Abstract
Public participation is a key component of mining-related development and is intended to ensure that affected communities are involved in decisions that shape their social and economic well-being. However, cultural norms and gender dynamics can influence who participates, whose voices are heard, and how participation is experienced in rural mining communities.
This study investigates the experiences of community members in Sekhukhune, focusing on how culture and gender shape public participation in the context of mining development. Data collection was conducted through in-depth, one-on-one interviews with twelve Sekhukhune community members; these were thematically analysed to gain a better understanding of the public participation processes implemented by Twickenham Mine. The study adopted theoretical frameworks of intersectionality and critical feminist theory to examine how cultural, social, and power dynamics shape gendered participation.
The findings of the study indicate that inclusivity in Sekhukhune is more symbolic than transformative. Cultural traditions and patriarchal practices guide who leads in the household and who is heard in public participation processes, limiting women’s visibility and ability to influence decision-making regarding their own development. Women’s participation in community meetings is often symbolic, they attend community engagement meetings but do not necessarily participate outside of their domestic duties, their voices are silenced by social expectations and institutional practices. The unequal distribution of resources, power relations, and entrenched hierarchies exclude women and marginalised groups from accessing benefits and participating meaningfully in decision-making processes. Overall, the case of Twickenham Mine in Sekhukhune highlights the need for mining companies to move beyond performative community development. Sustainability processes must be participatory, inclusive, and attentive to the needs of all community members, with consideration for women and other marginalised groups.
The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how culture and gender shape community participation in rural mining contexts and provides insights that can inform more inclusive and gender-responsive public participation practices in the mining sector.