Anglo American Platinum Limited (“Anglo American Platinum” or the “Company”) has today signed a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Roads Agency Limpopo (“RAL”), a state-owned company established by the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure to help fund the development of road infrastructure in the Limpopo province.

As part of the partnership, the company will collaborate with RAL on the agency’s road construction projects. Specifically, the funding will support an upgrade from gravel to tar of 20 kilometers of the D4180 road in Limpopo. The company has allocated approximately R46.8million towards the design and construction of the road and RAL has committed to providing the remaining balance required to complete the project.

Anglo American Platinum CEO, Chris Griffith said, “We believe in playing an active role in understanding and supporting the Limpopo government’s Development Plans which are aimed at improving the local economy and improving the livelihoods of community members. Partnerships like these ensure that we are aligned and work collaboratively to create value for the communities in which we operate.”

This initiative is part of Anglo American Platinum’s ongoing commitment to sustainable community development and improving the standard of living in communities neighboring its mining operations through its Social & Labour Plans (SLPs). It is also part of the company’s continued engagement with the Limpopo government to support infrastructure development.

In addition to this MOA, Anglo American Platinum has completed a number of road infrastructure initiatives as identified by the communities neighboring the company’s Twickenham Project and the Greater Tubatse Municipality. This was conducted through a consultative process and formed part of the company’s first generation SLP. Progress to date has included:

• Completed 7km of back roads,
• A 1.3km internal road in Greater Tubatse Municipality connecting Ga-Makgopa and Swazimanyane. 4.3km to be completed in the current year,
• Two access bridge roads built in close proximity to the Marapong and Dithabaneng communities benefiting various road users
• Contributed R20 million to the upgrade of the R37 carriageway; interchange and the bridge widening junction

Speaking at the signing ceremony, RAL Chief Executive Officer, Petrus Matji said, “As an Agency we took a clear position on how to approach road infrastructure delivery by identifying business partners who operate in the areas we develop, we then form strategic partnerships which benefit a range of stakeholders. Our road infrastructure delivery is centered on job creation for locals who we ensure they form part of these projects throughout the construction value chain. Through this we encourage and promote self-ownership.”

Note to editors:
Chris Griffith co-chairs the Integrated Infrastructure Technical working group with the Limpopo MEC of Public Works as part of the broader Premier’s Employment and Growth Advisory Council (PEGAC). PEGAC is comprised of eight Technical Working Groups responsible for reviewing the Limpopo Development Plan and the implementation plans. Its members are appointed by the Premier of Limpopo and meet quarterly to review progress of all infrastructure projects in Limpopo.