Glencore-Merafe Resources proudly hands over 11 community development projects worth over R29 million

The Glencore-Merafe Resources Pooling and Sharing Venture (PSV) proudly handed over 11 completed community development projects worth over R29 million to various villages around Steelpoort in the Limpopo Province as well as in the community of Lydenburg in Mpumalanga Province. The handover ceremony, which took place at the Tubatse Chrome Club was a joyous occasion, which saw the PSV representatives and beneficiaries celebrate the newly built infrastructure that will not only help improve the lives of the immediate beneficiaries but also serve future generations.

Some of the projects handed over include an early childhood development centre, education infrastructure, roads, sanitation, and community halls, which all form part of the Venture’s Corporate Social Investment and Social and Labour Plan (SLP) initiatives designed to materially improve infrastructure and quality of life in its host communities.

Conroy van der Westhuizen, Chief Community and Social Responsibility Officer recognised the contribution of each employee through their hard work, which led to the construction of the 11 projects. Addressing the guests, he further added, “We are honoured to be here with you today. This handover illustrates the nature of our relationship; a relationship deeply embedded in trust. It is not a commercial relationship; it is a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust, institutionalised cooperation, one with a shared vision to improve lives in our surrounding communities.”

The following projects were officially handed over:

• MotsheleDay Care Centre – Kutullo Village
• Ga-MalekanePrimary School Hall, classrooms and administration block – Ga-Malekane Village
• Masha Nkotoane Community Hall – Ga-Masha NkotoaneVillage (Moshate)
• Paving and Enviro-Loo Toilets – Ga-Phasha
• Ga-Mampuru Tribal Hall and Offices – Ga-Mampuru Village (Moshate)
• Paved Road and Low-Water Bridge – Ga-Maepa Village (Moshate)
• Ga-Makua Community Hall – Ga-Makua Village (Moshate)
• Masha Ntake Community Hall – Ga-Masha NtakeVillage
• PPE ProjectLocalEnterprise Development– Glencore Business Park, Steelpoort
• Phase 1 of the SteelpoortAcademy – Laerskool Steelpoort, Steelpoort
• Co-Funding of eight lecture rooms the Mashishing TVET College – Lydenburg

The newly built facilities aim to unlock socio-economic potential in underdeveloped communities, improve learning conditions for students, and create inclusive spaces for community conversations and growth.

Community members, traditional leaders, and local government representatives attended the handover ceremony, applauding Glencore-Merafe Resources Venture for its hands-on approach to sustainable impact.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kgoshigadi Phasha from the Ga-Phasha village expressed their gratitude towards the Venture for their contribution and dedication to completing the projects, she further added, “we pray for the growth of your company and for the challenges facing your industry to come to an end. It is important that the Venture continues its operations in our communities for our people to benefit from it, may God bless your deeds.”

Overall, the projects supported local small businesses and created over 80 job opportunities during the construction and implementation phases. In line with economic localisation strategy, many of the contractors engaged were black- and female-owned enterprises, ensuring that the investment went back into the communities it aimed to support.

Through collaboration with local government, traditional councils, and community members, the Glencore-Merafe Resources Joint Venture can continue to add long-lasting value and energise today to advance tomorrow.