Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) has taken a firm stand against Glencore’s Rhovan Vanadium Mine for what they perceive as a failure to engage with the residents of Bethanie, a community outside Brits in the North West province.
Despite the mine’s claims of significant contributions to the local area, residents continue to face severe poverty and high unemployment rates.
According to MACUA’s Communication Manager, Magnificent Mndebele, the mine has repeatedly neglected its legally mandated Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitments, opting instead to collaborate with minor stakeholders and political entities at the expense of the larger community.
Mndebele emphasised that Glencore’s operations lack legal approval due to their failure to consult the community on the SLP, a prerequisite for obtaining a mining license under the Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
The community’s frustration has been brewing for over two years as their attempts to engage with the mine have been consistently ignored.
The projects touted by the mine as beneficial to the community are either dysfunctional or misaligned with the community’s developmental needs.
Mndebele pointed out that external decision-makers have imposed unsuitable solutions on the residents, who have resolutely rejected this approach.
The escalating tension culminated in a three-week protest outside Glencore’s Rhovan Vanadium Mine gates.
On May 17, the situation intensified when the South African Police Service (SAPS) responded forcefully to the Bakwena Ba Mogopa community’s protest.
The police, acting on a court interdict obtained by Glencore, demanded that the protesters disperse within 30 minutes.
When the community did not comply, police officers dismantled their camping tents and fired rubber bullets at unarmed protesters, injuring at least six people.
One of the injured residents, Onkarabile Donald Mahuma, recounted how he was targeted by five police officers.
Mahuma was detained at the Bethanie Police Station under dubious circumstances, with his family initially misled about his condition.
Mndebele highlighted this incident as part of a pattern of police misconduct, including fabricating charges to justify arrests.
The Bakwena Ba Mogopa community, which holds a 26% stake in the Rhovan Operation, is demanding that Glencore provide employment opportunities for local youth and repair infrastructure damaged by the mine’s heavy trucks.
Additionally, the community has been calling for the establishment of an SLP for the past two years, which remains unaddressed.
Mndebele urged political parties to prioritise amending the MPRDA to prevent further marginalization of communities affected by mining activities.
He called on the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to enforce compliance with mining license obligations and halt Glencore’s operations until they meet these requirements.
A thorough investigation into the incidents was also requested to hold those responsible accountable.
MACUA continues to advocate for justice and the protection of rights for the Bakwena Ba Mogopa community and all mining-affected communities.
They stress the importance of upholding these rights without compromise, ensuring that the voices of the most impacted are heard and addressed.
The situation at Bethanie highlights the broader issues of corporate accountability and community rights in South Africa’s mining sector.
As the community awaits a response, the resolve to secure a fair and just engagement with Glencore remains steadfast.
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