The People of the Vaal have a request to the government to collaborate with them to create a sustainable future. The non-profit groups, retired employees, business people, community organisations, and even government officials are being asked to reflect on the upcoming potential open-cast mine using the principle of Ubuntu. The prioritised profit over people is harmful to communities and the planet than safeguarding them.
© African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror
Africa, especially South Africa, continues to rely heavily on the mining industry. South Africa acknowledges that coal is still the main source of energy and will be used for some time to come.
Mining is important, especially coal mining, to the economy; however, it is also the source of pollution and profound social issues that cannot be disregarded. Mdu Tshabalala, of the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA), says our Air Quality Impacts Report demonstrates that we must have people-first laws, and you must ensure health is safe even as the economy grows.
The report investigated the Fezile Dabi District with 190 individuals being interviewed. Amazingly, 90% of them said that they only discovered air illnesses when they fell ill themselves and many of them wondered why they continued falling ill. This demonstrates an enormous deficiency of popular awareness and indicates that we should have more robust and community-based environmental protection. Purpose over profit policies must be explored.
The ambition of the global target to achieve net zero by 2030 is approaching. Governments need to come up with tougher regulations that would strike a balance between profit and responsibility. Climate change is a now a realisation among mining communities, who experience dirty water, health and social cracks. Tougher regulations should guarantee that mining companies invest in cleaner technology, they report openly, and they contribute to community projects that are aligned to international climate targets.
Tshabalala continues to say that “collaboration is very important. Company leaders, legislators and the community need to collaborate and develop strategies which enhance equitable development.”
The upcoming Mining Indaba forum provides an opportunity to demonstrate that mining can become sustainable without destroying established communities. This is the time when governments should enact policies that are not profit-driven, ensuring that mining contributes to net zero, safeguards nature and empowers communities.
“The world is watching, and South Africa and its partners can show true policy leadership by stepping out into the world and showing that strong together is not only a theme, but also a pledge to create a future where teamwork will lead to prosperity, justice and climate safety of every person in the world,” concludes Tshabalala.
The full report can be accessed here https://section27.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/VEJA-REPORT_LMGP_81025-FINAL.pdf
Source: Supplied by the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA)