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6 May 2009

The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, has been invited to and will attend the sod turning and handing over of houses ceremony to the Madlankala community in Richards Bay.

The purpose of the event is for the company mining in the area, namely EXXARO, to show progress as per their commitment within the Social and Labour Plan, as well as for the community to receive part of the said benefits accruing from the mining activity in the area. There are at least 20 selected community houses believed to have been adversely affected by the mining activities in the area to which the mining company committed to assist by re-building.

The scope of work was agreed to between the company and the community. A maximum of twenty houses was reached and agreed upon. These have been rebuilt and are now found to be in conditions that are habitable.

Minister Sonjica says, “It is heartening to realise that co-operation between mining companies and communities can yield such positive results. I believe that the people of Madlankala will also be fulfilled particularly as they were actively involved in finding solutions to the differences that initially appeared insurmountable.”

Details of the event to which all media is invited are below:
Date: 7 May 2009
Venue: Esikhawini Community Hall, Esikhawini, Richards Bay.
Time: 11h00 to 13h00

For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
MLO and Spokesperson for the Minister
Department of Minerals and Energy, RSA
Tel: 012 679 9180
Cell: 082 521 9614
E-mail: sputnikr@gmail.com / sputnik.ratau@dme.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
6 May 2009