Exploring a conflict resolution model to end the Bapo-Ba-Mogale traditional council dispute should unlock R2 billion committed towards addressing the challenges of underdevelopment in Bapong, Segwaelane, Wonderkop and other neighbouring villages outside Brits, North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise and Lonmin have agreed.
The provincial government delegation led by Premier Mme Thandi Modise and that of Lonmin management led by Lonmin Chief Executive Officer, Ian Farmer committed to intensify efforts to bring stability in the areas of Lonmin’s mining operations and to ensure that youth, women and people with disabilities are empowered.
“While appreciating that Lonmin contributes about R40 million a year toward community development as part of its Social Labour Plan and has committed resources towards water reticulation and R16 million towards sanitation as part of its Corporate Social Investment this year, there is a need to intensify programmes to employ and skill unemployed locals within the said communities.
Providing sewing machines to women and supporting baking projects is not enough, Mining companies need to move towards meaningful empowerment to break the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in communities from which they are mining” appealed Premier Modise.
Farmer reported that his company has been supporting maths and science interventions at seven high schools within the jurisdiction of their mining operations over the past 5 years which have resulted in improved matric results.
Lonmin has thus in addition awarded bursaries to 155 youths for tertiary studies. Forty-three of the bursary recipients, 36 of whom are women, are studying towards qualification in mining related fields and are targeted for recruitment on completion.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0420
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Conflict resolution model to unlock Bapo wealth
Province
