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The South African government is failing its mining companies and the whole economy at many levels, the effects of which are now impossible to hide, says Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
Being a South African in the mining industry does feel a lot like being that distant, poor cousin at a family gathering. You stand out for your shabby clothing. Your shoes have seen better days, and your skin and hair are weather-beaten. Everyone notices you. You stand out as an eyesore. Everyone has tried to help your parents out, but they have failed to respond.
The relatives tolerate them - and you - at family gatherings because you carry the same name and blood. In this instance, the "parent" is the South African government. That is how I felt the past month of covering the financial reporting season of the major miners listed on the JSE, as well as the Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
