Residents of the Soutpansberg have made sure that their voices will be heard with regard to the environmental impact mining will have on the region, with the establishment of the Makhado Action Group (MakAG).

MakAG was established during a meeting between various organisations and affected parties on May 28 to assist its members in protecting and maintaining the region’s environmental integrity. The group had its first meeting on June 9 during which a management committee was elected. The committee consists of Mr Francis Nicholson (chairperson), Mr Patrick Nemamilwe (deputy chairperson), Ms Aimee Ginsburg (secretary), Ms Marie Helm (treasurer and communication) and the secundus, Mr Johan Fourie.

The action group’s focus is currently on Coal of Africa Limited’s (CoAL) proposed Makhado Colliery project in the Nzhelele valley, but it will also look at other mining and related activities in the Limpopo valley.

Nicholson gave the assurance that they will not only make sure that CoAL adheres to applicable legislation, but will also strive to bring as much information and interested and affected parties into the process to make sure as little as possible damage is done to the environment.

Among the issues discussed by the management committee last week included indentifying areas of priority, data collection, plan of action and strategies, funding and the cumulative impact of mining in the Limpopo Valley.

Nicolson said that CoAL would be informed of the action group’s establishment and that they woud ask to be registered as an interested and affected party. In the meantime, Nicolson says that any interested and affected party is welcome to join the Makhado Action Group. Those people or organizations who might be interested can call Helm at 082 683 2835. She can also be e-mailed at [email protected]