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SLP handovers unlock sustainable solutions

20 June 2023 · Platinum Bushvelder

Thabazimbi -To help provide better socio-economic infrastructure for community members who live in its communities, Amandelbult Complex has handed over two of its social labour plan (SLP) projects to Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM) and started on a third.

The SLP projects handed over to TLM on Monday, 5 June 2023, include a 10 million litre reservoir and a waste management fleet. The handover ceremonies were followed by a sod-turning ceremony for the Northam Wastewater Treatment Plant. Anglo American Platinum invested nearly R34 million in the projects.

At the ceremonies, stakeholder representatives such as Waterberg District Municipality executive mayor Councillor Morris Mataboge; TLM mayor Councillor Judith Mogapi; Anglo American Platinum head, corporate affairs and sustainable impact, Yvonne Mfolo; Amandelbult Complex senior general manager Olaf Meijer; Amandelbult Complex acting senior social performance manager Kaitumela Letebele; and Limpopo Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regional manager Azwihangwisi Malaudzi were joined by representatives of the United Association of South Africa (UASA) trade union; the National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa (NUM); and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), as well as TLM councillors and ward committees.

Waste management fleet for TLM

First on the agenda was the handover of an Amandelbult Complex SLP 3 project, a waste management fleet, to TLM, which took place at Thaba Park.

Platinum head, corporate affairs and sustainable impact, Yvonnne Mfolo said: “Anglo American Platinum will continue to partner with community stakeholders to ensure that challenges within our communities are addressed. Platinum’s handover today confirms its commitment to improving the socio-economic climate for community members.”

Malaudzi and Mataboge praised the project and Malaudzi said: “As a Platinum operation, Amandelbult Complex has delivered in accordance with its social responsibility. This fleet will improve lives in Northam, Regorogile, and Thabazimbi.”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony that followed, Mfolo handed the keys of TLMs new waste management fleet to Mogapi.

The fleet includes a landfill compactor, two waste removal trucks with fifteen collection bins, a dump truck, and a tractor. This equipment will greatly enhance TLM’s waste removal and disposal service delivery.

New reservoir

The delegation then proceeded to Regorogile, just outside Thabazimbi, for the handover of an Amandelbult Complex SLP 2 project: a 10 million litre reservoir that will provide a steady water supply to Regorogile and other parts of Thabazimbi. The reservoir will help lessen the strain on the Thabazimbi municipality’s water systems and improve water security for over 35,000 households.

The reservoir, which is situated adjacent to the existing reservoir, easily connects with the existing water supply infrastructure. It will reduce the water shortages experienced by residents as it receives its water from Vaalkop Dam as well as a booster borehole pump station, which will be run by TLM.
In addition, inlet pipes from the bulk water network were connected with the newly constructed reservoir, and wastewater equipment has been provided to the Thabazimbi Local Municipality. The projects provided 205 direct employment opportunities during the construction phase.

Platinum projects manager Emmanuel Nkuna said: “Water is crucial for life. I am pleased, because the community will benefit from the new reservoir. My team worked very hard to make this project a success.”

Northam Wastewater Treatment Plant

The sod-turning event for another Amandelbult Complex SLP 2 project, the Northam Wastewater Treatment Plant, concluded proceedings.

Amandelbult Complex’s aim is to treat Northam’s wastewater to combat pollution. Upon completion, the plant will treat water to meet the legal discharge requirements into the river. The plant will be managed by Anglo American Platinum for 24 months after construction. This will allow sufficient time for skills transfer to the municipality to ensure the continued efficient management of the facility.
The construction of the plant is expected to boost the local economy, as a percentage of the contract amount will be spent on local employment, raw materials, and services.

The plant will also generate long-term employment opportunities, as well as the two-year operation and maintenance including training of TLM resources to run the plant.

Ultimately, the Wastewater Treatment Plant will also provide the wastewater infrastructure necessary to support Amandelbult Complex’s Northam megaproject, which will involve building 17,600 housing units in Koedoesdoorn and Northam extensions 12, 13, and 17.

Meijer said: “This project will serve as a catalyst for growth. The Northam Wastewater Treatment Plant will enable the development of housing infrastructure, which will provide employment and give people a place to call home.”

Anglo American Platinum housing manager Lonwabo Mgudlwa added: “The plant will unlock a lot of opportunities that will address issues in the area. It’s an honour to be part of something that offers sustainable solutions.”

From left: Amandelbult Complex senior general manager Olaf Meijer, Platinum executive head of corporate affairs and sustainable impact Yvonne Mfolo, and Limpopo Department of Mineral Resources and Energy regional manager Azwihangwisi Malaudzi at the 10 million litre reservoir which will provide a steady water supply to Regorogile and other parts of Thabazimbi.

#FosteringASenseOfCommunity

From left: Amandelbult Complex senior human resources manager Trust Ndlovu and senior general manager Olaf Meijer; Thabazimbi Local Municipality municipal manager Gladwin Tloubatla and mayor, Councillor Judith Mogapi; and Anglo American Platinum executive head, corporate affairs and sustainable impact, Yvonne Mfolo were among the stakeholder representatives who attended the Northam Wastewater Treatment Plant sod-turning event.