Youth must benefit from mineral wealth - mayor

GREATER Sekhukhune district executive mayor Namane Masemola has thrown the gauntlet to the youth to take the driving seat on the bludgeoning mining industry in the platinum-rich area.

Speaking during the launch of Youth Month attended by various youth formations in Marble Hall last week Friday, Masemola said the Sekhukhune youth had nothing to show that they were living in an area endowed with 20 % of the world’s platinum reserves.

“We are told every inch of Sekhukhune land is endowed with a mineral of one form or another,” he said.

“Anyone passing on the street should tell by looking at [the parking lot] that the youth of Sekhukhune are having a gathering here,” Masemola added.

He said the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Act should be amended in order to ensure that residents of mineral-rich areas reap the benefits of the wealth found in their land.

Masemola said mining development had to be supported, but not at the expense of local communities.

“If the Royal Bafokeng tribe is one of the richest in Africa, why can’t we be? The youth must engage in political-economic issues in order to be able to benefit from the wealth of this region.”

Masemola said an economic summit would be convened to go deeper into the issues of mining in the district.

“The summit will deepen understanding of the mining wealth that is being stolen right from under our noses, and also come up with the best ways of implementing the Mining Charter,” he added.

“Much as your forebears fought fearlessly for this land in defense of its wealth, we expect you to protect this region by promoting good political conduct that will elevate us to be in a position to defend our minerals,” Masemola said.