Anglo Platinum’s response to article by Mathibela Mankge on Anglo Platinum’s alleged intention to expropriate cultural land for dam construction
14 October 2008
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Anglo Platinum to respond to a letter by Mr Mathibela Mankge which alleges Anglo Platinum’s plan to construct a dam on land belonging to the Gamawela community of Limpopo,would deprive the community of valuable irrigable land and desecrate its cultural heritage. The allegations are available here:
-“Maruping Go Ka Boelwa: Defending cultural heritage against expropriation by mining companies” 3 October 2008
Anglo Platinum sent the following statement:
Response to the letter from M R Mankwe
Anglo Platinum, together with 21 other mining companies, was and is closely involved at national level with the development of a water strategy for LimpopoProvince. In March 2008 the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestryendorsed this strategy by signing a memorandum of understanding on the construction of the De Hoop dam and its associated infrastructure.
When it became apparent that the collective industry demand for water was outstripping the planned yield from the De Hoop dam, the Richmond dam plans were put forward for consideration.
The farm Richmond (where most of the dam’s footprint will be) is owned by Anglo Platinum. This is the farm that is allegedly the subject of a land claim though no record of one has been found in the government gazette. The dam will flood a section of the farm St George.
As part of its feasibility study, Anglo Platinum commissioned various specialist studies andconsulted all interested and affected parties as required, their comments being recorded in the EnvironmentalImpact Assessment (EIA). A specific focus group meeting was held with the Ga-Mawela community on the farm St George at their request. Anglo Platinum provided transport to ensurethat everyone could attend. (They are not all on site, as claimed, but widelydispersed).
The graves and sacred pools were addressed in the EIA documentation and will be dealt with in a proper manner on receiving approval for the dam by the DEAT.
Regarding the value of the St George farm: The Anglo Platinum offer is substantially higher than the value determined by Africa EPA on behalf of the Department of Land Affairs. (The non-commercial viability of the land is acknowledged in the community’sown Environmental Impact Assessment).
In view of the above it is clear that this dispute is not aboutheritage and the agricultural value of the property but more likely an attempt to gain a share in, or a partnership with, Anglo Platinum.
While community representation is not really the issue here, we remain committed to the inclusive participation processesas set out by the government departments.
END