Central SA
Mine invests millions in North West Education─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 09:30 Tue, 30 May 2023
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, in partnership with Impala Platinum Mines and the North West Department of Education, officially handed over two major projects worth millions to the community of Freedom Park in Rustenburg.
Renovations, which include the construction of two Grade RR classrooms, ablution facilities, sick bays and two kitchens to the value of R8.75 million, were done at the Platinum Village.
At the Kutlwanong School for Deaf, upgrades which were completed included renovations of classrooms, ablution facilities, an administration block, computer room, economic centre, and a school hall to the value of R19 million. Mantashe applauded Impala Platinum Mine for delivering on their commitment and said that mining companies do not get enough recognition for the work that they do for communities.
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, and the North West Education MEC, Viola Motsumi. PHOTO: Supplied
“We are handing over four projects, very few people will know that because nobody will tell the world that Impala Platinum Mine delivered four projects. It is a social license that a mining company builds. You build a clinic, you hand over an Early Development Childhood centre, you deliver a sports ground, you deliver an upgraded school facility, and when you do that, one thing that you are doing is to say you are not doing communities any favours, you're paying a license to co-exist with them,” he said.
North West Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, said the social labour plans by Impala Platinum Mine have accelerated the service delivery by affording the department legacy project in the Bojanala District, especially in this difficult period the department finds itself in. Motsumi said special schools are at the centre of the infrastructure projects the department has identified for this financial year.
Renovations worth R28 million were welcomed by the community of Freedom Park in Rustenburg. PHOTO Supplied
“Our learners in these schools are already vulnerable and deserve a conducive learning environment. As the North West Department of Education we are continuing to build new schools and renovate those dilapidated schools across the province and are thankful for this great donation. This is one of the living proofs of public-private partnerships that exist between our department and the local mines,” she stated.
Motsumi urged residents of Freedom Park to safeguard the amenities that Impala Mines handed over.
