This deal simply has to succeed for the sake of all

News that Richards Bay Minerals and its host communities had thrashed out an agreement on Monday, which paved the way for the reopening of mining operations, was welcomed like rain in the desert.

While it essentially dealt with improved financial mechanisms in the distribution of financial trust funds to support local economic development in the communities, it was the last unresolved obstacle to be overcome.

The trusts, first established in 2009, have now been modernised to ensure greater transparency and control over the way in which the funds are used to benefit the communities’ local economic development initiatives.

Quite rightly, RBM needs to be back in business quickly for the benefit of all concerned.

The losses sustained by the nation, let alone the company, are of great magnitude.

Against the background of the Covid pandemic and the looting spree that decimated both huge balance sheets and modest citizens’ purses and wallets, the mine closure came at the worst possible time.

And while those who watch the stock markets and the global commodity prices quickly make the most of this unarguably huge breaking story, for us as a community newspaper, we see those who remain still here when the headlines race to some other important event.

The mine and its host communities have a symbiotic relationship. They need each other. This city, region and country need RBM.

The signing of the agreement, as essential as it was, is in fact merely a means to a greater end: one in which peace and prosperity triumph.

There’s an old football cliché that says ‘games are not won on paper’. It’s the outcome of the game itself, not the signed team sheets, which determine victory.

The agreements reached with the host communities give hope and the prospect of a brighter future.

But that will only happen if the signatures on paper translate into action, allowing the mine to operate without hindrance or fear.

The lives, property, working hours and jobs that were lost can never be brought back, but a new start can mean that new goals are reached.

This arrangement simply must work!