Implementing social and labour plans in South Africa: Reflections on collaborative planning in the mining industry

Abstract

Collaborative governance and planning have become the norm in governance circles. The mining industry has also embraced collaborative efforts and in South Africa, mining companies must submit such a collaborative plan to obtain a mining licence. This paper examines this attempt of collaboration between local government and mining companies in Rustenburg South Africa. Mines and local governments must collaborate and align the Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) of mining companies with the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of municipalities. Simplistic assumptions and the narrow vision associated with collaborative planning, alignment and integration are questioned. The regulatory framework does not facilitate positive relationships or suggest procedures to ensure joint planning, mutual accountability and transparency. The formal system of collaboration is too complex for the available capacity and represents a reluctant partnership with high levels of distrust and a lack of accountability. The evidence shows an inability to improve relationships and continued disruptions and damage to the local community.