IVANPLATS RESPONSE TO SABC NEWS REQUEST FOR COMMENT
REGARDING MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED DURING PROTEST IN MOKOPANE,
WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2018
Ivanplats has noted the memorandum submitted by the Tshamahansi
Development Committee and will respond within the seven days
stipulated by the protesters. Ivanplats also wants to place on record that it
understands the frustrations of community members who are unemployed
and who may want to vent those frustrations on the company. However,
those frustrations are misplaced, particularly given that Ivanplats has:
* Created more than 1,000 employment opportunities over the last two
years alone;
* Invested more than R5-billion rands in the construction of a new
Platinum Group Metals mine which is set to create approximately 10,000
new direct and indirect jobs through the construction and production
phases;
* Stimulated the local economy in Mokopane and surrounding areas of
Limpopo province by developing and supporting business enterprises;
* Invested R160-million in a comprehensive Social and Labour Plan which
directly impacts the Project's local host communities.
It is also important to note that Ivanplats respects and is compliant with
the laws of South Africa, including those which govern the relocation of
graves as prescribed by the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
Furthermore, all issues related to surface lease agreements and
compensation for land use is regulated by government and requires the
approval of the relevant government departments and agencies. We
encourage community members to participate in the legally prescribed
processes and look forward to reaching reasonable agreements which are
mutually beneficial to communities and the company.
ENDS