BEYOND LIBERATION:SA Billionaire Bridget Motsepe Tells PAP, Mining Laws Must Be Rewritten to Stop Resource Drain

MIDRAND, JOHANNESBURG – The debate on Africa’s mineral wealth and the EU’s Global Gateway took a deeply personal and powerful turn this Friday, as Ambassador Bridget Motsepe, South Africa’s first Black female mining producer, addressed the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). Representing the vital private sector, Motsepe issued a strong call for legislative action to achieve true economic liberation across the continent. Motsepe acknowledged that most African nations have achieved political liberation, but stressed that this is now insufficient.

The next crucial phase must be one of economic control, particularly given Africa’s vast mineral endowments. Her focus immediately zeroed in on the regulatory landscape. Motsepe highlighted the youth of democratic systems, noting, “my country South Africa is only 31 years as a country.” This political youth necessitates an urgent review of national mining legislations.

To ensure that PAP’s oversight is informed by reality, Motsepe made two direct, concrete appeals: She urged PAP members themselves to undertake site visits to different mining areas across the continent. She stated these visits are necessary to “have insights of what is happening on the ground” and ensure laws reflect the practical realities of the industry. Motsepe’s intervention was a powerful reminder that the continent’s wealth must translate into prosperity for its citizens.

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She advocated for a strong partnership between the legislative bodies and the private sector to ensure new laws facilitate, rather than hinder, the drive towards genuine, African-led economic empowerment. She implored the PAP President, Chief Fortune Charumbira, to officially invite the South African Parliament’s Committee on Mining to present their work and share legislative insights.

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