We recognise that the long-term sustainability of our operation at Somkhele depends on our ability to build strong relationships with the local community and our ability to have a positive socio-economic impact on the community affected by our mine. Somkhele continues to engage with the Mpukunyoni community on a regular basis.
There are structured monthly meetings held with the Mpukunyoni Mining Committee, which comprises representatives from the mine and the Mpukunyoni Traditional Authority, to address community grievances. Weekly meetings are also conducted with indunas (traditional leaders) and the community liaison officers for the different mining areas. All grievances and complaints are properly documented and communicated through these structures.
The mine has committed to a cross-industry farming project aimed at developing new black economic empowerment (BEE) entrants for the agricultural industry. This industry was identified as a key focus area by the Mpumalanga Province, and supported by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) in the region. SamQuarz’s contribution to the project is aimed at addressing enterprise development through support for training, providing equipment needed for the project over a period of time, and ensuring that there are wider employment opportunities for the local community, with a specific focus on women. Details on this project and other community development initiatives committed by the mine are included in the Transformation section of the Annual Review.
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