Petra Diamond in Cullinan responds to demands from Le Rena Re Batho Youth Movement
In a media statement released on Friday, August 12, CDM said that as a mining company they subscribe to the objectives of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, (MPRDA), Act no. 28 of 2002.
The Cullinan Diamond Mine (CDM) received a memorandum from the Le Rena Re Batho Youth Movement, in which the movement articulated some concerns and requests.
The memorandum was handed over on Friday, July 22 with a response date within 14 days requested.
According to CDM, it held numerous engagements with the representatives of the youth movement.
In a media statement released on Friday, August 12, CDM said that as a mining company they subscribe to the objectives of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, (MPRDA), Act no. 28 of 2002.
The demands of the Youth movement were as follows:
• 100% employment preference to be given to the host communities of Refilwe, Cullinan, Rayton and Onverwacht – CDM reacted by saying that it has defined its local labour sending areas as City Tshwane, region 3 and region 5. Job application forms are submitted through a generic e-mail address and/or manual submissions at the mine’s premises. Human resources (HR) recruitment also publishes adverts on various notice boards across communities. CDM further stated that the company would also continue to investigate and explore areas of improvement where gaps are identified in the process.
• Skills Development Portable Skills – CDM has committed to portable skills programmes in SLP 3, which will be rolled out targeting region 5 communities over the next ten months. CDM will enrol a total of 305 unemployed youth community members on skills that will include; plumbing, welding, drivers’ licences and hospitality.•Skills development learnership and internship programme – In terms thereof CDM currently has 18 community members enrolled for this financial year.
• Skills development bursary and scholarships – CDM funds 20 Grade 10 learners annually through the Petra Diamond Scholarship programme. It also funds a Maths Buddy program targeting Grade 5 – 6 learners.
• Learners from local schools who qualify for tertiary education are supported through the Petra Diamonds bursary scheme that covers full tuition, books, cash allowance and accommodation. Students are furthermore supported through vacation work opportunities.
• FET centre – CDM said that it recognises its role in contributing to socio-economic development, including education and health programmes, however, this investment requires competency from the Department of Higher Education and Training as well as existing institutions. Petra Diamonds has already invested in the construction and resourcing of the two technical workshops at Chipa Tabane High School.
• Industrial hub – CDM said that it is a noble concept to support local economic development. The investment requires a multi-industry collaboration and partnerships to make a meaningful impact in creating jobs and supporting SMMMEs. CDM further stated that it will initiate a discussion with the City Of Tshwane and the Department of Economic Development among other key players to investigate the prospects of a massive investment like this as the investment requires a proper investigation to determine its feasibility.
• Satellite information centre – CDM stated that it remains a noble concept or request that will address communication challenges currently experienced within the community, not only in Refilwe. According to CDM, there is value in considering the request with discussions with interested parties to ensure that the facility will remain a community facility beneficiating members of the community and not focus on individual groupings.
• Frequent and consistent consultation with the youth organisation – In their statement CDM commits to an inclusive consultation and consistent engagement with community stakeholders representing wider interests and areas of associations. CDM further claimed that it is in the process of reviewing its current Stakeholder Engagement Plan in order to ensure that all of the above structures are included in the plan for FY23 including closing gaps identified in the recently completed Social Impact Assessment surveys.
• SMME’s support – According to the statement Petra Diamonds- Cullinan Mine, according to Mining Charter III, is committed to exploring opportunities that could realise the economic benefits of fair trade with communities. CDM further stated that the same principles of economic participation should, however, be aligned to existing appropriate and fair CDM supply chain and governance processes.
CDM further has an embedded process with the intent to contribute meaningfully to the local stream economy by supporting various SMMEs and local business entities in various fields.
• Multipurpose centre – CDM said that it acknowledges the need thereof. The company said that it would like to look at this project under the forthcoming SLP-4- under mine community development projects. It further stated that various platforms would be established to engage the community regarding a list of priority community projects, which CDM would consider in the future.
CDM concluded by saying that it encourages robust engagement with its stakeholders, which is aimed at reaching a solution that, will benefit all its stakeholders.
“There is no challenge too great for solutions to be founded where people are committed to finding a solution.”
