Speaker, the ANC caucus welcomes the recent signing of the peace accord by the mining parties to denounce violence and bring stability to the mining sector. It is pleasing to hear that all stakeholders have agreed to a framework for peace and stability in the mining industry and signed it on Monday, 25 February 2013.
This agreement by the Chamber of Mines, the SA Mining Development Association, the National Union of Mineworkers, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, the United Association of South Africa, Uasa, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, Numsa, and the Solidarity Union will go a long way towards stopping senseless killings in this sector.
The mining sector has been plagued by violence and intimidation for some time now, and this has had only negative consequences for the industry and the country. According to the Department of Mineral Resources the officials will now work on a detailed action plan to implement this framework.
The stakeholders appreciate that to achieve growth in the mining industry, everything legally possible must be done to ensure stability. They committed themselves to work together to create an industry where peace and stability reign supreme and stakeholders are allowed to pursue their respective legitimate objectives for the ultimate benefit of the industry and the country.
This is indeed a stepping stone towards addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing the mining sector. As the ANC, we are convinced that this will restore the image of the mining industry and the country. This will also boost the confidence of all investors. Thank you. [Applause.]