On 3 September, Mohomane Gold Recycling (Pty) Ltd obtained a permit to mine for gold ore on the portion of land across the St Francis Haven retirement home in Hamlet Street, Naudeville, Welkom. The permit is valid until September 2027.
Ward 33 councillor Coreen Malherbe says the DA in Matjhabeng feels that this is a smoke screen for what the land might later be used for: dangerous activity, leading to significant risks for communities and legitimate mining operations.
“What is most disturbing is that this was not communicated to the ward councillor nor the management of the old age home.
“The DA strongly opposed the issuing of the permit permitting mining in the area of an old age home. The secure environment of the senior citizens is now in danger and the influx of workers to this area might have an influence on the security of the residents. Preventing the improper abandonment or closure of mines could avoid attracting mining activities. Harmony mine was contacted but confirmed that the portion of land for which the permit was obtained belongs to the Matjhabeng Municipality. The mayor was contacted, and his only response was that it is not land grabbing taking place. No other information in this regard was given,” says Malherbe.
This issue first came to light when concerned residents reported on Facebook that they were aware of a possible land invasion by a group of unknown people in Hamlet Street, St Helena.
When approached, a spokesperson for the group said that they are going to do rehabilitation work on the ground. They have a mining permit from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) in the name of a company called Mohomane Gold Recycling (Pty) Ltd. The proposed mining or rehabilitation will take place on the farm Theronia 71, which is the area designated for the Theronia Sewage Works.
