Thungela’s Goedehoop Colliery handed over a new borehole and JoJo tanks as part of the mine’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitments and ablution units to replace unsafe pit latrines as part of their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects. These facilities are both aimed at restoring the dignity of residents of Ward 4 and the Driefontein and Schoeman Farms, in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
Tman Mphokane, general manager at Goedehoop Colliery, said: “Access to water and sanitation is fundamental to healthy and everyday living. Without this infrastructure, communities cannot function, and families face enormous challenges. It is for this reason that we embarked on this projects that aim to improve the dignity, health and quality of life for residence of this community.”
These projects were handed over to the residents of the Driefontein Farm to help with provision of a consistent water supply for surrounding households. Additional JoJo tanks were supplied at Schoeman Farm, with the municipality committing to ensure that the tanks are filled up going forward. Together, these upgrades will go a long way in improving the well-being of residents, contributing towards the Sustainable Development Goal of provision of Clean Water and Sanitation.
It is reported that in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, only 45.5% of households use flush toilets, but almost the same number, 47.6%, still rely on pit latrines. A further 2.4% use bucket toilets, and another 2.4% still use open bush areas for sanitation. Only 48.1% of households rely on water trucks as a main source of water – with a further 8.5% relying on bought or delivered water.
The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality welcomed the project and acknowledged its contribution to improved basic services. “This investment is a meaningful step forward restoring the dignity of residents, improving hygiene, and safeguarding groundwater sources in the area,” said Councillor Mhlonishwa Masilela, Executive Mayor of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. “Access to clean water and dignified sanitation is fundamental to the health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents. We value Goedehoop Colliery’s partnership and contribution, which is sure to make a lasting and tangible difference to our communities.”
“These facilities will strengthen essential services provision in host communities and reflect our support for socio-economic development in areas where we operate. This underscores our purpose to responsibly create value together for a shared future,’ said Tman.
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Mafube Coal, Thungela’s 50% joint venture with Exxaro, has constructed a 3,4-kilometre tarred road, connecting Ward 7 of the Sikhululiwe Village, to the R104 road in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Mpumalanga. The R54 million investment forms part of Mafube Coal’s commitment to improve infrastructure in communities surrounding the operation.
The road construction project fulfils a commitment Mafube Coal made to the community following public consultation and engagement with the Sikhululiwe Village community. The community highlighted poor road conditions that make it difficult to commute, particularly during the rainy season. This affected service delivery in the area.
Tamara Qwatekana, Mafube Coal’s general manager, said: “Reliable Road infrastructure is a foundation for development. It allows communities to access opportunities and services with dignity. This investment reflects our continued commitment to building infrastructure that makes a lasting difference in the communities where we operate.”
“This new tarred road will improve the quality of life for the residents of the 400 households in the village, allowing easy access to essential services - reducing travel time and damage to motorists’ vehicles. Commuters will no longer find themselves stuck in the mud after heavy rains, with pedestrians forced to wade through water, just to get to where they need to go.” said Tamara.
The project was implemented in collaboration with local suppliers who in turn created 15 job opportunities during construction, empowering local plant suppliers, a fuel supplier. Sakhisene, a local SMME constructed the perimeter fencing along the road to prevent animals from crossing the road.
Thulasizwe Thomo, MEC of Public Works, Roads and Transport in Mpumalanga, said: This initiative is a great example of what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together. The project has strengthened the infrastructure that supports this community, enabling them to travel without damaging their vehicles, allowing easy access to the R104 that links the village to both Middelburg and Belfast.
Iddy Mahlangu, a Councillor from Ward 7, said: “We are truly grateful for Mafube Coal’s investment in our community. This road has transformed our village and will make traveling in and out of this area safer and easier, especially for those who need to reach schools and healthcare facilities.”
The completion of this road brings renewed hope for residents and small businesses alike, presenting opportunities for growth and expanding their reach and access to new markets.
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Our CEO-designate made his first public engagement at the Joburg Indaba 2025 in the segment, ‘In conversation with Moses Madondo’.
In his address, he highlighted the long-term fundamentals of coal, emphasising its role in energy resilience, industrial competitiveness and the long arc of human development. The truth is simple: the world needs energy, and coal remains a cornerstone in meeting that demand.
Thungela has shared an update on its Lephalale Coal Bed Methane (CBM) project, a significant domestic gas demonstration plant situated in Limpopo’s Waterberg coalfield. The programme, now in feasibility stage, has been under exploration since 1992 and remains South Africa’s only coal bed methane project, with five wells successfully simulated to date.
Thungela has initiated a capital investment of R400 million for the acquisition of a modular liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and the associated site infrastructure, which will demonstrate the value in use of the gas resource. The LNG will initially be used to generate power at one of our operations, helping to reduce the impact of load curtailment during periods of electricity shortage.
The project has undergone extensive geological exploration, technical testing, and environmental monitoring over the years. Notably, it has produced comprehensive environmental datasets over the past twenty years, with no recorded incidents of water contamination. The project has demonstrated the technical viability of using low-pressure, low-volume hydraulic stimulation as a safe and controlled method for extracting gas.
July Ndlovu, Thungela chief executive officer said, “South Africa’s transition requires a balanced mix of energy solutions working together. Coal bed methane is part of that future, a reliable, lower-carbon gas source that complements renewable power and can potentially stabilise the grid, and fuel economic development. We have successfully completed a 10-year pilot production test, complemented by over 20 years of continuous water monitoring. This extensive work has yielded valuable technical insights into the geology and long-term environmental performance of the site.”
In January 2025, a bulk sampling programme was approved to assess the viability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and transportation. The licenses enabled Thungela to develop a demonstration plant at the LCBM project. Once commissioned, the modular liquefied natural gas plant will supply gas to a power generation facility to be deployed at one of our existing operations.
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, together with senior leadership from the Department visited the project site to see first-hand the progress made and the potential that this project could play in South Africa’s evolving energy system.
Minister Mantashe said: “Gas is vital for economic growth and a transitional technology in the energy mix. Adopting a balanced approach where the development of gas supply and environmental protection can coexist is critical. Oil and gas exploration is crucial to supporting South Africa's economic growth.”
Thungela welcomed the Minister’s remarks, noting that they reflect the company’s own approach to energy development, one that prioritises responsible innovation, environmental stewardship, and long-term value creation while supporting South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.
“Our vision for this project extends far beyond energy production. It has the potential to unlock further infrastructure investment, local business participation, skills transfer and development. Over time, it will stimulate the development of new industries and markets, drive demand for local goods and services, and strengthen municipal revenues fostering a sustained cycle of regional growth and economic resilience, said Ndlovu.”
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Thungela’s Elders project has delivered solar streetlights and portable inverters with solar panels to the communities of Vlakkuilen and Umcebo farms. The farms are in Ward 15 of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality near Bethal, Mpumalanga. The solar streetlights and inverters are installed to improving visibility and boosting energy security for more than 450 residents across eighty-two (82) households in the community. This is an inaugural project that forms part of the Elder’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP), marking a new beginning in implementing initiatives to support community development in the area.
After conducting a community needs analysis and engaging directly with residents, it became evident that issues such as poor lighting, frequent power outages, and the detrimental effects across households, were major concerns raised by the community. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the quality of life and safety within the neighbourhood.
Tman Mphokane, general manager at Elders Project, said: “We considered a number of options to help power the community, and solar made the most sense. It is a solution that works well in areas where grid supply is not reliable. Most importantly, it allowed us to deliver a safe and consistent source of energy in places that had gone without it for far too long. Small-scale infrastructure like this has a visible and immediate impact. We remain committed to investing in projects that make a difference in communities that host our operations.”
In a collaborative effort with our business partner, Mecapol, we initiated a pilot project by installing five units to evaluate the effectiveness of the solar lighting technology. Following the successful completion of this assessment, the project was seamlessly expanded to its full implementation.
Councillor Nhlakanipho Zuma, executive mayor of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, said: “The success of this project is testament to what is possible when government and the private sector work in partnership to improve the lives of community members. This initiative has instilled a sense of security in our communities and contributed meaningfully to improving the dignity and quality of life of our residents.”
Sibongile Motau, a community representative, said: “We are grateful to Thungela for this investment that has made our community safer. The solar lights have created visibility for people returning from work in the evenings, allowing them to walk with more confidence; children can get home safely from school, and elders are able to move around after sunset without fear. Residents now have a greater sense of security. The portable inverters have also greatly improved the livelihoods and dignity of the residents.”
The R2 million project created ten temporary jobs during implementation, employing five community members from each village, and we are proud to report that all the units are fully operational. This project reflects Thungela’s commitment to enhancing access to essential services in the communities where we operate.
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Thungela has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with University of Pretoria’s (UP) Educational Psychology Department. As part of this collaboration, the Department of Educational Psychology at the university will deploy master's students to various schools to offer essential psychosocial support to both educators and learners in the foundation and intermediate phases.
Thungela launched the education initiative in 2024, a five-year program that aims to improve the quality of education for Grade R to Grade Four learners in 45, no-fee schools in Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts, and aims to improve school readiness, literacy and numeracy outcomes for learners.
Mpumi Sithole, Executive head of corporate affairs at Thungela said, “We recognise that educational performance is not only shaped by access to resources but also through the psychological and emotional well-being of both learners and educators. Working with the University of Pretoria, we are equipping schools with the professional support needed to respond to the complex realities facing learners and educators.
“This MoA is an important step in Thungela’s journey to strengthen the impact of the Thungela Education Initiative, and we are proud to contribute to a model that will provide the much-needed psychosocial support to the learners and teachers, while empowering the master’s students at the same time.”
The mutually beneficial partnership will offer the master’s students hands-on experience as they conduct learner assessments and identifying the necessary remedial actions and interventions, under the supervision of the district educational psychologists. This will help reduce the workload of the district's educational psychologists, while the master’s student gain valuable practical work experience to help them complete the practical components of their academic training.
Through this agreement the University of Pretoria is supporting the implementation of the Department of Basic Education’s screening, identification, assessment and support (SIAS) policy. Professor Mampane from the University of Pretoria, said, “This community engagement partnership with Thungela exemplifies a strategic alliance that amplifies our capacity to make a meaningful difference beyond academic boundaries. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this collaboration not only empowers our students with invaluable real-world experience but also addresses critical community needs, particularly in Mpumalanga.”
“It further fosters a ripple effect of positive change, enhancing emotional resilience, academic achievement, and life skills among young learners. This model underscores the transformative potential of synergy among academia, government, and the private sector. Together, we are laying a robust foundation for sustainable development and social upliftment, reinforcing South Africa’s path toward a more equitable and prosperous future,” said Professor Mampane.
Thungela will fund and manage the program, overseeing its implementation with a dedicated project structure. To uphold governance and accountability, a management committee has been set-up. The committee will ensure consistent engagement with stakeholders across various levels of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, emphasizing ethical principles throughout the partnership.
Thungela’s purpose, which is to responsibly create value together for a shared future is the cornerstone of this partnership, as we continue investing in building resilient communities through meaningful and impactful interventions.
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Thungela, meaning 'to ignite' in isiZulu, is a global pure-play producer and exporter of high-quality, cost competitive thermal coal, with operations in South Africa and Australia. We focus on high-quality coal reserves and marketable production, positioning ourselves as a key player in the global energy market by delivering coal through world-class ports, powering nations.
Our ESG approach supports our purpose to responsibly create value together for a shared future. A robust ESG framework underpins our licence to operate. Establishing and committing to a comprehensive ESG framework with associated targets is one of Thungela’s five strategic focus areas.
