Rural Economic Transformers (RET) demands all mining operations shut down
'We want the Minister of Mining to come and assist us or even the president,' Chairperson of the Rural Economic Transformers, Allen Nglela said.
The Rural Economic Transformers (RET) is having a protest march this morning (March 15) in front of the office of the Department of Mineral Resources.
According to the Chairperson of the organisation, Mr Allen Nglela, the protest is to continue at the Department of Mineral Resources situated on the top level parking area of Saveways Crescent Centre as they do not wish to disturb other workers at other places of employment.
The rest of the centre is still open, and traffic is flowing normally.
Nglela explained that the organisation demands that all mining operations shut down because rightful beneficiaries are not benefiting from equal opportunities, such as job opportunities and development.
Nglela further explained that the organisation is registered and that they have been denied access to mines via court interdicts.
However, he said, other protesting groups deal with the same issue but are not registered as civic societies.
Yet, he said, the other groups are not prejudiced against as they are not faced with interdicts and still get the attention they seek.
“We feel like our right to protest is being violated. We want the government to stop mines and provide us with proper consultation to address these issues. We want the Minister of Mining to come and assist us or even the president,” Nglela said.
In discussing the demand of the organisation’s protest, Nglela said:
“We have too many unemployed people even though we are surrounded by mines. There are households with cracked houses and six children. We live like pigs in our area where there are mines, and it’s difficult for us to mobilise. Our people including children and old ladies sleep here without food, how can the mine operate when the office here is closed? What kind of safety are they practising? If they were serious, they should be here and listen to our concerns,” Nglela said in closing.
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