Life Before and During Mining: The relocation and struggles of the Magobading Community, Limpopo
This report emanates from the approach in 2007 to the Bench Marks Foundation by people relocated from the Maotsi, Magobagobe and Botshabelo communities... They requested assistance so that they could effectively engage with the mining corporation, Anglo American Platinum, and the government over the relocation process, its execution and ongoing relationship regarding their grievances with Anglo Platinum..
The following are key findings from the study...
The community consented to the original relocation, but did not do so from a properly informed perspective. They did not understand the consequences of the relocation and the impact it would have on their lives...
The community is of the view that the initial process of consultation was inconsistent. Through their protests and actions, they have forced the mining corporation into...engagement. However, the lack of respect for effective and meaningful consultation...has been a source of frustration for both the community and the mining corporation...
The mining corporation employed subcontractors who gave scant respect to the culture and heritage of the community...
Disruption of the community’s self-sustaining economy... Community without deeds of ownership of land or houses... No evidence of environmental impact assessment or water license
[Report makes:
Recommendations to Anglo American Platinum on: Land for grazing and cultivation; title deeds to stands; access to potable household water and water for agricultural purposes; religious and spiritual needs of the community; compliance with environmental impact assessments and environmental management plans.
Recommendations for legal & constitutional reform in South Africa
Recommendations to civil society, the chamber of mines and mining corporations in general on: development of a community perception index; national grievance mechanism; central mine-affected community fund; civil society and community collaboration]