Towards a competitive mining industry in South Africa

The establishment of an autonomous mining agency would go a long way to solving the sector's problems

20 November 2022 - 00:00 By Lawrence Khoza

In his magisterial book, The Founders: The Origins of the ANC and the Struggle for Democracy in South Africa, Andre Odendaal writes about the many criticisms directed at the missionary-run Isigidimi Sama-Xhosa newspaper in the 1880s. The renowned correspondent Jonas Ntsiko, known by his nom de plume Hadi Waseluhlangeni, compared Isigidimi to a warrior whose enemies had hurled so many spears in his body that it looked like a porcupine. This is a conclusion one is tempted to make with regard to mining in South Africa. Captains of industry, senior government officials, trade unions and communities all have directed attacks at the industry, to the extent that many are pessimistic about the future of mining in the country.  ..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.