Building Safer Mining Communities - A Stronger Response to Addressing GBV

The South African government has declared gender-based violence a national disaster. This demonstrates strong political will to mobilise the country’s resources to eradicate this scourge, which is exacerbated by multiple factors such as unequal power relations, cultural norms and economic inequality.

For South Africans, the reality is stark: 1 in 3 women (33.3 percent) over the age of 18 has experienced some form of physical violence in their lifetime (HSRC, 2024). In mining communities specifically, a study by Women Affected by Mining in Action (2024) found that across 14 communities in Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Northern Cape, 56 percent of women interviewed were victims of GBV or knew of a woman who was a victim. Many women remain in abusive relationships due to economic dependence.

Given the desire and responsibility to improve the health and wellbeing of mining communities, Valterra Platinum has partnered with Tshikululu Social Investments to deliver a coordinated, survivor centred GBV response. Using an integrated approach that strengthens survivor support services, organisational capacity and government linkages, the programme ensures help is immediate, sustainable and impactful. In partnership with the National HIV and AIDS Community Southern Africa (NACOSA), the initiative supports a network of 12 community-based organisations across five mining communities, providing trauma support, safe accommodation, legal assistance and community education.

Valterra Platinum’s support extends beyond the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. During this period of amplifying collective voices and support to address GBV, we highlight the work implemented across the North West and Limpopo provinces in Amandelbult, Mogalakwena, Mototolo, Twickenham and Process Rustenburg mining areas. Between January and September 2025, more than 2 800 GBV survivors were supported, including more than 2 100 domestic violence cases, with 548 protection order applications initiated. Holistic support has included comfort packs, which are basic toiletries for those requiring overnight shelter, food vouchers based on needs assessments and transport support mainly to attend court.

In addition, community organisations have received training in core areas such as GBV service delivery, governance, fundraising, marketing and monitoring and evaluation. This ensures community-based organisations have the necessary skills to offer quality services while building their knowledge on sustainability. Further support has included one on one governance mentorship, data systems mentorship and sustainability guidance to launch income generating initiatives such as food gardens. This strengthens both organisational and local economic resilience and contributes to the fundraising efforts of these organisations.

“Sustainable impact requires collaboration between strong organisations, communities, funders and the private sector,” says Leanne Emery Hunter, Chief Executive Officer at Tshikululu Social Investments. “We are proud to support Valterra Platinum in building safer, more resilient mining communities and strengthening the ecosystem that supports survivors.”

Valterra Platinum’s commitment demonstrates how coordinated and accountable social investment can transform lives. Yvonne Moflo, Executive Head: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Valterra Platinum, emphasised the importance of amplifying support for GBV initiatives, noting that:

“The 16 Days of Activism reminds us that more stakeholders across the funding, philanthropic and corporate landscape need to be activated and invest in sustainable and measurable GBV interventions that reach survivors and strengthen communities for the long term.”