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Media Advisory: Ministers Gwede Mantashe and Nokuzola Tolashe to appear before the National Inquiry into Policy Framework around Artisanal Mining in South Africa

Attention: Editors and Reporters
02 February 2026

On Tuesday 03 February 2026, the Ministers of Mineral and Petroleum Resources; Honourable Gwede Mantashe, and the Minister of Social Development, Honourable Nokuzola Tolashe, will appear before the South African Human Rights Commission’s(Commission/SAHRC) 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 Ministers will testify before the inquiry on the roles played by their respective ministries during Operation Vala Umgodi.

The second leg of the inquiry is taking 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
Time: 08:00 – 16:30

The Commission, during this second leg, will also hear evidence and presentations from, among others, Buffelsfontein Mine, the Department of Small Business Development, and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

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