KwaMbonambi, Sokhulu communities agree to end protests
The KZN Provincial Government says the KwaMbonambi and Sokhulu communities on the north coast have agreed to end protests against Richards Bay Minerals.
The sand mining firm had been forced to suspend its operations recently due to violent protests and the blocking of access roads.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government issued a statement yesterday saying a consensus was reached with all stakeholders that work at Richards Bay Minerals should resume its operations.
The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs said all parties acknowledged that the protests were negatively affecting the local economy, while the blocking of roads impeded other essential services like education.
Community members earlier this week alleged that the company was providing business opportunities and jobs to 'the wrong people' who claimed they were representing them, but weren't elected to do so.
Residents also complained that compensation funds aimed at households or individuals who had their houses or plots damaged by mining operations were given to illegitimate beneficiaries.
They questioned the criteria used to identify payees.
MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu says the mining giant is on the verge of investing R8 billion in expansion, expected to create business and employment opportunities on the north coast and across KZN.
(File photo: Gallo Images)