At this year’s Mining Indaba, which kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa (SA) today, the Mineworkers Development Agency (MDA) will showcase innovative strategies for fostering lasting social and economic transformation in mining-affected regions.
Luthando Brukwe, the Head of Strategy at MDA, spoke with us about the agency's efforts to help mining companies achieve both environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
Founded in 1987 after the loss of 50 000 mining jobs in the coal sector, MDA’s core mission is to create sustainable livelihoods for former mine workers, their families, and surrounding communities. Operating across SA and Lesotho, MDA’s initiatives aim to align mining practices with community needs, ensuring economic benefits beyond extraction.
This year’s Mining Indaba focuses on “future-proofing African mining.” Brukwe explains that MDA’s work aligns with this theme by fostering collaboration among civil society, business, and communities to build sustainable livelihoods. One example is MDA’s work in Marikana, where they partner with mining companies to develop a groundbreaking agricultural hub. This includes a hydroponics unit, a packhouse supporting 1 000 households, and a social employment fund benefiting 1 500 workers.
Brukwe also highlighted MDA’s successful projects like the Beehive Programme, which provides beehives to combat South Africa’s honey import dependency, and their Wool Growers Programme in the Eastern Cape, which supports 450 wool farmers.
In terms of environmental sustainability, MDA is driving innovative solutions such as tunnel farming on land contaminated by mining activities. With the help of drones and technology, MDA is improving soil quality and crop yields. The organisation also plans to expand its beehive project to 20 000 hives within three years.
Brukwe advocates for mining companies to move beyond corporate social responsibility and partner with organisations like MDA to ensure long-lasting impact and job creation. He calls on industry leaders at the Indaba to join forces in shaping a more sustainable future for both the sector and local communities.
With political will growing and regulations improving, Brukwe remains optimistic that the mining sector can better align its activities with the needs of Africa’s communities.
--ChannelAfrica--
