The official handover of a suite of transformative social and labour plan (SLP) projects in June, by Impala Rustenburg, the subsidiary of Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats), marks a significant milestone in the group’s ongoing commitment to community development.

“These projects stand as a testament to the Implats group’s commitment to uplifting our host communities and building a legacy of shared value,” says Implats CEO Nico Muller.

Implats’ 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.

The handover event, attended by national, regional and local government dignitaries, traditional authorities and other key stakeholders, celebrated the completion of key infrastructure and social projects that will benefit thousands of residents across its mine communities.

Implats’ social performance initiatives in the first half of the 2025 financial year benefited more than 42 000 people and supported more than 3 000 employment opportunities, he points out.

The projects handed over in June include new ablution facilities at the Seraleng Primary School, construction of the Maithufi road in Phokeng, a new community centre for Bobuanja, the development of the Tsitsing water pipeline and the upgrading of the Retlakgona Primary School – all in and around the Rustenburg area, in the North West province.

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 improved sanitation and hygiene, ensuring a safer and healthier learning environment, particularly for Grade R learners, reports Implats in a statement.

The project, completed in 14 months to September 2024 at a cost of R2.3-million, created 25 jobs and supported the development of five local small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs).

The scope included site establishment, earthworks, brickwork, roofing, finishes and external works.

For the Maithufi Road project a 660-m-stretch of gravel road in Phokeng was upgraded to surfaced standard, including the construction of a bridge over a river.

Completed in June 2024 after ten 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.

This upgrade, reports Implats, has improved accessibility, particularly during the rainy season, when the road was previously impassable, and serves to enhance 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.

Meanwhile, the Bobuanja Community Centre was developed to provide a gathering space for the community which, prior to its existence, had to hold Kgotla meetings under a tree.

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.

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, reports Implats, catering to about 2 550 residents, addressing persistent water shortages and optimising infrastructure efficiency.

Completed in January after five months and at a cost of R2.4-million, the project created 33 jobs and supported eight local SMMEs. The scope involved site establishment, excavation, setting out survey pipes, directional drilling, constructing two chambers, pipe welding, backfilling and compaction.

As a “beyond compliance” corporate social investment project, upgrading the Retlakgona Primary School 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, while 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.

“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,” says Muller.

“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,” concludes Implats western limb operations CE Moses Motlhageng.