Motsepe mine accused of excluding locals from jobs in area

Communities around Nkomati Nickel Mine in Mpumalanga claim that the mine, owned by Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), is refusing to give local people a fair chance at jobs and business opportunities. Thabo Nkambule, a leader of a community group representing several nearby areas, says that the mine has been hiring workers from outside the province while ignoring qualified residents who are left without work.

"We regularly hear from locals who tell us that new employees and service providers have already been hired at the mine," Nkambule explains. "When we look into these complaints, the allegations are often found to be true." He adds that the group has CVs of local residents who have been unemployed for long periods, even though they are willing and able to work.

Nkambule stresses that residents are not asking for special treatment, but rather want the mine to fulfill its legal and transformation promises. Another local resident, who wished to stay anonymous, accuses mining companies of cherry-picking certain individuals and groups, rather than consulting communities more broadly. This individual alleges that some groups posing as community representatives have become gatekeepers, blocking dissatisfied residents from speaking directly to mining companies.

Recently, residents held a protest at the mine and submitted a memorandum detailing their grievances. The memorandum calls on Nkomati, its shareholders, and ARM to tackle the "systematic exclusion" of host communities from economic chances. Their complaints focus on alleged breaches of Social and Labour Plan commitments and Mining Charter requirements, especially regarding employment, skills development, buying goods and services from locals, and community growth.

The memorandum references goals of 80% employment for the host community, 70% of local procurement of services, and the sole reservation of unskilled and semiskilled jobs for locals. A spokesperson for the mine, Betty Maluka, says that the operation has been under care and maintenance since March 2021, after mining activities were paused and the workforce was cut significantly. A core team of 48 people remains to keep the mine safe and ensure compliance with rules.