Canyon Coal looks forward to another successful five years of Social and Labour Plan (SLP) implementation following consultative meetings with communities near Khanye Colliery in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng.

The company in partnership with the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality hosted a series of public participation meetings between 7-11 August 2023 to update the mine’s host communities on the progress of SLP projects and to consult them on the SLP draft for the 2022-2026 period. The meetings were attended by more than 1500 people from wards 102, 103, 104 and 105 around Tshwane, Region 7.

“The roadshow was a success with community members coming out in their numbers to share their input and guide us on how we can deliver another sound SLP for the coming five years. The campaign was also an opportunity for us to bring residents up to speed on social projects supported by the mine,” said Canyon’s Social Licensing Manager Xolile Mankayi.

Khanye created 566 jobs and more than 110 Human Resource Development opportunities through bursaries, learnerships, internships and training in the previous SLP period. Home-grown companies also benefited from business opportunities created by the mine with 100% of the coal hauling services procured from local suppliers.

Mankayi said discussions with communities were aimed at helping the company to build on milestones achieved under the 2017-2021 SLP.During the sessions, communities from each Ward elected two representatives to maintain a clear line of communication between residents. “We think that this process is very helpful to the community because we had issues that we needed to address,” said resident Joseph Chauke.

Phumzile Dlamini who also attended one of the meetings echoed Motaung’s sentiments, saying that she looked forward to seeing young people in her area benefiting from the mine’s initiatives. Acting regional coordinator for the City of Tshwane Municipality Mahala Mikansi , said the meetings gave residents an opportunity to share their views with the company.

“We are grateful that the roadshow went well. The community gave input, and we are happy that Canyon engaged the communities with regard to developing their areas,” Mikansi said. With input from the community, the company is confident that upcoming SLP projects will enhance local development.