After an insightful first day, the 3rd Annual Mining Lekgotla hit the ground running on its second and final day. It marked the appearance of some high profile speakers, of which the keynote address in the day’s first panel discussion was delivered by none other than African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
This panel, which was chaired by our executive director, Khanyisile Kweyama, focused on Africa Mining Vision. Joining Dr Dlamini-Zuma was Minister of Mineral Resources Ngoako Ramatlhodi. Dlamini-Zuma posed the question: If Africa is so endowed with minerals, then why are two thirds of the least developed countries in the world in Africa?
She said, “Whether you’re in mining or not, the one billion African people are our most precious resource. So investing in their health, education and basic needs should be critical to government and the private sector.”
The second panel discussion for the day was centred on infrastructure for industrialisation. This session was chaired by General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, Frans Baleni. Joining in on the conversation was Global Sector Head of Power & Infrastructure at Standard Bank, David Humphrey, CEO of Royal Haskoning DHV, Nyami Mandindi, and CEO of our SA Coal business, Themba Mkhwanazi.
In his address, Mkhwanazi added, “Sometimes we forget the role mining has played in terms of the infrastructure development. Johannesburg is a case in point. If we get this right in Africa, we can create many Johannesburgs.”
The third session for the day still kept to the topic of industrialisation, but focused on how this can be used to enhance beneficiation. Participating in this discussion was Executive Director of MISTRA, Joel Netshitenzhe, Deputy Director General of the Department of Trade and Industry, Garth Strachan, Editor of the New Agenda, Professor Ben Turok and Executive Chairwoman of Sasol Mining, Nolitha Fakude.
Vusi Mabena, Senior Executive of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa made concluding remarks, noting that transformation was certainly the topic of choice. “It is clear that the gears of transformation are turning too slowly. What also needs to be highlighted is that we know there needs to be a clear tracking mechanism on the outcomes of these Lekgotla’s so it’s not just talk shops.”
Following this, Minister of the Department of Mineral Resources, Ngoako Ramatlhodi provided an overview of South African mining policy going into the future.
He said, “These past two days have given us an excellent opportunity to reflect and jointly find lasting solutions. We must ensure that the decisions made at this Lekgotla must be implemented to move the mining industry forward. We must put our differences aside and sustainably change this industry for the better.”
During the day our executive director Khanyisile Kweyama did a live twitter interview. She answered questions surrounding transformation in the mining industry. You can read the full interview on her Twitter channel - twitter.com/khanyisilekweya