 16 villages. The mine continues to operate in the area, stating they do not see the need for further consultations, as one was done in 2012. How does that one consultation, done 12 years ago, and done without proper notice and information provided to the community, qualify as consultation?
“We are tired of being ignored. Our livelihoods, our health and our environment are all suffering. We demand justice and action now,” Khumalo says with a steely determination.
Ikwezi mines coal using an open pit operation, which is considered the most dangerous and destructive mining method. And one would expect that safety measures by the company would be a priority since the mine is so close to the communities, but that does not appear to be the the case with Ikwezi.
According to Sphamandla Khambule, a resident of Mbabane Village, the vibration and noise from the blasting that takes place at least 3 times a week, lead their houses to crack. He further mentioned that the mine’s activities have also contaminated the soil and water, making it difficult for crops to grow and livestock to thrive.
“The water in the rivers has a yellowish color and is no longer safe to use”, Khambule noted, referring to the Mbabane and Ntendeka rivers which are affected by the mine’s coal washing plant. He also expressed concern about the mine’s trucks’ use of the same road as school children, putting their safety at risk. Farmers have been forced to abandon their crops and the community’s overall quality of life has significantly declined. The local clinic according to Khumalo was approached in 2022 to ask if there have been any new health issues recorded, and the report was that those who previously had respiratory illnesses like Tuberculosis were becoming worse.
The community’s struggle serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible mining practices and the importance of prioritizing environmental and community well-being. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Mbabane will no longer be silenced.
