It was clear that the visit to Xolobeni by officials from the mineral resources department at the weekend was aimed at dividing the community and pushing through mining, a community spokesperson said on Monday.
Nonhle Mbuthuma, 42, was speaking from Sigidi on the Wild Coast after Sunday’s meeting descended into chaos, with human rights lawyer Richard Spoor arrested and teargas used on residents opposed to the mining.
Mbuthuma, who was treated at Margate Hospital after being pushed to the ground and teargassed, said the lack of an opportunity for residents to speak and the way they were treated made the government’s position clear.
“Why were we not on the programme and why did they bus other people in?” she said.
“Why did they attack us and arrest Richard Spoor?
“They were not there to listen. They were there to divide the community and push the mining.”
According to the mineral resources department notice advertising the meeting, the aim was to allow mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe to engage with the community on the issue of conflict around proposed mining.
When a crowd of residents dressed in anti-mining lobby Amadiba Crisis Committee T-shirts arrived at the Xolobeni Sports Fields, however, police had initially barred them from entering the marquee where the event was being held, Mbuthuma said.
“We could see there were none of our people in the tent.
“We told the police, ‘this is our home – what are they discussing there that we cannot hear?’ ”
After some argument, the police let the residents through but shepherded them into a corner that was already full.
The first speaker, Mbizana mayor Daniswa Mafumbatha, said the government would be pushing for tourism and mining at Xolobeni, Mbuthuma said.
“This mayor has never even been to visit us to ask why we are opposed to mining, yet there she was promoting it.”
The residents had realised that the Amadiba Crisis Committee was not on the programme, and it was not clear if they were going to get a chance to speak.
“They started to sing that the mining would not take place and immediately the police surrounded us and pushed us with their shields,” Mbuthuma said.
“Spoor asked them why they were violating our rights, and they arrested him.
“Then they sprayed us with teargas and forced us out.”
Mbuthuma said the committee represented some 98% of the Xolobeni community.
The community comprises the Wild Coast villages of Sigidi, Mdatywa, Xolobeni, Mpindweni and Mthentu and a population of about 3,500.
The committee has for more than a decade been battling against a proposed titanium mining venture by Australian miner Transworld Energy and Mineral Resources.
Concerns include that the mining will pollute water supplies and destroy agriculture and eco-tourism initiatives.
Alleged incidents of intimidation by pro-mining forces mushroomed and the conflict peaked in March 2016 with the as-yet-unsolved murder of antimining activist Sikhosiphi Bazooka Rhadebe.
The Xolobeni mining conflict was brought before the high court in Pretoria in April, with the committee calling for the affected community to be given the right to say no.
With judgment due to be handed down soon, even the timing of Mantashe’s visit was dubious, Mbuthuma said.
“Who is above the law that does not have to wait for this judgment?”
Police spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci said she could not comment as the matter was before the court.
Mineral resources spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said the meeting was positive.
“All parties present were given an opportunity to present their view.
“It’s unfortunate that a small group was instigated to disrupt discussions, but the meeting proceeded as planned.”
Armed with first-hand knowledge, the minister would now be able to take an informed decision on the existing moratorium on mining in the area, she said. Mbuthuma said the Amadiba Crisis Committee would be at the Mbizana Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for Spoor’s scheduled appearance.