Phushulang residents outrage over alleged illegal mining operations
PHUSHULANG
Residents of Phushulang Village in Phokwane, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM), have raised concerns over alleged illegal mining activities by Kgoathi Clay Product Manufacturers, a company run by Frans Nkadimeng.
The community alleges that Nkadimeng, who is the director of the company, initially approached them, stating that he intended to start a brick business which was supported by residents.
However, instead of producing bricks, the company is allegedly mining tons of sand daily. Residents claim that Nkadimeng only approached the community to obtain a community meeting’s attendance register, which was a mining permit requirement at the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy (DMRE).
The mining activities have also reportedly disturbed the community’s graves, as the company is allegedly mining on the gravesite.
Residents claim they also use the soil in the mining area for community upliftment projects to produce artifacts with clay soil.
They allege that when they approached Nkadimeng, he intimidated them with protection orders and refused to stop the mining activities.
Mr. Mogadime, a community member, expressed frustration, stating: “As the community, we feel like Nkadimeng’s company is undermining us and we want them gone.”
Some of the residents are blaming the local tribal authority for taking money from the mining company and fuelling the conflict.
A woman who wished to remain anonymous claimed that “The tribal office is the one making them fight because they took money from the mining company.”
Tonic Manchidi, ActionSA Chairperson in Sekhukhune Region, said the community approached the party for intervention, seeking the organisation to fight for the suspension of the alleged illegal mining in the area.
Manchidi stated that after they were approached, ActionSA has written to DMRE demanding the department to stop Nkadimeng’s alleged illegal activities. He said the party will also fight for the court order issued against some individuals at Phushulang Village to be revoked.
“The party has also offered to assist the community in preserving their graves by completely stopping the company from mining on the gravesite,” he said.
Manchidi indicated that attempts to contact Nkadimeng to find resolutions on the issues have been unsuccessful, as he is not returning calls or responding to text messages.
When approached for a comment, Nkadimeng refuted allegations of illegal mining in Phushulang Village, stating that he had prior agreement with the community.
According to Nkadimeng, a meeting was convened with residents where he explained the logistics of his business, and he was surprised when they later attempted to prevent him from operating.
He said he has been lawfully granted a mining permit by the DMRE and mining rights by the local traditional authority.
Nkadimeng stated that he sought a court interdict after a few individuals began preventing his trucks from entering the mining site.
He denied allegations that he is mining on a gravesite, stating that the area with graves is safely fenced off to avoid disturbance.
