KwaThema – Ekurhuleni Environmental Organisation 360 conducted social audits in Reedville over the weekend.
The organisation, which deals with environmental issues such as air pollution, water pollution, acid mine drainage and waste management visited over 500 households in the area.
The visits aimed to collect data from the mining-affected communities and to educate residents about social and labour plans.
Jerry Chabalala, of the environmental organisation, says they also shared information on what the mines should do for the communities in which they operate.
“We have identified that many residents in these communities are not aware of their rights.
“The mines remove all the minerals without giving back and empowering the residents.
“These residents need to benefits in terms of bursaries for their children, and their health needs to be considered since it is often compromised.
“ Many of the residents along the mining areas have health complications which are caused by the activities in the mines but because of not being informed they end up not knowing where to lodge complaints,” he says
Jerry says the residents were expected to fill a questionnaire.
“Through their answers we will be able to identify the type of information the resident’s needs.
“The residents also raised what and how they want to benefit from the mines,” he says.
Jerry says they are happy that the residents openly shared their views and needs with them.
