Cape Town – Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has defended South Africa’s transformation policies in mining, saying they have enabled historically disadvantaged groups to participate in the economy.
Speaking at an industry engagement, he criticised those blaming the ANC for economic challenges, stressing that transformation is not symbolic but about changing ownership structures, fostering inclusion, skills transfer and empowerment.
He acknowledged slow progress, warning against reducing transformation to “box-ticking exercises.”
We must confront the uncomfortable truth that, despite progress, our economy still does not reflect the diversity of our nation. Too often, transformation is treated as a box-ticking exercise – changing faces in boardrooms without changing the fundamental structure of ownership pic.twitter.com/04EvW50DJR
— Gwede Mantashe (@GwedeMantashe1) August 29, 2025
“Too often, transformation is treated as a box-ticking exercise – changing faces in boardrooms without changing the fundamental structure of ownership,” Mantashe said.
He added: “Transformation is not about replacing white faces with black faces. It is about changing the attitude and modus operandi of the economy. It is about ensuring meaningful inclusion, skills transfer, empowerment and genuine opportunities for historically disadvantaged South Africans.“If we only change appearances, transformation risks being symbolic and hollow. Our goal is to ensure broad, equitable and sustainable participation in the mining industry and the mainstream economy.”
On illegal mining, which cost the economy an estimated R60 billion in 2024, Mantashe said law enforcement efforts like Operation Vala Umgodi — which has led to over 27,000 arrests — were not enough.
[𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁]
“This session, therefore, provides us with a unique opportunity to listen, reflect, and to act together on issues that matter to our sector and to our country.One of the most urgent matters before us is illegal mining – a… pic.twitter.com/gqKgIywWPj
— Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (@DMPR_ZA) August 29, 2025
He called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and regional partners to tighten controls and close market loopholes.
The new draft Mineral Resources Development Bill aims to outlaw illegal mining more effectively, while distinguishing it from legitimate small-scale and artisanal mining.
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Picture: X/@GwedeMantashe1
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
