At the fifth annual Marikana memorial lecture, Transnet chairperson and former Minerals Council South Africa VP Andile Sangqu emphasized the urgent need for mining companies to develop effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts. He stressed the importance of reaching a consensus with all stakeholders—such as local communities, workers, and government officials—to address grievances, disputes, and conflicts that arise in the mining sector.
The Marikana memorial is a poignant reminder of the tragic events of August 2012, when 44 people lost their lives during a strike at the Marikana platinum mine. In response to this tragedy, Sibanye-Stillwater, which acquired the troubled Lonmin operations in 2019, launched a renewal program in 2020. This initiative aims to honor those who died, support their families, and create a positive legacy for the Marikana community.
During the memorial lecture, Cape Town Archbishop and Renewal Programme Patron Thabo Makgoba expressed his appreciation for the progress made so far. He highlighted the impact of the renewal efforts on the families affected by the tragedy and the broader Marikana community.
Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman shared insights into the company’s journey since taking over the Marikana operations. He discussed the challenges they faced in dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy and how these experiences could serve as lessons for South Africa’s government.
Froneman outlined the three guiding principles of Sibanye-Stillwater’s approach at Marikana: honor, engage, and create. He explained that the company had to confront both the positive and negative aspects of its collective past, engage with a wide range of stakeholders on an equal footing, and focus on creating a future that is different and worth looking forward to.
The renewal program has sparked hope and optimism within the Marikana community. One particularly inspiring voice is that of Renny Moagi, secretary of the Mooinooi Wagon of Hope. Moagi spoke about the exciting possibilities that the renewal program is creating, such as the refurbishment of a community swimming pool. Moagi dreams of seeing local children and adults compete in the Olympics one day, thanks to the improved facilities that will also support other activities like karate and bodybuilding.
Thabisile Phumo, Sibanye-Stillwater’s stakeholder relations executive, confirmed that the company is indeed refurbishing an Olympic-sized swimming pool in Mooinooi for community use. While the extent of the community’s Olympic ambitions will ultimately be decided by the people themselves, Phumo is confident that the facility will soon be ready.
Since the Marikana tragedy, Sibanye-Stillwater has invested heavily in the community, focusing on education, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation. The company has established a youth center that offers after-school programs designed to support the holistic development of young people. These programs cover academic, personal, and artistic growth while addressing the social and economic challenges that affect learning.
The majority of households in Marikana are headed by single mothers who work during the day. The youth center provides a safe space where children can receive a nutritious meal and participate in after-school lessons in English and mathematics.
In partnership with the Department of Education, Sibanye-Stillwater established Marikana Primary School in 2023, employing 19 qualified teachers to educate 690 learners. Additionally, the company provides free WiFi to 18 schools and supplementary mathematics and science programs to 16 schools. In total, four schools have been built or upgraded, benefiting nearly 2,800 learners.
Sibanye-Stillwater has also focused on improving healthcare in the Marikana community. In collaboration with the Department of Health, the company supports six healthcare facilities, including a clinic that serves about 100 patients a day. The Marikana Community Health Centre has been renovated and expanded to provide better primary healthcare services.
Infrastructure upgrades have transformed the areas most affected by the 2012 tragedy. A newly paved entrance road, graded internal roads, street lights, trees, and seating areas are making the Marikana memorial site more accessible and welcoming.
Additionally, Sibanye-Stillwater has partnered with the Mineworkers’ Development Agency to create an agrihub. This hub includes an egg-laying center that sells 7,000 eggs a day, providing a sustainable source of income and nutrition for the community.
The Marikana renewal program is a powerful example of how a tragic past can be transformed into a hopeful future. By investing in education, healthcare, and community development, Sibanye-Stillwater is helping the people of Marikana rebuild their lives and create a brighter future for the next generation. As the memorial lecture highlighted, the lessons learned at Marikana could guide the mining industry—and the country—toward a more just and peaceful future.
Source: Mining Weekly
