Just and equitable compensation for expropriation of Motlhotlo customary lands

Location: south africa

principal organisation - nkuzi

Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), a platinum mining company, targeted the Motlhotlo community’s land for the expansion of mining operations in Mokopane, South Africa. However, Amplats did not seek the community’s free, prior and informed consent in the mining licence application process. Amplats bypassed their obligation to meaningfully engage with the Motlhotlo community by negotiating with the Department of Mineral Resources and traditional leaders only. Some families refused to accept the company’s meagre compensation offer, demanding more just and equitable compensation. As a result of the community’s resistance efforts, Amplats renegotiated the resettlement deal. They relocated the remaining families to better settlement areas with modern three-bedroom houses, two communal farms for crop production and livestock production, schools and hospitals. Further, Amplats invested in small local businesses supplying the mine with water, and trained locals for more technical and stable jobs at the mine, thus securing local livelihoods.