The location of the mining operations which in most cases tends to be far from existing settlement has necessitated the need for mining right holders to make provision for housing as an undertaking to be part of the infrastructure required to develop a mine. In the late nineteenth century, the beginning of modern mining industry which was characterised by barracks of single sex hostels was the cornerstone of the segregation policy compromised the privacy and dignity of mine employees. The lack of proper housing and living conditions and non-adherence to nutritional diet for majority of mine employees in the mining and minerals industry were of substandard nature, adversely impacting on their social lives, health and productivity.

The appalling living conditions under which black mine employees were made to live before the advent of democracy led to a myriad of social ills, including the destruction of the social fabric of community,

substance abuse, as well as the contribution and spread of diseases particularly tuberculosis and HIV /AIDS. To address the above challenges the industry stakeholders committed through the Stakeholder's Declaration on Strategy for the Sustainable Growth and Meaningful Transformation of South Africa's Mining Industry, 2010 to restore human dignity of mine employees in line with the Constitution by attaining the occupancy rate of one person per room, upgrading or conversion of hostels into family units, provision of home ownership options and balanced nutrition.

Although the South African mining industry has since made noticeable inroads in progressively upgrading hostels and converting them to single accommodation units, there is still a need to ensure that mining right holders continue to and maintain adequate and liveable housing and living conditions for mine employees. Even though many hostels were converted into single and family units there is still work that must be done to address the broader objective of ensuring that mine employees live in decent accommodation.

Government recognises mining industry's and various initiatives aimed at progressive realisation of human dignity and decency for mine employees. The collaborative initiatives by all relevant stakeholders including the Special Presidential Package on revitalisation of ghost mining towns, Operation Phakisa process, and framework agreement, are commended and must be pursued and the implementation thereof be expedited.

The overall objective of this document is therefore to provide for housing and living conditions standard with clearly defined principles and processes and to guide mining right holders in providing decent housing and living conditions to mine employees