Share

Xolobeni turns Mantashe away: 'We say no to mining for 15 years'

The community of Xolobeni in the Eastern Cape have reiterated that they do not want a mine in their area, despite the Department of Mineral Resources supposed intentions to issue mining rights.

The community leaders released a statement on Tuesday, and said that the affected Umgungundlovu community has said no to mining for 15 years, and remain steadfast on that stance.

"We have the right to say no, and we instead expect a visit from the departments of agriculture and of tourism."

READ: Mantashe: We've heard Xolobeni oppose mining, now they must hear those who want it

That is in response to the Department of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe's planned visit to the area. That trip has since been postponed.

The community accused Mantashe of planning to transport people from other areas to convince the people in Xolobeni that they needed mining.

"We are shocked [at] what the minister is prepared to do. If people from outside are brought to Xolobeni to sign attendance registers, such people or the police may also attack us, as happened on September 23," the statement said.

The community said it is concerned about the safety and security of the people that they serve, and that their land and mining operations on it at this stage was not an option.

"We appeal to ANC leaders who are not personally invested in Xolobeni mining to intervene and stop this. We expect [the department of mineral resources] to cancel these plans right now," it further stated.

The department responded and said that the minister had intended to return to Xolobeni over the weekend, but has since postponed his visit to allow stakeholders more time to prepare.

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria last week ruled that, in terms of the interim protection of informal land rights act, the minister of mineral resources may not grant mining rights without the consent of the community and the people directly affected by that mining right.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 567 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 808 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.88
+0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.85
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.38
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.32
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE