H.E Bridgette Motsepe, a Pan-African Powerhouse with a Remarkable Journey in Liberating Africa’s Mining Industry

Minerals and Mining Development Board in South Africa. However, it is her efforts and agitation for reforms in South Africa’s mining industry that have earned her recognition and repute across the African continent and globally.

Mmakau was founded in the1980s when South Africa was still grappling with the harsh environment imposed by the apartheid regime.

While recounting her experience as an upcoming black entrepreneur in the onset days of Mmakau during the 2023 DRC Mining Week, H.E Motsepe noted that four foreign companies had assumed control of 83% of South Africa’s mining industry hence limiting the participation of indigenous players.

She is credited for being among the people who pushed for the nationalization of mining in South Africa to change the then status quo where the government of South Africa did not have control of mining rights.

Among the reforms she prides herself on having initiated was the push to have at least 26% of shares in every company granted mining rights owned by locals.

“DRC is 63 years old, but when I ask the President of the local mining chamber how many local people own shares in the mines I am very worried,” H.E Motsepe stated while addressing a session in the DRC mining week.

“DRC is 63 years old, but when I ask the President of the local mining chamber how many local people own shares in the mines I am very worried,” H.E Motsepe stated while addressing a session in the DRC mining week.

Decades after the battle to open up South Africa’s mining sector, H.E. Motsepe still wears the reformist hat and continues to address contemporary challenges on the continent.

Currently, H.E Motsepe likens the situation in the early days of her mining journey to the prevailing state of mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to her, there is an urgent need for the DRC government and other players in the industry to institute regulations that will make it possible for the locals to participate in mining.

“DRC is 63 years old, but when I ask the President of the local mining chamber how many local people own shares in the mines I am very worried,” H.E Motsepe stated while addressing a session in the DRC mining week.

In her speech, she decried the dilapidated state of DRC’s roads and infrastructure in general, describing the paradox of a rich country with limited infrastructure growth.

H.E Bridgette Motsepe emphasized the importance of countries like the DRC remaining cautious regarding the emerging trend of neocolonialism, which poses a potential obstacle to the local population benefiting from the abundant mineral resources.

Motsepe believes that it is crucial for the native population to fully reap the rewards of their own mineral deposits without any undue influence or exploitation. She encouraged a balanced and equitable approach that ensures fair distribution of wealth and opportunities for the people of the DRC