President Advocate Duma Boko has raised concerns about the economic injustices faced by mineral-rich communities, questioning a status quo that leaves these resource-abundant areas among the poorest in the country.
Speaking at a Kgotla meeting in Jwaneng earlier this April, Boko reiterated the urgent need to re-evaluate existing policies surrounding mineral development and the communities that reside near mining operations.
“The current arrangement regarding mineral development in this country raises serious concerns,” Boko stated. “When minerals are discovered in an area, the natural inhabitants—people who have lived and thrived there for generations—are often displaced to make way for mining operations. Their land is taken, and their lives are disrupted.”
He cited examples such as the Orapa Mine, where inhabitants were relocated to areas as far as Metsiaela, and similar displacements in Jwaneng to accommodate mining activities.
“What are we saying with this? What does the law say about it? And more importantly—are we okay with what the law is saying? If we’re not okay with it, then what should we do? Should we take this matter to Parliament and open a national debate?” he asked.
Boko went on to emphasize the harsh realities faced by communities surrounding mining operations. “After losing their land, many of these displaced people fall into deep poverty. Ironically, the areas surrounding these mines—the very backbone of our economy—are often where poverty is most entrenched. Their livelihoods have been disrupted, and their way of life drastically altered.”
He pointed out the glaring imbalance in how the impacts of mineral development are distributed:
“There is a clear disproportionality of impact. Those who lose their land and those who don’t are treated the same under the current system, based on the idea that minerals are a national resource meant to benefit everyone equally. But when you look closely, it’s the people living closest to the mines who suffer the most. Is this fair? Is this acceptable? We must open a national dialogue on this issue—these are things we must talk about, bagaetsho
President Boko voices concern over extreme poverty in mineral-rich communities.
