Eastern Cape member of the executive council (MEC) for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Oscar Mabuyane, on Thursday called for a referendum to resolve the Xolobeni mining debacle.
The High Court in Pretoria ruled in favour of the Amadiba Crisis Committee which opposed titanium mining along the Wild Coast area.
During his Midterm Budget speech, Mabuyane said the provincial government welcomed the judgment which calls for the consent of the community before the government can issue licensing for mining activities. However, he said mining brings economical opportunities adding that rural communities often migrated to mining towns.
"We cannot say no to mining in our province and then pack bags to work in the mines in other provinces living with financial resources that could have made a difference in our province," said Mabuyane.
Mabuyane said the Xolobeni community was divided between those that are in favour of those who are not.
He urged the people of Xolobeni not the be intimidated to oppose mining but must be allowed an opportunity to have their say, like through a Referendum.
According to the MEC locals have been misled by those who do not live there who has promised to develop the area for tourism over the last 20-years.
