As political parties discuss the way forward in establishing a government of national unity, the Minerals Council South Africa says it and its members are advocating for a constructive, collaborative and trusting relationship among government, labour, civil society and the private sector to continue dealing with the many challenges facing the country.

The council notes that government and business groups, including the Minerals Council, have been collaborating for a year on efforts to deal with the energy, rail, road, port, and crime and corruption crises facing the country, stating that this partnership between government and business is making a positive difference.

“If South Africa is to fully realise the growth opportunities of its minerals potential and enter the race for critical minerals, it needs a modern, efficient and conducive operating and regulatory environment to position itself as a mining investment destination of choice. The prize is a competitive and growing mining industry that benefits the whole of South Africa’s society,” Minerals Council CEO Mzila Mthenjane says.

Acknowledging that there is still some road to cover to reach agreement on a South African government, the council says it welcomes the African National Congress’ acknowledgment that this process should include multi-party and multi-stakeholder collaboration, to not only resolve South Africa’s problems, but also to take advantage of considerable investment and inclusive economic development opportunities in the mining industry and other sectors of the economy and progress transformation imperatives.

"The consideration of a government that places the Constitution at the forefront of collaborative political and societal efforts to grow an inclusive economy and opportunities for all South Africans, is a favourable outcome after free and fair elections that represented the will of the country’s citizens," Mthenjane says.

The council adds that it shares the values and principles that will underpin a new government for nation building and social cohesion through respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, social justice and equity, human dignity, non-racialism and  non-sexism.

"We are staunch proponents of stability, accountability, transparency, integrity, community participation and good governance," it emphasises.