Newsletter April 2009
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2630_09_ RBH Newsletter 06-04-09 ES 4/6/09 5:23 PM Page 1 Issue 1 • April 2009 PODI-YA-TSELAGrapevine Stadium opening attracts high- In this issue profile gathering Styldrift Project starts 3 Boost for Local Economic Development 5 BTE reaches out to schools 7 Bafokeng Sports Campus 9 Trust empowers community 11 New appointments 12 Meeting the players: (from the left) ANC President Jacob Zuma, Chief Mandla Mandela and Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi A magnificent celebration heralded the much ANC President Jacob Zuma, FIFA General mass performance by 1 200 children from the awaited reopening of the Royal Bafokeng Secretary Jérôme Valcke, SAFA President Dr Royal Bafokeng Sports development programme, Sports Palace on 28 March 2009. A number of Molefi Oliphant and Local Organising while traditional dancers and a brass band high-profile guests joined Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi Committee chairman Irvin Khoza. performed during the half-time break. and members of the Royal Bafokeng Nation at the official opening, which saw South Africa’s Bafana Said Kgosi: “It is a matter of great pride Norman Mekgoe from Luka village was thrilled Bafana taking on Norway in the annual Nelson that the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace serves to be part of the day’s events. “I feel privileged Mandela Challenge. as a host venue for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. to have been able to see the 2010 hosting Ours is the only community-owned 2010 stadium,” he said, echoing the sentiments The Royal Bafokeng hosted several prominent stadium in South Africa and the first stadium guests from within and outside the soccer officially opened for the FIFA Confederations of many members of the local community fraternity. Among them were Her Majesty Cup and FIFA 2010 World Cup.” who turned up to witness the historic opening. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, North “The upgraded stadium looks perfect and West Province Premier Edna Molewa, The spectators enjoyed entertainment by ready to host 2010,” added Motlatsi Motepe, Deputy Minister of Health Dr Molefi Sefularo, local artists from Lefaragatlha village and a also from Luka. Local Organising Committee chairman Irvin Khoza participates in the official opening Bafana Bafana enjoyed huge support from the near-capacity crowd 1 2630_09_ RBH Newsletter 06-04-09 ES 4/6/09 5:23 PM Page 2 New stadium christened Bafana Bafana and Norway battle it out for the Nelson Mandela Challenge trophy Lefaragatlha traditional dancers Following the introduction of dignitaries to the scored the first goal of the match in the first delighted Bafana Bafana and equally crowd and players, the much awaited soccer 10 minutes. Norway’s Morten Pedersen delighted fans, while the Donor Relations match got under way. It was a promising start equalised the score and just when it seemed Manager Mpaki Pule, received a cheque for the South African team which hasn’t had the game would end in a draw, South Africa of R750 000 for the Nelson Mandela much luck previously against their European pulled out all the stops. Substitute Siphiwe Children’s Fund. counterparts. Indeed their last victory against a Tshabalala blasted the ball past Norwegian European team was in 2002 when they keeper John Knudsen, claiming victory for The match was a precursor to the forthcoming defeated Slovenia in a World Cup match. South Africa in the 92nd minute. British and Irish Lions Tour in May and the FIFA Confederations Cup which kicks off in June. But the majestic new setting and the luminaries It was a fitting end to an exciting day. During The stadium, one of four venues earmarked for in attendance seemed to give them inspiration. the closing proceedings, Kgosi handed over the latter event, will host, among others, the Playing well from the start, Bernard Parker the Nelson Mandela Challenge trophy to a game between Spain and New Zealand. World-class stadium The Royal Bafokeng Nation can be proud parking facilities. The pitch has also been the large media contingents expected to attend of their Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Not replaced and access to the grandstand has major sporting events at the stadium. Other only is it the only major stadium in South been made easier with the erection of two new spin-offs include a new ring road around the Africa owned by a community, but it is also access bridges. Two new lifts have been stadium precinct, as well as a link road to the the first 2010 World Cup-ready stadium to installed, as well as video screens, a new stadium and a new Western bypass road. be officially opened by FIFA. public address system, a closed circuit television and new IT systems. To ensure the smooth running of events, The upgraded stadium now boasts 43 500 seats contingency measures in the event of possible and 13 additional suites. Other features are a Neighbouring Matale Middle School has power cuts have included the installation of new roof, improved floodlighting and extra been modified to enable it to accommodate two new standby generators. 2 2630_09_ RBH Newsletter 06-04-09 ES 4/6/09 5:23 PM Page 3 Issue 1 • April 2009 PODI-YA-TSELAGrapevine Styldrift Project starts Sod–turning site: (from left) Neville Nicolau, CEO of Anglo Platinum; Jerry Thibedi, North West MEC for Public Works; Fritz Neethling, Magosi Tumagole, Manager: RBN Traditional Affairs; Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi; Executive Head Engineering and Projects, Anglo and Neville Nicolau, CEO of Anglo Platinum Platinum; Prince Bothata Molotlegi, RBN Following last year’s momentous sod-turning the expectations of the local communities and “Platinum mining can contribute to the ceremony to celebrate the R10.3 billion joint to keep them abreast of developments and time prosperity of the community and especially venture Styldrift Project between Royal frames as the project unfolds. those living in close proximity to the mining Bafokeng Holdings (RBH) and Anglo Platinum, operations,” said Kgosi. “From the Social and the project officially started on 2 March 2009 The project – located near the North Shaft of Labour Plan that BRPM will implement through with earthwork equipment moving onto site to the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine (BRPM) this project, to the Community Engagement clear the area in preparation for the sinking of operation – was identified along with a portion Department, the Environmental Department, the shaft. However, due to the fall in platinum of the farm Frischegewaagd and Boschkoppies, Anglo Group Properties, the Rustenburg Local group metals (PGMs) prices and the currently being mined by BRPM, as the last Municipality, the Bojanala District Municipality, consequent decline in cash flow, a significant major unexploited block of Western Bushveld and not least the Macharora Community portion of the capital expenditure for 2009 Merensky Reef when the joint venture between Forum, I’m confident that the needs and and 2010 has been deferred. This means that RBH and Anglo Platinum was formed in 2002. interests of the local community will remain in the project will proceed at a slower rate of focus throughout the life of this mine.” development than originally anticipated. In the Prince Bothata Molotlegi and Anglo Platinum meantime, success has been achieved in CEO Neville Nicolau presided over the obtaining the regulatory approvals that are sod-turning at an official launch ceremony held The project is expected to yield approximately necessary before mining can begin. at BRPM on 6 November 2008. Approximately 5.4 million platinum ounces over the mine’s life 400 guests, who included representatives expectancy of 27 years and to create up to Benefits to the affected villages and local from RBH and Anglo Platinum, municipal 4 000 jobs by 2035. Opportunities for training economy can still be expected in both the short and provincial government, local communities and development and other socio-economic and medium term. A stakeholder engagement and the media attended the event at which benefits will also be afforded workers and strategy is currently being drawn up to manage Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi was the guest speaker. community members as the project develops. Prior to the launch of the Styldrift Project, a The transaction will be effected through RBH to restructuring agreement between RBH and the establishment of NewCo Platinum, a Anglo Platinum was announced, paving company which will assume control over all the way for the creation of a historically current and future operations of the BRPM joint manage and disadvantaged South African (HDSA) venture and will be independently managed controlled PGMs producer in line with Anglo and controlled by RBH. Administrative and operate JV Platinum’s commitment to broad-based Black technical support services currently provided by Economic Empowerment (BEE) as a strategic Anglo Platinum will be migrated from Anglo transformation objective and in support of the Platinum to NewCo over a period of between ownership requirements of the Mining Charter. 12 and 24 months. 3 2630_09_ RBH Newsletter 06-04-09 ES 4/6/09 5:23 PM Page 4 RBH briefs Supreme Council on strategy The strategy of Royal Bafokeng Holdings in the current global economic Regarding the last, Carroll said this included capacity building within crisis and looking ahead was the dominant theme of a recent RBH RBH’s non-commercial interests – Royal Bafokeng Sports (RBS), Royal presentation to the Supreme Council of the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN). Bafokeng Enterprise Development (RBED), RBH’s corporate social Some 44 members of the Supreme Council attended the presentation, investment (CSI) programme and the Impala Bafokeng Trust (IBT), as well which forms part of RBH’s regular information-sharing and as financial support for the RBN’s education and health programmes. report-back programme. With respect to small business and skills development, RBH proposed the RBH CEO Niall Carroll spelled out the company’s tactics to weather creation of a separate subsidiary or trust that would attract and develop tougher business conditions.