Pretoria – Government, unions and the mining industry are satisfied with the progress that has been made in implementing a framework aimed at bringing about stability in the mining industry.
After the Mining Forum met on Friday, the Presidency said in a statement that an assessment was done on the commitments that each party made to assist the mining industry to stabilise and be set on a sustainable footing – especially along Rustenburg’s platinum belt.
“Ensuring the rule of law, peace and stability and the provision of proper and sustainable human settlement infrastructure in the Rustenburg platinum belt were identified as some of the short-term measures requiring immediate action.
“The meeting noted that during the past few months since the signing of the framework agreement, there has been relative peace and stability in the mines and that both labour and mining companies have been conducting their affairs within the law,” the statement read.
The Mining Forum was formed after Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe led a process of getting business, unions and government to cooperate in bringing stability in the mining industry. The framework was finalised and signed by all parties in June.
Government has, since the framework agreement was signed, prioritised criminal cases emanating from mining communities in order to accelerate court hearings.
The Chamber of Mines reported that mining companies, meanwhile, have since started their work to transform hostel-type accommodation for mineworkers into sustainable human settlements. Mining houses have also partnered with FET colleges to reskill mineworkers.
“Both the Chamber of Mines and the South African Mining Development Association reported that they had initiated processes to improve the migrant labour system in a way that it affords mineworkers adequate time with their families.” – SAnews.gov.za
