Welkom – The mayor of Matjhabeng, his officials, and his political office bearers act with impunity for the law it would seem, while they disregard the wellbeing of the residents in Matjhabeng, and the environment, with the decisions they make.
This is apparent in the latest stunt where a gold recycling company has been given permission to violate and decimate the environment on the farm Theronia 71, destroying the heritage of future generations in Matjhabeng.
The gold recycling company, Mohomane Gold Recycling, has been given permission to recycle and rehabilitate a portion of the municipal farm Theronia 71 in Naudeville.
This company has obtained a valid Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) mining permit, and the offices of Mohomane are located at G-Hostel in Thabong.
But the stark reality of this concession is the total eradication of what was once a pristine grassland or wetland area, with no real evidence of gold existing there.
Welkom has a number of permanent wetlands and pans fed by mine and municipal wastewater. Theronia 71, which is home to the Theronia Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), has such wetland areas within its perimeters. These areas attract numerous waders, herons and other water-loving birds, including the greater and lesser flamingos. These birds are listed as near-threatened.
Sightings of goliath and squacco herons, little bitterns, black crakes and African rails. There are well over 250 bird species in the Welkom area around the wetlands. Secretary birds, blue and northern black korhaans, double banded temminck’s coursers and a variety of larks, including the melodious, spike-heeled, pink-billed and eastern clapper. There have also been sightings of Gabar goshawks and African harrier-hawks.
Some bird watchers have noted that 123 of the 226 species regularly spotted in the Goldfields area, are classified as near-threatened or vulnerable. These include raptors or birds of prey.
Coreen Malherbe, DA councillor for ward 33 in which the concession falls, says she has has already been informed of two wild geese that have arrived at the stables not far from the mining site.
“Mining in wetlands poses significant environmental risks, including water pollution from heavy metals and acidification, physical destruction of habitats, and alteration of hydrological systems,” says Malherbe.
She confirms the management of the St Francis Haven retirement village is currently consulting a lawyer regarding the issue.
“They were never consulted and are very concerned that crime in this area may increase. There has already been a break-in where residents were robbed of cellphones and personal belongings.” A resident of St Francis Haven told Vista there was an incident where a car full of unidentified men tried to gain access, and in another incident an intruder was chased off the property.
Malherbe says no information and confirmation regarding the exact location and size of Theronia 71 could be obtained from the Matjhabeng Local Economic Development (LED) department. She says questions were also raised if the necessary environmental legislation was applied.
“No confirmation was received if an environmental impact assessment, rehabilitation and restoration, as well as sustainable practices were followed in this instance. There has been no communication to the councillor of ward 33, nor to the management of St Francis Haven up to now,” says Malherbe.
The secure environment of the senior citizens is now in danger and the influx of illegal mining and illegal mining practices to this area may have significant implications.
As far as Vista can ascertain, there was no rehabilitation plan or accompanying fund as per law provided when applying for the mining permit; the company did not do an environmental impact assessment; and no pre-feasibility study was completed and attached to the application for a permit. No public participation took place, as per law.
■Vista asked the mayor’s office and the DMPR for comment. At the time of going to press no answers were forthcoming.
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