Exploring community engagement challenges in the mining sector of South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has recently experienced an increase in unrest within urban and rural communities, despite attempts from both government and business levels to engage communities through community engagement (CE) forums. This has had a negative impact on the operations of businesses in the mining industry in South Africa. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore CE challenges in the South African mining sector, to understand the dynamics and factors affecting the peaceful equilibrium between the relevant stakeholder groups using CE best practices. The study used qualitative research methods where semi-structured interviews, as well as focus group discussion, was conducted among different stakeholders who were selected purposefully. Data were thematically analysed using the Atlasti software programme. The following themes were identified: Anglo social way, CE approaches, CE structures, guiding policies, terms of references and municipality framework. It was recommended that community members need to be educated about how the mine interacts with the community, its activities, and their participation.