Approximately R1,3 billion was spent on infrastructure for residents in small mining towns in 2016 following the 2012 Marikana tragedy.

President Jacob Zuma said that funds given to the affected communities was an attempt to aid these residents in rebuilding their communities and buffer the effects of the challenges that were presented from time to time.

Zuma delivered his end of year statement in mid-December. At this address he said that partnerships formed with mining companies in 2012, now known as the Special Presidential Package, was aimed at giving mining towns a boost.

He highlighted that there were 351 informal settlements in mining towns that received support from government’s National Upgrade Support Programme, and that the 1970s mineworkers’ provident and pension fund has to date paid more than R20 million to 7 200 former mineworkers.

The Farlam Commission

Zuma said that the South African government was committed to implementing the recommendations of the Farlam Commission that was established after miners were killed at the Marikana mine.

“Government lawyers have processed various claims, particularly for loss of support for the families of the deceased, for unlawful arrest and detentions, and will soon be paying out those affected, working with the legal teams of the affected persons or families of the deceased,” Zuma said.

Infrastructure developments

Zuma noted that the funds would be used for making housing improvements in the affected communities and that Lonmin would also be encouraged to build houses for their employees.

Funds were going to be used for health services in the area.

The health department has already established several service centres in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and Carletonville in Gauteng that will aid former and current mine workers.

Zuma said that the Mthatha centre was fully funded by government and that “to date over 3 000 current and former miners have already made use of the Carletonville centre’s services”.