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Media Advisory: Commencement of the Second Leg of the National Inquiry into Policy Framework around Artisanal Mining in South Africa
Attention: Editors and Reporters
28 January2026
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission/SAHRC) wishes to communicate the commencement of the second leg of the National Inquiry into Policy Framework around Artisanal Mining, the Impact of Artisanal Mining on the human rights of surrounding communities and the scope and tactics employed in Operation Vala Umgodi (Inquiry).
28 January2026
The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission/SAHRC) wishes to communicate the commencement of the second leg of the National Inquiry into Policy Framework around Artisanal Mining, the Impact of Artisanal Mining on the human rights of surrounding communities and the scope and tactics employed in Operation Vala Umgodi (Inquiry).
The first leg of the Inquiry was held from 1 - 3 October 2025, during which the Commission received written submissions and oral testimony from mine-affected communities; civil society organisations; and several government departments, including the South African Police Service and the Department of Minerals and Petroleum. However, owing the unavailability of certain key stakeholders and the need to hear further evidence, the Commission resolved to conduct a second leg of the inquiry.
The second leg of the inquiry will take place as follows:
Dates: 2 - 4 February 2026
Venue: South African Human Rights Commission Head Office
Address: Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg
During this second leg of the inquiry, the Commission will hear evidence and presentations from, among others, SAPS, the Minerals Council South Africa, COSATMA, the DMPR, the Department of Social Development, Buffelsfontein Mine, the Department of Small Business Development, and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
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ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Wisani Baloyi, SAHRC Communications Coordinator – 081 016 8308 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
011 877 3600 (Switchboard)