The mining sector must improve compliance but is not under threat. This was the position put forward by the government following a recent stakeholder engagement between the community of Amajuba and mining company representatives.
The issue of mining remains contentious within the Amajuba District. Communities in Newcastle, Utrecht, and Dannhauser continue to face growing tensions as residents find themselves divided over the impact mining operations have on their local areas. Amajuba Municipality noted that these tensions are largely driven by concerns over mine operations and unmet community expectations.
In response, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, and Deputy Minister Phumzile Mgcina convened a critical stakeholder engagement to establish common ground between communities, employees, and executives. The meeting was attended by district leadership, including Acting Mayor of Amajuba District Municipality, Thembelihle Mthembu, and Mayor of Dannhauser Municipality, Bongani Hadebe.
Deputy Minister Mgcina noted that the meeting followed multiple complaints regarding water contamination, soil degradation, and worsening air quality. Specific concerns were linked to a mine in Dannhauser regarding health impacts, household damage caused by blasting, and the disturbance of grave sites. While a task team confirmed instances of non-compliance, corrective actions have since been initiated.
During the session, the Department highlighted the importance of the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) functioning as a complementary instrument to the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) to ensure aligned planning and visible service delivery.
Dannhauser Municipality confirmed that the mine in question, which operates across seven wards, has safely relocated affected families. Supported by signed Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs), the mine is working with municipalities to avoid project duplication. This includes a R2 million agreement signed in 2025 for borehole installations in Wards 4, 5, and 7.
Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu said: “While mines may appear compliant on paper, a misalignment in the Social Licence to Operate (SLO) emerged as a key driver of tensions. The mining sector has the potential to contribute meaningfully to community development and operate as an integrated part of communities, rather than as a detached presence.”
Minister Mantashe, drawing on his background as a former mine worker, acknowledged the frustrations of residents while defending the sector’s contribution to development and labour. He called for a more coordinated approach, stating that a workable balance must be achieved between community concerns and the realities of a mining-dependent local economy.
The visit formed part of the government’s District Development Model (DDM), for which Mantashe and Mgcina serve as champions. A preceding DDM session at the Amajuba District Council Chamber sought to move beyond compliance-driven reporting toward tangible outcomes. This included a proposal for a district-wide agricultural project focused on farm fencing and promoting subsistence production.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that the district urgently requires implementable, community-centred flagship projects. The proposed agricultural initiative was prioritised as a key intervention to strengthen food security and local livelihoods alongside other urgent development priorities.
