Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - The first of 422 houses in the Waterfall Hills Estate in the North West was handed over on Tuesday, as part of Royal Bafokeng Platinum's (RBPlat) housing strategy to promote home ownership, the company said.
At a function, the first keys were handed over to Jan Mothoatlhaga.
"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," he said.
"Owning my own home has been my dream and this day has finally arrived. I am so happy."
RBPlat said the celebration marked the successful partnership and collaboration between the company and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
The partnership would move towards the goal of providing safe, appropriate, and affordable housing to all employees.
The company announced an in-principle approval of a further R2.8bn investment towards the provision of phase two of the "employee housing development scheme".
Phase two would involve the construction of a further 3 100 houses as well as social amenities over the next five years.
The houses would range from 80 to 360m² in size and cater for the diverse needs and affordability of all its employees.
Speaking at the function RBPlat CEO Steve Phiri said the company was committed to leaving a legacy behind.
"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," he said.
NUM deputy general secretary Tshimane Montoedi said the union's members at Royal Bafokeng Platinum would now live in "safe, decent, and affordable" houses.
"NUM is very proud to be part of this historic project and we hope that other mining companies can do the same," he said.
"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."
