Mineworkers Development Agency (MDA) and TEBA Development Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Pursue Merger Options

The MDA and TEBA Development today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which commits them to pursue options to merge.  If merged, the proposed organisation would form a single development organisation to provide services in the mining, construction and energy industries and their communities in Southern Africa.

The rationale behind the formation of a single development agency would be to provide a more comprehensive service to stakeholders, increase collaboration on developmental issues between government, industry and organised labour, create more efficient resource utilisation and an improved skills base.  It would also go a long way in supporting government’s developmental goals to enhance quality of life.

“This proposed merger will enable us not only to increase our footprint, but also to play an even greater role in facilitating integrated sustainable development in South Africa and our neighbouring countries” said MDA CEO Sifiso Ndwandwe.

In 2007 the prospect of a merger was raised in the wage negotiations between the NUM and the gold and coal producers.  Certain companies in these sectors committed themselves to supporting an integrated MDA / TEBA Development agency and giving it an opportunity to tender for projects in areas where the agency would be active in line with their developmental objectives.

“This decision is an important one for us as it provides the basis for the viability of such a merged entity.  The signing of this MOU is an exciting development as a merger is only feasible if it results in better services to the communities with which we work, and on a larger scale”, said David Cooper, MD of TEBA Development.

For any enquiries related to this media statement please contact:

Sifiso Ndwandwe
CEO
MDA
082 806 8663

David Cooper
MD
TEBA Development
082 895 1967