Sol Plaatje must turn streetlights on for festive season
| by Veronica Van Dyk MP – DA Northern Cape Constituency Head of Kamiesberg Date: 19 November 2019Release: Immediate The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the Northern Cape provincial government to enter into talks with Trans Hex Group, regarding the preliminary liquidation of West Coast Resources (WCR) diamond mine in Koingnaas, in an eleventh-hour attempt to restore hope to the local community before Christmas.After it came to light last month that an agreement with Kernel Resources fell through, to take over the management of WCR, 128 workers have been left with without work, without any mention of retrenchment packages, without their guaranteed pro-rata 13th cheques and their entitled leave days, not to mention the emotional torture that they have had to endure given the uncertainty of the situation.The DA is devastated by the blow that the company’s decision has had on the local community of Koingnaas.Given the direct impact of the mine closure on the unemployment and poverty levels in the province, we will be making an urgent call on Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, to engage in talks with the national government and Trans Hex Group so that together they can explore all options, including a reduction in costs at the mine.At the same time, we ask Dr Saul to work hand in hand with the Kamiesberg local municipality and business stakeholders to get the local bulk infrastructure challenges fixed and to stimulate alternative local economic growth, so as to be able to bring some relief to the struggling families of Namaqualand.The shedding of jobs in the mining sector has become an all too common phenomenon, as government fails to adequately promote mining investment and create conditions that are conducive to economic growth. At this time, when the economy remains broken and unemployment and poverty are at an all time high, much more needs to be done to support the poor and marginalised, and to replace the growing wave of despair with hope. Media Enquiries Veronica Van Dyk MPDA Northern Cape Constituency Head of Kamiesberg Shelley De WittResearcher082 847 1387 |
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