With a buzz at the exhibition stands, insightful discussion in the conference hall, and numerous handshakes that forged new partnerships across the South African mining industry, the 2014 Mining Lekgotla officially opened for business at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 13 August.
Our executive director Khanyisile Kweyama, and this year’s convenor of the Mining Lekgotla, opened the event, “I am sure that we will realise during the next few days’ discussions that the old adage which warns us to prepare for the future is completely true. We know that what we do today influences the way we work and operate as an industry in the future.
Following this, the President of the Chamber of Mines, Mike Teke said, “None of us can sit back and say we are a perfect industry. We know our issues and challenges as an industry and as a country. Today and tomorrow, we gather with an overwhelming and overarching goal of building on the contribution of mining since the advent of democracy.”
Addressing delegates at the conference, General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, Frans Baleni said, “Urgency has overtaken importance in that we cannot postpone in doing the right things at the right speed. We need to ensure we influence our directions and create tangible outcomes instead of engaging for the sake of engaging.”
Keynote speaker for the day, the Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources, Ngoako Ramatlhodi said, “We have a collective duty and responsibility to recognise our ugly past and shape our common future. To do this we must engage candidly about the state of mining in South Africa.”
With this, the first session of the day started a robust conversation around the theme of the Mining Lekgotla, which is building on the contribution of mining since the advent of democracy. This panel featured the above mentioned welcoming addressers, in addition to Chairman of SA Mining Development Association Peter Temane, and general secretary of Solidarity Gideon du Plessis
The next panel discussion was on transformation and how it is the key to the future. Part of the debate were key role players such as Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources, Dr Thibedi Ramontja, deputy general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers Tshimane Montoedi, chairman of the SIMS Committee at the Chamber of Mines, Andile Sangqu, executive director at Harmony Mashego Mashego.
In the afternoon delegates had the chance to go through the exhibition hall, the Women in Mining panel discussion was held and was chaired by Minister of Women in the Presidency, Susan Shabangu. On the panel was Executive of HR at Kumba Iron Ore, Virginia Tyobeka, Kalagadi CEO Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, secretary of Women Structure at the National Union of Mineworkers Faith Letlala, and chairwoman of Women in Mining South Africa, Noleen Pauls.
Tyobeka said when it comes to women in mining blanket solutions don’t work. One size does not fit all and the mining industry and society need to gear towards gender inclusivity. “We need to create a balanced ecosystem with the right solutions and conversation.”
The final session for the day covered the important practice of mining community development. Chaired by director general of the Department of Mineral Resources Dr Thibedi Ramontja, the panel included general manager of Exxaro Mongezi Veti, deputy minister of the Department of Labour Inkosi Patekile Holomisa and convenor of NEDLAC Dumisani Mthalane.
With a heavy focus on transformation on day one the Mining Lekgotla, day two will to deal with topics such as Africa’s mining vision, infrastructure, industrialisation and beneficiation. Follow our social channels on Facebook (facebook.com/AngloAmericanZA), Twitter (twitter.com/AngloAmericanZA) and our blog (http://ourviews.angloamerican.co.za/) to stay in touch.