Changing lives in Tsantsabane: A story of legacy, partnership, and impact

Postmasburg. – Kumba Iron Ore, a business of Anglo American, has handed over two landmark social infrastructure projects in Postmasburg.

The projects, the Lebelelang Disability Centre and the White City Library, were done in partnership with the Tsantsabane Local Municipality, the Northern Cape Premier’s Office, and local stakeholders.

Built on former dumping sites, the Disability Centre has created 83 jobs while providing a safe, dignified space for persons with disabilities, and the White City Library is now a hub of literacy, digital access, and tertiary learning through the Sol Plaatje University (SPU). They stand as powerful examples of how mining can be a catalyst for inclusion, dignity, and long-term opportunity.

Melangini Pillay, who handles media relations for Anglo American, says the numbers tell the scale: in the first half of 2025 alone, Kumba invested R135 million in social initiatives, supporting 670 jobs, more than 10 000 learners, and 330 teachers.  “But the real story lies in the faces of children discovering books, families accessing clean water, and persons with disabilities stepping into a centre built for their dignity and empowerment,” she said.

These projects showcase successful collaboration between business, government, and civil society, with support from multiple stakeholders including the Department of Social Development, the National Development Agency and local municipalities. The handover ceremony was attended by the minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, and Northern Cape premier, Dr Zamani Saul, among other key stakeholders.

The handover ceremony, held in Postmasburg, was attended by Mantashe, deputy minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, and Saul alongside community leaders, municipal partners and development stakeholders.

Kumba Iron Ore’s social projects, rolling out as a part of their Social Labour Plans (SLPs), deliver community upliftment, creating safe and inclusive spaces for people with disabilities, improving access to essential health services, and bringing literacy and skills development closer to home. The initiatives build on the delivery of sports and recreation facilities as well as critical road and water infrastructure, which are already strengthening community pride, mobility and resilience in surrounding communities.

Mpumi Zikalala, chief executive officer (CEO) of Kumba Iron Ore, said: “What matters most is not the buildings themselves, but how they serve and uplift the people of Tsantsabane. Our role is to walk alongside the community, ensuring that our investments support education, inclusion and opportunity where they are needed most. These projects are a testament to what is possible when business, government, partners and communities work together. They show the power of partnerships in delivering facilities that respond directly to community needs and create long-lasting impact.”

Minister in the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe said, “Rather than being known for digging a hole in the ground, (mining companies) display a humane face, leading in communities, making a difference in communities. I wanted to come and see this project as it was built in the community, for the community and has a meaningful impact on people’s lives here in the community. Social Labour Plans help us realise the potential of mining.”

Kumba’s community investments demonstrate the power of partnership in advancing sustainable development. The Lebelelang Centre, expanded through collaboration with the Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Assmang Beeshoek, Lesedi Solar, the National Development Agency, and the Department of Social Development. It has been transformed from a former waste dumping site into a safe, inclusive space that empowers persons with disabilities and has created 83 jobs. Similarly, the White City Library, will serve as a vibrant hub for literacy, digital access, and future tertiary learning through an SPU partnership.

The two facilities are just two examples that form part of Kumba’s ongoing commitment to community development within a much broader programme. This includes investments in inclusive sports infrastructure across the Sishen area, as well as essential road and water projects delivered in partnership with local municipalities. Collectively, these initiatives are enhancing daily life and building long-term resilience in surrounding communities.

“Anglo American has been part of South Africa’s story for over a century – 108 years of shared growth, resilience and transformation. Our roots are firmly anchored here, and we believe that when South Africa succeeds, we succeed – and when we succeed, the country succeeds. Kumba Iron Ore is a testament to this enduring partnership. At Kumba, our story is not just about mining; here mining is just one part of a broader story. In the first half of 2025, Kumba invested R135 million in social initiatives, creating 670 jobs and supporting over 10 000 learners. Every day, we invest in people, communities and opportunity – building a legacy that uplifts and transforms lives”, concludes Zikalala.

History of Collaboration

The Lebelelang Centre, first established in 2005 and expanded with partners including the Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Assmang, Lesedi Solar, the National Development Agency and the Department of Social Development, stands as a model of inclusion. Built on a former waste site, it now offers a safe, dignified space that stimulates physical, mental and social development. Through partnerships, including a R26 million contribution from Kumba Iron Ore, the project created 83 jobs and transformed a neglected area into a centre of empowerment. It demonstrates how collaboration between business, government and civil society can meaningfully change lives and environments.

Aligned with Kumba Iron Ore’s, Kolomela Mine’s SLP 3 and the Tsantsabane Local Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan, the White City Library with Kumba’s R28 million investment, will become a hub of learning and curiosity, bridging the digital divide through an SPU learning partnership at the centre. It will serve generations, blending expanded education opportunities with curiosity-driven spaces for young minds.

To foster health, dignity and community cohesion, inclusive sports facilities have been developed across Kathu and neighbouring communities. These include the Sesheng Learn-to-Swim Pool, Mapoteng Combi Courts, Sesheng Football Facility and the Siyathemba soccer field. With a combined investment of more than R31 million, the facilities are designed to be accessible and sustainable, providing proper changerooms, ablutions and safe recreational spaces. They restore pride and belonging, while nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people and families to thrive. Beyond infrastructure, these facilities promote safety, social connection and wellness, laying the foundation for stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

Essential infrastructure underpins safe, dignified living. Working with municipal partners, road projects are underway to improve access to schools, clinics and workplaces.  While less visible than other developments, reliable roads are vital to mobility and opportunity. Through a R16 million bulk water programme, boreholes in Laxey, Gahuwe, Gakowe, and Dithakong have been refurbished and solar-upgraded, restoring clean drinking water to communities. 

In August 2024, the Heuningsvlei (Lurie) scheme was completed, introducing photovoltaic (PV)-driven pumps, new power lines and remote monitoring. These initiatives collectively strengthen long-term water resilience, showing how practical infrastructure investments underpin growth, health and stability for rural communities.