Limpopo mining villages resemble ghost towns as migrant workers move out due to mine closures, draining away their economic lifeblood and increasing the devastating impact of Covid-19.
was in full operation and the lifeblood of the economy in the Atok area of Limpopo, residents like Helen Manala made a good living from renting out units of accommodation to migrant workers employed at the mine.
On 27 July 2017 Atlatsa Resources, the main shareholder with 51% of Bokoni Platinum Mines, announced afor Atlatsa Group, a conditional disposal of mineral rights to Anglo American Platinum and a care and maintenance strategy to Bokoni Platinum Mine. Often people living in this village used to experience noisy, dusty days throughout the year due to the frequent traffic, including haul trucks and heavy mine machinery. The community used to be home to almost 35% of mine employees living in almost 500 rental rooms within the village.
The village’s rental units, once teeming with people, are now deserted and most are falling apart. Residents speak of rising crime and stock theft. “The announcement of the mine closure left us in shock. Everyone appeared to be rather fragile or vulnerable, as the mine has not prepared us for the sad news,” she said.
Villagers depend on severance packages, support from relatives, finding jobs elsewhere, food gardens and engaging in informal sectors to survive. “I started building them in 2002, with two mud house rooms after my parents passed away, to support my siblings and my own children. In 2009 I extended the rooms to six, using block bricks which I made myself. There still are bricks piled up in the yard. I was hoping to use them to extend more rooms because demand for rental rooms was growing – until we got the shocking news that the mine is closing,” she said.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thousands on Sassa list for disability grant must be assessedAbout 20 000 new and renewed OfficialSASSA disability grant beneficiaries are currently on waiting lists to see an assessment doctor, with the highest number in the Western Cape at 4 945.
Read more »
'Our slogan doesn’t feel quite right': KFC drops famous sloganKFC has finally dropped the 'It’s Finger Lickin' Good' slogan, amid of Covid-19.
Read more »
University of Venda students raped and robbed during attack at residenceTwo university students were raped at their residence in Limpopo during an armed robbery on Tuesday.
Read more »
Siyasanga Papu of 'Gomora' on how Sonto’s favouritism made Pretty bitterSiyasanga shares some insight into what made Pretty bitter
Read more »
‘Women who chase luxury & work for it are goal diggers, not gold diggers’ — RHOJ star Lethabo MathathoReality TV star Lethabo 'Lejoy' Mathatho says it's about time people get over the 'slay queen' mentality when they see women living luxurious lives
Read more »
‘Women who chase luxury & work for it are goal diggers, not gold diggers’ — RHOJ star Lethabo MathathoReality TV star Lethabo 'Lejoy' Mathatho says it's about time people get over the 'slay queen' mentality when they see women living luxurious lives.
Read more »