BY REGINALD KANYANE
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West province expressed concerns about allegations that the mineral resources department was involved in “Capture of Mines” around Rustenburg for the benefit of the Gupta Company, JIC Mining Services using political connections.
Provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said this follows the closure of four mining shafts in the area over the past three months.
“We call on the Office of the Public Protector to investigate the issuing of Section 54 notices to mines that have given JIC notice to terminate its contracts due to financial non-compliance.
“We are therefore sending a strong warning to Minister Mosebenzi Zwane that we are fully aware of the shenanigans taking place since his arrival at the department. We are warning him to desist from his agenda as he will be met with fierce resistance from communities around mining areas,” he highlighted.
Sebegoe vowed that SANCO will fight the victimization of the mines using state resources. He added that it was not a coincidence that when JIC related contracts are for review, there was a sudden pressure from Mineral and Energy department on issues of compliance.
“SANCO will not tolerate the livelihood of communities to be compromised at the expense of the quest of those who seek to capture mines for the benefit of the politically connected few. The closure of the shafts will result in retrenchments and job losses that will negatively affect the local economy and communities.
“These mines are the only remaining source of livelihood for communities within the mining area. We will not allow anyone to mess with them. We still have unresolved issues with mining communities being deprived ownership shares and expect the state to protect our interests instead of advancing the interest of a few politically connected individuals at the expense of workers and our communities,” he underscored.
Sebegoe said they fully support maximization of safety measures and it cannot be a coincidence that when JIC related contracts were being reviewed, then suddenly mines are being issued with section 54 notices.
“This is a clear abuse of political power and it will not be tolerated,” he said emphatically.
Sebegoe alleged that the strategy was to pressurise mining companies such as Royal Platinum Mines to work at a loss so that they are forced to sell-off mines that have a future with rich ore body. He also alleged that section 54 notices that was uplifted on the August 11, was invoked the next day.
The Guardian 