There seems to be no end to the greed factor in Africa. It is unthinkable that any other reason could move those in power to destroy Mapungubwe, the country’s most important cultural heritage site.
Establishing an opencast and underground coal mine within close proximity to the site, is, to say the least, sacrilegious. The fact that Minister of Mineral Resources Susan Shabangu took the decision, despite previous findings that the mine is undesirable and in the face of environmental analyses by foremost scientists, casts a cloud of suspicion on the project.
What moved her to make such a controversial decision? That is the question.
No politician could have been oblivious to the fact that it would cause a public outcry. What is the reward for a person willing to face an angry public on such an important issue?
Furthermore, there are international implications. Mapungubwe is part of an international cross border park in which Botswana and Zimbabwe have invested large sums of money. Are they simply going to accept mining operations defiling the park? We don’t think so.
What is even more mind boggling is the fact she awarded the mining concession to an Australian mining company, although South Africa is the world leader in the industry.
Ms Shabangu’s actions are typical of a political party with too much power. It leads to arrogance, to a don’t care attitude towards the citizens of a country, who also happen to be the taxpayers enabling them to live in luxury. It is the same African National Congress (ANC) arrogance prevailing at all tiers of government: public opinion does not matter. Criticism from the media, who represent the voters, is of no concern. ANC politicians need not even respond to public outcry. ANC politicians must not be allowed to get away with this. You, as a reader of the Polokwane Observer, have an opportunity to make your voice heard by supporting the petition of the SA Hunters and Conservation Association by clicking on the website http://www.sahunters.co.za/petition/