Anglo management seek peaceful resolution for miners’ grievances

POLOKWANE – The management of Anglo American Platinum’s Polokwane Smelter said Wednesday’s (July 27) protest action could have turned violent had the police not intervened.

Residents of surrounding villages Ga-Maja and Ga-Chuene as well as miners led a protest demanding employment opportunities and other benefits. Protestors blocked the entrance of the mine and demanded a sitdown with management over their grievances.

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A community leader Lesetja Legodi said Anglo American Platinum has made endless promises of benefits and majority of them are yet to be fulfilled.

“It is unfortunate that it is only through protest action that management listens to our cries,” he said.

Spokesperson Nomonde Ndwalaza said they are actively engaging with aggrieved members of the community and police to obtain a peaceful solution to the matter but will not condone any unlawful action.

“We have been engaging over several weeks with protestors over procurement opportunities related to the rebuilding of the furnace, which will result in a temporary increase in employment of site. As part of the supply chain process, we have included to host community suppliers as far as possible and we continue to identify opportunities to increase the portion of our procurement spend with doorstep commuinities,” she explained.

Ndwalaza added that these commitments extend beyond requirements in mining and BBBEE legislation in South Africa.

Protestors and mine management are expected to have another meeting to discuss possible opportunities for residents.