The handover of social upliftment projects to the Yende community in Donkerhoek, Mpumalanga, was a milestone in Kangra’s ongoing efforts to invest in the development of its host communities.

A refurbished community hall, water supply and new houses for two families were among projects handed over to residents falling under the Yende Farmer’s Trust during a celebration held on Saturday, 09 December. The projects form part of the Kangra’s Social and Labour Plan, and the mine’s Corporate Social Investment scheme. The community hall upgrade and water project were made possible by an agreement between the Yende Trust and the mine.

Chairman of the Yende Famer’s Trust, Melusi Yende, described the handover of the community projects as an extension of the mine’s positive impact in the area over and above the job opportunities it has created. “The community is happy that Kangra has fulfilled its commitment. This is a good gesture,” said Yende.

The mine invested in the upgrade of the old Twyfelhoek primary school building into the Yende Trust Community Hall, ensuring that the structure continues to be of good use to residents. The building was upgraded with electric wiring, running water, furniture, and new fencing. Yende remarked that going forward the hall, will be a space for community members to run different activities.

Prior to the installation of water taps, Ntombeyningi Yende along with fellow residents relied on local springs and rivers for water. “Having taps in our yards has changed our lives for the better because we used to walk long distance to fetch water,” Ntombeyningi said. The taps were installed for all 30 households under the Yende Farmer’s Trust. This concluded the first phase of the water infrastructure project. The initiative will be rolled out in phases, until all eight farms in the area have been covered. The Community Works Programme team will assist with the maintenance of the water infrastructure going forward.

Additionally, two families whose homes were within the 500-metre buffer zone around Kangra’s Udumo Adit operations were successfully relocated to newly built houses. The mine’s Sustainable Development Manager Mpfuneni Mulaudzi stated that all projects were initiated through consultation and planning involving the Yende Trust Committee and the Mkhondo Municipality.

“We are now seeing the positive results of the groundwork we have been laying to make sure that our communities benefit from the mining operations,” Mulaudzi said. Kangra’s Engineering Manager Paul Redelinghuys said supporting community development is vital to the mine’s objectives. “We are committed to uplifting our people and impacting the lives of communities surrounding our operations,” Redelinghuys said.