By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Sekhing village, near Taung who are living at the doorstep of the Sentimental Diamond Mine, alleged that the mine is not benefiting them. This week, the residents embarked on a peaceful march and submitted their Memorandum of Demand (MoD) to the mine.
According to one of the community leaders, Lesedi Molane, the mine has junked them and also not adhering to social and labour plans, including not employing enough residents. The mine was further accused of encroaching on the grazing area without proper consultations.
“We call on the mine to prioritise locals when giving out business opportunities. We have had a good relationship with mine at first, but now the relationship is unpleasant. They do not give reports to the community at all, instead they allege that they only report to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR).
“The mine must listen to us as land occupiers and beneficiaries. We want a Committee of Representatives to be on site with them. Their threats of taking us to court are noted and will be taken forward,” he said.
Molane added that the Sentimental Diamond Mine is not transparent and honest. He alleged that the company has employed more than 10 people from outside and only two unskilled locals as security guards.
“They alleged that they are still prospecting but it has been long. We need to sit down with them or we are going to shut down the mine. We want a proper company that will work well with our community without any hindrances.
“It came to our knowledge that the Director is a lawyer by profession, but we are not going to be threatened or intimidated by him. We need a clear relationship and transparency. The minerals in our land must benefit us in terms of development and boosting our economy,” said Molane.
He alleged that the Sentimental Diamond Mine promised to create job opportunities, but nothing is coming forth. Molane alleged that the company that was prospecting in the same area, left without any rehabilitation.
“We really have no problem working with them, only if they put the interest of the community at heart. We also call on the government in terms of Section 152 (1)(a) to conduct an investigation on this matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director at Sentimental Diamond Mine, Rebaone Matsietsa, who accepted the memorandum said, they will respond within stipulated time.
The Guardian 