Demand Accountability Over Social and Labour Plan
CCN Reporter – George C April
Lutzville:- Residents of Lutzville and Lutzville-Wes (Ward 1) say they have lost confidence in Tronox Mineral Sands’ community engagement and plan to take to the streets next week to demand greater transparency and delivery on development commitments.
In a media statement issued this morning, community representatives said they submitted the necessary notification under Section 4 of the Regulation of Gatherings Act today and are awaiting approval.
Sarah Bakamela, a community spokesperson, said: “We just submitted the section 4 today. We are waiting for the reply but in the meantime we are sending requests so that you can prepare. ” She can be contacted on 073 077 3087.
Not Just About Food Hampers
The community emphasized that their grievances go far beyond the recent controversy surrounding 450 food hampers. They described a growing disconnect between Tronox’s commitments in its Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and actual outcomes on the ground.
According to the statement, Lutzville contributes approximately 41% of the Namakwa Sands workforce – the largest share of any community – yet residents continue to face high unemployment, poor infrastructure, water and electricity challenges, and limited economic opportunities.
A key point of frustration is the 1ML Reservoir Project at Mbeki Square, the only dedicated infrastructure project allocated to Ward 1 under the 2018- 2022 SLP period. The project, valued at R2 million, was recorded in Tronox’s own review as “Not Started”.
Key Demands
The community is calling for:
– Full transparency on SLP expenditure and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) spending since 2012
– Disclosure of all projects and beneficiaries
– Greater community participation in development decisions
– Fair access to procurement opportunities for local businesses
– Expanded youth development programmes including bursaries, apprenticeships and skills training
– Investment in schools, roads, water and electricity infrastructure
– Clarity and transparency regarding community trust structures
Residents also expressed dissatisfaction with current stakeholder engagement processes, stating that trust has deteriorated. They rejected recent decisions taken on their behalf without proper public mandate.
Call for Government Intervention
The community has appealed to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Matzikama Municipality, provincial and national government, and oversight institutions to intervene and facilitate an open stakeholder meeting involving Tronox executives, government officials and residents.
While affirming their support for development, investment and employment, the residents stressed that such development must be “visible, measurable and equitable.”
Nothing About Us Without Us
The statement concludes: “This is no longer about 450 food hampers. This is about whether community development funds allocated in the name of host communities are reaching host communities.
This is about accountability – This is about trust – This is about the future of Lutzville and Lutzville-Wes – Nothing About Us Without Us.”
The community says it reserves the right to pursue lawful and peaceful actions, including petitions, demonstrations and further engagement with oversight bodies, should their concerns remain unresolved.
Photo provided
