Cement manufacturers Afrimat, AfriSam and Sephaku Development, collectively known as the Ditsobotla Cement Manufacturers Forum (DCMF), have officially handed over a fully refurbished and modernised resource centre at the Taletso Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Lichtenburg, North West.

The initiative forms part of each company's social and labour plan (SLP) commitments, as approved by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).

"Afrimat, as a new player in the cement industry following our acquisition of Lafarge South Africa . . . hand[ed] over this project as a show of good faith towards the community and to affirm Afrimat’s commitment to enhance local economic development initiatives in the community," Afrimat mineral resources and compliance group manager Esther Teffo said.

The project entailed the comprehensive refurbishment of two classrooms, transforming them into a modern resource centre equipped with computers, televisions, cameras, an inverter and essential furniture.

"We believe that access to quality resources is a cornerstone of academic success, and we are honoured to contribute to the growth and development of students at the TVET college,” AfriSam Dudfield Cement GM Jaco Vermaak said.

The project also included foundation stabilisation and painting to ensure the longevity and functionality of the facility.

"We view education as a cornerstone for sustainable socioeconomic progress. This resource centre is more than a refurbished space. It is a beacon of opportunity for young minds at Taletso TVET college. This initiative . . . aligns with our broader mission to empower communities through meaningful and lasting development.

“We believe that by investing in education and digital access, we are laying the foundation for a skilled and resilient workforce," Sephaku Development sustainable development executive manager Robert Mathye said.

The Taletso resource centre was delivered in response to fundamental needs identified by the Lichtenburg community and forms a core component of the local economic development initiatives undertaken by the participating companies.

The resource centre will provide essential educational and technological resources to provide local residents and students to access learning opportunities.