The post [click to read ▶️] “The Proposed Government of National Unity is Clearly Neglecting Mining Affected Communities” first appeared on MACUA.
MACUA’s Senthati Katlego Zasekhaya reports that In a strong protest showing unity and determination, over 200 people from the Bodibe Branch, along with residents from Springbokpan, Itsoseng, Matile, Verdwaal, and other nearby communities in the North West province, protested against Sephaku Cement Mine from June 10th to June 13th. The protest ended with giving a list of demands to the mine’s management. T
The demands say that the residents better talks between the mine and the communities and more local jobs and training. “The last time we had any engagement with the mine was in 2020,” said Lebogang Sefularo, the leader of the Bodibe branch of MACUA (Mining Affected Communities United in Action). The mine’s management has not talked with the community since this time, leading to anger and mistrust. Sefularo added, “We have been kept in the dark for too long. We need transparency and a genuine commitment to addressing our concerns.”
High unemployment and lack of job opportunities in the area make the community’s frustration worse. Many people believe the mine is not sharing its wealth or helping the community grow, as it should according to its mining license. The community is asking Sephaku Cement Mine to follow its legal obligations by providing training and job opportunities. This is important for the youth to build better futures for themselves and their families, not through handouts, but through real job opportunities to work and grow.
Even though the mine has operating for over 10 years, there has been no improvement or development for the community. “Since 2009, Sephaku Mine has been in our area, but it’s not beneficial to the Springbokpan village in any way,” said Sefularo. “As MACUA, we want the mines to do what is in their Social Labour Plan (SLP). They bring the SLP to the community and say they will do things, but in the end, nothing is implemented in the community.”
Other complaints include the lack of a lease agreement between the mine and the community since 2009. Instead, there have only been resolutions about using 100 hectares from Springbokpan and Verdwaal for the plant. There is also controversy about an entity called Toroshesa NPC, created by Sephaku for the communities of Springbokpan and Verdwaal. This entity is supposed to give a 15% share to the communities, but there are questions about who owns this 15% and the fact that Sephaku directors control it, making people doubt its true community ownership. “Those shares don’t help us in any way. We do not know how much we have or who the directors of the shares are. We do not know the people in possession of the community funds. They must bring services to the Springbokpan village,” said Maria Ngulube, the Springbokpan branch coordinator.
“Sephaku Cement Mine has committed to providing fodder to livestock farmers during winter and issued access cards for entering the mining area without induction and medical fitness tests. However, farmers report being arrested upon entering the mining area, contradicting the commitments made by the mine,” said Jerry Moatswi, the branch secretary of Springbokpan.
