CAROLINA – The newly-launched Naudesbank Colliery by Seriti Power has promised to engrave footprints of development and job creation opportunities in Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality as it embarks on a new mining journey in the area.
The mine was officiated by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe on 14 March in a ceremony hosted by Seriti’s CEO, Mike Teke and graced by MEC, Cathy Dlamini who was acting premier, Gert Sibande District Municipality mayor, Walter Mngomezulu, Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality mayor, Mbuso Magubane and other stakeholders.
During the ceremony, Teke said it was Seriti’s responsibility and commitment to empower and advance communities they operate in through their Corporate Social Investment and Social and Labour Plan Investment.
“We have Corporate Social Investment, those are things we do to empower and improve the lives of the people when we get approached by communities to help. We also have the Social and Labour Plan Investment. We don’t do these things because they are legislated or policy, but we do it because we have a responsibility to recognize communities and their need for advancement, empowerment and a better life,” said Teke.
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Furthermore, Teke added that Seriti was also committed to contribute to community development through Seriti’s Community Trust funded by the dividends of the company. The Trust has already funded the construction of seven Early Learning Centres in various communities in the province.
Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality currently faces an unemployment rate of 48%. Magubane said that the opening of the mine was an opportunity for development and unemployment reduction in the municipality.
“We hope that the mine will also benefit the people of Chief Albert Luthuli and help improve their lives,” said Magubane.
Allan Bullock, the director of POMS, a company contracted by Seriti, revealed that 76 percent of its workforce at the mine were residents of Carolina.
“The mine will bring forth some upliftment to the area. In support of Seriti, we have initiated an incubation program. There’s also local supply opportunities and benefits. Not to forget Seriti’s development fund which includes an initiative to support women in mining to bridge the shortage gap,” said Bullock.
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Mantashe said that in 2024, the South African mining industry employed 484 837 mineworkers, a significant decrease of 0.9 percent from 2023.
“Changing this reality for the better, will require all social partners, including government, business, labour and communities, to put shoulder on the wheel and make it possible to do business in South Africa. This includes opening new mines and create the much-needed employment opportunities,” he said.
