Johannesburg - Levels of violence have dropped significantly in mining communities, a mining sector forum heard on Thursday.
“Visible policing in crime hotspots within affected communities has been significantly enhanced, with security patrols at villages and hostels,” the presidency said in a statement on the mining sector national consultative forum held in Pretoria.
The forum was convened by President Jacob Zuma.
“There has been a substantial reduction in illegal and violent protest actions, and an improvement in peace and stability. Forty-seven cases were recorded and processed through the judicial system in relation to mining and unrest-related incidents.”
The presidency said mine crime-combating forums had been established in communities in the North West, Limpopo, Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
To enhance the management of cases from the communities, government established a task team comprising senior representatives from police, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the department of justice and correctional services.
The main objective of the mining forum was to discuss the implementation of the mining framework agreement entered into by government, organised business and organised labour in 2013.
In his opening address to the forum, Zuma said: “We are here because we all believe in finding solutions and in strengthening the country's mining sector.”
The forum which was led by Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was attended by government, labour and business.
The forum heard that, according to the Labour Relations Amendment Bill, minority unions could approach the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration to request the lowering of thresholds.
“The mines and the unions have conducted a series of training programmes for workers on labour relations issues and on financial literacy to address, amongst others, the indebtedness of employees,” the presidency said.
“A general labour relations indaba is planned for next month... which will also address some of the other labour relations issues related to mining, including the issue of collective bargaining in the platinum sector.”
The forum also heard that the inter-ministerial committee on the revitalisation of distressed mining communities identified 14
mining towns to focus on in order to improve housing and living conditions.
A total of R2.1 billion over the medium-term expenditure framework period had been ring-fenced for housing project implementation in mining towns.
A total of R290 million was approved for informal settlement upgrading for the 2014/2015 period in the mining towns in Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State.
The forum heard that former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe had previously visited the United Kingdom and North America to meet international investors, bankers and analysts to “manage perceptions” about South Africa and the mining industry.
“The parties noted and appreciated progress that has been made and undertook to meet regularly to monitor progress,” the presidency said. - Sapa