Anglo American Platinum today handed over the Thlabane West Primary School’s early childhood development centre and the newly built Thlabane West Primary Library, along with eight completed Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects, to the beneficiary communities around the Rustenburg mine operations.
The library and centre were built as an extension to the Tlhabane West Primary School, which was built by Anglo American Platinum in 2011 and today serves more than 1,200 students. The Grade R block will accommodate 120 learners in four classrooms.The additions, valued at more than R7 million, will enable the school to meet the growing demand for education in the area.
The additional eight projects focus on job creation and poverty alleviation; education and skills development; and safety, health and welfare. They include construction of science and computer labs, farming projects, construction of the Seraleng Community Clinic and improvements to the school’s sports fields. The total spend on these projects amounted to R83 million and approximately 285 job opportunities were created through implementation of these SLP projects.
Since 2010, Anglo American Platinum has initiated and completed 19 projects to the total spend of R257.4 million in Rustenburg and labour sending areas. Through these projects, 800 local community members have been afforded jobs through local contractual employment.
The handover of the projects was commemorated in a ceremony attended by Godfrey Oliphant, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Valli Moosa, Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Anglo American Platinum, Dr Magome Masike, and MEC of Health North West and Jonas Sello Lehari, MEC of Education & Sport North West employees, and local community members.
Valli Moosa, Independent Non-Executive Director at Anglo American Platinum said: “We are pleased to hand over these projects to the Rustenburg community as a demonstration of successful partnership that supports economic and social development in the communities in which we operate. Commenting on the construction of Tlhabane Primary School and Library, Moosa said: “The school’s success has led to an increase in enrolment and the expansion will ensure effective teaching and help build a culture of learning that benefits more students. We look forward to seeing the continued progress of this school.”
The North West MEC for Education and Sport Development Jonas Sello Lehari said: “We welcome these community initiatives to bring important education infrastructure to the community, and we look forward to seeing improved academic results in our schools.” The North West MEC for Healthcare Dr Masike added: “The North West government is pleased with the partnership with Anglo American Platinum, the Seraleng Clinic is important to providing greater access to good healthcare in the Rustenburg communities.”
Additional information on the eight completed SLP projects:
- Bakwena Science Laboratory
The Bakwena High School Science lab was built alongside two additional classrooms, two Head of Department offices, a multipurpose classroom and the necessary science equipment and tools for learners to complete tasks. Smartboards were erected at the science laboratory and educators received training. The total spend on this project was R8.4 million, 14 jobs were created, and it is expected to benefit 670 learners at the school.
- Retlagona and President Mangope computer laboratories
A computer laboratory, furnished with 61 computers and internet access, was built at the Retlagone Primary School and the President Mangope Technical High School. The project has created 20 jobs, and 6 local contractors were used during construction. The total spend on this project was R4.3 million.
- Photsaneng Primary School IT centre and classrooms
Anglo American Platinum constructed the Photsaneng IT centre, along with three additional classrooms. The total cost of the project was R4.7 million, and created 20 job opportunities as well as used 6 local contractors.
- Upgraded sports fields
The sports fields at Tlhage, Mfidikoe and Photsaneng primary schools and Tshuduku secondary school were upgraded to deliver four soccer/rugby fields, three multipurpose courts for netball, basketball and volleyball; fencing, an irrigation system, as well as maintenance and field marking equipment. The total spend on the project was R6 million, and during the project, 109 temporary job opportunities were created while eight local Small, Medium & Micro Enterprise Businesses were procured.
- Paardekraal piggery
A piggery outgrower scheme was established as a commercial enterprise. The outgrower consists of four pens for 160 weaners each. Currently fully operational, a cooperative of seven people will run the piggery. Construction cost R3.4 million and created 20 temporary job opportunities.
- Mimosa Farm
This agricultural project at Mimosa Farm in Phatsima will have four production sections including vegetables, fruit trees, poultry, and cattle or goat pens. The farm created 40 temporary jobs, 17 permanent jobs for locals as cooperative members, and has the potential to create 100 additional jobs as it becomes fully operational and support growth along the agricultural value chain. The total cost of the project was R5 million.
- Seraleng Primary Healthcare Clinic
Anglo American Platinum constructed the Seraleng Primary Healthcare Clinic which consists of a maternity ward, dentistry, medical storage, consulting rooms and a kitchen. Clinic doors were opened in December 2016, and provides access to a healthcare facility for the Seraleng, Sondela, Meriting, Boschfontein, Boitekong, Paardekraal, Rustenburg North and Karlienpark communities. The company spent a total of R39.5 million on the clinic, and through the project created 88 temporary job opportunities. Permanent jobs will be created through the operation of the clinic and local businesses will benefit from procurement opportunities. Anglo American Platinum also donated an equipped ambulance costing R1.2 million.
- High mast lights
High mast lights were erected in the Mfidikoe, Photsaneng and Thekwane villages for security purposes. A total of R14.5 million was invested in the project, and 34 job opportunities were created.
Additional information on previously completed SLP projects in Rustenburg
- In 2011, Anglo American Platinum completed construction of the Thlabane Primary School and handed the school over to the Department of Education. The school consists of 25 classrooms, an administration block, Head of Department offices, a computer centre, librar and ablution facilities. A total of R18.6 million was spent on the construction of the school. As part of the upgrades made to the facilities last year, MacMillan donated books and library equipment. Additionally, 170 community members were employed and 13 local contractors were used in the construction of the facilities.