The African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Empowerment Trust has reported substantial rural development progress across seven provinces this year and confirmed during its yearly stakeholder meeting, held on December 1, in Sandton, that ARM had invested R116-million during the year.

The meeting brought together tribal royalty, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, nonprofit organisations, trade unions, government representatives and community partners to review the work undertaken to support rural communities across South Africa.

Attendees were presented with an overview of the trust’s activities since its establishment in 2005 under the leadership of ARM founder and executive chairperson Patrice Motsepe, who emphasised the organisation’s continued focus on improving the wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalised groups in rural areas.

The trust outlined progress achieved through the seven rural upliftment trusts operating in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, North West, Free State and Limpopo.

These initiatives included installing boreholes and water systems to expand access to clean and reliable water for households and traditional councils. The Trusts also supplied tractors, farming tools and agricultural equipment aimed at strengthening food security and supporting community-based farming.

Further work included renovating and building schools, early childhood development centres, libraries, community halls and technical facilities, as well as providing laptops and furniture.

According to the trust, these projects were designed to create safe and functional spaces for learning and community involvement.

Alongside the trusts’ work, ARM reported that it had invested R116-million in 2025 in various social and labour plans, local economic development initiatives, and corporate social investment programmes.

This formed part of a total investment of R880-million over the past six years. The company stated that these contributions were directed towards improving infrastructure, education, health, and economic opportunities in communities located near its operations.

The meeting concluded with participants expressing continued support for collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening development in rural areas, with the Trust affirming its ongoing commitment to expanding its work in communities across the country.