The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli has today, 05 November 2019, visited Richards Bay Minerals on a fact-finding mission following the company’s curtailing of operations due to an escalation of violence in the communities surrounding operations.
MEC Ntuli, who was accompanied by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula and RBM’s Managing Director Wayne Duvenhage said he had been sent by Premier Sihle Zikalala to go on this fact-finding mission as the provincial government was concerned at the safety of the local KwaMbonambi community and the possible loss of investment to the province should operations remain curtailed
. This resulted in halting of all mining operations at with the smelters operating at a reduced level. Construction of the Zulti South project has also been temporarily paused
MEC Ntuli has condemned the criminal activities and acts of violence in the area. MEC Ntuli said the community issues seemed to stem from two possible issues.
One being the community wanting the Chieftain in the KwaMbonambi area to be finalised following the installation of an administrator. They are also allegations around the land damage compensation process from some members of the community.
“No matter what the cause we do not believe that the community needs to resort to violence and harming employees of RBM to solve issues. However, all these allegations would have to be looked into as we build a plan to return stability to the area,” said Ntuli.
“I will be tabling a report to the Premier and National Minister of Police as we believe that our interventions now also warrant for the national government to also come closer as a possible permanent closure of RBM will result in a major loss to our economy,” said Ntuli.
MEC Ntuli intervenes at Richards Bay Minerals following the closure of operations https://t.co/haWY8hops5 #Crime #Violence @KZNTransport @kzngov pic.twitter.com/cJPF0ZIoFU
— Construction Safety (@ConstructionSfy) December 6, 2019
