The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) should consider establishing a body to independently monitor mining company’s implementation of social labour plans, if it is serious about ensuring that communities benefit from mining operations in their areas.
This view was expressed by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Mikateko Mahalule, during a meeting with the DMPR’s Northern Cape regional office together with representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and United Association of South Africa (UASA).
The committee met with DMPR’s Northern Cape regional office, NUM and UASA on Monday as part of its week-long oversight visit programme in the province.
The three entities unanimously raised concerns about this issue, highlighting a gap in monitoring. Mr Reno van Wyk who is the provincial organiser of UASA said that some mines deviate from the requirements of their prescribed social labour plans, and, instead, implement projects prescribed in their municipalities’ integrated development programmes, thereby neglecting their statutory obligations.
Section 25(2)(f) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) 28 of 2002 states that the holder of a mining right must comply with the requirements of the prescribed social labour plan.
“In amending the MPRDA, the department should consider establishing an independent body responsible for monitoring implementation of social labour plans by mining companies,” said Mr Mahlaule.
Part of the committee’s oversight visit programme in the Northern Cape is assessing implementation of mining houses’ social and labour plans, namely Assmang Black Rock, South 32, Ekapa and PP Gemstones Mining and Exporting Pty Ltd.
Social labour plans place statutory obligations on mines to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country, especially mining-affected communities, while promoting industry transformation, empowerment and responsible corporate practices.
The key components of social labour plans are employment and skills development, local economic development, health and safety, housing and living conditions, community engagement and environment management.
The committee will also focus on artisanal and small-scale mining, illegal mining and contestations around sugilite gemstones.
On Tuesday, it is visiting the Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak communities, as well as a site of artisanal and small-scale mining.
Justice Molafo
7 October 2025
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