Family wants mine to honour agreement
The plight of the family which has been living in the farm since 1977 has been highlighted to Glencore who are conducting mining operations in the area.
The Zikhali family living a few kilometres past Ogies are living in fear. They family house is surrounded by mine operations and has had its water and electricity cut off. They also alleged that they have night visits by unknown people making noises and knocking in their doors.
The plight of the family which has been living in the farm since 1977 has been highlighted to Glencore who are conducting mining operations in the area.
The Zikhali family said they are living under very difficult conditions in a farm near Ogies.
Head of the family Mr Joseph Zikhali explained that the mine found the family staying in that area and there were two houses, one belonging to him while the other house belonged to his elder son. Zikhali has two sons. The two brothers said at one point they moved out of the area but came back in 2012 while their father has been the supervisor of the farm all along.
Mine operations near the Zikhali family house.
“In October last year the farm owner told us to vacate the place but he did not offer an alternative place for us. We are struggling without water and without electricity which was cut off without any notice and without any reason given. The mine continues with its operations even near the family yard, digging trenches and pits which have resulted in us losing our chickens falling into these trenches. The trenches also pose a danger the younger children,” said Zikhali.
The family said they have lost a lot in the process and it seems they are now being harassed so that they can move out. The family complains about the noises coming from the machines during operations even at night.
The family also stated that the children have experienced difficulties going to school because of the operations; the family now does not have peace.
A trench that has been dug near the Zikhali family house which poses a danger to the children of the family.
There are allegations that promises were made by the mine to employ some of the family members, but only one was hired.
During a visit to the site Ms Mapule Mokoena, Glencore Community Development Officer was also present.
A questionnaire was then sent to the mine about the problems experienced by the Zikhali family.
In response Ms Shamiela Letsoalo of Glencore stated that emanating from the lease agreement between Glencore and Bombardie Boerderye, the owner; Mr Werner Sullwald had previously agreed that two of his employees with their families, would vacate the land by October 31 2009. Regrettably, seven years later, not all the members of the Zikhali family have vacated the land as per Glencore’s agreement with Sullwald.
Glencore purchased a house for one of Zikhali’s son’s in 2009.
Mine operations near and around the house of the Zikhali family near Ogies.
The implications of entering the mining area were previously explained to the family. In addition, Glencore has put various safety measures in place to create a barrier between the family and mining activities. This includes amongst others, the creation of trenches and beams. The company offered to erect a fence around the Zikhali home which the family declined.
“We are working with the farm owner and the family to find alternative accommodation. As a responsible mining company, we care about the health, safety and human rights of our people as well as of our neighbouring communities,” stated Letsoalo.
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