Media Statement By Mzolisi Diliza, Chief Executive of The Chamber of Mines, on the new cabinet announced by President Jacob Zuma

Initial impressions of the new Cabinet announced yesterday indicate a determination by President Jacob Zuma to actively address many of the challenges that confront our country.

Of particular interest to the mining industry is the positive focus placed on education which, in the event that it is properly implemented, will ultimately address the serious skills shortage that is currently inhibiting the optimal performance of the mining industry and other important industrial and commercial sectors.

President Zuma has shown admirable ingenuity in retaining the experience and expertise of Mr Trevor Manuel while at the same time replacing him as Minister of Finance with Mr Pravin Gordhan.  Mr Gordhan is an individual with an impeccable performance record in a closely associated area of activity.  His appointment as Minister of Finance is unlikely to have negative repercussions in the notoriously sensitive global investment community.

The Chamber of Mines and its members are pleased with the appointment of Ms Susan Shabangu as Minister responsible for mining in South Africa.  Having previously served as Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Shabangu is well acquainted with all the issues and challenges applicable to our country’s world class mining industry.  The Chamber looks forward to working closely with Minister Shabangu and will do its utmost to construct a co-operative relationship that will serve the best interests of our country, the mining industry and all South Africans.

Over the past few years – in the time that she has been Minister of Minerals and Energy – our industry has worked extremely well with Ms Buyelwa Sonjica.  Her transfer to Water and Environmental Affairs is seen by the Chamber as a positive move.  The availability of water, and environmental protection, are essential features of all successful mining operations.   There is good reason to believe that Minister Sonjica, who consistently played an effective role in her previous Ministerial portfolio, will bring efficiency and clarity to all dealings with mining companies in their compliance with water and environmental laws and regulations.

Rural development, specifically in areas from where many employees are drawn, is a responsibility to which the mining industry devotes major attention.  Planning and implementing initiatives in co-operation with the new Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti, is an activity that will be conducted in a manner sure to provide appropriate benefits for existing mineworkers, former mineworkers and their families.  Minister Nkwinti is an individual with vast rural development experience and his wise counsel will add value to mining industry developmental interventions in some of our country’s poorest regions.

President Zuma and his carefully selected Cabinet are charged with the responsibility of enhancing the welfare and socio-economic prosperity of South Africa and all of its people.  As a responsible and supportive corporate citizen the mining industry pledges its conscientious commitment to partnership with our new Government in the realization of these critical national imperatives.

For any enquiries related to this media statement please contact:

Jabu Maphalala
Deputy Communications Adviser
Chamber of Mines of South Africa