The handover ceremony takes place at the Tubatse Chrome Club and sees the PSV representatives and beneficiaries celebrate the newly built infrastructure that will  help improve the lives of the immediate beneficiaries and serving future generations, says the company.

Some of the projects being handed over include an early childhood development centre, education infrastructure, roads, sanitation and community halls, which all form part of the Venture's Corporate Social Investment and Social and Labour Plan (SLP) initiatives designed to materially improve infrastructure and quality of life in its host communities, adds the company. 

Conroy van der Westhuizen, Chief Community and Social Responsibility Officer, recognises the contribution of each employee through their hard work. "We are honoured to be here with you today. This handover illustrates the nature of our relationship; a relationship deeply embedded in trust. It is not a commercial relationship; it is a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust, institutionalised cooperation, one with a shared vision to improve lives in our surrounding communities," says van der Westhuisen.

Projects officially being handed-off are:

  • Motshele Day Care Centre — Kutullo Village
  • Ga-Malekane Primary School Hall, classrooms and administration block — Ga-Malekane Village
  • Masha Nkotoane Community Hall — Ga-Masha Nkotoane Village (Moshate)
  • Paving and Enviro-Loo Toilets — Ga-Phasha
  • Ga-Mampuru Tribal Hall and Offices — Ga-Mampuru Village (Moshate)
  • Paved Road and Low-Water Bridge — Ga-Maepa Village (Moshate)
  • Ga-Makua Community Hall — Ga-Makua Village (Moshate)
  • Masha Ntake Community Hall — Ga-Masha Ntake Village
  • PPE ProjectLocal Enterprise Development — Glencore Business Park, Steelpoort
  • Phase 1 of the Steelpoort Academy — Laerskool Steelpoort, Steelpoort, and
  • Co-Funding of Eight Lecture Rooms  — The Mashishing TVET College – Lydenburg.

The newly built facilities aim to unlock socio-economic potential in underdeveloped communities, improve learning conditions for students and create inclusive spaces for community conversations and growth, says the company.

Community members, traditional leaders and local government representatives attending the handover ceremony applaud Glencore-Merafe Resources Venture for its hands-on approach to sustainable impact, adds the company.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kgoshigadi Phasha from the Ga-Phasha village expresses their gratitude towards the Venture for their contribution and dedication to completing the project. Phasha says, "We pray for the growth of your company and for the challenges facing your industry to come to an end. It is important that the Venture continues its operations in our communities for our people to benefit from it, may God bless your deeds."

The projects supported local small businesses and created over 80 job opportunities during the construction and implementation phases. In line with economic localisation strategy, many of the contractors engaged were black-female-owned enterprises, ensuring that the investment went back into the communities it aims to support, says the company.

Through collaboration with local government, traditional councils and community members, the Glencore-Merafe Resources Joint Venture believe they  continue to add long-lasting value and energise today to advance tomorrow, concludes the company.

For more information, visit www.glencore.com/south-africa. You can also follow Glencore-Merafe Resources on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor