Royal Bafokeng Platinum has developed a housing strategy that aims to promote home ownership for all its employees in order to create a lasting legacy of sustainable benefits.

As part of the overall Employee Home Ownership Scheme, the company celebrated the completion of the first phase of the project at a function held on 16 September 2014 at the Waterfall Hills Estate and handed over the keys to the first of the new homeowners, of the 422 units that have been completed. This celebration marked the successful partnership and collaboration between RBPlat and the Union (NUM) towards the common goal of providing safe, appropriate and affordable housing to all Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine Joint Venture employees.

The event was attended by the Minister of DMR, Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi, who together with representatives of NUM and RBPlat officially unveiled a plaque at the newly built Waterfall Estate.

To further this project, RBPlat also recently announced an in-principle approval of a further R2.8billion investment towards the provision of Phase 2 of the Employee Housing Development Scheme which will involve the construction of a further 3 100 houses as well as social amenities over the next five years. These homes will range from 80m² -to 360m² in size and cater for the diverse needs and affordability of all its employees.

Employee, Jan Mothoatlhaga was thrilled at receiving the keys to his home, and said, “This is a big moment for me, as I am now able to have my family live with me and be close to my work. Owning my own home has been my dream and this day has finally arrived. I am so happy.”      

Speaking at the function, Steve Phiri, CEO of RBPlat expressed his delight at the success of the pilot project, stating, “RBPlat is committed to leaving a lasting legacy of sustainable benefits for all our stakeholders, including our employees, and this project is an important step in our journey to provide a decent accommodation and improved living conditions.  It is through our successful partnerships with our Unions, employees and partners that we can make the kind of progress you see here today.”

NUM Deputy General Secretary Tshimane Montoedi said NUM members at Royal Bafokeng Platinum will now live in safe, decent, affordable houses. "NUM is very proud to be part of this historic project and we hope that other mining companies can do the same. It is time for mining companies to start building decent houses for the mineworkers and their families. Mineworkers cannot continue to live in filthy, unhygienic hostels and shacks."

Issued by RBPlat