Issues at Stake: Biting the hand that feeds
However justified grievances might be, trashing and destroying property ultimately leaves a bigger hole to fill when the dust settles. Editor DAVE SAVIDES shares his views on a specific case in point: the on-going protests at Richards Bay Minerals
HOW desperate our communities would have been without the incredible support given by the local corporate and business world.
Collectively, they have poured hundreds of millions of Rands into infrastructure, job creation, entrepreneurship, education, training, health care, social support, sponsorships, bursaries, sporting activities and facilities, and more.
Richards Bay Minerals is a case in point.
From the tarred and well-lit road (which they funded) that leads through Mzingazi to the RBM plant, to the RBM-assisted schools along the route and the RBM-built clinics offering first class treatment to the people, this company boasts a proud record of Community Social Investment in its host communities of Sokhulu, Mbonambi, Dube and Mkhwanazi.
Above that, RBM has negotiated and delivered a tremendous deal that gave those communities access to sizeable trust funds that would ensure long-term benefit and sustainability when the mining lease term expires.
Richards Bay Minerals, in this their 40th celebratory year of operation, should be receiving accolades for their contribution to society in general, and their area of operation in particular.
(Even as we speak, they are the prime driving force and substantial contributor to proposed upgrades of the Tugela Transfer Scheme, which could save the entire region’s economy from ‘drying up’ owing to water shortages.)
Instead, RBM has had to shut its gates – at least temporarily but perhaps in the long term – owing to violent protests that have placed the lives of staff, contractors and visitors at risk.
Irrespective of the arguments, grievances and claims of those behind the demonstrations and destruction, the bigger picture is ominous.
If RBM were to close shop, pack up and depart, what would happen to the communities they leave behind?
At a time when commodity prices are at a low and profit margins are slim, it would not take much for the scales to be tipped in favour of a final farewell.
It would be incredibly naïve to believe this could never happen.
And then?
