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Minister Susan Shabangu yesterday convened a meeting of Principals of Mining Growth, Development and Employment Task Team (MIGDETT) which comprise of government, organised labour and business. The meeting evaluated progress of the work of various Task Teams and agreed that it be streamlined to focus, strengthen and streamline programmes of MIGDETT with identified programmes for 2013.
 
The meeting noted completion of the first phase of the Human Resources Development (HRD) strategy for mining and directed the task team to undertake detailed granular analysis of actual skills development requirements, re-evaluate the efficacy of the basic literacy curriculum in mining, train towards elimination of "Fanakalo" language in mining, and to integrate this initiative with other relevant skills development initiatives.
 
Stakeholders commended the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate for its tenacity and pledged to work towards achieving zero harm and zero fatalities in the sector. Accordingly, stakeholders noted recommendations adopted previously on the application of Section 54 notices in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act by the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate.
 
The meeting deliberated at length on the extent of transformation in the mining sector across all elements of the Mining Charter and agreed to work towards convergent performance reporting by each stakeholder on transformation progress in the sector. Yesterday’s meeting also agreed to extend membership of MIGDETT to relevant Task Teams and other role players and therefore aptly named the forum MIGDETT PLUS.
 
Furthermore the Principals reiterated confidence in, and support for the Marikana Commission of Inquiry headed by Judge Ian Farlam (Ret.). The meeting agrees and supports the establishment of a mining specific Commission of Inquiry.
 
The meeting also highlighted the need to put steam in the Mining Lekgotla discussions and resolutions combined with what was resolved at the Women in Mining Lekgotla, and Mpumalanga Mining Summit. The principals agreed that work out of these events have indeed highlighted that there is progress being made to work in a much more cohesive and tripartisan spirit in the South African mining sector.
 
Stakeholders restated their commitment to work together and acknowledged a few highlights of collaborative 2012 programmes, including, albeit not limited to the inaugural Mining Lekgotla dialogue and the Mpumalanga Mining Summit. The meeting also reiterated further collaboration to host the second Mining Lekgotla dialogue and Women in Mining Lekgotla in 2013.
 
In conclusion, the meeting noted progress on the MPRDA amendment, and committed to work collectively to a successful conclusion of this process in 2012. Stakeholders noted South Africa's hosting of the International BRICS Summit and identified it as a key platform for the sector to engage counterparts in the BRICS membership.