16-12-1838

Mineral royalties tax at the current rate is a good thing and a necessary channel for the redistribution of the profits from mining, at least the govt had the good sense to copy Australia's model and not Zimbabwe.

Unfortunately - due to the gross incompetence, blatant theft and phenomenally high levels of corruption within the govt I have zero faith that those fellow S.Africans, especially in rural areas who are in need the most from this extra revenue, will see any benefit whatsoever.

To prevent this tax from becoming rocket fuel for the govt gravy train, I believe that these mining companies and other industry giants should rather invest the equivalant amount of capital into their surrounding communities. Primarily in: The building of and subsequent managing and maintenance of quality schools, the building and maintenance of clinics and small hospitals and the construction plus upkeep of basic infrastructure such as roads, water and sanitation.
Secondary measures: Would include tertiary skills training, funding of small business development, retail support, social and community support developments, sport and recreation facilities...

ALL the things that a proper accountable democratic govt should be doing and ALL that the anc are failing or ignoring to do! MUCH better than nationalising everything of high value to the country and making those fat cats in power even fatter, while the rest of us get hungrier and hungrier!
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16-12-1838

As for the Section 54 stoppages, it is a double edged sword and I do think the heavy handed tactics of the Department of Mineral Resources has done much more harm than good financially, as a whole.

Once again I think the buck stops with the govt, as the implementation and policing of better health and safety legislation could be so much better. The responsible safety personnel, managers and directors of companies need to show a lot more responsibility and be much more accountable, with severe penalties to offenders (including harsh jail time).

This attitude of work stoppages is totally counter-productive to everyone and only serves to widen the gap between employer and employee. If production on the mines is becoming less profitable due to labour issues, then the mines will invest more and more in mechanisation = the wiping out of jobs forever more, it has happened throughout modern history and is a core part of Capitalism!
or
It will erode and collapse the entire mining industry as we know it today, just like in the DRC. Mines will be run by gun-toting gangs and worked by p0orly equipped artisinal miners (no better than slaves), with no regard for their safety.

Companies will always push boundaries to gain more return for their stakeholders, but at the same time also understand that they need to comply with legislation. Therefore it is up to the govt to push back in a fair and equal measure, so ALL can benefit.
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Mrazane

16-12-1838 well said!!!!! In the EC they would say uyitje yonke!
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DimaaneZB

Minister you travel the world to observe how others do it and now you want to adopt the Australian model. No ways, go to Saudi and see how they do it. Your department is the one liable for all this mess. If is messy it means you too are confused. You introduced the Online system that has become a nightmare and you have remained mum. My worry is the red tape with this system. The mining industry can be a big pool for creating jobs but the way guys from other neighboring states are preferred than locals leaves much to be desired. I used to like you but your attitude stinks.
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