As a mining business, we aim to make a real and lasting difference for all South Africans, especially our employees and the communities surrounding our mines.
To date, our Coal business has invested R2 billion and built 414 houses, helping hundreds of our employees to proudly say: “I’m a home owner”. By the end of 2014, 249 houses had been sold to employees as part of the Spring Valley housing development project in Duvha Park, eMalahleni. Due for completion at the end of 2016, Spring Valley will provide 3,200 residential units in the community.
The success of this housing initiative lies in its innovative funding model where we invest in a portion of the bulk services needed for the whole development and, in return, get significantly discounted building packages for employees who secure a home loan through the banks.
We visited some of our proud new home owners and discovered how the Spring Valley housing project has changed their lives for the better.
Johannes Mathebula
Three months ago Johannes Mathebula, control room operator at Landau colliery, shared a one bedroom house with his wife and four children.
Today he’s the proud home owner of a three bedroom house where he and his family can live much more comfortably. Johannes says he has always dreamed of owning his own home and now that dream is a reality.
“My family and I are comfortable here and we have our privacy. When I work night shift it is peaceful during the day and I get enough sleep to be ready to work.”
He is thankful for the support and he now has a reduced monthly instalment, and the housing option allows him to build and make further renovations now or in the future.
Johannes says, “I believe that Anglo American lives up to its values of care and respect. This housing initiative proves it,” says Johannes.
He hopes to grow old here with his family and is grateful that he now has a place to call home.
Charmaine Jacobs
A year ago Charmaine Jacobs, senior accounts assistant at Global Shared Services, was living with her parents. Now, at the age of 28 she is a proud owner of a two bedroom home. She says the best part about her home is that she truly has her own space where she can live her own way.
“I never imagined I would be a home owner at this age. My home is my pride and joy,” says Charmaine.
“Anglo American supports its employees in every way and the housing initiative has been an incredible success as many of my colleagues have also recently bought houses in my area,” she says.
Nokwanda Buthelezi
Nokwanda Buthelezi, billing clerk at our Coal SA Highveld Hospital, has dreamt about working at Anglo American since she started studying. She moved from her home in KwaZulu-Natal to fulfil this ambition in 2012.
Nokwanda shares her three bedroom home with her brother who is studying mechanical engineering and one day hopes to join the Anglo American family, too.
“Anglo American made this possible,” says Nokwanda. “They give back to their employee showing that they really care."
Thanks to our housing programme, she says we have uplifted and helped her achieve many important goals in her life.
“I dreamt about working for Anglo American and it is a reality. I dreamt about owning a home and now I do. This company has made me who I am today and I hope this dream never ends.”
For more information watch Coal SA Head of Corporate Affairs, Bheki Khumala on SABC News discussing our Spring Valley Housing Project and download our latest Transformation Report.