The Department of Mineral Resources plays a vital role in our region’s economic prosperity. the manner of and quality of decisions made by the DMR has a direct impact on our economy, and it was with concern, but not with surprise that we noted the judgement of the Gauteng division of the High Court of South Africa.
In short, the judgement exposed DMR as “an irrational institution with a high degree of incompetence that obstructs the mining investment it is meant to facilitate, lacks energy in resolving issues, allows appeal processes to drag on for years and supplies a case for its own substitution.” This was part of 63-page judgement between Aquila Steel South Africa and six respondents, which include the Minister of Mineral Resources, DMR management, and the triple-state-owned Pan African Mineral Development Company.
MCCI urges the various role players withing the DMR to also have our town’s interest at heart when dealing with the many issues that have a direct impact on our area’s road infrastructure and access to water. We have experienced the failure of the DMR to resolve issues speedily. MCCI trusts that the DMR will make a concerted effort to change the manner in which they operate.
Anybody interested in the full judgement is welcome to contact Stephanie at 013 243 2253 or secretary@middelburginfo.com