Mining economy to build economy

In the era of doubting the value of mining industry in South Africa, Manar Academy in conjunction with Canyoncoal mine sets a new perspective and a new dawn through a two day Mining Journalism Training on the 10th and 11th of October.

Student journalists from different universities and journalists from different media houses including those from SABC News, eNCA and Caxton Local Newspapers actively participated in the training. Its first day was held at Sandton Convention Centre and based on theoretical facts by mining experts, followed by one which was based on the site visit the following day. It was a great opportunity for the journalists to build network as per one of the journalism commandments. Moreover, to gain necessary exposure or understanding of how mining industries operate for the future reporting on the industry and knowing what questions to pose on a mining expert should the time come.

Maner MD, founder and Chairman of Canyon Coal Vuslat Bayoglu expressed his disappointment on how some journalists do not understand the mining industry, referring to one of his past experiences. This was the incident where one of the SABC 2 requested an interview with him in regards with one of their mine in the Zululand area, according to Bayoglu. The journalist herself was in trouble reporting on something she does not have a full understanding on. Therefore, the training was an eye opener to most of the attendees.

The second part of the training comprised of a very fruitful site visit to the open cast mine of Canyoncoal in Bronkhospruit which Guy Thompson, the Manager said it started operating in December 2017. As he guided the trainees to the site he highlighted that they are also empowering the community of Bronkhospruit through skills training and also employing them.

It remained clear that mines are not as bad as painted sometimes when are operated by skilful people. Mining sector is one of the most contributing to the country’s economy.

By Siphesihle Selepe