Impala Rustenburg, a subsidiary of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats), officially handed over a series of transformative Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects, marking a major milestone in the group’s ongoing commitment to community development.
The handover ceremony, attended by national, regional and local government representatives, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders, celebrated the completion of critical infrastructure and social initiatives that will benefit thousands of residents across the mine’s host communities.
Implats CEO, Nico Muller, said: “These projects stand as a testament to the Implats Group’s commitment to uplifting our host communities and building a legacy of shared value. The Group’s social performance initiatives in the first half of FY2025 benefited more than 42,000 people and supported more than 3,000 employment opportunities. By working with government and local partners, we invest in infrastructure and services that will have a lasting, positive impact on thousands of lives. We are proud to deliver on our promises and to help create a better future.”
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Moses Motlhageng, Chief Executive of Impala’s Western Limb operations, said: “At Impala Rustenburg, we take great pride in delivering community development projects that reflect our deep commitment to building sustainable communities during and beyond mining, ensuring shared progress and meaningful partnership. Our social projects represent a shared vision for progress, dignity and opportunity. Our investment in the facilities we hand over today reaffirms our commitment to genuine partnerships, where development is driven not just by obligation but by our belief in the potential of the people we serve.”
The Implats Group’s social performance framework is directed at four key focus areas – community wellbeing, education and skills development, enterprise and supplier development (ESD) and inclusive procurement, and infrastructure development.
Projects handed over to the community:
Seraleng Primary School: new ablution facilities
The Seraleng Primary School project centred on constructing new ablution facilities to accommodate the school’s growing enrolment of 1,420 learners. The previous facilities were insufficient for demand, and the upgrade has significantly improved sanitation and hygiene, ensuring a safer and healthier learning environment, particularly for Grade R learners.
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The project, completed in September 2024 after 14 months at a cost of R2.3 million, created 25 jobs and supported the development of five local SMMEs. The scope included site establishment, earthworks, brickwork, roofing, finishes and external works.
Constructing the Maithufi Road in Phokeng
A 660-metre stretch of gravel road in Phokeng was upgraded to surfaced standard, including the construction of a bridge over a river. This upgrade has greatly improved accessibility, particularly during the rainy season when the road was previously impassable. The project enhances community safety and mobility, benefitting 9,286 households and providing easier access to key facilities such as Phokeng Mall and the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, as well as several local schools.
Completed in June 2024 after 10 months, at a cost of R13.3 million, the project created 20 jobs and involved five local SMMEs. The scope comprised site establishment, excavation, compaction, sub-base and base installation, bridge construction using 130 pre-cast culverts, kerbing, drainage and final paving.
The community centre for Bobuanja
The Bobuanja Community Centre was developed to provide a gathering space for the community, fostering social engagement and local development. Previously, community meetings were held under a tree at the Kgotla. The facility includes a multi-purpose hall, office space, a fully equipped kitchen, a boardroom and modern ablution facilities with a septic tank.
Serving a community of 1 917 people across 460 households, the new community centre can accommodate up to 200 people for various gatherings. The project was completed in January 2025 at a cost of R7.2 million, creating 106 jobs and involving 13 local SMMEs. The scope included site establishment, earthworks, brickwork, roofing, interior and exterior finishes and external works.
Building the Tsitsing water pipeline
The Tsitsing water pipeline project entailed building a one-kilometre pipeline with chambers to ensure a reliable supply of water from the pump station to the Tsitsing reservoir. This initiative enhances water distribution and access for 685 households (approximately 2,550 residents), addressing persistent water shortages and optimising infrastructure efficiency. Completed in January 2025 after five months at a cost of R2.4 million, the project created 33 jobs and supported eight local SMMEs. The scope included site establishment, excavation, setting out survey pipes, directional drilling, constructing two chambers, pipe welding, backfilling and compaction.
Upgrading Retlakgona Primary School
As a “beyond compliance” corporate social investment project, the Retlakgona Primary School upgrade focused on enhancing the learning environment for 1,529 learners from Meriting and surrounding communities. The project included building a new kitchen and dining hall, renovating classrooms, administrative offices and ablutions, and upgrading outdoor facilities. These improvements have created a safer, more hygienic and conducive environment for education.
The new kitchen ensures meals are prepared and served in a healthier setting, addressing previous health concerns. Completed in August 2024 at a cost of R13.9 million, the project created 153 jobs and involved 14 local SMMEs. The scope encompassed new construction, renovations, fencing, paving, resurfacing the courtyard, levelling and irrigating the soccer field and constructing a multi-purpose court to accommodate multiple sports.
