By Martin Chemhere
The 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba recently held in Cape Town (3 to 6 February) emphasized community voices in shaping the future of mining. A key theme was the need for a shared vision of future-proof mining communities, co-created by all stakeholders, especially the communities themselves. This resonated across various forums, with calls for collaboration between mining companies, governments, and communities to define the ideal mining community.
Faith Mutete, a small-scale miner and CEO of Women In Mining Zimbabwe, exemplified this focus on community engagement. She was among a group of mining community representatives from several African countries invited to the Indaba. Mutete emphasized the importance of platforms like the Indaba in amplifying the voices of those directly affected by mining activities.
“I identify as a member of the mining community,” she stated, “and I am proud to be part of groups trying to find solutions to social and environmental problems facing our industry. Platforms like Mining Indaba allow us to bear out the voices of our people at home.” Her presence, alongside other community activists, underscored the growing recognition of community perspectives in the mining sector.
The concept of a shared vision was central to discussions. Noleen Dube of South 32 highlighted the frequent disconnect between municipalities, business leaders, and communities, emphasizing the need for a unified approach. This sentiment was echoed by Champ Thekiso of Thekvest Group, who stressed the importance of defining the characteristics of an ideal, future-proof mining community.
Tebello Chabana of the Minerals Council South Africa pointed to successful public-private partnerships in addressing infrastructure and crime, suggesting a similar model for tackling community challenges related to water, infrastructure, governance, electricity, and economic growth. He cited a multi-billion-rand water pipeline project in the Northern Cape as an example of successful collaboration between mining companies and government.
Bongiwe Mabusela of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) emphasized the need for mines to ensure the long-term sustainability of communities beyond the lifespan of mining operations. She stressed that community voices must be central to this process.
Kgosi Nyalala Molefe John Pilane, a traditional leader, advocated for integrating communities into diversified business opportunities and value chains surrounding mines. He acknowledged the growing recognition of communities as central to the mining process, evidenced by their increased presence at the Indaba.
Thabisile Phumo of Sibanye Stillwater highlighted the importance of trust-building between communities and mining companies. She emphasized relationship building as a foundation for collaborative problem-solving, citing examples of companies engaging in co-creation and inclusion through enterprise and supplier development programs. Chabana suggested that future empowerment frameworks could focus on entrepreneurs and employees, rather than solely on equity ownership, to give communities a greater stake in mining.
Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi, King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, offered advice to communities with mineral resources, emphasizing the finite nature of mining. He shared the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s experience of diversifying into other sectors like financial services, telecoms, property, and transport, reducing their reliance on mining. He stressed the importance of education as a key to long-term community upliftment.
The Indaba served as a platform for these diverse voices to converge, highlighting the growing understanding that sustainable mining requires genuine partnership with and empowerment of the communities where mining takes place.