Today Lonmin donated 50 hectares of land consisting of serviced stands, to be used for housing in the greater Marikana area, to the Department of Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison of the North West province and the Rustenburg Local Municipality.
This landmark agreement between the public and private sector heralds the development of new integrated human settlements comprising a range of high-and low-density residential housing, together with all associated municipal services. These settlements will support the development of a vibrant, sustainable and dignified lifestyle for the people living in the Marikana area. Development of the land is scheduled to commence before 30 June 2014.
Hon Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Connie September MP said: “This deal will help address the critical shortage of appropriate and affordable accommodation in the area and fulfill our core constitutional mandate of delivering adequate housing and basic services to communities living within the Greater Rustenburg Municipal area.”
Lonmin Chief Executive Ben Magara said: “We believe that this is an important step in the journey of contributing to the well-being of our communities and Lonmin’s employees in particular. This donation forms part of our commitment to support the Presidential initiative to improve living conditions in Rustenburg and we look forward to working closely with our partners and other stakeholders.
In addition and outside of this donation, Lonmin will contribute at least R0.5 billion over the next five years towards employee accommodation and community bulk services."
MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Mr Nono Maloyi said: “We welcome Lonmin’s donation of land as this will support the Government’s human settlement initiatives, and assist the North West province to address the need for shelter and related services within the greater Marikana area.”
