BARBERTON – Mining is the key economic driver of this historical town and for that reason, the City of Mbombela Local Municipality (CMLM) saw fit to convene its first mining indaba to create an extensive dialogue between all role players.
Speaking during the event, which was held at the Barberton Town Hall last Thursday and Friday, CMLM executive mayor, Cllr Sibusiso Mathonsi called for calmness between the community and the mining industry.
“I request that we all remain calm. The recommendations from all the four commissions are part of our declarations and will be considered. There is no need to fight and quarrel.
“I’m calling for calm in the industry and I’m calling for people to be sober in dealing with issues. Let’s create platforms for engagement,” said Mathonsi.
There were some fears earlier that the indaba might be disrupted by community members who marched to the mines to demand jobs. Prior to the event, various organisations which claimed to represent community members, marched to Barberton Mines to demand work.
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Mr Vusi Mkhatshwa, member of the mayoral committee for public works, roads and transport at CMLM, who also serves as the leader of government businesses, said out of the three mining houses operating within the area, two accepted the invitation to participate in the indaba and one declined.
Mkhatshwa said those which participated were Barberton Mines and Vantage Goldfields (Lily Mine), which has not been operational since the collapse on February 5.
He said Galaxy Gold Reef Mine, formerly known as Agnes Mine, refused to participate. “Barberton Mines fully participated by also giving a presentation of projects they have contributed to the community.
“We must also appreciate that Vantage Goldfields also participated but they failed to make a full presentation of their projects they contributed to the community.
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The other one (Galaxy) refused to participate and we will engage them to find the reason for their refusal,” said Mkhatshwa.
Mr Casper Strydom, Barberton Mines general manager, said he was glad the indaba had been a success.
“We are looking forward to creating a right environment for both the community and the mine. Obviously there will be some issues, but we are going to work together to ensure everybody benefits in the mining industry within the City of Mbombela,” he said.
Mr Mike Begg, director for operations at Vantage, said they have been faced with difficult times since the collapse and as a result they were currently not making any profit. The mining indaba will be an annual event.
