Business Report writes that according to Joel Netshitenzhe of the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra), there should be tighter systems and structures of accountability in the implementation of mining social and labour plans.
Netshitenzhe, an ANC national executive committee member, said last week that it was one of the lessons from the 2012 Marikana tragedy, the 2014 platinum strike, as well as social instability in mining areas related to community infrastructure development, the living-out allowance and related practices. “While many mine operators have allocated resources for community development, a major weakness relates to the extent of co-operation between the mining houses and various spheres of government,” he noted. He said mining companies should be actively involved in the conceptualisation and implementation of municipal and provincial development strategies and plans. “Systems and structures of accountability to communities need to be improved and should involve the highest levels of the companies,” said Netshitenzhe. His comments were contained in a paper on mining, released by Mistra released on Friday, dealing with the role of mining in the attainment of the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP). “The core argument is that the collective of partners in mining – private companies, workers, mining communities and the state – need to develop together a vision and a programme that aligns with the objectives of the NDP,” said Netshitenzhe.
- Read more of this report by Siseko Njobeni at SA Labour News
- Access the full working paper at Mistra Online
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