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Marula uplifts its communities

from Limpopo Business 2023/24

from Limpopo Business 2023/24, page 78

Accelerating and expanding ind...

A new science laboratory is making a difference in Mashisi.

Business Development Centre (BDC) to support host community businesses with enterprise and supplier development. Local companies can access a range of free services, including access to finance funding information and information on request for quotations and tenders, support related to intellectual property and secretarial services, accounting, tax administration, human resources and sales and marketing advice.

Supporting a future generation of leaders

Marula is 73% owned by Implats and was one of the first mining operations developed on the relatively undercapitalised eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. Located in Limpopo, Marula comprises two decline shaft systems and a concentrator plant.

Marula is committed to delivering a lasting positive contribution to local communities and those affected by our activities. The mine contributes to its communities both directly and indirectly in terms of job creation, business opportunities and community infrastructure development.

Marula has invested more than R1.3billion on its social and labour plan (SLP) and beyond-compliance projects. Its local economic development and infrastructure projects focus on building, upgrading or supplying schools, water, electrification and roads. Marula opened a

Marula, together with the Mashisi Community Trust, using dividends generated by the Makgomo Chrome joint venture, built and equipped a new science laboratory at Makgamathu Secondary School. The Mashisi Community Trust built the laboratory and Marula provided the laboratory furniture, apparatus, learning materials and chemicals. Marula also supported the plumbing work and assisted with teacher orientation. More than 2 800 learners from six local secondary schools are benefitting from the beyond compliance project, which, together with the science teachers, will provide a solid foundation in mathematics and science.

Marula also rebuilt the Madikane Early Development Centre, with a strong foundation and structural design that ensures the school can fully serve its purpose. The new facility has two classrooms, each fitted with a nap/ rest area, two restrooms for the children, one restroom for the teachers, an office and a kitchen.

To enrich the education learners receive, Marula runs an annual Grade 12 programme to encourage and support learners during the final stretch before their matric exams. The initiative has resulted in encouraging improvements in the performance of the schools around Marula. ■