Somkhele communities vote in favour of coal mine operations
More than 90% of affected community members voted in favour of mine reopening
MANY families from Emalahleni and Ophondweni last month voted in favour of the Tendele coal mine in kwaSomkhele, Mtubatuba, to continue operating in the area.
The mine’s business development manager Nathi Kunene said this vote comes after the 4 May judgment which ‘re-opened the appeal process before the minister of the [department of mineral resources and energy] whilst ruling that the mine’s mining right and [environmental management programme] remain valid’.
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Kunene further explained that the consent given by these communities was required before the mine could continue with its operations.
He said the 30 October meeting, which was arranged by the local traditional council, was held in line with section 2(4) of the Interim Protection of Informal Land Rights Act (IPILRA) of 1996.
“Tendele has been notified by the [traditional council] that 94% of people who voted in Ophondweni voted in favour of mining and 93% of people who voted in Emalahleni voted in favour of mining,
“Based on the above results, the [traditional council] has confirmed that the affected community members in Emalahleni and Ophondweni have consented, in accordance with IPILRA, to Tendele undertaking mining activities in their areas,” Kunene said.
The chairman of the mining committee and a member of the Mpukunyoni Traditional Council Mandla Sibiya the 30 October meeting and vote were overseen and directed by the traditional council.
Sibiya said those who voted in favour of the mine continuing with operations in the area had ‘done so on an informed basis’.
Sibiya said the vote was done by way of a secret ballot and was observed by the SAPS, among others.
According to Sibiya, 421 families signed the voter roll – 167 in Ophondweni and 254 in Emalahleni.
“We welcome these results, which show overwhelming support for the mine. This vote indicates a community that is desperate for the mine to restart operations as poverty and unemployment are overwhelming in our area,” Sibiya said.
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