UPDATE: RBM resumes operations

FOLLOWING intense negotiations, Richards Bay Minerals announced this afternoon (Wednesday) they would immediately resume operations following closure of the plant over the weekend after violent protests.

‘We are pleased to share that after successfully engaging with both the Mbonambi and Sokhulu communities, we resolved the community protest challenge,’ said RBM spokesperson Fundi Dlamini.

‘A cross-functional task team, led by the office of MEC for Economic Development, Mike Mabuyakhulu’s, has been established and will include representatives from the different structures.

‘We agreed on certain action items that will be implemented over the coming weeks, and all parties committed to working toward resuming operations to normal.

‘Operations will start today (Wednesday), with business as usual from Thursday.

‘Access routes to RBM will be safe for use as committed by community stakeholders.

‘We are thankful to all stakeholders that include local and provincial government, especially the SAPS, who worked with us to resolve the impasse.’

Warning

On Tuesday, Mabuyakhulu addressed the communities of KwaMbonambi and KwaSokhulu, impressing on them that RBM benefitted the entire country and was not bound to employ only people from its host communities.

‘I think we need to start by correcting this wrong mentality, before we can look at other issues.

‘We condemn any acts of violence and intimidation, as this has lowered the production of the mine.’

Mabuyakhulu warned that if RBM were to shut down all its operations completely, more people will lose their jobs, which would create more unemployment problems for government.