Host communities' perceptions about mining companies in the Govan Mbeki Municipal Area, Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

The mining industry plays a positive strategic role in the South African economy. However, this industry is plagued by many socio-economic challenges. It continues to face an uncertain future due to, amongst other factors, the escalating overhead mining costs, labour protests and community unrests. Among these challenges, dissatisfied and disgruntled mining communities remain the most unmitigated threat to the sustainability of mining worldwide. Mining companies continue to be under immense pressure to effectively address the socio-economic needs of communities affected by their operations. The increased levels of poverty and unemployment have resulted in the relationship between host communities and mining companies being increasingly strained. Their relationship is characterised by deep resentment, suspicion and mistrust. The tension stems from the fact that despite mining companies being present and operating in their areas, host communities are not benefiting meaningfully from the mining activities.

The study seeks to examine host communities’ perceptions about mining companies operating within Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. The study employed the qualitative research method and endeavoured to obtain first hand evidence or lived experiences narrated by host communities. The researcher used purposive sampling to choose the respondents who were deemed to possess intimate knowledge and the history of the state of relations between host communities and mining companies operating within Govan Mbeki municipal area.

This paper reports the findings of a study undertaken to assess the socioeconomic impact of mining activities and the communities’ perceptions on these activities within Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. Mining companies are perceived as the main contributors to social, environmental, health and infrastructure destruction. In addition to sampling community perceptions on mining activities, the study prescribes interventions that can assist in mitigating the negative perceptions of mining companies