To download the soundbite of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, click here: https://iono.fm/e/1508225
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, participated in the Economics Cluster media briefing at Parliament. The Chairperson briefed the media on the following issues:
- Legacy report of the committee of the 6th Parliament
- Translation of recommendations of the previous committee
- Oversight on illegal mining
- Tightening oversight on entities
Following its establishment after the formation of the 7th Parliament, the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources first considered and adopted the committee of the 6th Parliament’s legacy report. This was done to ensure a smooth transition and continuity from the previous committee.
The committee then engaged with all stakeholders in the mineral and petroleum resources sector, including the department, entities, organised labour, industry associations, and non-governmental organisations. This engagement was undertaken for capacity-building purposes. The committee thoroughly reviewed the annual performance plans and Medium-Term Strategic Frameworks of the department and entities in preparation for the budget vote.
The Impact of delays in government formation
The formation of the Government of National Unity took longer than expected, which affected the business of Parliament and its committees. To address this, the committee adapted by working extended hours to make up for the time lost.
Using the recommendations of the legacy report, the committee drafted its oversight programme. From 7 to 12 September, it conducted visits to North West and Gauteng, focusing on illegal mining and mine health and safety. These visits included engagements with Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, North West, and Sibanye-Stillwater and Harmony Gold Mines in Gauteng.
After completing the oversight visits, the committee scrutinised the department’s and entities’ annual reports in preparation for the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report, which had to be tabled before the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement delivered by the Minister of Finance on 30 October.
Updates on legislation and illegal mining
The committee does not currently have a Bill before it. However, two weeks ago, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources briefed the committee on artisanal and small-scale mining and the Junior Mining Exploration Fund, as recommended by the legacy report.
While illegal mining remains a significant concern, the committee acknowledges the department’s efforts to regulate the artisanal and small-scale mining sub-sector. It also recognises the progress made by NATJOINTS in combating illegal mining, including the successful operation in Stilfontein, North West, which has drawn international attention.
Focus for the fourth quarter
In the fourth quarter, from January to March next year, the committee will focus on the quarterly reports of the department and entities. It will also conduct an oversight visit to Alexkor, a newly acquired entity for the department.
Alexkor has a complex business model, and the committee aims to ensure governance stability. The Board currently comprises six non-executive members and two executive members – the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. However, the terms of four non-executive Board members will expire at the end of December. The committee has urged the minister to move quickly to fill these vacancies, as the Board requires at least six members to form a quorum.
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