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7 May 2009

Programme director
Honourable Mayors and Councillors
Acting CEO, Johan Meyer and members of Exxaro
Traditional and community leaders amongst us
NUM represented here
Ladies and gentlemen

A acknowledge all of you as representing a collective leadership giving us the good results we see here today.

Let me talk about what philosophy drives this government, as we do not always have time to explain this. There is a book or document that the African National Congress (ANC) likes and uses to derive the ideals to follow. This document is called the Freedom Charter and was misunderstood by a lot of people. I like it when it opens in one part and says "South Africa belongs to all the people who live in it, black and white."

Due to the fact that we were involved in the battle against oppression, a lot of people could not understand what that meant. There is another provision and ideal that was also misunderstood, where we are saying that "the wealth of the country will be shared amongst all of us."

This is what guided the ruling party in the discussions to put together the Constitution and drive its programme. All it says to us is: redress the past imbalances. I start here because I want people to understand where the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act says. It says in simple terms that companies mining in SA must contribute to the development of the lives of the people around which it mines and is in keeping with the thought that the wealth of the people will be distributed amongst the people.

For over a hundred years mining has been happening in South Africa, e.g. Anglo and PPC. It was happening outside the scenario I just painted, that there needs to be a redress to the people where mining happens. For a long time mining would happen and transfer the wealth abroad without investing in the communities, I have been to a lot of towns where this is apparent, e.g. in the Free State, Northern Cape, Limpopo, and North West. What we have seen is that people are poorer because mining happened and left with the wealth. What we are now trying to do is that we must change the status quo.

As I was coming here I was filled with joy and sadness. I was sad when I saw the kind and quality of house where Zibane used to stay, that is a reflection/ symptom of abject poverty. I am sure that those of us who are privileged would not stay there for a day. What happens when it rains, where is the privacy? There are a lot of such families living in such poverty with the mining companies smiling to the bank.

We appreciate what Exxaro has done because very little of such has happened. We hope it is the beginning of a lot to come. The house is not fantastic butt the impact of such will reverberate in that family for the rest of their lives.

All that has happened must be understood in terms of sustainable development. It seems the company that built the houses here is woman led and therefore empowers women and the nation. By empowering those women implies some skill has been imparted.

I hope the municipality has noticed that and that some of its work will be given to this company. I understand that some people have been skilled in tree planting. This will help in ensuring a greener world. I want to talk about other partners, starting with the traditional leaders. They have been part of this process and have given leadership which is in their birthright. We express appreciation because they did not abuse their power but used it to better the lives of the community.

We hail the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) as some of the workers here are the working class and their voice and input is important because of their experience and understanding of the politics.

I appreciate the understanding between the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) and the Department of Environment here. We appreciate it because of the difficulty to drive development without the co-operation of the two departments. Development and environment must co-exist. Technology is so advanced that you can mine and rehabilitate the area. We are happy that there is no issue of territorial battles as these co-exist.

It is my responsibility to ensure development as well as ensure that the environment is not denigrated. Neither is more important that the other. It is my duty to open mining opportunities and really ensure protection of the environment.

What has happened here is a model I would like to see replicated through out the country. More importantly it sends out the message that such partnerships can happen. There is also this emphasis on the fact that this project ensures security of tenure.

I wish to say to the company there is a need to look into skills development for the children of the community around here as well.

There are a further twelve houses to be built as the project grows. I wish for the company that built the houses now to continue with this very healthy relationship with Exxaro, the community and the local government.

We really appreciate the fact that Exxaro has shown that it is a company with a conscience. When the community raised issues, Exxaro embraced them as a partner and collectively sought solutions. Today I have witnessed a project that has touched my heart. Looking at the kind of house Baba Zibane stayed in was a serious reminder of where we come from.

We need to continue this partnership and unselfishness amongst the role players. It is important for all of us to continue in order to find joint lasting solutions. I will return to this area again at some point and I will appreciate it to find the partnership strong and growing.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
7 May 2009