The recently opened R13,3m Maitufi Road Bridge in Pokene, North West, is an example of how partnerships between communities, indigenous peoples and mining companies can drive real change.
The recently opened R13,3 meter Maitufi Road Bridge in Pokeng, North West, is a powerful example of how partnerships between communities, indigenous peoples and mining companies can drive real change.
These multi-stakeholder partnerships are delivered at a government policy level and create a sustainable model that can be replicated across the Platinum Belt and wider North West Province.
The bridge forms part of the upcoming Investing In African Mining Indaba 2026 roadshow, demonstrating how partnerships between mining companies, governments and communities can ensure equitable growth and long-term prosperity for all stakeholders.
South African Mining Indaba Public Affairs Director Collen Dlamini says MI’s roadshow was aimed at highlighting the strong mining partnerships being built in South Africa’s platinum belt.
“The Maithufi Road bridge shows how mining companies can partner with small and medium-sized businesses to impact local communities and indigenous peoples,” Dlamini said.
economic trajectory
Impala Rustenburg commissioned the Maitufi Road Bridge project, which connects three villages that were previously cut off from the outside world during heavy rains, leaving communities isolated and children unable to attend school.
The initiative included the construction of 660 meters of road improvements and bridges to improve access for 9,286 households in the district, and created 20 jobs.
Speaking during the roadshow, Lesego Semenya, CEO of Badiri Construction, a black-owned company commissioned by Impala Platinum to complete the project, said the opportunity changed the company’s economic trajectory.
“The Maithufi project has shown us that we can employ many young people from areas where there are few jobs.
“This allows us to demonstrate that we are capable of handling civil works of this scale and also increases our profile within the industry.”
Mr Semenya added that he plans to attend next year’s Mining Indaba to learn about mining partnerships and networking to identify future opportunities.
true wealth of mines
“Impala Platinum is involved in a number of community development partnerships and Mining Indaba is proud to showcase these through the roadshow, highlighting the impact mining companies have when working with communities,” said Dlamini.
Other recent community projects facilitated by the Impala Rustenburg partnership in the region include the Bobanja Community Center, the Titsing Water Pipeline, and the renovation of Letraccona Elementary School.
“The real wealth of mining lies in the communities where it thrives. Driven by partnerships, SLP ensures that sustainability is not a goal but a living reality.” – Basi Makgale, Royal Bafokenk Kgosi Office Operations Director.
Tina Marau, Impala Rustenburg Executive and Head of Stakeholder Relations, affirmed the value of an honest partnership approach and told the roadshow that relationships must include all role players.
He said a community-focused social and labor plan would bring significant business benefits, while also ensuring a mining company’s social license to operate.
“Everyone in the ecosystem needs to be involved, from community members to traditional leaders like the Bafokeng Royal Nation, to state and national governments,” she says.
“There is a strong business case for deep equity-based community engagement that promotes long-term stability and shared prosperity.”
Corporate level partnerships
During this roadshow, we also learned how partnerships at the corporate level can enable progress.
Impala Platinum Holdings recently acquired Royal Bafokeng Platinum in a wide-ranging entitlement transaction.
“This deal is unique in the southeastern mining industry,” Marau said.
“The community is a shareholder and active partner in the new organization, and that inclusive dynamic is already changing the strategic plan for the better.”
“We believe this is a long-term partnership and a repeatable blueprint for the entire industry.”
At the roadshow, Mining Indaba executives interacted with mining stakeholders and led conversations about the value of partnerships in the industry. This is essential to ensure long-term progress in the sector through infrastructure, education and social impact.
The Investing in Africa Mining Indaba roadshow will continue to visit mining communities and highlight the value of collaboration, in line with the event’s theme: Stronger Together: Progress through Partnerships. Investing in Africa Mining Indaba 2026 will be held at the CTICC in Cape Town from 9th to 12th February 2026.
