Following the resettlement action plan (RAP) methodology tested at Belfast, Exxaro engaged promptly with the Rietkuil community when the expansion of the Leeuwpan mine near Delmas in Mpumalanga was approved by the DMRE in 2017. Resettlement terms were agreed to by community members in 2018 and on 4 December 2020, 29 new homes were handed over for occupation with a further 20 to be completed in 2021.
The residents had a choice with regards to their relocation, with most choosing to move into the nearby Botleng township in Delmas. The initial number of houses to be constructed by Exxaro was 20 but in order to accommodate different family structures, households were sub-divided into smaller family units and an additional 29 houses were constructed. In line with Exxaro’s commitment to local procurement, we outsourced the building of the 49 homes to 5 local contractors and 49 subcontractors. A total of 495 job opportunities were created for the duration of the RAP project. A total of 42 households had resettled in Botleng by the end of Q1 2021. Seven households are seeking additional assistance outside of the project scope and have sought advice from external counsel. Negotiations continue. A livelihood restoration programme is still in planning it includes the provision of pre-paid electricity and municipal services vouchers over five years and once-off training and skills development for each member of the household.
The total cost of the project to date is R57 million.
