JSE- and NYSE-listed Sibanye-Stillwater has announced an R84-million investment through its Sibanye Rustenburg Mine Community Development Trust (SRMCDT) for development programmes to empower communities next to the company’s Rustenburg operation, in North West.

The trust was established in 2019 by the Rustenburg operation to contribute towards socio-economic development in the Rustenburg local municipality – exclusively communities surrounding the mine – to create a future that will sustain them beyond mining.

The SRMCDT, which is part of the broad-based black economic empowerment consortium owning 26% of the Rustenburg operation, has to date received R301.8-million in dividends from the Rustenburg operation to unlock the value that can be created by community upliftment initiatives.

The trust supports programmes in education and training, sustainable health and social development, rehabilitation of the natural environment, training for entrepreneurs and upliftment programmes for the vulnerable in the communities, in particular women, youth, and people living with disabilities.

In partnership with government and civil society, the SRMCDT is investing the R84-million in various sustainable programmes including R4.3-million towards two social programmes to address the physical, emotional and psychological aftermath of criminal activities, fostering resilience and empowerment among the affected individuals, especially the youth.

In partnership with other stakeholders, R24.7-million will go toward six projects implementing a science, technology, engineering and mathematics-focused programme for adults and children with mobility and other disabilities; human immunodeficiency virus prevention and life skills development for adolescents and young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years; and youth empowerment programmes for skills development and training and generating employment opportunities.

An additional R55.6-million has been earmarked for seven collaboration projects including the construction of the Tirelong Secondary School in Ikemeleng Settlement and provision of equipment for Tsholofelo Technical College in Boitekong.

The trust will also build a community swimming pool and employ lifesavers and swimming instructors in Thekwena, as well as install high mast lights in Ikemeleng and Dinnie Estate Establishment.

The SRMCDT has also recently handed over two Emergency Response Vehicles and three ambulances valued at about R5-million to the North West Department of Health.

Speaking at the unveiling of this investment by the SRMCDT in Rustenburg, trust chairperson Grant Stuart says he is proud of Sibanye’s collective achievement in unlocking value for communities alongside local stakeholders.

“The investments we are making signify our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those residing in proximity to our mining operations. We firmly believe that these strategic initiatives, ranging from education and health to infrastructure development, will catalyse positive and sustainable transformations, fostering a brighter future for all,” he explains.

Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman comments that the investment will address unique needs and challenges faced by communities around the Rustenburg operation, with a view of creating lasting positive change.