Community Development - Mmakau Mining

Empowering Local Communities

Community development is central to Mmakau Mining’s operating philosophy. Since inception, Marula Platinum has maintained a strong empowerment focus, with 27% of its shareholding allocated to Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).

Mmakau Mining has been instrumental in driving sustainable rural development through the inclusion of local contractors, structured community participation and long-term empowerment initiatives. The company designed its development framework to integrate mining investments with rural renewal projects, aligned with the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and economic development strategies of the Limpopo region.

Shareholding and Community Participation

Mmakau Mining’s empowerment model extends across ownership structures, community trusts and employee participation.

SMME Shareholder – Tobatse Platinum (7%)

Tobatse Platinum, a community-owned SMME, holds a 7% shareholding in Marula Platinum, extending meaningful community participation across the mining value chain.

Community Trust Shareholding (7%)

The Marula Community Trust, representing local tribal communities, holds a 7% shareholding in Marula Platinum. Dividends generated through this structure are reinvested into rural renewal initiatives, including:

Electricity access
Housing development
Schools and education infrastructure
Roads and transport networks
Sanitation and telecommunications
Access to clean water

These initiatives contribute to measurable improvements in living standards within host communities.

Employee Share Ownership

Employees participate through the Marula Employee Share Ownership (ESO) Trust, enabling them to share directly in the success of the operation while employed by the business.

Shareholding and Community Participation

Mmakau Mining’s empowerment model extends across ownership structures, community trusts and employee participation.

SMME Shareholder – Tobatse Platinum (7%)

Tobatse Platinum, a community-owned SMME, holds a 7% shareholding in Marula Platinum and a 50% interest in Makgomo Mines, extending meaningful community participation across the mining value chain.

Community Trust Shareholding (7%)

Electricity access
Housing development
Schools and education infrastructure
Roads and transport networks
Sanitation and telecommunications
Access to clean water

These initiatives contribute to measurable improvements in living standards within host communities.

Employee Share Ownership

Employees participate through the Marula Employee Share Ownership (ESO) Trust, enabling them to share directly in the success of the operation while employed by the business.

Social and Labour Plan Policy

Mmakau Mining plays a vital role in community development through structured Social and Labour Plans aimed at:

Job creation
Education and skills upliftment
Healthcare development
Sustainable infrastructure support

Development initiatives focus on transport, water, sanitation, waste management, spatial development and people development programmes.

Key initiatives include:

The Lebalelo Water Scheme, supporting mine and community development
Establishment of Business Linkage Centres to train and develop SMEs
Investment in Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and rural renewal projects
Creation of Producers’ Forums
Establishment of bursary funds and mentorship programmes
Development of sustainable Community Trusts
Ongoing training and skills upliftment programmes
HIV awareness and education programmes

Social Responsibility

Training and Skills Development

Staff and contractors receive ongoing training to ensure operations are conducted safely and productively. In line with the Mining Qualification Act (MQA), employees are trained in competency-based systems tailored to the specific tasks they perform.

Over the next five years, all employees will receive training aligned with updated legislative requirements.

Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programmes are offered to employees to ensure 100% literacy across mining operations, in accordance with the Mining Charter.

Proactive Health and Safety

Beyond legislative compliance, Mmakau Mining is proactive in HIV/AIDS awareness and education, working to dispel myths and promote informed health practices among employees.

Safety initiatives include fall-of-ground campaigns and behavioural safety assessments to improve workplace safety standards across operations.

Support for Small-Scale Miners

Mmakau Mining actively contributes to the growth of small-scale miners through:

Mentorship programmes
Capacity-building workshops
Technical guidance
Financial advisory support

These initiatives promote sustainable participation in the broader mining economy.

Balancing Profit, People and Purpose

Mmakau Mining ranks highly in its ethical approach to business — striking a responsible balance between profitability, shareholder value and sustainable mining communities. This commitment enables us to deliver attractive investor returns while contributing meaningfully to economic emancipation and social development.