Mining Journalism Training 2023: Unearthing South Africa's Mining Landscape
The Mining Journalism Training 2023 (#MJT2023), organised by Menar Academy, was a two-day event that offered a fusion of mining industry expertise, engaging sessions, and a mind-boggling site visit.
On Day 1, speakers unveiled the history, current panorama, and future prospects of the mining industry in South Africa and globally.
Sandile Nogxina, an ambassador for the South African government, spoke on the transformative Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa, emphasised journalism's pivotal role in narrating the ever-evolving mining industry story, Gideon du Plessis, a labour expert, offered a fresh perspective on wage negotiations in the mining sector and George Kahn, a human rights lawyer, offered a sobering account of health and safety challenges in South African mining.
My key takeaways are presentations by:
Lucas Ledwaba, a journalist and editor, shared his insights on the significant Marikana massacre of 2012.
Kgothatso Nhlengetwa, an Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Expert, cast a revealing light on illegal mining in South Africa.
Professor Nikki Wagner from the University of Johannesburg guided the audience through South Africa's mineral wealth, from ancient rocks to green energy.
Site Visit - Where the Magic Happens
On Day 2, we embarked on a remarkable journey to Canyon Coal's Gugulethu Colliery in Davel, Mpumalanga. Stepping onto the mining site, we were greeted by a world of colossal machinery and dedicated individuals breathing life into the mining industry. Jarmi Steyn, the General Manager of the mine, together with her colleagues ushering us into the tour of the coal mine site. The presentation on the intricacies of coal mining opened our eyes to the dedication of artisans, engineers, site managers, and the entire ensemble that keeps the mining wheels turning.
By Mologadi Kekana
