‘Communities urge Parliament to address South Africa's mining crisis’ 12 March 2026

The mining-affected communities and civil organisations have accused Parliament of ignoring their concerns regarding a worsening governance crisis in the mining sector, citing systemic failure to regulate companies and protect community rights. This is after the organisations in November 2025 submitted a petition raising urgent issues concerning mining governance, community rights, environmental liabilities, and systemic regulatory failure in the sector. The organisations said there is still no response to date. Led by the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua), the petition (under the 100-Year Debt Campaign) was prompted by Anglo American’s announcement to merge with Teck Resources, a move that would involve shifting its headquarters to Canada and significantly reducing its direct footprint in South Africa.

This petition calls on Parliament to urgently investigate and address the socioeconomic, environmental, and governance failures associated with Anglo American’s disinvestment from South Africa, and the broader pattern of extractive corporate conduct that undermines national economic sovereignty and community well-being. Anglo American previously denied these claims, saying it is not exiting South Africa. The coalition, also composed of Bench Marks and Alliance for Rural Democracy, stated that the petition seeks to ensure that South Africa’s mineral wealth, constitutionally held in custodianship for the people, is governed transparently, equitably, and in the public interest.

…He added that the recent crises at Stilfontein, Jagersfontein, Kriel, and the liquidation of Ekapa Minerals illustrate how the long-term costs of mining are increasingly borne not by multinational corporations, but by workers, communities, and the state. The letter was sent to Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza and the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources. However, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo referred questions to the committee, which confirmed receipt of the letter through its spokesperson, Justice Molafo. However, Molafo said the chairperson, Mikateko Mahlaule, has not read the letter yet due to prior parliamentary commitments.