SOUTH AFRICAN MINING SECTOR TO MEET AS IT RE-ASSERTS ITSELF AS A GLOBAL PLAYER
The Chamber of Mines South Africa, in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and the National Union of Mineworkers, will host the second Mining Lekgotla at the Sandton Convention Centre, on 27th to the 29th August 2013. President Jacob Zuma will deliver the opening address, emphasizing the importance of the mining sector in continent’s biggest economy.
Last year’s Lekgotla saw the industry discuss the critical issues of competitiveness and how the South African mining sector can reposition itself in the wake of the global economic crisis. This year the Lekgotla focuses on competitiveness and transformation for growth.
Speakers include internationally respected high level scenario strategist Peter Schwartz, labour specialists, political leaders and international industry leaders in a series of interactive sessions aimed at charting the road ahead.
“We hope to emerge with a clear programme of action for the sector as we deal with the volatility of our industrial relations within the sector, which will see stakeholders further committing to what underpinned the Framework Agreement for the Sustainability of the South African mining sector, we have recently signed,” said Bheki Sibiya, CEO of the Chamber of Mines.
The Lekgotla will culminate in a gala dinner where the sector will bestow an award for country service. “The award is an acknowledgement by the sector of an individual that has contributed to the development of the country, through their service,” said Dr Thuthula Balfour-Kaipa, chairperson of the Mining Lekgotla.
“We are under no illusion that the battle we are carrying out for genuine transformation of the mining industry can at some point bring repercussions to bear on our side; the struggles launched by the NUM are about better pay for mine workers which include the improvement of living and working conditions of all workers. We believe that our involvement in the Mining Lekgotla will create a space for labour, industry and government to build on the foundation of a productive partnership as expressed in the Stakeholder Declaration on Sustainable Growth and Meaningful Transformation of South Africa’s Mining Industry (30 June 2010) where we committed ourselves to, integrating transformation priorities with measures to promote the global competitiveness of the sector”, President of NUM Senzeni Zokwana
“As a sector we have an opportunity, through the Lekgotla, to reconfirm our commitment to the country as we deal with the complex issues of taking South Africa forward,” Dr Balfour-Kaipa added.
Ends
Zingaphi Jakuja
Head: Communications
Chamber of Mines South Africa
082 766 3940