BY STAFF REPORTER:
MIDDELBURG – The state-of-the-art Clinic worth R34 million was on Friday officially handed over to the community by Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Manthashe. The 24-hour facility was built by mining giant Seriti, formerly South 32, for the Rockdale community, east of Middelburg, after a solemn commitment made to the Department of Minerals and Energy Resources and the community of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality in 2012. The clinic is envisaged to create about 80 job opportunities with half of them given to the youth in the area. Minister Mantashe, who was accompanied by Seriti CEO Mike Teke, Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, Steve Tshwete Mayor Cllr. Diphala Motsepe, said he was moved by Seriti fulfilling the commitment to be build the clinic for the community. “We are so proud to be witnessing the wonderful work done by Seriti making sure that they fulfil that commitment done to government and the people of this community. Seriti is an accepted partner that has gone through a long journey to take its rightful place in the area,” he said. Mantashe also urged mining companies to comply with the Mining Charter. “The work done by mining companies as directed by the Mining Charter is for the people. We must talk to those mines who comply to pursue those who do not comply,” he said. He added that mines should talk to municipalities so that their Social Labour Plans (SLP) compliment with municipal projects in the Integrated Development Programmes (IDP). However he warned that SLPs must not replace IDPs. “There is a municipality here, it must do that work but companies must be able to compliment that work so that development makes optimal impact on society. If you make that impact people are going to see that the minerals in their area are benefiting them,” he said. “They will take the responsibility to protect this clinic and beyond that they will protect the mines which are in their area.” Seriti CEO, Mike Teke said making a difference in communities is what his company stands for and has always strived to achieve. “We mine better knowing that there is tangible difference we have made in the communities we are operating,” he said. “We are still going to work in collaboration with this community and others so that we have better communities.” Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane said, “The impact of your R34 million investment in our community of Rockdale will be heralded in generations to come. Thank you for leading by example and showing through your actions that the sustainable development is not only the responsibility of government but all who drive a simbling of benefit from the mineral resources in our beautiful province.”
