A Framework for the Africanisation of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector of South Africa to Improve Sector Formalisation Outcomes

Abstract

Attempts to formalise artisanal and small-scale miners (AS miners) have failed in most areas where illegal ASM occurs. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Africanisation in promoting the formalisation of the ASM sector of South Africa. Due to the acute lack of employment and other challenges associated with ASM, it is important to ensure that the sector is properly formalised to allow communities benefits fully whilst minimising any negative impacts emerging from ASM. Data for this qualitative exploratory research was collected using semi-structured questionnaires from 15 participants. Thematic analysis of the data collected revealed several themes that suggest that considering some tenets of Africanisation can improve formalisation outcomes. These tenets include collectivism and the Ubuntu philosophy. This approach, which has not been actively pursued in previous formalisation initiatives, is a rival to capitalism. This is because the broader community will be the target for the formalisation attempts, not individuals. Adopting the recommendation advanced in this study will allow responsible authorities to manage mineral flows, and environmental damage, as well as to effectively monitor the activities of the AS miners. This study presents a new framework for governing the ASM sector. This framework, which is based on Africanisation, is believed to help address some of the challenges brought about by the neo-colonial aspect of capitalism. Africanisation challenges capitalism because it is concerned with uplifting entire communities, not individuals. This makes community engagement integral to the formalisation of the ASM sector.