The implementation of the bill of rights for sustainable development by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR): a case study of Xolobeni mining project in the Mbizana local municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Abstract

Due to high levels of poverty in rural areas of South Africa, proposals that seek to bring about ‘sustainable development’ to these areas often encourage widespread enthusiasm. On the other hand, due to the contested nature of the ‘sustainable development’ concept – as a result of its focus on increasing development, while protecting the environment - conflicts and claims for human rights have also become common in these situations. It is important to understand the origins of these conflicts and claims for human rights, as well as what their possible impacts are on local livelihoods and natural resources. This research uses the case of a proposed mining for minerals in sand dunes in Xolobeni, Wild Coast, to explore the manner in which claims for the violation of human rights and the implementation of such rights for sustainable development by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) were viewed by opponents of the venture, the Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC) and the Xolobeni Local Community (Xolco) a company that represents communities that supported the mining project. Additionally, this research explores the role of external stakeholders, such as government, environmental organizations and mining companies in the mining saga in Xolobeni. Unpacking these different roles and arguments is important for forging the way forward in both safeguarding the land and natural resources of the area, as well as dealing with local poverty. The research also illustrated how the Xolobeni community organised themselves and protested against development that intended to force them to relocate from their ancestral land without proper consultation. Issues of human rights, sustainable development and environmental protection also formed part of the discussions in this research. While the mining project had stalled, it emerged that the majority of respondents in the area did not want the mining project to proceed.