East London – The 2nd Annual Eastern Cape Mining Indaba was held at the East London International Convention Center (ELICC) from 17 to 18 October and is said to have been a resounding success. The Indaba was attended by industry experts and various key stakeholders from across the African continent.
The Mining Indaba was founded and organized by Mthatha-born Thando Mandela who wishes to see the province play an active role in the mining sector, not just feeding the labour force but participating in auxiliary services as well.
Also attending the event was the Deputy Speaker of the Eastern Cape Legislature, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, he delivered a speech that highlighted the challenges faced by miners including potential mining areas like Xolobeni and proposed possible solutions.
Qoboshiyane emphasized the need for sustainable mining practices that prioritize the well-being of workers and the environment. He also discussed the importance of education and training programs to prepare the next generation of miners for the demands of the industry. Qoboshiyane further elaborated “State should raise relative level support for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education to meet standards, meet demands and portraying stuff within the government bodies and the industry because this will be the core pillar to ensure prosperity.”
“We can’t allow people of our province to go and mine at other provinces for them to come back ill and unhealthy, whilst other provinces are eating of the riches,” Qoboshiyane added.
The event also featured guest speaker and moderator Peter Ndoro, a media guru who shared his insights on the role of technology and innovation in the mining industry. He encouraged the youth present to take charge of the industry and make a positive impact on their communities. “It is very important that as we try to build this dream, we equip our people with the tools and knowledge they’ll need to ensure that the job is done. We also need to ensure that the initiatives we resolved to do, start to get action with urgency. I also wish to see more young people and the inclusion of women in this sector. It is also important that we capitalise on the value chain that takes place when the minerals have left the ground” said Ndoro.
Rand Mutual Assurance Company Limited (RMA) is a non-profit mutual assurance organization that partnered with the Mining Indaba, they ensure that beneficiaries and their families receive the care and compensation they are entitled to when they have sustained either a work-related injury or occupational disease.
“We have a mandate as a funder to make sure that we don’t stop at rehabilitating but compensate the victims and their families and make means to make sure that they go back to work. We also help miners who have been injured with rehabilitation in terms of their mental issues that come after being injured and not working and their physical conditions,” Dr Miranda Moloto Head of Rehabilitation, Medical Advisor -Public Health Systems.
The Indaba also featured a gala dinner where Mandela launched the “Emerging you and women in mining South Africa organization” Through this organization, Mandela hopes to create opportunities for rural youth to partake in lucrative and scarce mining industry fields.
