Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu (MP) today called on mining companies to do more to leave areas where they operate, better off than when they found them.
Speaking at an event in Richards Bay where she handed over houses worth R9,6 million to the Mbonambi and Sokhulu communities, inspected an agricultural facility and opened a technical high school specialising in mechanical and electrical engineering, the Minister said mining companies should strive to uplift communities where they operate.
“A company like RBM should ensure that communities where it mines are better off than when it started operating here 37 years ago,” she said.
In this first phase of development, the houses, built by Richards Bay Minerals as part of the implementation of its Social and Labour Plan, will benefit twenty families, including child-headed households. The communities are located close to the mining company’s operations. A total of 240 jobs were created during the construction of the projects.
In addition, the company has built an agricultural project, to the tune of R3,3 million, as well as a R2,8 million furnished technical workshop, transforming a rural high school into a mechanical and electrical engineering facility which compares with the best technical high schools and FET colleges. The company will spend about R150 million in SLP projects over the next five years, focusing on the Richards Bay area.
“We are proud today to create opportunities for our young people to be better skilled, so they can become contributors to the growth and development of the South African economy,” she said.
The Minister commended RBM for embracing transformation, by appointing a black South African, Mr Mpho Mothoa, as head of its mining operations in SA. She also challenged other companies to emulate this model. The Minister was accompanied on her visit by RBM Managing Director, Mr Mpho Mothoa, and the mayor of uThungulu District Municipality.
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