..::Press Release::..

Kgosi Ya Baphalane: Rre Joy Ramokoka
Head of Government Relations Anglo American: Executive Social Performance Manager of Anglo American , Mr Masala Mutangwa
Mayor of Thabazimbi Local Municipality, Cllr Tokie Swanepoel
Mayor of Moses Local Municipality, Cllr Mmankotswe…
HoD responsible for Special Performance at Anglo America’s Amandelbult Operations and Complex
HoD of the Department of Public Works and Roads in the North West
Representatives of the Department of Public Work and Roads (Limpopo)
Representatives from the Roads Agency of Limpopo
All Stakeholders present

Today, marks a very important step in the direction our Seventh Administration is taking. My wish is, to see this happen very often in other communities in the province during the five-year journey we have just embarked on. It is indeed a remarkable development we are witnessing here today.

If the President of the country was in attendance: I have no doubt, he would be pleased with this development, because he said it during his address in Parliament.

``We will support the growth of rural enterprises and must invest in public infrastructure in under serviced areas. ``…we will take economic activity to where most of our people live so that more jobs can be created.’’

We are beginning to see that happen, because we have found each other. Not only as leaders of various political parties, but big business too is coming to party to work with government, for the good of the province, the country and all its people.

Programme Director: I am indeed privileged to be among the witnesses to this occasion. It confirms that indeed, partnerships between the private and public sector can work, and do work, if we want them to work. Infrastructure serves as the foundation of a nation’s economy, as it provides the necessary physical and social systems for sustained growth and development.

Through the efficient infrastructure networks: We can improve productivity, attract investment and enhance the overall well-being of the people of our country.

Critical in these areas, is the provincial road network (surfaced and gravel roads) which remain our responsibility to construct and maintain. In whatever we do as Government, the three priorities remain the central pillars, which are:

• To drive inclusive economic growth and job creation which is at the centre of the work on the new government and at the top of the national agenda.
• To reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and
• To build a capable, ethical and developmental state

There is no doubt, from what I have seen and what I am hearing, that this project where the contractor was introduced, to upgrade from gravel to surface, here in Ramokoka Stadt, we have begun addressing two of the three key priorities of Government that I have already outlined above.

I must hasten to congratulate Anglo American operation here in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Amandelbult Complex, for setting the pace with a clear vision to plough back big in the communities around this area. A substantial investment to upgrade section of two separate road at cost of approximately R106million is not easy to come by. Not in this tough economic situations which have adversely affected the mines with shrinking profit margins and a job losses. I am informed, Amandelbult has finalised also, the appointment of the contractor for the road from Sandfontein to Dikweipi, here on Moses Kotane Local Municipality. We will be there!!

Programme Director: My department has been upfront in articulating the challenges we have with our road network in the province. The conditions are there for all to see and the situation has been worsened, as the entire government has been affected by budget cuts.

Given these constraints and the speed at which our road infrastructure is deteriorating, the department has decided to put more focus on maintenance projects, including farming and rural roads with added priority for intervention in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality (Bojanala District).

That is why this intervention by Amandelbult Operation of Anglo American must be celebrated.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) is the way to the future. These can help governments meet the needs of their communities by leveraging private sector resources and expertise. PPPs can help governments improve service delivery

There are success stories elsewhere in the country, and the world that PPPs, if properly managed can help governments deliver public infrastructure and services more efficiently.

PPPs can help government’s complete large-scale projects like roads, bridges, and hospitals on time and within budget. The private partner participates in designing, completing, implementing, and funding the project, while the public partner focuses on defining and monitoring compliance with the objectives.

In conclusion:

Now that Anglo American and its operation Amandelbult, has raised the bar, the onus and challenge is on other private entities to follow suit.

We are about to roll out engagement with executives and senior management of the mining houses and operations doing business in Bojanala District (North West Province).

We trust these engagements will yield partnerships in financing and implementing strategic economic road infrastructure projects.

Working together we can help address the ever deteriorating road infrastructure to boost economic activity of your sector in particular.

We have identified about 35 mining houses, 19 of which are renowned globally with operations in the Bojanala District. Most of our road network in this municipality and district were never designed to carry such an influx of truck and excessive loads that we are seeing every day.

That that explains why so many of our road in this area continue to deteriorate at such an alarming rate. In no time, the wear and tear of our roads in this district will soon affect the very mining operations unless we put heads together and find a sustainable solution as government and the mining sector.

So…Please! Please! All mining houses and operations in Bojanala District, let us follow the good example of Anglo American’s Amandelbult. We need you now to join us in a journey, to advance the interest of all South Africans.

I thank you.

Ke a Leboga

Ends

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