Curbing illegal gold mining in Barberton
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2018
Authors
Mphokane, Shoki Ditabeng
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In the more recent past Barberton has seen an increase in illegal gold mining activities
and apparent lack of governance mechanisms by local government institutions to
address the problem. This study focuses on examining and analysing the problem of
illegal gold mining activities and reflecting on possible mechanisms that can explain
mitigating aspects to reduce illegal gold mining. The study examines governance of
state institutions (multi-agency departments) in addressing illegal mining at Barberton
gold mines.
The research used the qualitative approach to assist in understanding the complexity
related to illegal gold mining in Barberton. The study is both descriptive and
explanatory. For data collection, the study used in-depth interviews and documentary
analysis.
The study reveals persistent lack of coordination (with regard to support, team work
and transparency), capacity (with regard to human, communication, equipment,
transport and finance) and commitment (around patriotism, job satisfaction and
effectiveness) by the institutions that should deal with the problematic of mining. The
study concludes that success in the governance mechanisms of public institutions in
Barberton essentially requires the integration or interface of the triple c’s (capacity;
commitment and coordination).
The study also concludes that there is a positive relationship between governance (in
the form of integration of the triple c’s) and enclavity (structural marginalization of
labour) while on the other hand advocating a negative relationship between
governance (with regard to governance that is in distress) and the diffusion of
responsibility (with regard to who will act accordingly to ensure the integration of the
triple c’s). This study contends that when governance within necessary institutions is
in distress and there is no intervention through the integration of the 3c’s, the diffusion
of responsibility will come into place, as there will not be accountability. This study helps in understanding and explaining the challenges of service rendered
by the Barberton multi-agency departments and reflects on how governance
underpins the efforts to address illegal mining.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, October 2018
Keywords
Citation
Mphokane, Shoki Ditabeng, (2018) Curbing illegal mining in Barberton, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, https://hdl.handle.net/10539/28595