Twickenam communities demand mine reopens

By: Karabo Makao

Twickenham communities demand mine reopens

Communities surrounding Twickenham Mine and Valterra Mine staged a peaceful march on Thursday, 18 June 2026, calling for the reopening of the mine and greater inclusion of local communities in mining-related opportunities.

Residents from several villages gathered outside the mine to hand over their third memorandum of grievances. They argued that the prolonged closure of the mine has negatively affected livelihoods and contributed to high levels of unemployment in the area. Community members said many families depend on mining activities for income and economic opportunities.

The protesters also demanded that if the mine cannot be reopened, its mining certificate should be returned to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) so that another solution can be found. According to the demonstrators, local communities have waited for too long without receiving clear answers regarding the future of the mine.

Community members further expressed concerns over training programmes and learnership opportunities offered by the mine. They alleged that the opportunities have mainly benefited residents from Magwabading while neighbouring communities continue to be left out.

Residents from Morapaneng, Dithabaneng, Modimolle, Mongatane, Seelane, Makgopa, Ditwebeleng, Kgwete and other surrounding villages said they have seen little to no benefit from activities associated with the mine. They argued that development initiatives should be distributed fairly among all communities affected by mining operations.

During the march, community leaders also raised concerns about the handling of community complaints. They alleged that two individuals, identified as Shaka and Matome, have been interfering with community matters and preventing residents from effectively communicating their concerns with mine management.

The leaders said they had reached an agreement with mine representatives to ensure that the memorandum and grievances were submitted directly to senior management. After receiving the community’s third memorandum, mine representatives informed the protesters that management would review their concerns and provide a formal response within seven days. Community members welcomed the commitment and expressed hope that the engagement would result in meaningful solutions.

Speaking during the march, businessman and and community leader Abednico Namudi Mashabela said local businesses have not benefited from economic opportunities generated by the mine.

“We are very sad as business people when we see different companies working in this mine, yet they do not partner with local companies. Outsiders should not be given opportunities while local businesses are ignored. When we raise these concerns, we are threatened with having our vendor numbers taken away. A vendor number is useless if there is no work. We are here as leaders to show that this march is not for individuals, but for the entire community,” said Mashabela.

The communities said their demonstration was not intended to create conflict but to seek solutions that would promote employment, local economic development and fair participation in opportunities associated with the mine. They expressed hope that meaningful engagement with mine management will result in positive outcomes for all affected communities.