MACUA & WAMUA recently published a report evaluating the implementation of Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) across eleven mining communities in South Africa. The report conclude  under-delivery of SLPs.

The report presents detailed allegations against several mining companies for failing to meet their obligations under legally mandated Social, and Labour Plans (SLPs), with a total of R284 million unaccounted for across the 11 communities. Of the R376 million committed across 11 audited communities, only R92 million (24.5%) was confirmed as delivered, leaving R284 million unaccounted for, suggesting extensive financial manipulation, ghost projects, and inflated delivery claims. Companies used the narrative of corporate social responsibility and “green” Just Transition rhetoric to cover up systemic under-delivery. Only 0.13% of estimated corporate profits (R72.23 billion) was spent on actual community benefits, despite public claims of transformation and social investment. The report highlights a lack of transparency, limited public financial disclosures, and a lack of tangible community benefits, despite large reported deliveries of SLP obligations. Further allegations regarding the exclusion of women and youth from decision-making processes, benefits redistribution, and consultation processes are mentioned.

The Resource Centre reached out to the companies cited in the report to respond to the allegations. They were specifically asked to: (a) disclose updated figures or independent verification on the completion and impact of their SLPs, (b) disclose their full SLP documents including budgets, and implementation reports, (c) inform on their strategies to engage the local community in the planning and implementation of the SLPs especially women and youth.

Renergen, Glencore, South 32, Seriti Resources, Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine (SBPM) responded. While United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), Palabora Mining Company (PMC), STA Coal Mining, Bushveld Minerals, Ikwezi and Lentswe Tshipi did not respond.