On Saturday, Mantashe met with representatives of the Amadiba Crisis Committee and their legal representatives to engage them as interested and affected stakeholders in the Xolobeni matter.
The meeting was a follow-up to the minister’s public meeting that took place on 23rd September 2018 in Xolobeni. Its purpose was to hear their views on mining and economic development in Xolobeni.
The meeting was however interrupted by community members.
Following the disruption, the committee requested the Minister to return for further engagement.
“We respect the right of people to say no to mining, as well as the right of those who say yes. As a responsible regulator of this critical sector, we must have finality. It is not about mining versus tourism or any other sector but about the holistic development of Xolobeni,” said the minister.
The issue of mining development in Xolobeni has been on hold for 16 years as the community is divided on the issue of allowing titanium mining along its Wild Coast.
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