The Glencore-Merafe Resources Pooling and Sharing Venture (PSV) recently handed over 11 community development projects valued at over R29 million to villages around Steelpoort, Limpopo, and Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. The handover ceremony at the Tubatse Chrome Club was a celebratory event, bringing together PSV representatives and beneficiaries to mark the completion of infrastructure that will enhance lives now and for generations to come.

The projects handed over comprised an early childhood development centre, education infrastructure, roads, sanitation facilities, and community halls. These initiatives are part of the Venture’s Corporate Social Investment and Social and Labour Plan (SLP) programs, which are specifically designed to significantly enhance infrastructure and improve the overall quality of life in the 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 and institutionalised cooperation, one with a shared vision to improve lives in our surrounding communities.”

The following projects were officially handed over:

• Motshele Day Care Centre – Kutullo Village

• Ga-Malekane Primary School Hall, classrooms, and administration block – Ga-Malekane Village

• Masha Nkotoane Community Hall – Ga-Masha Nkotoane Village (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 Ntake Village

• PPE Project Local Enterprise Development – Glencore Business Park, Steelpoort

• Phase 1 of the Steelpoort Academy – Laerskool Steelpoort, Steelpoort

• Co-funding of eight lecture rooms at 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.

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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 the 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.