The Limpopo Provincial Government has moved to deepen cooperation with the mining sector after signing a series of infrastructure-focused agreements on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

Led by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the province concluded two key Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) aimed at rehabilitating and maintaining critical road infrastructure in mining-affected areas, a long-standing pressure point for communities and local governments across Limpopo.

The agreements form part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to improve collaboration with mining companies, particularly around infrastructure that bears the brunt of heavy industrial activity, but is often funded solely by the public purse.

The first MOA was signed between Kwethu (Pty) Ltd, a mining company operating in the Lephalale area of the Waterberg District, and Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL). Under the agreement, the two parties will jointly rehabilitate and maintain selected roads in the Lephalale and Thabazimbi local municipalities.

Ramathuba said the timing of the agreements was crucial as the province tries to recover from the recent floods.

“You are coming at a time when the province is really in trouble,” she said.

Ramathuba added that the province needs support from all stakeholders to ensure a better life for residents of the province.

Kwethu was led by Chief Executive Gugulethu Madungandaba, while RAL was represented by its CEO, Makitha Chesane. The partnership aims to address road degradation associated with mining operations, while enhancing safety and access for surrounding communities.

Madungandaba said the company wanted to give back to the community it would be operating in.

“I appreciate the opportunity to partner with RAL to ensure people have better roads. I’m hoping for a long and fruitful partnership,” he said.

The second agreement involved the Roads Agency Limpopo and five mining companies operating in the Sekhukhune District.

It focuses on the rehabilitation and upgrading of Road D212, a strategic route that has suffered extensive damage from sustained heavy mining traffic, including twin-link haulage trucks.

Road D212 is a key transportation corridor for mining operations in the area, but it is also used daily by residents, school buses, and small businesses. Its deterioration has been a recurring source of complaints from communities and municipalities, raising concerns about safety, vehicle damage, and access to basic services.

Both signing ceremonies were attended by Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene, and MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Tshitereke Matibe, underscoring the province’s emphasis on aligning infrastructure development with economic activity.

Rachoene explained that Limpopo has a road network of 21,000km, but 66% of that is gravel.

“This type of initiative is very important for the people of Limpopo. We hope this MOU will change the lives of our people,” he said.

Provincial officials said the agreements reflect a shift towards more structured and cooperative engagement between the provincial government and mining companies, particularly under the current 7th Administration. In total, six MOAs were signed during Limpopo’s engagements at the Mining Indaba, covering various infrastructure and development priorities.

Limpopo is one of South Africa’s most mineral-rich provinces, hosting significant platinum group metals, coal, chrome, and iron ore operations. While mining remains a major economic driver, it has also placed sustained pressure on public infrastructure, especially roads not originally designed to accommodate heavy industrial traffic.

The government has increasingly pushed for mining companies to play a more direct role in mitigating the impact of their operations, particularly through social and labour plans and infrastructure partnerships.

Officials say the latest agreements are intended to ensure that economic activity translates into tangible benefits for communities, while reducing the long-term maintenance burden on the state.

The provincial government has indicated that further engagements with the mining sector are planned, with a focus on infrastructure, local economic development, and improving coordination between public agencies and private operators.

karabo.ngoepe@inl.co.za 

Source link