BPSA Sets Out Five-Part Plan For Sekhukhune Mining Economy

By Staff Reporter

“How can a region rich in mineral resources remain economically deprived while the value generated from those resources fails to translate into meaningful development for its people?”

That is the question the Bolsheviks Party of South Africa (BPSA) is putting to government and the mining industry as it demands a fundamental transformation of the mining economy in Sekhukhune.

“For decades, Sekhukhune has borne the burden of mineral extraction while many of its communities continue to face unemployment, poverty, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities,” General Secretary Seun Mogotji said.

He said the district’s mineral wealth must become “a foundation for local economic development, decent employment, industrialisation and community ownership, rather than leaving our people dependent on social grants while the wealth beneath their feet is extracted.”

“Our communities must not remain spectators in their own economic future,” Mogotji said.

Mining That Pays Its Way Locally

The first demand is that mining stop treating Sekhukhune as a supplier of raw materials.

“Mining must contribute directly to the economic well-being of the communities in which it operates,” Mogotji said.

He listed what the party expects: “We demand meaningful local economic participation, enforceable local procurement commitments, skills development, apprenticeships and employment opportunities for residents.”

Mogotji said the obligations already exist in law and must be enforced. “Mining companies must be held accountable for their legally binding obligations, including Social and Labour Plans, environmental rehabilitation commitments and applicable community development requirements.”

No Inheritance Of Holes

The second demand concerns what a mine leaves behind.

“Sekhukhune must not be left with abandoned mine shafts, dangerous excavations, polluted water sources and degraded land after the minerals have been exhausted,” Mogotji said.

He pointed to eMalahleni, formerly Witbank, and to Johannesburg, while stressing that the comparison has its limits.

“These areas have different histories and economic circumstances, but their mining legacies underline the importance of addressing environmental damage and planning for life beyond extraction.”

The party then set out what it wants for Sekhukhune. “We demand transparent rehabilitation plans, proper financial provision for mine closure, independent environmental monitoring and accountability for companies that fail to meet their legal obligations,” Mogotji said.

“The people of Sekhukhune must not inherit the holes while others inherit the wealth.”

Ownership, Processing And Industry

The longest part of the statement lays out an economic transformation programme, one that Mogotji said would “enable communities and local businesses to participate meaningfully in the mineral value chain.” It has six elements.

On local beneficiation, the party wants the district to “process more mineral resources locally, where economically, technically and environmentally viable, creating additional industrial and employment opportunities.”

On community ownership, it wants to “expand meaningful community participation through lawful and transparent ownership models, including cooperatives, community trusts and other appropriate mechanisms.”

On local enterprise development, Mogotji said the aim is to “create opportunities for Sekhukhune-based small businesses to supply goods and services to mining operations.”

On youth employment, the party proposes to “establish practical apprenticeships, technical training and artisan development programmes linked to actual industry needs.”

On economic diversification, it calls for investment “in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, infrastructure and other productive sectors so that communities are not dependent on mining alone.”

On transparent community benefits, it wants to “publish and monitor local procurement commitments, Social and Labour Plan projects, employment outcomes and environmental rehabilitation obligations.”

“These measures must be supported by measurable targets, public reporting and effective oversight,” Mogotji said.

Grants, Work And Dignity

Mogotji was careful when speaking about social grants. “Social grants provide essential support to millions of vulnerable South Africans and must not be disparaged,” he said.

He added a qualification. “However, social assistance cannot substitute for a productive economy capable of creating sustainable employment, decent livelihoods and opportunities for future generations.”

He described the economy the party wants. “Our objective is an economy in which young people can access skilled work, local entrepreneurs can build viable businesses, workers receive fair opportunities, and communities participate in the wealth generated from their natural resources.”

“Sekhukhune needs more than promises of development,” Mogotji said. “It needs investment that produces measurable results in people’s lives.”

A Call To Government, Industry And Communities

The party is asking national and provincial government, municipalities, mining companies, organised labour and affected communities “to work towards a transparent, enforceable programme for mineral beneficiation, local economic participation and environmental protection,” Mogotji said.

He also called for public disclosure of the commitments that apply. The party wants “regular community-facing reports showing what has been promised, what has been delivered, how many local people have benefited and what corrective action is required where obligations remain unmet.”

“We will continue to raise these demands through lawful political action, community mobilisation and democratic accountability,” he said.

How Success Should Be Measured

Mogotji said the party wants a different test for development. “Economic development must be measured not only by the volume of minerals extracted or the revenue generated, but also by jobs created, businesses sustained, skills transferred, infrastructure delivered and land rehabilitated.”

He closed with the party’s position. “We cannot accept a future in which the minerals leave, the profits leave, and the people are left behind.”

“The BPSA stands for local economic participation, community ownership, responsible mining, environmental justice and industrial development that benefits present and future generations,” Mogotji said.