Patrice Motsepe’s Nkomati Nickel Mine Accused Of Excluding Mpumalanga Locals From Jobs

Communities surrounding Nkomati Nickel Mine in Mpumalanga have raised concerns over what they describe as the continued exclusion of local residents from jobs and procurement opportunities.

The mine, owned by Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), has been accused of failing to prioritise people living in its host communities.

Thabo Nkambule, who leads a community forum representing Badplaas, Tjakastad, Elukwatini, Nhlazatshe, Aramburg and nearby areas, said the complaints had persisted for years.

He claimed residents regularly approach the forum after learning that new employees and service providers have been appointed without local people being considered.

Nkomati Mine Accused Of Recruiting Workers From Outside Mpumalanga

Nkambule alleged that the mine had recruited people from outside the province while qualified residents in surrounding communities remained unemployed.

He said the forum had collected CVs from local jobseekers who had been out of work for extended periods despite having the necessary qualifications and being available for employment.

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“As a forum, we are constantly confronted by community members who tell us new employees and service providers have already been appointed at the mine.

“When we investigate these complaints, we often find the allegations are true,” Nkambule said.

He added that efforts to raise the concerns directly with mine management had proved difficult, claiming that management was reluctant to engage with the community forum.

Residents Demand Employment And Procurement Commitments Be Honoured

Nkambule said residents were not asking the mine to give them preferential treatment but wanted it to fulfil its legal and transformation commitments to host communities. Another resident, who requested anonymity, accused mining companies of engaging selected individuals and groups instead of consulting communities more widely.

The resident further alleged that certain groups claiming to represent local communities had become gatekeepers, limiting opportunities for other residents to communicate directly with mining companies.

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After unsuccessful attempts to secure discussions with management, residents recently staged a protest at the mine and handed over a memorandum outlining their grievances. The document calls on Nkomati, its shareholders and ARM to address what the communities describe as “the systematic exclusion” of host communities from economic opportunities.

Social And Labour Plan Commitments Under Scrutiny

The memorandum raises concerns about alleged failures to meet Social and Labour Plan commitments and Mining Charter obligations. These include targets relating to local employment, skills development, procurement and socioeconomic development.

Among the targets cited in the memorandum are 80% employment for host community residents, 70% local procurement of services, and the allocation of all unskilled and semi-skilled positions to people from host communities.

However, mine spokesperson Betty Maluka said Nkomati had been under care and maintenance since March 2021, when mining operations were suspended and its workforce was substantially reduced. She explained that a core team of 48 employees had been retained to maintain the operation safely and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.