Communities turn on local chief

MOKOPANE - Residents from GaMadiba, GaMagongwa, Mosesetjane and other neighbouring villages marched in protest against the local chief, Victor Kekana on Tuesday.
More than 700 community members who marcehed from the GaMadiba-Moshate Crossroads next to the Engen Garage allege that Kekana has sold the community’s ploughing and grazing fields to Platreef Platinum without their knowledge and of entering into prospecting and mining deals.
The people claimed the traditional leader made himself the sole custodian and beneficiary of the mining proceeds at the expense of the community.
He was also accused of running a terror and intimidation campaign against his opponents by using his traditional council.
This follows a bigger action on October 28 when communities from the entire Mokopane and Mapela areas marched to Mogalakwena Platinum’s offices where they met with Anglo Platinum, Platreef, Lonmin and Mogalakwena Municipal representatives to discuss their grievances.
At this meeting community leaders highilghted that there is not enough community investment by Anglo Platinum and they implored the mine to start supporting local businesses and recruit locally.
It was also agreed that an independent body would be appointed to investigate claims by the community that Mogalakwena Platinum is contaminating drinking and agricultural water in the area.
Platreef reportedly agreed to halt its current prospecting work and to first address community concerns over a lack of public participation.
Meanwhile the charges of illegal gathering against 81 people who protested against a new road being built by Mogalakwena Platinum has been withdrawn due to a lack of evidence against the accused.