By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents in Ledig village, near Rustenburg, have submitted the Memorandum of Demands to the Bakubung Platinum Mine on 16 May 2024. The residents demand that the mine give them a plan with timeliness, which will ensure that learnership candidates, who were trained years back by the mine, are included in the recruitment process.
They also demand that Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) be given equal opportunities to participate meaningfully in the procurement of the mine.
The Bakubung Ba Ratheo Tribal Authority spokesperson, Disele Phologane said they also say no to retrenchments. Phologane further said the community cannot afford more retrenchments, which contribute to the current high rate of unemployment.
He added that residents demand a plan of action with timelines on issues relating to water, roads and infrastructure, which should also be prioritised.
“The memorandum emphasised that things need to change and call on better living conditions for residents. They are the host community and we have had engagements with the mine before COVID-19 pandemic, but nothing has been done on how to deal with these issues.
“The engagements resulted in an action plan that was signed by the mine to fulfil all the demands. However, it is shocking that the mine has ignored that plan. We demand a meeting with mine management to develop and agree on a strategic plan that will help us find solutions to all the issues raised going forward,” said Phologane.
He said the community leaders will come after seven days for a response.
“It was of utmost importance that the protest was conducted in a peaceful manner because the aim is to fight for the rights to life, dignity, equality and safety for all people. The mine has seven days to call a meeting. Community leaders will continue to engage and update the residents on all discussions that will be held.
“This is a critical step to ensure that the mine benefits all and most importantly to ensure that those who are tasked in regard to the implementation of the action plan are held accountable,” said Phologane.
Meanwhile, the Bakubung Ba Ratheo acting General Manager, Stanley Lebethe accepted the memorandum. Lebethe assured the residents that they will review it and give feedback in due course.
The Guardian 