The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has expressed concern about capacity challenges at the department’s regional office in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The committee is currently conducting a week-long oversight visit to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The committee was informed that the KZN regional office has lost over 25% of its workforce as a result of mergers between various departments and the moratorium on filling vacancies implemented through a directive from the National Treasury. The committee is mindful of the prevailing fiscal constraints facing government, but is concerned that inadequate capacity at the regional level continues to hinder the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ ability to implement its mandate effectively. This, in turn, undercuts the mining sector’s potential contribution to economic growth and job creation.
The committee pointed out the economic significance of recent discoveries of lithium and iron ore in the province and noted that these discoveries could create over 5 000 job opportunities. It cautioned, however, that these prospects may be compromised if regional capacity challenges are not addressed. The capacity constraints in regional offices undermine the objectives of Operation Phakisa, the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, said. Under Operation Phakisa, mining is considered a key driver of economic growth through the reduction of administrative bottlenecks and the promotion of investment.
The committee also reaffirmed its zero tolerance for illegal sand mining. It welcomed the collaboration between the department and law enforcement agencies to curb this, but flagged the shortage of Environmental Mineral Resource Inspectors and delays in adjudicating mining applications. These challenges are weakening compliance monitoring and enforcement efforts.
The committee noted that targeting the arrest of illegal miners will not eradicate illegal mining. It emphasised the need to prioritise the investigation and prosecution of syndicates that benefit from illegal mining activities and deprive the state of taxable revenue.
Members stressed the importance of strengthened oversight of Social and Labour Plans to ensure that mining companies fulfil their commitments to host communities. The committee also called for improved governance of these trusts and greater accountability to ensure they deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to communities.
The committee will continue its engagements, including interactions with Richards Bay Minerals and Amakhosi, to address concerns relating to the management of community mining trusts. It has also committed to considering expanded legislative reforms to remove administrative barriers in the mineral and petroleum resources sector.
By Malatswa Molepo
29 January 2026
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