In our previous articles covered by Tshepo Mmusi, especially on Uranium One mining we have covered a number of disastrous miing activities undertook by the company. We covered irresponsible mining behaviour where the company used its employees to profit under difficult working conditions where employees complained about issues related to health and safety. And how the company neglected its responsibility of taking care medically of its ex workers after exploiting them for years. We also covered articles which revealed how the company left areas where they have been operating unrehabilitated, and those areas happens to be situated near human settlement. We also saw the devastation that human beings are being subjected to, in terms of the environment, health and the general welfare of the community of Dominionville. To this end one can conclude that all this social challenges are of corporate social responsibility.
In the few last weeks we have tried to figure out exactly what is Shiva Uranium?, who are its bosses?, what is it that they are prepared to offer to our commuities that Uranium One failed to offer? Many questions to date still do not have answers. To my research and findings i can deduce that Shiva obtained its prospecting rights based on BEE score board which is questionable. the question of health of health and safety are also of great concern, because a worrying factor is history can repeat its self in as far as the uranium one case is concerned. Judging from my previous interaction with ex uranium one employees, similar views and comments are cropping out from Shiva Uranium employees. It is just a matter of time before we can see the true colours of this company.
With regard to the community projects aimed at community development and social upliftment, programmes which are claimed to be developmental are nothing but a ridicule to our communities. The fact that our communities are powerless, lack skills and confidence to takle issues which are fundamental to human person does not mean that corporations like Shiva Uranium should take advantage of our vulnerability. If we are refering to ethical standards and international norms Shiva is doing the total opposite because as we speak the company is sinking a shaft in the middle of Dominionville, which is a sign of disrespect for that community and clearly they do not have a sense of what is acceptibly wrong.
To this end one can rather say Shiva is taking over and carrying on where Uranium One left off, and the sad part is Uranium One had a set of attractive Community development projects which were not carried out and on the other hand Shiva is not even ashamed to point out two lousy programmes which are not even major and can make a difference to our communities. This are still early days to can say that the company could be worse than Uranium One.
Friday 29 April 2011
Thursday 21 April 2011
Shiva Uranium Corporate Social Resposibility and Investment
As we all know that when we are talking about Corporate Social Responsibikty (CSR) we are refering to a mechanism whereby business monitors and ensures its active compliance with the law, ethical standards and international norms. the goal of CSR is to embrace the responsibility for the company's actions and encourage a positive impact through its activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all members of the public spheres (Wikipedia, Free Encyclopedia)
In our previous articles produced on Uranium mining in Dominion Reefs under the Uranium One operatios last year, we covered quite a number of articles which reflected promises made which were never kept by the company. amongst promises which were never kept the most were of CSR nature. Issues relating to employees occupational health and safety were reported and published, one ca refer to the strike by Uranium one workers against poor working conditions on the 11th of July 2008. other incidents include the environmental degradation by the same company when its dam wall broke after a heavy rain storm, and about 100 million litres of water was spilled on the 8th of December 2007. But the Uranium one Vice President for Africa and Europe Robert van Niekerk dismmissed concerns that the water might be radioactive. Other promises made by the company to the commuities surrounding Haartebeesfontein area are development projects, non of them were delivered particularly to the community of Dominionville where development projects were needed most.
Today the director of Shiva uranium Lazarus Zim has appesred a number of times in the New Age newspaper advertising his company (Shiva Uranium), claiming that they are contributing significantly to variety of community projects and programmes which they cannot mention, but only the petty two of them.
According to their advertisement they are doing the following:
When coming second programme, they have identified a group of needy children with the help of local police, why not involve local Community Based organizations to do do that work. what do the SAPS know about social work, as they are law enforcers. what will happen to these children after a period of one year beyond the programme, be thrown back to the streets. This is a ridicule and a mockery of our society.
Meanwhile Shiva Uranium is profiting abnormally giving back insults to members of our communities.
The question is 'Will Shiva Uranium be compliant to ethical standards, the lawand international norms?'
In our previous articles produced on Uranium mining in Dominion Reefs under the Uranium One operatios last year, we covered quite a number of articles which reflected promises made which were never kept by the company. amongst promises which were never kept the most were of CSR nature. Issues relating to employees occupational health and safety were reported and published, one ca refer to the strike by Uranium one workers against poor working conditions on the 11th of July 2008. other incidents include the environmental degradation by the same company when its dam wall broke after a heavy rain storm, and about 100 million litres of water was spilled on the 8th of December 2007. But the Uranium one Vice President for Africa and Europe Robert van Niekerk dismmissed concerns that the water might be radioactive. Other promises made by the company to the commuities surrounding Haartebeesfontein area are development projects, non of them were delivered particularly to the community of Dominionville where development projects were needed most.
Today the director of Shiva uranium Lazarus Zim has appesred a number of times in the New Age newspaper advertising his company (Shiva Uranium), claiming that they are contributing significantly to variety of community projects and programmes which they cannot mention, but only the petty two of them.
According to their advertisement they are doing the following:
- They have designed a programme where they have recruited unskilled 37 workers and inducted them in their mine artisan programme.
- They have selected a group of needy children with the help of local police and put them in a specific care programme for a period of one year.
When coming second programme, they have identified a group of needy children with the help of local police, why not involve local Community Based organizations to do do that work. what do the SAPS know about social work, as they are law enforcers. what will happen to these children after a period of one year beyond the programme, be thrown back to the streets. This is a ridicule and a mockery of our society.
Meanwhile Shiva Uranium is profiting abnormally giving back insults to members of our communities.
The question is 'Will Shiva Uranium be compliant to ethical standards, the lawand international norms?'
Friday 15 April 2011
The true reflection of Shiva Uranium
In our last article we tried to figure out who are the key people at the fore front of Shiva uranium and amongst the shareholders it was revealed that the Umkhonto Wesizwe Veterans were involved, Women Groupings, Oakbay Investments and Islandsite 255. In this article we try to figure out within this groupings who are the key individuals involved in striking deals and holding power. According to Centre for Investigative Jounalism the Umkhonto Wesizwe Veterans Group's President Kebby Maphatsoe made a statement that non of their members were interested in private business interests, which contradicts the confirmation made by Johannes Motseki who is a close friend to Duduzane Zuma by having a steak in Dixie Investments which has 5% shareholding at Islandsite Investments 255, a subsidiary of Oakbay Investments. this shows part of shady dealings and policy violations amongst groupings and individuals.
Like we already mentioned that the Guptas Bought Shiva Uranium last year, new information has come on hand according to M&G and the figure which has been revealed is that they bought it for $ 37 million and co-ownership is between Islandside 255 and Oakbay Resources and Energy.
Shareholding
Islandside holds 26% and controlled by Duduzane Zuma and Rajesh Gupta
Two MKlinked Veterans associations and Motseki's Dixie Investments control 5%
According to iafrica.com, according to Sandile Zungu (also involved in the ArceloMittal BEE deal), Duduzane owns less than 50% of the investment company and Rajesh Gupta between 20% and 26%. Mabengela holds a 12.5% stake in the Ayigobi consortium.
Imperial Crown Tradiding (ICT) was controversially awarded prospecting rights to exploit 21.4% interest in Sishen iron-ore mine over Kumba iro-ore, and it is chaire by Lazarus Zim. Jagdesh Parekh has 50% share and Prudence Mtshali who happens to be the deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe's romantic partner is a shareholder
the Gupta's have entered into a new media venture with Essop Pahad through their newly established TNA media, which publishes the ANC friendly New Age newspaper which more often publisise Shiva Uranium advertisements. Atul Gupta is the chairman of TNA and Essop Pahad and Lazarus Zim are part of board of directors.
Rajesh Gupta and Duduzane Zuma are on a mission collecting mining companies and explorations all over the country. The Gupta bothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh immigrated to South Africa in 1993 and a year later they became South African citizens, the bottom line is they do not meet the BEE criteria, despite that fact they continously manage to score points for BEE consideration while acquiring business deals fronting with the likes of Duduzana Zuma the state president's son and the powerful Lazarus Zim.
the Guptas have expanded their businessesranging from mining, media, real estate, and aviation. the question is how the ordinary citizens of this country can stand againsttwo powerful families owning almost half or more of the Gross Domestic Product of the state?
Is this how our democratic country has come to?
Like we already mentioned that the Guptas Bought Shiva Uranium last year, new information has come on hand according to M&G and the figure which has been revealed is that they bought it for $ 37 million and co-ownership is between Islandside 255 and Oakbay Resources and Energy.
Shareholding
Islandside holds 26% and controlled by Duduzane Zuma and Rajesh Gupta
Two MKlinked Veterans associations and Motseki's Dixie Investments control 5%
According to iafrica.com, according to Sandile Zungu (also involved in the ArceloMittal BEE deal), Duduzane owns less than 50% of the investment company and Rajesh Gupta between 20% and 26%. Mabengela holds a 12.5% stake in the Ayigobi consortium.
Imperial Crown Tradiding (ICT) was controversially awarded prospecting rights to exploit 21.4% interest in Sishen iron-ore mine over Kumba iro-ore, and it is chaire by Lazarus Zim. Jagdesh Parekh has 50% share and Prudence Mtshali who happens to be the deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe's romantic partner is a shareholder
the Gupta's have entered into a new media venture with Essop Pahad through their newly established TNA media, which publishes the ANC friendly New Age newspaper which more often publisise Shiva Uranium advertisements. Atul Gupta is the chairman of TNA and Essop Pahad and Lazarus Zim are part of board of directors.
Rajesh Gupta and Duduzane Zuma are on a mission collecting mining companies and explorations all over the country. The Gupta bothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh immigrated to South Africa in 1993 and a year later they became South African citizens, the bottom line is they do not meet the BEE criteria, despite that fact they continously manage to score points for BEE consideration while acquiring business deals fronting with the likes of Duduzana Zuma the state president's son and the powerful Lazarus Zim.
the Guptas have expanded their businessesranging from mining, media, real estate, and aviation. the question is how the ordinary citizens of this country can stand againsttwo powerful families owning almost half or more of the Gross Domestic Product of the state?
Is this how our democratic country has come to?
Friday 8 April 2011
Who is Shiva Uranium?
In My last article we saw how Uranium one in Dominion reefs practiced unethical mining practices and left the Haartebeesfontein areas like Dominionville in devastation. the company claimed their mining operations were not profitable, amaizingly Shiva Uranium has shown interest in buying the mine. now the question that comes from peoples minds is Who is Shiva uranium?
Oakbay Resources and Energy PTY LTD has led to the formation of Shiva Uranium. Oakbay which is 85% owned by Oakbay Investments and 15% owned by Mr. Agarwal of action Group based in India negotiated the business deal with Uranium One on December 2008, and that deal was finalised on May 2009, and the purchase was made on April 14, 2010.
A consortium of black investors acquired 26% of Shiva Uranium from Oakbay Resources and Energy. The consortium includes Mabengela investments PTY LTD, headed by Duduzane Zuma (Jacob Zuma's son), the Umkhondo we Sizwe war veterans andwomens group. Duduzane Zuma is on the board of directors which is chaire by Atul Gupta, who has a wide range of businesses in South Africa.
Boards of directors
Shiva Uranium:
Board of directors: Rajesh Gupta, Atul Gupta, Duduzane Zuma and Lazarus Zim with 26% stake
Islandside Investments 254
board of directors: Duduzane Zuma, Atul Gupta with 26% stake
Mabengela Investments
Board of directors: Duduzane Zuma with less that 50% of the investment company and his friend Rajesh Gupta owning between 20% and 26%
The question now is who owns Shiva?
Is it Oakbay Resources and Energy PTY LTD, Islandside Investments 254 or Mabengela investments, but the reality is this is the face of Siva Uranium. Who is fooling who?
Oakbay Resources and Energy PTY LTD has led to the formation of Shiva Uranium. Oakbay which is 85% owned by Oakbay Investments and 15% owned by Mr. Agarwal of action Group based in India negotiated the business deal with Uranium One on December 2008, and that deal was finalised on May 2009, and the purchase was made on April 14, 2010.
A consortium of black investors acquired 26% of Shiva Uranium from Oakbay Resources and Energy. The consortium includes Mabengela investments PTY LTD, headed by Duduzane Zuma (Jacob Zuma's son), the Umkhondo we Sizwe war veterans andwomens group. Duduzane Zuma is on the board of directors which is chaire by Atul Gupta, who has a wide range of businesses in South Africa.
Boards of directors
Shiva Uranium:
Board of directors: Rajesh Gupta, Atul Gupta, Duduzane Zuma and Lazarus Zim with 26% stake
Islandside Investments 254
board of directors: Duduzane Zuma, Atul Gupta with 26% stake
Mabengela Investments
Board of directors: Duduzane Zuma with less that 50% of the investment company and his friend Rajesh Gupta owning between 20% and 26%
The question now is who owns Shiva?
Is it Oakbay Resources and Energy PTY LTD, Islandside Investments 254 or Mabengela investments, but the reality is this is the face of Siva Uranium. Who is fooling who?
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Uranium Mining Nightmare Story
My name is Tshepo Mmusi and i live in a township called Jouberton near Klerksdorp, and i work for the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. I am one of the community monitors which is hosted by Benchmarks Foundation and i work with my fellow conrades Talita Diphoko from Dominionville and Mahadio Maitsile from Kanana Township near Orkney. i have been an active monitor since last year and so far i have published a number of articles around uranium mining especially in Dominionville. Klerksdorp is surrounded by areas of high degree of mining activities and that is uranium and gold mining and the areas include Stilfontein, Vaal Reefs, Orkney, and Haartebeesfontein.
In the articles that i have published i have covered the devastating reality uranium mining to employees and the danger that uranium mining pose to members of our communities especially those of Dominionville and the environment in general. The research that we conducted in Dominionville gave a clear picture of how irresponsible mining stunted members of that community. Majority of people residing in the area are illiterate and that makes it easy for corporations to take advantage of them and to make them more vulnerable. This community community comprises of plus minus 900 people that includes men, women, children and the elderly. The community is flanked by a slime dam and an operating shaft and during windy weather conditions dust from the slime dam blows dust directly to the community and on daily basis during the day the operating shaft blow dust to the community, every day is a nightmare. There is a power station that has been built by a mining company within the community but only supplies the neighboring shafts with electricity and not the community. Unemployment, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS infections are very high. there is no proper housing, roads infrastructure and the community is dependent on mobile clinic which comes on scheduled days. In reality Dominionville is banana republic for corporations
I have also covered articles articles on the impact of uranium and radiation on the mine workers health wise, and when i was interviewing many of them they were complaining about respiratory diseases, chest pains, sore and swollen joints and coughing black staff. The problem on this regard with safety in the work place because many were were saying that they were not provided with safety equipments and gear. others were complaining about unfair dismissals by the company when they realized that employees were from time to time getting ill and they will be subjected to medical exit procedure which strategically retrenched them. Many are now vulnerable, unemployed and burdening their immediate families who must take care of them medically and struggle to make ends meet.
The companies which have mined in the area include Anglo Gold which mainly mined gold in the 1960's and it left it was followed by informal miners who mined in the area informally and the company was known as Stiet mining. In 2003 a Canadian Company called Uranium One came to the picture and bought the shafts and it operated for a number of years. After dissatisfaction and demonstrations by mine workers and community members, and intervention by civil society organizations nationally and internationally the company closed its operations after board members declared operations as non profitable. Today there is a new BEE company that took over operations by the name of Shiva Uranium. The question that everyone asks is 'is this company going to continue where the previous one left of ?' We will have to wait and see about that. The struggle continues Aluta Continua !!!
In the articles that i have published i have covered the devastating reality uranium mining to employees and the danger that uranium mining pose to members of our communities especially those of Dominionville and the environment in general. The research that we conducted in Dominionville gave a clear picture of how irresponsible mining stunted members of that community. Majority of people residing in the area are illiterate and that makes it easy for corporations to take advantage of them and to make them more vulnerable. This community community comprises of plus minus 900 people that includes men, women, children and the elderly. The community is flanked by a slime dam and an operating shaft and during windy weather conditions dust from the slime dam blows dust directly to the community and on daily basis during the day the operating shaft blow dust to the community, every day is a nightmare. There is a power station that has been built by a mining company within the community but only supplies the neighboring shafts with electricity and not the community. Unemployment, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS infections are very high. there is no proper housing, roads infrastructure and the community is dependent on mobile clinic which comes on scheduled days. In reality Dominionville is banana republic for corporations
I have also covered articles articles on the impact of uranium and radiation on the mine workers health wise, and when i was interviewing many of them they were complaining about respiratory diseases, chest pains, sore and swollen joints and coughing black staff. The problem on this regard with safety in the work place because many were were saying that they were not provided with safety equipments and gear. others were complaining about unfair dismissals by the company when they realized that employees were from time to time getting ill and they will be subjected to medical exit procedure which strategically retrenched them. Many are now vulnerable, unemployed and burdening their immediate families who must take care of them medically and struggle to make ends meet.
The companies which have mined in the area include Anglo Gold which mainly mined gold in the 1960's and it left it was followed by informal miners who mined in the area informally and the company was known as Stiet mining. In 2003 a Canadian Company called Uranium One came to the picture and bought the shafts and it operated for a number of years. After dissatisfaction and demonstrations by mine workers and community members, and intervention by civil society organizations nationally and internationally the company closed its operations after board members declared operations as non profitable. Today there is a new BEE company that took over operations by the name of Shiva Uranium. The question that everyone asks is 'is this company going to continue where the previous one left of ?' We will have to wait and see about that. The struggle continues Aluta Continua !!!
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