Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Mine has hosted its annual Stakeholder Day – an event that aims to bring the mine’s stakeholders under one roof, not only to provide information regarding opportunities and projects but to engage openly about the mine’s impact to its communities whilst creating an environment conducive for robust and honest engagements.
Attended by guests representing institutions such as the SAPS, Government Departments (Social Development, Basic Education and Health), local forums and community leaders including the Mayor of Gamagara Municipality amongst others, the agenda presented topics that relate to socio-economic initiatives and addressing the mine’s impact in communities.
Some of the key presentations on the day focused on Socio-economic Development (education, health services, SMME support etc.) in the area, environmental impacts and mitigation strategies, the Life of Mine and Tailings Facilities.
During the day long session, stakeholders received the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns related to youth development, unemployment and infrastructure investment to which Sishen Mine professionals relayed responses to.
In an effort to find meaningful remedies to some of the challenges raised, a co-creative approach was deployed where different stakeholders were grouped, encouraged to brainstorm and suggest possible solutions to problems each group was assigned.
Community Liaison and Public Relations Specialist at Sishen Mine – Thandiwe Mapi, expressed the importance of this event. “We take great pride in hosting our stakeholders at our event. Being able to hear different voices and perspectives regarding issues or solutions is key in creating mutual respect between the mine and its stakeholders. This platform allows for vital information to reach communities, collaborative partnerships to form and provides the mine with important insights needed to develop initiatives. We are grateful for the fruitful outcomes achieved through this event”.
