The projects, which include 17 that have been completed and two in implementation for completion, are focused on infrastructure development, education, health and poverty alleviation are aimed at benefiting the local community. Projects included the construction of a community centre, a primary healthcare clinic, renovation of school facilities, and multiple agricultural and infrastructure initiatives. Approximately 281 job opportunities were created through implementation of these SLP projects.

The transfer of the projects was commemorated in a ceremony attended by Chris Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American Platinum, Honourable Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane, employees and local community members.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chris Griffith, Chief Executive Officer said “Today’s ceremony is an excellent example of a successful collaboration between our key stakeholders, government, traditional leadership and communities, who are tirelessly working towards ensuring mining can deliver its share of benefits to the communities. While we are mindful of the challenges facing the platinum industry, we are pleased with the progress on our community initiatives and remain committed to a number of projects in the next generation of Union mine’s social and labour plan.”

"It is extremely important for industry to serve the needs of communities where it operates, as well as those from which it sources labour. With greater collaboration we will be able to achieve even greater things for our communities, so that we can indeed realize the objectives of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) - that the people derive sustainable benefit from the minerals beneath the soil. The Mining Charter is clear on the objectives that must be met by each right holder, and we commend those who have embraced this, and have not just treated it as a matter of compliance. We will also continue to act, in line with the law, where a right holder is not complying with the Act," the Minister of Mineral Resources, Mosebenzi Zwane said.

Additional information on the Union Mine JV Social and Labour Plan projects for hand-over:

• Education: Projects in support of education handed over to the North West Department of Education include, Mochudi Secondary, Kgabutle Secondary, Phadi Primary and Mokgalwana Primary schools. These schools were in a dilapidated state and have been renovated to improve the quality of learning. A newly constructed school named Sebele Primary School was also handed over to the Department, as well as science laboratories for two local schools. Additionally, the Company supported early childhood development and general education and training, including educator development programmes, learnerships and portable skills training.
• Community Infrastructure: To benefit the community at large, the Company’s Union Mine built the Sefikile Community Centre which consists of sports and recreational facilities, a pay-point facility for pensioners, a computer centre and general business facilities. The Centre, which has been handed over to the Moses Kotane Municipality, will enable government services, like Home Affairs and Social Services, to be brought closer to the community. Other infrastructure projects included: a waste separation project, construction of a sewage plant, Sefikile road construction and installation of mast lights.
• Healthcare: Sefikile Community Clinic, which will bring primary healthcare services closer to the doorstep of the communities surrounding Union Mine, was handed over to the North West Department of Health.
• Agriculture: As part of the initiatives to alleviate poverty, the Company supported three agricultural projects: Bojating Mango Farming, Sedimogang Poultry & Organic Farming Projects. These projects collectively created a total of 35 permanent job opportunities and part-time jobs, at an ad-hoc basis, will become available.