We extend our warmest greetings to members of the media and thank you for honouring our invitation to this media briefing.

As part of the Provincial Government’s concerted efforts to save the multi-billion-rand investment by Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) today we met with various stakeholders to deal with security concerns and challenges that have led to the company’s decision to halt operations and declare force majeure.

The stakeholders represented at the two meetings included Inkosi of KwaSokhulu accompanied by members of the Traditional Council, youth representatives from KwaSokhulu, Mayor of uMhlathuze Municipality, Mayor of Umfolozi Municipality, representatives of RBM and officials from various provincial and national departments.

The meetings held today form part of ongoing efforts led by the government in a bid to resolve the impasse between Richards Bay Minerals and the four host communities. Indeed, this matter is receiving top priority from us as government, across all spheres.

For example, yesterday we held another meeting led by the His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and that virtual meeting attended by the CEO of Rio Tinto, the holding company of RBM.

We must hasten to add that there will be more engagements with other stakeholders as we will not rest until we reach a long-lasting solution.

We recognize the immense economic impact that RBM operations has in the region and we believe that RBM operations and its employees must be protected.

We equally recognize the genuine concerns raised by the host communities including those by the youth of KwaSokhulu but emphasize that such concerns should be raised in a manner that does not compromise jobs and the safety of individuals.

We are pleased to report to the public that both RBM and the Sokhulu Community have found common ground on a number of issues while some have been referred for further engagement.

The two parties have agreed on fundamental issues including that RBM will afford more job opportunities to people from Sokhulu Community as guided by the Labour Relations Act.

The company has agreed that at least 40 percent of currently available general worker jobs should be reserved for members of the Sokhulu community with the ultimate target being 50 percent. There are of course those issues such as matters relating to environmental impact of RBM operations and those will need to be deferred to the relevant committee.

We have been given assurance that following the agreements reached, RBM should be able to resume its operations on Monday.

During this week, community representatives will go back to brief the community to report back on the resolutions taken and discuss with them.

We have directed the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, SAPS and the Municipality to monitor the area and ensure that the situation returns to normal and prevent bloodshed.

As part of growing the economy and creating jobs we encourage domestic and international investments we wish to assure you that KwaZulu-Natal is open for business.