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INSPECTION IN LOCO: Members of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, led by retired judge Ian Farlam, inspect toilets and general living conditions at a mine hostel. Photo: Mohau Mofokeng

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The foundation, which compiled a report into South Africa's coal, gold and platinum mines in 2008, also found that mining houses paid lip service to the mining charter.

"Mining corporations continue to assume little responsibility for the health, education or housing of the families of their black employees while operating in monopolistic conditions and creating super profits," it says.

"The impact and consequences of mining on local farmers and traditional communities on whose land minerals are found is often overlooked. Any destruction to land, water and health and safety can never justify the benefits mining brings."

The foundation further reveals that the involvement of current and former government officials as shareholders, board members or mine managers in mining companies "is causing tensions and conflict and is undermining the trust of communities in the various spheres of government".

In Gauteng, the report says, gold and uranium mining caused the Mooi, Crocodile, Vaal rivers and Wonderfontein Spruit "severe stress". Excessive mining was "limiting the access of rural commodities to water" in Limpopo, while in Mpumalanga the Oliphants River was under stress, the foundation adds.

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Sun May 19 19:08:02 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 17, 2012

warry

Mines won't care cause politicians who should ensure compliance are deeply involved in the corruption happening. They are shareholders, demands bribes, unions are enterprising, etc. What do you expect.
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Oct 17, 2012

!!!Sinudeity!!!

Kumla ore gave its employees up to R500,000 worth of options last year, and now they are striking again. But about to be fired, and stand to lose all their benefits.

As for housing and schooling, why is it up to companies to provide housing and schooling for its workers and for the communities? Isnt this the responsibility of the government?
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Oct 17, 2012

Mgaraji

!!!Sinudeity!!!
One thing black people must learn from white folks: Blindly defend one of your own at all cost, its help unite white community.
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Oct 17, 2012

!!!Sinudeity!!!

Mgaraji - You mean like how ANC supporters defend their incompetent and corrupt government?

I find it rediculious how responsibility of the government, in providing schooling and uplifting communities is now shifted to the responsibility of private companies.
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Oct 17, 2012

Mgaraji

!!!Sinudeity!!!
These mining companies apply for mining licence on the card of providing schools and uplift communities and licences are granted on that condition. Now it news to you little liar. If you are not vested on the issue, just shut your stinking apartheid mouth up.
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Oct 17, 2012

mesip

Mgaraji - that kind of an outlook has worked for Whites because they are a minority (which also happens to control the economy of this country). No normal society can prosper with such a culture. We need to be better than them by exercising integrity in everything we do. Remember a lot still needs to be done to address the mess they created. We cannot afford to act as cowards & losers they were & still are. Remember that Truth always prevails.(Yes there were/are Whites like Beyers Naude etc who had/have integrity, but from where I stand they are just a minority).
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Oct 17, 2012

Mogwapatholo

@!!!Sinudeity!!! it part of the deal, when the mining rights are given to a company there is a section in the agreement that deals with the social responsibility of the comunity. it not only a right to the community but an obligation to the mining compaty.

i don't know if these leaders even understand comflict of interest, one big organization that has serious conflict of interest is cosatu.
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Oct 17, 2012

!!!Sinudeity!!!

Mgaraji - Why you calling me a lair? Did I say that mines didnt acquire licences on condition that they provide for the community?


"If you are not vested on the issue, just shut your stinking apartheid mouth up"

Whats wrong? You got sand up your vag today?
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Oct 17, 2012

Mgaraji

mesip
You are spot on. I was just hilighting their blind support for each other. Your analysis is correct.
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Oct 17, 2012

!!!Sinudeity!!!

mesip - Err... the problem in South Africa isnt with whit3s... Its not white folks that need to rething their outlook on life.
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