Bua Kgabo is an official publication of the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Traditional AdministrationBua Kgabo ke lekwalodikgang la semmuso la Botsamaisi Ba Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela

24 July 2015 Tel: 014 556 7000 www.bbkta.co.za www.facebook.com/bakgatla

A viable and sustainable Morafe

Foreword: Erich Clarke Acting CEO, Sedibelo As a relatively new member of the SPM team, it is with great pleasure that I write this foreword as it gives me an opportunity to introduce myself, as well as to explain the new emphasis on co-operation with BBK that has been adopted by our board.

BBK holds a share of more than one quarter of SPM, and our PPM mine employs more than 700 Bakgatla, representing some 40% of our work force. Many more benefit in the supply chain as service providers. This means that BBK has a vested interest in ensuring that PPM operates efficiently. If we can mine successfully, we create benefits that can be shared by all.

The spirit of co-operation between BBK and SPM has been solid from the start of mining activities here seven years ago. But we are now determined to strengthen this innovative partnership and it is this that we are celebrating at the launch function, and in this special edition newsletter.

SPM and PPM have, in the past seven years, contributed over R50 million to a variety of BBK projects. Details on some of these projects can be found in this newsletter. We are going to continue to contribute because, like BBK, we share the vision of a prosperous and sustainable future for the region.

SPM and BBK – an important shareholder in our company – both want development to be meaningful, and to deliver the best possible value. This requires a sensible, integrated approach to socio-economic development going forward, instead of separate piece-meal initiatives. If we can achieve this, and with the co-operation of various other private and public entities, we should succeed in implementing significant infrastructure projects that will benefit your communities.

I would like to emphasise that this partnership is more than a vision. Our ongoing collaboration is intended to send a very clear message that we (SPM and PPM) need you, BBKTA and BBK people, as much as you need us. This partnership or collaboration works both ways. Without your support and co-operation for our mining activities, we cannot do what our shareholders have mandated; and if we cannot extract minerals from the ground, sustainably, our business will not be viable and we might need to reconsider our options.

We are mining on your doorstep because there are valuable minerals beneath the ground that are held in trust for you, the community, by BBKTA. We are here, too, because BBKTA’s Master Plan includes

Foreword: Kgosi Nyalala Pilane I would like to begin by expressing my excitement and enthusiasm for a truly special collaboration. This collaboration, being launched today – Friday 24 July 2015 – has the potential to accelerate steady progress that has already been made towards uplifting Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela (BBK) – and this has happened despite numerous and diverse challenges.

The collaboration – or partnership – that I have mentioned is between BBK Traditional Administration (TA) and Sedibelo Platinum Mines Limited (SPM), a company that is represented in our area by Pilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM). BBKTA together with the SPM board, guided by the BBKTA Master Plan, have formally agreed to work together more closely than in the past. This collaboration will ensure that some of the benefits of the region’s mineral deposits ultimately accrue to BBK people.

The collaboration will facilitate initiatives that meet the socio-economic development aspirations of both the BBK Master Plan and the resolutions of the SPM board. These aspirations include the parties working in unison with a shared vision. This means that in future instead of having two separate development plans, we will merge our respective programmes to ensure that we deliver more integrated socio-economic solutions for our people.

What excites me about this collaboration between us and PPM, one of our most important stakeholders, is that it has the potential to change lives for the better. We wish that our people could appreciate that we need the mine and the mine needs us. The mine cannot operate here without our co-operation. The communities living in the BBKTA area need the mine to aid us with important developments that are outlined in our Master Plan. In fact, the mine is here by our invitation as it represents a very real opportunity for economic development of this area.

I would like today’s event to be a turning point that enables us – the people and the mine – to go forward together. More than that, I appeal to you, BBK people, to nourish and own this concept. I want you to have a sense of ownership of the developments that are brought to us by mining; I want you to believe your lives can and will be made better by the mine. There are, in fact already visible benefits that have been brought about by the mine’s presence in our communities.

In order to get maximum benefits in the years to come, we need to allow the mine to continue with its operation without disruption – getting the minerals out of the ground, smelting them and transporting them to the market place. It is only if we provide a hospitable mining environment that we will keep our valuable partners, such as PPM and SPM. We cannot afford to lose these partners to other regions or even other countries which have equally attractive mineral deposits.

A variety of projects have been identified for collaboration with the mine. The projects will make a positive difference to the day-to-day lives of our people and our region.

This artwork, featuring the BBK and SPM logos, has been designed to illustrate the strengthened BBK-SPM collaboration being launched on Friday 24 July 2015

SPECIAL EDITION

incorporating PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

These include:

Lekutung housing development project;

Pilanesberg West water project;

Sewer pipeline connecting PPM and the platinum corridor villages to the Moruleng water treatment plant;

Infrastructure project focusing on the Legkraal-Motlhabe road;

Attracting investors and educating our communities on the value related to the exploitation of mineral resources; and

Additional farming land – this is a future project that we hope to address.

I believe that our collaboration or partnership and the intentions behind it should address any lingering community concerns, including those of the Wilgespruit land users as to why the development of the Sedibelo East property is critical for our joint future.

In conclusion, I believe that the launch and this special edition of Bua Kgabo will communicate our joint vision. As part of our new joint strategy, we are also looking at ways of integrating the PPM newsletter, which appears twice a year into Bua Kgabo, which is published every two months.

We need to work together with determination to realise the enormous potential of this collaboration. We must ensure that we build bridges where these are needed, and we must stay the course. That is the way to achieve progress rather than by throwing impediments in the way of development.

I have no doubt in my mind that the advancements already enjoyed by BBK will continue if we all commit to the shared vision and pledge to support the joint partnership.

I ask you all to co-operate with us on this journey to realise the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our beloved community.

PAGE 1BUA KGABO INCORPORATING PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

continued on page 2

PAGE 3

School improvement projects near completion

Farmers’ Support Centre opened

Relocated land users enjoy benefitsPAGE 4 PAGE 11

mining as one of the important economic activities in the area. We are here because we are a business and we have shareholders, including BBK, who expect us to achieve a return on their investment.

We want all our stakeholders – employees, shareholders, communities, neighbours, suppliers and regulators – to understand that our intention is to operate a sustainable mine – a mine with a future. A mine that can continue to offer direct and indirect employment opportunities, training and upskilling and other benefits related to infrastructure, education, health and housing.

If the mine is to be sustainable, however, we need you – BBK – to consider us as an important stakeholder, and to support our operations.

A lot of people don’t realise that mining is a business with many challenges. Apart from the operational, everyday issues, there are

global challenges over which we have no control. These include the demand for our product, which fluctuates, and the price of platinum. Both of these are currently far lower than we would like, and this means we have to work harder, smarter, and more efficiently to run a sustainable business.

We are committed to being a responsible ‘citizen’ in society. We have made significant contributions since our arrival in the BBK area seven years ago. We are intent on continuing to do the right thing by the communities in which we live and work, circumstances permitting. But in order to do this, and to share the benefits – which is easier to do in good times than in bad – we need you to think of us as your mine. We need you to support us, even protect us – and in the end we all stand to gain from this relationship.

PPM funds hydroponic farmSedibelo Platinum Mines Limited (SPM) is best known in the BBKTA area for its platinum mine, PPM. The company, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, has allocated funds to start an award-winning, government-supported agricultural project located just a few metres from the mine. This initiative is a brainchild of seven local co-operatives from some of the 32 Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela villages.

The idea for the PPM Agri-Farm project germinated in June 2010. Its first crops were raised under a one hectare (ha) shade net.

PPM’s Agri-Farm Extension Officer, Hilda Moroke said: “Before the project was inaugurated, specialists were invited to test the soil so we knew which crops would survive best in this environment. We started off with cabbage and spinach under shade net and they flourished. Things are still going well.”

In addition to the area under shade net, we have 20 tunnels that are being prepared for vegetables such as cucumbers, green peppers and tomatoes. These should be in the ground by August 2015.

PPM’s Setshedi Rasepae said: “The chief objective of this venture is to create employment opportunities. If we empower BBK people

Members of PPM’s Agri-Farm inspect the healthy spinach plants

Some of the new tunnels at the PPM Agri-Farm

through skills development programmes and develop local growth opportunities, including expanding the agro-processing industry, we hope to help eradicate poverty and crime.”

The shade net farm will be doubled in size and augmented by tunnel-hydroponics. “Ten co-operative members representing five of the seven co-operatives are working on site during the construction

phase. They are being assisted by the shade net workers and another

five casual workers when necessary,” Rasepae added.

The PPM Agri-Farm has arranged to supply its high-quality products

to Pick n Pay stores in Rustenburg and Moruleng Mall, as well as Fruit

and Vegetable City in Rustenburg.

BBK AND SPM: SUMMARY OF COMPLETED AND ONGOING PROJECTS

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” - attributed to Anne Ritchie

Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela (BBK) and Sedibelo Platinum Mines Limited (SPM) – represented in the area by Pilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM) – both have, at the heart of their respective socio-economic development strategies, a common purpose. This is to uplift standards, facilities, education and behaviour – in short, to improve the quality of life of BBK people. According to Kgosi Nyalala Pilane and Erich Clarke, acting CEO of SPM, the aim is to change the economic and social landscape of BBK communities.

The BBK region is widely recognised as an area with potential. For example, two important economic pillars include mining and tourism. Support by BBK for these activities is essential if the area is to see development and, as a result, additional jobs.

In order to address the needs and aspirations of the community, a number of projects and programmes are planned. However, these cannot happen overnight, although the urgency of addressing the socio-economic problems by providing jobs and alleviating poverty is recognised.

The BBK and SPM have together embarked on a carefully planned strategy of pilot projects to address the specific issues of education, health, welfare, food security, rural infrastructure, community-based institutions/organisations, sports, arts, culture and heritage.

Some of the completed and ongoing projects supported by BBK and SPM include:

Education

Early Learning Centre – under construction in Ramoga

Motlhabe Primary School– refurbishment programme

Kgamanyane High School– refurbishment programme

IT education in high schools – needs to be encouraged

Bursaries

Learnerships (e.g. retail management skills, Planning Tools and Urban Development Project, jewellery design)

Health

Boikanyo clinic in Magong – refurbishment programme

Legkraal clinic – construction

Health awareness campaigns

Welfare

Letsama – for schools and elderly citizens

Mandela Day – celebrating with vulnerable community members

Donations of supplies to fulfil basic needs

Food security (crop and livestock farming)

Agro-processing

Red Kalahari goats for meat production

Saanen goats for milk production

Community livestock improvement initiatives

Tunnel vegetable production

Rural infrastructure

Sefikile-Mononono road, Legkraal-Motlhabe road – construction

Pilanesberg Regional Bulk Water supply scheme – Ntswana-le-metsing and Ngweding

Earthen dams cleaned for livestock watering

Lekutung housing

Enterprise development

‘Believe and Achieve’ programme

Thuso ya Batho anti-crime moringa project

PPM Agri-Farm (hydroponic project)

Community crushers and brick works venture

Agriculture

Kruidfontein-Lenyele – area cleared for crop farming

Dwarsberg farm

Cyferkuil – new farm stands

Wachteenbeetjeslaagte – Farmers’ Support Centre

Tourism, sports, arts and culture

Sports fields – maintenance

Soccer tournaments – sponsorship

Sports clubs – support

Moruleng cultural precinct

Heritage walks – support

Lebatlane game farm

Foreword: Erich Clarke continued

PAGE 2 BUA KGABO INCORPORATING PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

MOTLHABE PRIMARY SCHOOL GETS A FACELIFTMotlhabe Primary School in Motlhabe village has received a face lift. Pilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM), which is owned by Sedibelo Platinum Mines (SPM), undertook to do the renovations. These were necessary to ensure the school was made safe for its 371 learners. According to the principal, Moses Mmekoa, 10 classrooms urgently needed to be repaired. The work began in January this year and the items listed below had been completed by the end of June. PPM has erected a fence around the school and a total area of 2,000m2 (about

one third the size of a soccer field) has been paved. Classroom floors have been tiled, electrical wiring has been fixed and lights, windows and ceilings have been repaired. Furniture – including cupboards and chalk boards have also been provided. Students returning to school after the mid-year break will be greeted by the sight of buildings that have been repainted.

PPM has spent R2.1 million on the project to date. According to Principal Mmekoa, the plumbing remains a challenge and bathroom improvements are due.

The school’s 13 teachers and Principal Mmekoa have expressed their gratitude to PPM and SPM for improving the learning conditions at the school. “The students will be very happy with the new look of their school. The upgraded school facilities will also provide a better learning environment for the children and we will do our best to take good care of the premises,” said Principal Mmekoa.

TINY TOTS GET EARLY LEARNING SUPPORTThe community-owned Mantwane Crèche in Ramoga will soon boast a complementary Early Learning Centre, courtesy of PPM’s Corporate Social Investment strategy. The Centre is named ‘Mantwane’, in honour of one of the important Bakgatla regiments of the past. It will have space for 100 children in grade 0 and grade R. When Bua Kgabo visited, the building was still under construction, but it is due to be completed in the next few weeks. Construction on the project, which has made use of local labour as far as possible, began in November 2014. The Department of Social Development has been involved in the project from the start to ensure that the new facility meets its standards.

A steering committee comprising representatives of the Ramoga Traditional Authority, the ward councillor, the Department of Social

Development, BBKTA, the construction company and PPM was been formed to supervise the project. This committee will, in time, appoint a community liaison officer to oversee the running of the facility for the Ramoga Community and the NGO that currently runs the Mantwane facility.

An area to encourage learning and play has been included in the planning. The project will have four sections: classrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and parking. There will also be space outside for a number of jungle gyms. These outdoor structures are important in the motor development of children who must learn to climb, balance and judge distances so that they can progress in their development and acquire more advanced skills as they grow. The project cost of R2.7 million has been met by PPM.

Three staff members, including a cook, have already been employed. The staff complement will increase as opening day approaches and will be at full strength once Mantwane is fully operational.

The Mantwane Early Learning Centre is expected to attract children from the villages of Ramoga, Lesetlheng and Moruleng. It is expected to open on 1 September 2015.

Kgamanyane High School refurbishedKgamanyane High School in Ramoga village is well-known in the BBKTA area for its high standard of education. Home to 514 students, 18 teachers and under the leadership of Principal Sefora Mokwate, the 2014 matric class of Kgamanyane High achieved a 91% pass rate with over 20 distinctions.

Although Kgamanyane High is known for the quality of education it offers, and although it has a respectable exterior, inside a number of structural problems had developed over time. These were caused by the area’s clay soil, which tends to swell during the rainy season and shrink during the dry season. The resulting seasonal movement manifests in cracks that develop in the walls and floors.

PPM has come to the assistance of the school and R3.5 million has been budgeted for refurbishments.

The cracks have been fixed, concrete aprons have been built and expansion joints have been put in place to ensure the structural integrity of the buildings in future. The refurbishment also included the repainting of classrooms and the staff room; the installation of ceilings; and the replacement of broken doors and windows. The floors have also received attention and have been filled, mended and retiled as necessary. The strong room has also been repaired after it was damaged during a security incident.

The ablution facilities and plumbing at the school have been repaired, and paving has been laid between classrooms. PPM has erected a palisade fence to improve security and control the movement of learners during the school day. Walkways have been covered to provide shelter from the rain and the midday sun. A parking area will also be built as part of the refurbishment project.

The scarcity of water in the region also affects the school. PPM has assisted by sinking a borehole and installing five water tanks at the school. The improved water supply is used to supply bathrooms and to keep the septic tank functioning. It has resulted in improved hygiene and a better learning environment for all those on the school campus.

Construction underway at the Mantwane Early Learning Centre

Workmen busy paving at Motlhabe Primary School

Construction of the covered walkways at Kgamanyane High School

PPM installed five water tanks to improve sanitation at the school

PAGE 324 July 2015

Sedibelo Platinum Mines Limited (SPM), e e neng e bidiwa Pilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM) maloba, e nale tshwanelo ya dimenerale kwa polaseng ya Wilgespruit 2JQ e e gaufi le SPM, koo go nang le kgonagalo ya go simolola moepo o mongwe. Go atolosiwa ga moepo wa SPM go tla thusa ka go atolosa dingwaga tsa kepo, go tlhola ditšhono tsa ditiro le go naya balemirui Sentara ya tshedimosetso.

Babeeletsi ba SPM ba ne ba swetsa ka go tlhabolola lefelo leo, mme pele tiro e ka simolwa, badirisi ba lefatshe ba nako eo ba ne ba tshwanelwa ke go fudusiwa. Go kaiwa fa dipuisano le badirisi ba lefatshe leo ka nako eo di sale di simologa ka ngwaga wa 2007. Dithulaganyo tsa phuduso di diragaditswe go ya ka melao ya Afrika Borwa. Leano la phuduso le ne la thadiwa, le Setlhopha sa Tiro ya Phuduso se ne sa tlhomiwa go tsamaisa thulaganyo yotlhe.

Sentara Ya Tshedimosetso Ya Balemirui Kwa Wachteenbeetjeslaagte

PPM awards 15 bursariesPilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM) and its holding company, SPM, are committed to education and skills development as a means to improving the socio-economic conditions in BBK communities.

PPM therefore offers bursaries to successful applicants from the BBKTA area. The aim of this initiative is to broaden access to tertiary education for academically capable students who are also financially disadvantaged.

A total of 15 bursaries were awarded between 2014 and 2015 for studies in mining engineering, geology, metallurgical engineering and chemical engineering. A limited number were awarded for agriculture and commerce studies.

PPM’s 2015 spend on bursaries totalled approximately R1 million and this amount included tuition fees, books and accommodation.

Bursary application forms for the 2016 academic year will be available at all Kgatleng high schools from 1 October 2015. Completed forms must be submitted on or before the closing date – 31 November 2015.

Application forms can also be requested by email - bursaries@platmin.com or refer to the website - www.sedibeloplatinum.com

MATJILA’S MIGHTY MORINGAThe Thuso-ya-Batho Anti-Crime Organisation was established in 2010 by a former convict who wanted to give back to the community for his wrong doings. Rural communities in the 21st century often experience a variety of social ills and the initial objective of the organisation was to help curb crime in the area. As unemployment was found to be the root of crime, founder Basi Matjila decided to initiate projects that would create job opportunities.

One of the projects founded by Matjila involves the propagation of moringa trees which originate in India and West Africa. Moringa is a medicinal herb, believed to have health benefits and with the potential for successful commercial use.

Speaking to Bua Kgabo, Matjila said the organisation has so far acquired the required and much needed land with the help of BBKTA. “We have received the land thanks to this support and now SPM’s mine, PPM, is providing us with the much needed funding support to take this project further,” said Matjila.

PPM has already fenced the 11 hectare site, provided borehole water, water storage tanks, toilets and porta cabin offices. The mine will also assist the Thuso-Ya-Batho Anti-Crime Organisation with the funding to purchase the moringa trees.

Although moringa propagation is central to the Thuso-Ya-Batho Anti-Crime Organisation’s plans, they also plan to plant vegetables and fruits.

The following by-products come from the moringa tree: powder, capsules, herbal tea and seed oil. The project aims to create about 200 permanent jobs, including casual jobs for seasonal workers.

BASI BATTLES CRIME AND POVERTYBasi Matjila is a man with a mission. Having spent time behind bars himself, he emerged a changed man and is now determined to eradicate societal scourges. He believes this can be achieved through information campaigns and projects that focus on anti-crime, poverty alleviation and job creation.

His community based Thuso ya Batho anti-crime organisation, which began with only six members, now boasts a membership of 179. These members do not receive any form of payment but rely on donations and sponsorship from businesses based in and around the Bakgatla area.

Thuso ya Batho, with the help of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela, has acquired five hectares of land at Huma village. The site will be used to establish a multi-purpose Community Development Centre. From this site, the centre expects to develop the following:

Office space Vegetable garden

Training centre Poultry

Tailoring Moringa plantation

Bead work and embroidery Halfway house

Art work Tennis court

Despite the lack of funding, by January 2015 Thuso ya Batho had visited 21 schools to educate learners on anti-crime and anti-social behaviour. The campaign aims to educate and discourage learners from a ‘gangster’ lifestyle, as well as to provide information on drug abuse, bullying, teenage pregnancy, school drop-outs and truancy. The learners are also given information highlighting the importance of education, self-growth and empowerment.

“There is no better way for the learners to be informed than by the very person who used to be at the heart of it all” – Basi Matjila

PPM has partnered with Thuso ya Batho in supporting this worthy cause. In 2013, PPM donated 18 bicycles to volunteers who patrol the streets where the community-based organisation operates. PPM is also supporting Thuso ya Batho’s moringa plantation project and has provided a borehole and fencing for the site. Later this year the mine will assist with the planting of moringa seedlings.

PAGE 4 BUA KGABO INCORPORATING PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

Setlhopha sa Tiro ya Phuduso se agilwe ke ditheo tse di akaretsang Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Traditional Administration (BBKTA), Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Strategic Investment Company (BBKSIC), SPM le Managing Transformation Solutions (MTS).

Thulaganyo ya phuduso e e akareditse dipuisano le dikgosana gammogo le kgothakgothe ya balemirui moo balemirui ba neng ba tlhagisa dintlha tse di amanang le lefatshe leo batla fudusetswang kwa go lona, metsi le tshegetso mo go tlhabololweng ga mafatshe a ba fudusediwang kwa go ona.

Mo dipuisanong tseno boeteledipele ba Bakgatla bo ne ba tlhalosa leanolegolo la tlhabololo ya morafe wa Bakgatla mo go neng ga tlhalosiwa ka botlalo leano la temothuo. Leano leno le ne la bona tshegetso gotswa mo bontsing ba balemirui, ebile le boeteledipele bo itlamile go tshegetsa balemirui ba ba amegang.

Moepo o ne wa tlamela balemirui ka dithuso tse di tlhokagalang go netefatsa gore thulaganyo ya phuduso e tsamaya ka thelelo. Mangwe a maikarabelo a moepo ene ele go goga terata go dikologa kgaolo ya temothuo le go tlhoma mafaratlhatlha go akaretsa metsi, go aga lefelo la go tipa diruiwa, masaka, thuso ya setegeniki le go tlhabololwa ga sentara ya tshegetso ya balemirui.

Lefatshe la tlaleletso le dirisediwa go lema, mme diterekere tse pedi di abetswe morafe gore odi dirise fa o ditlhoka, le bakgwetsi ba tsona ba setse ba katisitswe go tla go thusa go lemela bao ba ratang go lema. Moepo o tlamela gape ka dipeo le dijo tsa diruiwa go thusa mo go nang le tlhaelelo.

Balemirui ba ba fudusitsweng ba ne ba newa madi a go simolola sešwa koo ba fuduseditsweng teng. Moepo o tlile go tsaya maikarabelo a go tshegetsa balemirui bano go fitlha botsamaisi ba Bakgatla bo tsaya marapo jaaka karolo ya leanolegolo la tlhabololo ya morafe.

The Farmers’ Support Centre at Wachteenbeetjeslaagte will provide support to farmers

Leaves and flowers of the moringa tree

Basi Matjila with a group of learners

SPM/PPM, E TOKAFATSA SEEMO SA PHOLO MO METSENG YA BAKGATLATlhokego ya kalafi ke ngwe ya dintlha tse di tshwenyang moagi mongwe le mongwe, mme seno ke kgwetlo e kgolo mo metse selegaeng. Magong, Legkraal le Motlhabe ke ngwe ya metse e e ka fa tlase ga taolo ya Segosi sa Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela mme e bile e gaufi le moepo wa SPM jaaka metse e mengwe eo e ntseng e itemogela tlhokego ya dikliniki tsa maemo aa siameng e tlile go nna selo sa maloba.

Moepo wa polatinamo wa SPM ka tshwaragano le sedika sa lefapha la pholo mo Bojanala, ba tsweletse go fetola matshelo a baagi. Kliniki di le pedi mo karolong eno ya Kgatleng, e leng Magong le Legkraal di tlhabolotswe mme di solofelwa go bulwa semmuso mo nakong e e sa fediseng pelo.

Kliniki ya Magong (Boikanyo clinic):Kliniki ya magong ke ngwe ya di kliniki tseo di neelanang ka ditirelo di le mmalwa go baagi ba Magong le metse e e mabapi, mme tlhokego ya lefelo le le siameng e ne e le kgwetlo e kgolo go ka lepalepana le di palo palo tsa balwetse bao ba etelang lefelo leno tsatsi le letsatsi.

Goya ka mooki e bile e le motsamaise wa Magong clinic, Mme Johanna Molope, seemo sa kliniki eno e ne e le se se sa kgatliseng ka dilwana di le mmalwa tseo e leng tsa botlhokwa jaaka matlwana boithusetso a ne a sa dire sentle, dithulelo di ne di nela ka nako tsa di pula le tlhokego ya metsi e ne e le tlhoba boroko.

Jaaka moepo wa SPM o kgatalela baagi ba karolo eo ba dirang mo go yona, o ile wa bona fa go le botlhokwa go ka tlhabolola moago ono. Ga jaana moago ono o tlametswe ka dilwana tseo di akaretsang:

Legora (palisade fence) Paving

Mosima wa metsi (borehole) Ditirelo tsa motlakase

Air-conditioners Mosima wa kgelelo leswe (sewage drain)

Smoke detectors Ultra violet lights

Boalo ba lefatshe (flooring) go ya ka seemo se se letleletsweng sa lefapha la pholo

Ambulance bay

Modulasetilo wa boto ya kliniki eno e bile e le moagi wa motse wa Magong Rre Shadrack Moeng, a re jaaka baagi, seemo sa kliniki eno se ne se utlwisa botlhoko, mme ba lebogela thuso eo ba tsweletseng go e bona kwa moepong wa SPM. “Re le baagi re lebogela kemo nokeng eo re e bonang go tswa kwa moepong wa SPM mme re solofela fa re tla tswelela go dirisana le bona go neelana ka kalafi e e siameng go baagi ba rona”go tshwaetse jalo Rre Moeng.”

Legkraal Fela jaaka klinikiya Magong, kliniki ya Legkraal ke ngwe ya di kliniki tseo di itemogelang di palo palo tsa balwetswe bao ba tlhokang thuso tsatsi le letsatsi. Kgwetlho e kgolo eo e ntseng e le selelo se segolo ke tlokego ya moago yo o siameng, metsi le di diriswa tse dingwe tsa botlhokwa. Kliniki eno e kawa fa e simolotse go dira ka ngwaga tsa bo 1960, mme e ntse e direla mo di phapusing di le nne tseo motsamaise a kayang fa di ne di sa kgone go ka amogela balwetse bao ba ba thusang ka letsatsi.

“Re thusa balwetse baka nna masome a matlhano ka letsatsi, mme go nna thata go itepatepanya le pao eno, ka re sena di diriswa di tshwana le ditilo, lefelo leo baka letang mo golona tota le kamotshana eo re tlhatlhobelang mo go yona ga e na sephiri ka o kgona go utlwa tsotlhe tseo di diragalang mme e le kgatako ya ditshwanelo tsa baletswe,” go rialo Mme Boitumelo Moletsane.

Jaaka tlhokego ya moago e ne e le tlhopa boroko, segolo bogolo ka nako tsa dipula le mariga, moepo wa SPM, o a getse baagi bano

kliniki e ntshwa eo e nang le lefelo la kamogelo, diphaposi tseo go tlhatlhobelwang balwetse mo tsona le tse dingwe. Ditlhabololo tseo di dirilweng di akaretsa:

Kago e ntsha (e nale diphaposi tsa go tlhatlhobela balwetse, ya go belegisa le ya kamogelo (reception) gareng ga tse dingwe)

Ambulance bay

Borehole (metsi) Legora (fencing)

Boalo ba lefatshe (flooring) go ya ka di seemo se se letleletsweng sa lefapha la pholo

Ditirelo tsa motlakase

Smoke detectors Ultra violet lights

Air-conditioners

Kliniki ya Motlhabe fela jaaka se di umakilweng fa godimo le yona e tlhabolotswe goya ka seemo se se letleletsweng sa lefapha la pholo.

The new clinic at Legkraal

Above and below: Mining sector jobs are many and varied. Completing a learnership is a good entry point into the industry

PPM SKILLS DEVELOPMENTPilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM) is committed to promoting skills development in its communities as part of its contribution to the region. As there is a shortage of skills in the mining industry, various learnership programmes have been designed. SPM and PPM will not necessarily be able to employ all those who participate in these programmes. However, the company believes that by developing individuals and helping them to acquire these industry skills, it is assisting the candidates, the community, the mining sector and ultimately, the country.

A learnership is a structured learning and training course that combines theory and practice. Successful completion of a learnership leads to a nationally recognised qualification e.g. artisan.

SPM is targeting the following study fields, guided by section 18.2 of the Mining Qualification Authority requirements.

These learnerships are available:

Boiler-making;

Diesel mechanic;

Electrical;

Fitting and turning; and

Instrumentation.

Twelve individuals enrolled on these programmes in 2014 and this number increased to 30 in 2015.

Learnerships, when they are available, are advertised at the employment forums.

PAGE 524 July 2015

BBK capitalises on food security sectorAdequate nourishment is a basic human right, and yet many South Africans remain vulnerable to food insecurity. According to the 1996 World Summit of United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

BBK’s agricultural plan is based on restoring and revitalising farming as a household activity, with households belonging to co-operatives. The idea is not to establish individual subsistence farmers. These co-ops would be centrally managed, monitored and evaluated by BBKTA to ensure they are run as profitable business entities with shared ownership.

The following co-operatives will be supported:

Crop farming Livestock farming

Farming

Cattle abattoir

Meat and hides

Feedlot

Leather products

MARKET

FACILITATION

FORWARD LINKAGES

MarketingLocal events

Security

TransportationConstruction

Service deliveryBACKWARD LINKAGES

• Fresh agricultural produce• Crafts, jewellery and clothing• Processed and packaged foods• Agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilisers)

• Restaurants and cafes• Tourist demand• Regional spaza and retail shops• Small-scale farmers

Engageprospectiveparticipants

Training, skilling,production in

seasons 6 months

Engage household, prepare and present various

farming models 2 months

Profitability, businessexpansion and

employment creation

From supplier value chain - partnerships

2 months

Set up agro-ecology village

6 months

The objectives of the agricultural plan are to:

Support primary agriculture – transforming small scale into market-orientated agriculture

Generate mass employment using agricultural co-operatives and households

Focus on commercialising the black agricultural sector, as well as manufacturing and enterprise on a grand scale

Although some participants will have the experience and skills to run individually owned businesses, which will serve as models for self-reliance, the agricultural plan will offer training and business mentoring for participants where necessary.

The BBKTA plan will develop training or workshop schedules with current training material from the relevant industries or accredited service providers. The BBK will work with the Agricultural Research Council, the Department of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders.

The challenges experienced by Bakgatla farmers include:

Monoculture farming

Overgrazing by livestock

Drought and low rainfall

Apparent weather

Bush encroachment

Low soil fertility and loss of organic matter

Severe soil erosion

Vulnerability to climate change

Desertification

These challenges will be addressed by the various agricultural projects.

The following activities are proposed as part of the agricultural plan:

1. Crop production: sunflower; maize; refining sunflower into oil; husks used for poultry bedding and maize stock for mixing into cattle feed

2. Livestock: weaners; feedlot; abattoir; hides to tannery

3. Waste: biofuel/manure for crops

4. Waste conversion: manure used for vegetable production

5. Vegetables: extract juices; package product

BBK and SPM intend to address these challenges as shown in the diagram below:

The BBKTA has adopted an Agro-Ecological Village model as part of its approach to environmentally sustainable rural development. The model aims to address the agricultural challenges faced by Bakgatla, and it emphasises participatory planning and training on farm research, evaluations to create ongoing capacity development and implementation of a soil management system.

Agriculture remains the largest employment sector in most developing countries and international agricultural agreements are crucial to any country’s food security.

The BBK and SPM partnership’s plans for agricultural projects are intended not only to boost employment in co-operatives and enterprise development, but also to curb food insecurity in Kgatleng.

PAGE 6 BUA KGABO INCORPORATING PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

Chairperson of Magalies Water Board, Priscilla Nkwinita; Moses Kotane Local Municipality Mayor, Fetsang Mokati-Thebe; Minister Edna Molewa; Bojanala Platinum District Municipality Mayoral Committee member, Violet Molotsia and Kgosi Nyalala Pilane at the launch of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Scheme

BULK WATER SUPPLY SCHEME TO ADDRESS LOCAL SHORTAGESWater is a scarce resource in South Africa. Increasing water demands, both for domestic and industrial use, in the Magalies Water supply area within the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, and in particular the Moses Kotane and Rustenburg local municipalities, have compelled the government to address water scarcity as a matter of urgency. Government is therefore partnering with communities and mining companies operating in the area on water issues.

The Pilanesberg Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme, launched this week in Kgatleng’s two neighbouring villages – Ngweding and Ntswana-le-Metsing – began as a BBK initiative and is the result of the partnerships between BBK, the mine and government.

The project includes the following elements:

31km pipeline from Padda to Tuschenkomst (Ngweding village)

35 megalitre (Ml) reservoir in Ngweding

These have both been completed and the project cost of R190 million was met by Pilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM). Magalies Water connected the bulk water supply from the Tuschenkomst reservoir to Ngweding.

Ntswana-le-Metsing, 4km from Ngweding, will also be linked to the Tuschenkomst reservoir.

Ngweding village relied on groundwater, extracted from a borehole and pumped into two Jojo tanks with a 20,000 litre storage capacity. Ntswana-le-Metsing currently receives water from two boreholes. One of these boreholes is shared with Motlhabe, a neighbouring village.

The project also includes the following elements, still to be completed:

140Ml treatment plant

170Ml distribution capacity

Additional 120Ml reservoir capacity

125km pipeline network at an estimated cost of R1.75 billion

Chadwick Lobakeng, Chief Director of the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation, explained that the Pilanesberg North Scheme will address the growing demand for sustainable bulk water supply for the Moses Kotane and Rustenburg local municipalities as

well as the industrial water demands from two platinum mines north of the Pilanesberg.

Speaking at an event to launch the project, Edna Molewa, Minister of Water Affairs, explained that the project will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 covers the entire Pilanesberg and includes a bulk power supply upgrade from Eskom, a high lift power station, an extension of plant 3 at the Vaalkop Water Treatment Plant and the construction of a new plant.

Phase 2 will consist of a bulk water pipeline from Tuschenkomst to Ruighoek, another bulk water pipeline from Mafenya to the Phokeng and Tlhabane areas and an upgrade of the bulk water pipeline from Amandelbult to Thabazimbi. Phase 3 will extend the scheme to Koster, Swartruggens and other villages in the Kgetleng River Local Municipality.

Molewa also mentioned that this project will provide training and capacity building for local students. Phase 1 has created 255 jobs, 100 of which went to residents of the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The scheme is expected to create 6,000 jobs.

Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of BBKTA thanked the government for supporting the project and asked the Minister to explore the possibilities of utilising the Molatedi Dam to benefit the people of the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, along with the people of Botswana.

Kgosi Pilane announced that Bakgatla are at all times available, ready and willing to continue partnering with government to improve the living conditions of the people of South Africa. “We have plans to upgrade the roads in our region and we hope and trust that the government will come on board” he said.

Making housing happenA housing project for Lekutung has been planned to address development taking place within the BBK region. Growth in the area will lead to the creation of job opportunities, and as people need homes, the demand for accommodation in the area will increase. BBK has therefore formed a special unit to facilitate the development of additional housing in the region.

“Our economic hub is likely to attract professionals and potential investors,” said Kgosi Nyalala Pilane. “The Lekutung Estate, planned for a strategic location midway on the Sedibelo Corridor activity spine, will address a variety of residential requirements. We will have a mix of medium- and high-density accommodation and supporting services. These will benefit the mining sector and the broader community.”

Phase 1 of the project will begin with the Moruleng cluster at Koedoesfontein farm. The Lekutung township development will also ensure sustainable development of the expansion of operations at SPM’s Pilanesberg Platinum Mine.

Earthen dams benefit farmersThe relocation of land users from Wilgespruit farm to Wachteenbeetjeslaagte farm to make way for the expansion of the Pilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM) has not only benefited those directly affected. The relocation process has led to benefits that have profited other farmers on neighbouring land. An example of this is the commitment by PPM to excavate a number of earthen dams, including those at Middlekuil farm and Ramoshibitswana.

Alex Monageng, a farmer from Middlekuil said he was proud of BBKTA and PPM and pleased that the local dam had been excavated. “We have been experiencing water shortages for too long,” said Monageng. “Our cars are deteriorating because, until now, we have had to use them to bring water to the farm. As most people will realise, cars are not designed to carry huge water tanks. Access to these dams will lessen the burden.”

Motto Diedericks, also from Middlekuil farm said he and his neighbours appreciated the leadership’s efforts to improve conditions. He is hopeful that PPM and BBKTA will be able to arrange running water at some stage. “A water pipe passes through our farm and if the authorities could connect us to that pipe to ensure a permanent water solution we would be very satisfied,” said Diedericks.

PAGE 724 July 2015

Cattle near one of the dams in the BBK areaLekutung Estate - aerial view of housing development plan

SPM/PPM DELIVERS ON BBK MASTER PLANIn 2011, Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela developed a blueprint to guide the development of the Bakgatla region. This Master Plan is aligned to the National Development Plan and addresses the same set of challenges.

These include widespread unemployment, ailing infrastructure, low standards of education, exclusion of the poor from mainstream development, a resource-dependent economy, a failing public health system and inept public service provision.

SPM and its mine, PPM, are operating within the context of increased awareness and regulation regarding the potential social impacts of its activities.

“Improving the quality of life in BBK communities is at the heart of our strategy,” explained Dr Mishack Molope, General Manager: Stakeholder Relations at PPM. “We operate on the principle that, in order to establish a healthy community, we need to create a sound social environment. This is why PPM supports a variety of programmes

SPM AND PPM IN BRIEF SPM’s mine (PPM) is located within the North West Province

in the Bojanala District Municipality and Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

PPM is situated in a well-established semi-rural area and is immediately surrounded by eight villages with a total population of approximately 12,471.

The mine comprises an open cast operation at the Tuschenkomst pit which is situated to the north-west of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

PPM’s primary labour-sending area is a collection of three villages – Ngweding, Tlhatlaganyane and Motlhabe.

including education, health, welfare, food security, rural infrastructure and the environment.”

The extensive revitalisation of the BBK economy is taking place against the backdrop of mining developments in the area north-west of the Pilanesberg mountains, the Bushveld Western Limb of the Platinum Belt. To achieve its goals, the BBK nation has forged significant mining joint ventures with platinum mining giants such as Anglo Platinum and SPM.

According to Molope, SPM and PPM have made significant strides in moving away from philanthropic donations and ad hoc practices to more strategic ways of planning and delivering on their community investment programmes. “There is greater emphasis on viewing community investment through the lens of risk and opportunity and creating shared value by aligning goals and competencies with development priorities as captured in the BBK Master Plan,” he said.

BBKMS socio-economic sector SPM/PPM programme SPM/PPM project

Beneficiaries, community empowerment Intervention/project description Resources invested and committed

Education School support programme:

PPM will continue to invest in education, skills upliftment for 32 villages identified as local communities

Will use school support, bridging programmes - intended to create skills pool within the local communities

Bursary scheme

Career exhibition

School refurbishment programme

BBK learners

DoE, BBK community, Public Works, ward councillors, Kgosana, BBKTA, MKLM

BBK learners

Kgamanyane High School

Motlhabe Primary School

Tertiary education bursaries awarded: mining engineering, geology, metallurgical engineering, agriculture and commerce

15 bursaries awarded: 2014 and 2015

Assess needs for science laboratories within local communities; contribution to their development

Local schools - career exhibition: held annually to inform learners of career options (emphasis on mining-oriented careers)

PPM to conduct infrastructure baseline assessment, in collaboration with DoE, at identified local schools every five years

- to assess condition of infrastructure

- monitor learner enrolment relative to infrastructure to meet demand; ensure facilities offer suitable learning environment

2015: approx R1million (m) - includes tuition fees, books and student lodging

2015: budget R200,000 for career exhibition

2014-2015: Kgamanyane High School renovation approx R4.2m

Motlhabe Primary School renovation approx R2.1m

Health PPM recognises community rights to appropriate health care; intends to invest with intervention programmes

PPM is committed to wellness and healthcare in its communities

Legkraal clinic: new health facility

DoE, BBK community, Public Works, ward councillors, Kgosana, BBKTA, MKLM

New health centre built, Legkraal village; refurbishment of Motlhabe and Magong clinics in compliance with Department of Health National Core Standards

2014-2015: new clinic built for Legkraal approx R4.5m

Refurbishments to clinics at Motlhabe and Magong

Magong clinic refurbishment

DoE, BBK community, Public Works, ward councillors, Kgosana, BBKTA, MKLM

Refurbishments to health facility in compliance with Department of Health National Core Standards include borehole, electrical work, plumbing, vinyl sheeting, smoke detectors, patient call system, paving, fencing, car park, ambulance bay

2014 - June 2015: R3.6m project cost

Motlhabe clinic renovations

DoE, BBK community, Public Works, ward councillors, Kgosana, BBKTA, MKLM

Refurbishments to health facility in compliance with Department of Health National Core Standards include plumbing, smoke detectors, patient call system, vinyl sheeting

2014 costing: approx R770,500

Health programme BBK community PPM supports community health care programmes e.g. HIV/AIDS, TB and cancer awareness; training of paramedics

10 community members attended paramedic training. Five succeeded; will register with the relevant health professional council Project cost: approx R120,000

Social development and NGO

PPM strategy embraces social, economic needs of hosting communities; achieved by interventions that ensure social upliftment

Mantwane Crèche Dept. of Social Development; BBK community, ward councillors, Kgosana, BBKTA, MKLM

Pre-primary school initiative - early childhood development intervention

Early Childhood Development Centre in Ramoga village for approx 100 children Project cost: approx. R3.0m

Sports, arts and culture

Promote sport, healthy living, youth participation

BBK community -

Sedibelo Runners Club

BBK schools

BBK community

Community sporting formations

• Maintain sports fields in local communities

• Sponsor soccer tournaments

• Support sports clubs

Hosted cross country marathon for NW athletic clubs - over 600 participants

Comrades marathon, Two Oceans marathon

Sedibelo Runners Club PPM represented in well-known marathons Events sponsored by PPM

PAGE 8 BUA KGABO INCORPORATING PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

BBKMS socio-economic sector SPM/PPM programme SPM/PPM project

Beneficiaries, community empowerment Intervention/project description Resources invested and committed

Local economic development (LED)

LED projects aim to eradicate poverty, uplift local communities (from which the majority of employees are sourced). Projects identified in consultation with the local authorities; flow from integrated development plans of the local, district municipalities

Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) focuses on enterprise development, SMME mentoring – providing knowledge, finance, tools to create sustainable smaller businesses

Small, medium, micro enterprises (SMMEs) to benefit by supplier development, SMME mentoring, tender analysis and listing, community skills training, sponsorship and 3rd party funding, preferential procurement, local supplier data base

Establishment of EDC; 246 enterprises registered on local data base for SMME and several mentorship programmes for SMMEs

R4m invested in EDC programme

SMME/preferential procurement success/tenders:

RSM Civils (cleaning services) Contract value: approx R1.2m p.a. and employs 23 locals

Kwa Mothakga (external site maintenance), contract being renewed Contract value: approx R1m p.a. and employs 10 locals

Motaung Project Management (air-conditioning) Contract being renewed, extended approx R400,000 p.a. and employs 4 locals

Dirang Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (external airconditioning) employs 3 locals

Local economic development projects (LED)

Community crusher, brick making project

Project aimed at poverty alleviation, job creation

Brick making project and crushers

Vegetable farm and hydroponics

Project aimed at poverty alleviation, job creation

Produce supplied to chain stores and local hawkers; farm expansion underway

Agri-Farm with 7 co-operatives; benefits 49 people

Current construction phase: 19 temporary jobs

Expansion project - 20 new tunnels, 2 vehicles, pack house, ablution and refrigeration facilities

Funding breakdown 2014-2015

PPM funding R1.5m

DTI funding R2.5m

PPM funded DTI shortfall R120,181

Total cost R4.1m

Community water project

BBK community Community water project progress – 2014

+15 water tanks (5,000 litres) plus stands distributed to Magong, Motlhabe, Lesetlheng, Legkraal, Ramasedi and Legkraal villages to address water shortages

Repairs to 100,000 litre steel reservoir at Motlhabe in progress

12 new boreholes successfully drilled; older boreholes refurbished, new equipment installed

Community water project

2014 spend: R2.3m

Includes two water tankers

Skills shortage in area: PPM contributing to upskilling through leanership programme

Community skills and pipeline employment

Artisan training Study fields targeted by PPM (section 18.2: MQA requirements): boiler-making, diesel mechanic, electrical, fitting and turning, instrumentation

2014: 12 learners enrolled

2015: 30 learners enrolled

Road maintenance Road maintenance BBK community PPM maintains, upgrades roads in mine vicinity % of CSI budget is allocated on ongoing basis

Agriculture, agro-processing, food security

Agriculture, food security Farmers’ Support Centre, fodder relief, livestock water supply

Drilling, equipping boreholes, cleaning of earthen dams

In collaboration with BBKTA, BBKSIC and farmer associations

Relocated Wilgespruit land users and those on farms bordering the mine

R25.6m, 5 year commitment

PPM has teams building cattle pens and erecting fences for land users who have relocated from Wilgespruit

PAGE 924 July 2015

MODERN MINING MEANS MINING SUSTAINABLYMining in the 21st century is very different to the way the sector operated in the previous 100 or so years. Today, mining is a heavily regulated industry with checks and balances that are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the people who work underground, in pits and in smelters and metallurgical plants. Mining companies are also required to ensure their practices are sustainable from an environmental and social perspective. Failure to comply with any of the above – particularly in the area of health and safety – can lead to the suspension of a mine’s licence.

Sedibelo Platinum Mines (SPM) and its operating mine, PPM, is committed to the health and safety of its employees, the well-being of its neighbouring communities and the preservation of the natural and cultural environment in which it operates. The company’s approach

Many local roads have gravel surfaces. PPM is upgrading the P50/1 and Z549 for BBK

PAGE 10 BUA KGABO INCORPORATING PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

PPM steps up to upgrade local roadsBBK, supported by PPM, is pleased to announce a project to upgrade and surface one provincial road – the P50/1 – and one local road – the Z549 – as part of the effort to uplift community infrastructure.

Both roads are located immediately north of the Pilanesberg National Park and start approximately 14km to the west of Moruleng, the main business hub of the BBK area. This initiative will provide improved access for all road users in the area and will also create jobs for the members of the local communities during construction.

Road P50/1 from Ga Raphiri to Motlhabe measures approximately 13.7km and will close the loop of surfaced roads around the Pilanesberg National Park. It will also provide improved access to PPM. The road improvement will eliminate the harsh driving conditions currently experienced by road users.

The Z549 road from Ga Raphiri to Bohule serves as a local distribution collector for the villages of Bohule and Boriteng. It will be upgraded using concrete paving blocks and labour hired from the community. The upgrades of both gravel roads will take approximately 18 months to complete.

The P50/1 road forms part of the 77km of roads in the region which need upgrading. Once the upgrade project is completed, the Lekutung –Magong road linking Magong and the Moruleng CBD will be targeted for an upgrade.

These roads form part of the network linking all villages in the area and the upgrades are therefore important for economic development within the villages. The upgrades will also ensure safer travel for all, particularly the mine employees who commute along them on a daily basis.

PPM’s Tuschenkomst pit

to sustainability is integrated into the mine’s day-to-day work to the extent that this approach is second nature to most employees, as they conduct mine business with the goal of ‘zero harm’. Successful mining involves a number of factors, some of which are within the company’s control to a greater or lesser degree. These include a motivated, stable labour force, a commitment to ‘walking the talk’ when it comes to health and safety, achieving targets and cost control. Combined, these factors can result in an effective mining operation.

However, there are other factors beyond the control of miners all around the world that can play havoc with the bottom line, or profit. The price of commodities, demand for the product, exchange rates and surpluses are all global issues that cannot be influenced by a mining company or even a mining country, such as South Africa.

When metal demand is low, when there is a surplus of the commodity on world markets and when the price is at rock bottom (as is presently the case with platinum), the making – and therefore the sharing – of profits becomes much more difficult.

However, in good times and in bad, and from the beginning of its tenure in the BBK region, SPM has acknowledged its operations might potentially affect the neighbouring environment and communities. SPM therefore has a department that makes sure all operational

practices are integrated, or ‘a way of life’, and that it complies with best practice, maintains training and awareness as well as constantly seeking ways of improving its performance.

Before any mining activity begins, SPM undertakes a study known as an environmental impact assessment. Stakeholders who might be affected are consulted, and specialist studies are undertaken to assess how the people and the environment near the mine will be impacted. The mine then develops a strategy or plan to manage any issues, and the SPM strategy includes the following aims:

Protection of biodiversity in the area

SPM identified and relocated protected morula trees growing where the mine was due to expand. Permissions were obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Heritage assessment studies

SPM has undertaken studies of the stone wall sites dating from the Late Iron Age and Historical Period (AD1600 to AD1850) located on the Mmatone, Phatshwane and Mogare mountains. These form a heritage triangle around the mine and need to be preserved for ongoing archaeological work, the country’s cultural heritage and for their tourism potential. To highlight the importance of the sites, PPM sponsored a heritage walk in 2015.

Water catchment forums

The Pilanesberg and BBK region is a water scarce area and people, livestock, mining and industry all share this critical resource. SPM is therefore an active participant in the Thabazimbi and Elands water catchment forums, which work to protect and manage stakeholder use of water resources.

SPM has internal water management committees that monitor and evaluate its water use with the aim of securing optimal performance. This includes preventing pollution. Strategies being implemented include water policy, water balance, storm water management, water and waste management and hydrogeological modelling.

Environmental awareness programmes

SPM recognises the importance of celebrating environmental calendar events and has supported Arbour Week (planting trees at schools), Water Week and World Rhino Protection Day. Support for these events helps to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of protecting and managing environmental resources within a social and economic context.

Tuschenkomst pit

Also known as Sedibelo West pit, the mine has, in response to the region’s water challenges, committed to partially rehabilitate the pit at the closure of operations. In so doing, it will create a water storage dam that should be able to supply an estimated 1.7 million litres a day to local farmers and the community after closure of the PPM operation.

Healthy cattle, relocated from Wilgespruit, enjoy superior grazing near their new kraal

Land users enjoy better grazing, facilities after moveTwenty three land users on Wilgespruit farm have already moved to new areas with vastly better grazing for their cattle. The first relocations took place in October 2014.

PPM and BBKTA have agreed the terms and conditions of the move that has been necessitated by the extension of the mine.

To date 21 mekhukhu or homesteads, 20 cookhouses, 22 toilets and 20 cattle kraals have been constructed by the mine for the land users and their herders. A local community crew of 10 people has been working tirelessly to assist with this work. The crew is currently busy completing the homestead fencing and the crush pens.

Six reservoirs have been made usable and they provide water for the livestock in the area. JoJo tanks at the homesteads provide water for the land users and resident herders. Water trucks are currently being used to fill the reservoirs and the water tanks.

Perimeter fencing around the various areas has also been installed and to date 55km of fencing has been erected.

PPM also upgraded and improved an area of 112ha for arable farming. The mine has provided two 78Kw tractors together with rippers, ploughs and seeders, and these were used to prepare the area for farming. Another piece of land at Lenyele has also been grubbed, ready for farming.

Ripping of the area for future planting has also begun, and at the end of June 2015 some 60ha had been ripped. The tractors have also been used for gardening projects at Motlhabe and Huma villages.

The ranger’s hut on Wachteenbeetjeslaagte has been refurbished and a security fence has been erected around it. This building has become the Farmers’ Support Centre and is controlled by the BBKSIC. Signs and a security hut were installed in March.

PPM has also constructed an additional 4,000m of fencing along the Mopyane road to help contain livestock within a designated area and to prevent them from wandering onto the road.

PPM has also cleaned six earthen dams for rainwater collection in the area.

PAGE 1124 July 2015

Grazing on the farms available for relocation is in excellent condition and plentiful

This razor wire fence forms part of 77km of fencing erected by PPM

Wilgespruit farm is overgrazed and can no longer support livestock

Frank Tlhasi at his new homestead

PPM has cleared this 112ha site and it is available for arable farming

Vuzi Khumalo and Mokwepa Mokwepa at the Tlhasi homestead

What on earth is geology and how critical is it in the ever evolving mining business? In this article we try to explain its relevance at PPM.Geology is the study of the earth, the physical structure and rock formations, their history and the processes that created them. Although geological knowledge remains fairly constant, the tools used in the mining business are forever changing.

At PPM, geological activities mainly consist of reverse circulation (RC) drilling and reefing. Other tasks include the manipulation of data to create reasonable information for non-geologists.

RC drillingIt all started when exploration geologists were trained to carry out geological and mining activities. This was followed by training unskilled and non-mining employees to be geological observers.

PPM continues to train geological observers to improve their skills with a view to stretching the current production tonnage profile. This helps offset the economic challenges that the mine, as a new entrant in the platinum sector, is facing.

ReefingThe West Pit was originally planned to reef more than three reef horizons; Merensky Contact (MCR), Mineralized MRFW1, Pseudo-packages and U2D reefs. This means blocks of about 100m long, 60m wide and 15m deep are blasted and flitches of about 2.5m - 3m are cut. In each flitch geological observers mark off the reef contacts and lay down waste lines for selective mining and dilution control. Critical decisions were made to focus on reefing of the Pseudo and U2D reef packages.

MilestonesGeology is integral to mining but is often misunderstood. It is only people with a ‘passion for reading’ the contents of the rock who deliver results. Mining platinum-bearing reef through open pit mining methods requires candidates to be self-driven, have a good attitude and possess people skills. This combination will allow the geologist to articulate and achieve desired targets.

PPM has two milestones. First, to deliver quality ore to the run-of-mine safely and second, to train employees to improve and broaden their skills to facilitate future employment and career advancement.

What the geologist does at PPMThe five pillars of PPM’s geology department are drilling, sampling, mapping, modelling and reefing. The RC assistants explore mining blocks for reef depth and disturbance (geological faults, joints, dykes etc). The rock chip samples yield metal content data. To validate exploration predictions, physical mapping of different rock types and geological structures is undertaken. These two activities provide data that is further analysed and used to improve the confidence of the geological models (usable information). This comprises aspects like reef types, metal content and variability thereof as well as different reef disturbances (e.g. faults, dykes etc) at deeper levels. This information is used to set positive production milestones and to keep PPM sustainable.

Each of the pillars makes its own contribution to achieving a common goal.Successful and continuous mining (without interruptions) means that PPM is able to assist surrounding communities and to help develop and improve the lives of the people living in these areas.

ROLE OF GEOLOGY IN REACHING PRODUCTION MILESTONES

GEOLOGY AS A CAREER

The mining industry not only contributes vast economic wealth to the country, but also creates hundreds of thousands of jobs and a variety of career paths. According to Statistics SA, youth unemployment in South Africa rose significantly during the past six years. Individuals who trained for more common careers tend to be affected because there are too many people qualified for the jobs available.

A sensible approach to avoid being qualified without a job is to select a scarce skill as your study area. However, it is important to remember that people do well when they are interested in what they do, or what they are studying, so there is no point in following a career if it does not appeal to you.

Geology can be an interesting and rewarding career and is an option worth considering. Although the tools that are used in the mining business are forever changing, the knowledge remains fairly constant.

A bachelor’s degree is adequate for entry-level positions, but most geologists need a master’s degree. For admission at tertiary institutions, interested Grade 12 candidates must obtain a minimum of 65% pass rate in mathematics, physical science, life science and geography.

Sedibelo Platinum Mines Limited and its mine, PPM, aims to improve and develop lives in its surrounding communities. Creating jobs, eradicating poverty and growing a sustainable economy in the region is high on its agenda. SPM therefore assists local communities with bursary funds, learnerships and skills development programmes.

Information on how to apply for bursaries will be available on the Sedibelo website from October 2015. See also story on page 4.

www.sedibeloplatinum.com

Ben Phiri, assistant RC drilling crew, preparing samples at PPM The current chief geologist and mine geologist of West Pit discussing loading protocol

An aerial view of the Tuschenkomst pit The study of geology includes rocks, such as this one in the Tuschenkomst pit

PAGE 12 BUA KGABO INCORPORATING PPM’s IKUTLWELE KE YA RONA

THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF BUA KGABO WAS PRODUCED BY THE BBK-SPM TASK TEAM Kebone Molope, Nonnie Letsholo for BBK; Leigh King, Jeneth Ndlovu of Russell and Associates for SPMContributors: Abe Mogashoa, Botsang Huma, Gomolemo Maakane, Paige Jautse, Pule Mokgele, Lucky Pitse, McDonald Mahlabisa, Rorisang Thale, Setshedi Rasepae (PPM) and M John Mokgopa (PPM)We welcome your comments and suggestions for stories to be featured in Bua Kgabo. Please send your suggestions no later than the 30th of every month to:The Editor, Bua Kgabo, P O Box 200, Saulspoort, 0318. Tel: 014 556 7000. Fax: 086 501 7551. Email: tshireletso.malapile@bbkta.co.za

While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content of this publication, neither the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Traditional Administration nor Sedibelo Platinum Mines Limited (and its subsidiary PPM) can accept any responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise.