Some community members pointed out that they have uttered their complaints several times but it seems nobody is prepared to engage them.
They are complaining about the mining operations in their area by Umzobanzi Mine which is located a few metres from their area. They said they have even reported the matter to the mine and Department of Mineral Resources. They also alleged that they have held several meetings with the mines and the Department of Mineral Resources. The residents have letters as proof that they have held meetings with the department and investigation has been done according to the letters they have.
A rock which is alleged to have come from the nearby mine in Vosman after a blast. The residents have kept it as evidence.
They stated that meetings have been held with the ward councillor Ms Mavis Tebane and chief whip Mr Sunday Mathebula who resides in the area and is a former councillor.
They stated that their problems are that their houses have continued to crack because of the blasting, that dust from the mining operations is affecting them; some alleged that their health has been affected as well. Some alleged that they have cracked windows and they have to replace them many times.
Four-year old Zinhle Mthiyane is said to have been affected by a blast when she was two years-old and it has affected her life because it is alleged that every time when there is a blast or thunder she cries and has difficulty in sleeping at night. She has been send to a doctor who referred her for psychological evaluation. Her life has changed dramatically according to her mother, as she could no longer cope at pre-school since the incident.
Recently a rock has been kept as evidence which was alleged to be from the mine after a blast. The residents have kept stones as evidence said to be from the mine blast.
“We are sick and tired of this mine, meetings and marches have been held in the past to protest, but all has been ignored. A lot of damages have occurred in our homes and nobody wants to take responsibility. Some officials came to take pictures of the damage caused by the mine and we were promised compensation but it was never to be,” said some of the residents.
Four-year old Zinhle Mthiyane who is said to have been affected by a blast when she was two years-old and it has affected her life negatively. It is alleged that every time when there is a blast or thunder she cries.
The residents are also complaining that the mine is not barricaded and it is easy for some residents to dig coal illegally. They felt that the mine should take responsibility to put some barricade around the mine.
One of the letters (By E.L. Letsoko- principal inspector in the Mpumalanga Region) dated 02/0215 ref: Mp 11/27-N261 761/14 refers about the importance of safety and that operations must always be carried out in such a manner that requirements of Section 5 (1) (b) of Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996) are always strictly complied with. This means that the employer must ensure that no person is exposed to any hazards to their health and safety due to mining activities.
Community members feel that the mine is not complying with above acts.
In the other letter (dated 2015-02- 02) (MP 11/27-266, MP11/27-N261, MP11/27-N136 Ref: 761/14 PP Mahaye – it reads that the department said the complaints were addressed to the mining representatives that attended the meeting to address the complaints held at DMR conference room. Some of concerns that came out that were discussed in the meeting were occurrences that had happened in the past and the projects were long completed when the complaints were lodged. The community members said they have evidence about new cracks, breaking of windows and health hazards they feel that something needs to be done urgently.
Most of the houses in the lower part of Vosman have cracks and broken windows allegedly from the mine blast.
The letter also states that should any of these concerns persist the community are advised to report back to the inspector for further action that is why the resident feels that the department needs to do another investigation.
Khathutshelo Mukatuni commercial director of Umzobanzi Coal & Energy in response to the questionnaire sent, acknowledged that there have been complaints from the Vosman community members regarding the mining activities around their area, mainly from Umzobanzi Coal & Energy, Anglo American, and Eyethu Mining.
Mukatuni also indicated that they have been a number of engagements with the local community, local government and DMR in order to resolve the problem. A community liaison officer has been appointed for some time through the help of the community to deal with the issues raised. “He is the person that we use when discussing issues with the community,” said Mukatuni.
“In terms of the legal complaints issues concerned, the DMR is well positioned to deal with the such issues as we get audited at the mine from time to time with regards to the issues raised and other mining related issues. The structure (mining houses, local community through Client Liaison and Local government) are working hard to resolve any issue arising. You will understand the difficulty when more than one mining company is involved”
Mukatuni added to say that at Umzobanzi Coal & Energy are more than committed to resolve al the issues through the established structures and they are doing so.
Another crack in one of the house in Vosman. It is alleged that it was caused by a blast.
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