The mostly young people, children of the employees of Anglo Coal American have raised a number of issues. They feel that that it is no longer safe to live in the area; they said environment is now dirty and unhygienic and youth development is non-existence.
They also complained about the closure of the swimming pool and no reason was given about the closure. They said at first it was said it was closed temporarily but now it has been month and it is still closed. They said the place is just failing apart and the management doesn’t seem to care.
“We used to have a youth centre facilitated by Lovelife but it was closed as well. A business-training course run by NYDA was stopped before it was completed and no reason was given, our community hall is closed to us as well. We used to have cleaning campaigns but they were stopped and we were told to submit a request before.
Instead of supporting us, we are now expected to request to clean our own area, which is dirty. The unoccupied houses are vandalised. We now do not have access to mine facilities and there is no proper communication between the mine management and the residents.
The young people said the bus stop shelter roof was blown away by wind some months back and it was never replaced. They are complaining about not being allowed to use the soccer ground for practices and they are expected to write a letter to apply to it. They said the library has been closed as well and no reason was given to the closure. They stated that the pre-school operates from 09:00 to 12:00, which does not benefit the children attending the school.
“We feel it is no longer safe to stay here, a large portion of ground in the area is left with tall grass and scrubs and a danger to the community. Some high mast lights are no longer working. Agriculture projects were no longer supported and the employee’s car parking shelter is in a very bad state. We feel there is a gap between young people and the community development officer.
A questionnaire in connection with the complaints was sent to Anglo American. Mr Moeketsi Mofokeng Communication Manager of Anglo American’s response to the issues raised regarding Matimba village was: “Matimba village is one of the few company owned employee villages that is still operational. In 2007, Anglo American introduced a home ownership scheme, which seeks to encourage employees to move out of company owned accommodation to their own houses.
Many employees have taken advantage of the incentives provided by this scheme and moved out of company owned villages, including many from Matimba itself. That explains the growing number of units that have been left vacant as well as the ever-declining number of residents in Matimba village.
Although the company is focusing on home-ownership for employees, the few residents that are still staying in Matimba village have regular interaction with management on issues that affect them through the residence committee.
This forum meets on a regular basis and employee issues are addressed as and when they arise. The company encourages employees to channel the problems through this committee as the legitimate structure that represents all the residents.”
