EFF statement on reviewed broad based black-economic empowerment charter for the South African mining and mineral industry
20 June 2017
The EFF notes the review of the broad based black-economic empowerment charter for the South African mining and minerals industry as gazetted by the Minister of Mineral Resources. The EFF perspective on mining and mineral resources as it is embedded in our founding manifesto is that, owing to the character and the history of the South African economy, to transfer the wealth from minority we must nationalise mines. The ownership of mineral wealth should be considered through various means, prime being the expropriation of the current mineral-production processes in South Africa.
The transformation charters adopted by the democratic government dismally failed to empower the majority of the population because they are not binding. We believe that there must be a move towards a legislation of ownership and control through an act of Parliament that is binding and with strict consequences.
The EFF notes the emphasis on mining companies’ contribution towards mine community development by identifying priority projects as per the approved IDP. The EFF in the past has demanded an explanation on why mining companies failed to comply with social labour plans and called on all mining companies to actively get involved in the development of mining communities, particularly on construction and maintenance of roads, health facilities, schools, technical training colleges, and other public infrastructure. Unlike in the past where the municipal council did not hold mining companies to account on their social labour plans. The EFF, through its councillors, will ensure that identified projects as per the approved IDP are completed.
The EFF also notes the decision to set the minimum spend on total mining goods (70%) and services (80%) procurement spends on South African manufactured goods and services. Again, the EFF had called on the Chamber of Mines to ensure usage of locally produced goods and services for the upstream and downstream mining economic activities with the aim of expanding the economy and creating durable goods. However, it is concerning that mining companies are allowed to procure services from foreign companies because this remains an opportunity for illicit financial flows through marketing, transport and financial services while these services must be offered by South African companies.