A LANDMARK agreement was signed last week between Tendele Mine and various parties representing the Mpukunyoni community.
This according to a joint statement on Friday following a 12-month
negotiating process that included the Mtubatuba Municipality,
‘The accord will govern the relationship between the mine, the Traditional Council, the Inkosi and Indunas around the mining areas, the municipality and the Mpukunyoni Community,’ said Tendele Community Communications Manager, Sigoga Mkhwanazi.
‘The road-map agreement establishes the Mpukunyoni Community Mining Forum (MCMF) as the main body representing the Mpukonyoni Community and the parties in respect of all mine related matters.
‘It also acts as the main communication structure between the mine, the community and all relevant stakeholders on issues directly relating to the mine’s operations, socio-economic and environmental aspects.
Opportunities
‘The need for the new MCMF structure was identified during 2016 and it establishes the most comprehensive, all-inclusive structure since the inception of the Somkhele Mine some 10 years ago.’
A major objective of the agreement is to resolve outstanding issues and past mistakes made and allow the mine to operate uninterruptedly, whilst communication and consultation occur.
Under the theme ‘One team, one mine, one community’, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities will also be tackled.
Until the MCMF members are finalised (once a new Traditional Council is elected this year), an interim Mpukunyoni Mining Executive Forum (MMEF) will consist of iNkosi MM Mkhwanazi,
Ndunankulu N Mkhwanazi, Mayor MQ Mkhwanazi), MC Zungu, A Mkhwanazi, ASB Mkhwanazi, Bishop GS Mkhwanazi, Ms Makhozi Zondi and mine nominees.
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