Thungela’s Zibulo Colliery has refurbished eight high-mast lights in Lebohang, Leandra. The decision to undertake this project stemmed from discussions with the Govan Mbeki Municipality, during which the issue of non-operational high-mast lights emerged as a significant safety challenge within the communities. Residents highlighted prolonged darkness in specific areas due to vandalism and equipment malfunctions as a major security concern.
Zibulo Colliery heeded the call and upgraded the infrastructure, implementing energy-efficient LED lights and enhancing hoisting systems for improved functionality. These enhancements not only facilitate safer and easier maintenance but also include security measures to safeguard the newly installed lights. This project forms part of Zibulo Colliery’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP).
Matome Moremi, general manager at Zibulo Colliery said: “This initiative reflects our commitment to community safety and improving essential services in communities surrounding our operations. Safety is our number one value as a business, and this extends beyond our mining operations into communities where we operate. Public areas’ lighting infrastructure is a basic but vital part of a community, and we are pleased to support the residents of Lebohang in improving their safety through restoring the high-mast lights.”
The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality welcomed the projects and its impact on service delivery. “This is a meaningful upgrade for the people of Lebohang,” said Councillor Nhlakanipo Zuma, Executive Mayor of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. “We always welcome this kind of investment, which strengthens infrastructure and improves and safeguards the lives of our residents.”
This SLP project not only restored lighting but also provided short-term employment opportunities for seven host community members, hired by local electrical contractor, promoting inclusion and contributing to the development of local skills. This aligns to Thungela’s broader focus to improve the quality of community services where we operate.
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Mafube Coal, our joint venture with Exxaro hosted a graduation ceremony in honour of 39 beneficiaries of a skills development programme that forms part of a livelihood restoration programme for resettled communities in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. With a significant investment of R5.2 million, the program's goal is to support community members in rebuilding their livelihoods.
Sherperd Nkadimeng, general manager at Mafube Coal said: “This programme is designed to help community members gain practical skills as a foundation for earning a sustainable livelihood. As part of the initiative, community members received business development skills and level 4 accredited qualification in freight logistics, backed by exposure to real business environments; setting them up for both employment and self-employment.”
“The logistics programme gave me more than just a certificate; it gave me confidence and professional direction,” said Portia Mbuyane. “Being exposed to real companies during the training helped me see where I can fit in, in the job market.”
The programme also provided beneficiaries with skills for setting up small businesses, equipping them with tools to ensure they succeed. They were introduced to budgeting, business planning, financial literacy and income-generation strategies. A few of the beneficiaries have since started their own businesses and are now able to provide for their families. These include:
“Industries like freight forwarding are growing, and with the right skills, people from mining communities can take advantage of opportunities beyond the mine,” Sherperd Nkadimeng said. “This kind of training is about opening doors and giving people the tools to grow on their own terms. This is how we deliver on our purpose to responsibly create value together for shared future, for our communities.”
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Thuthukani, Thungela’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, hosted a graduation ceremony for sixty-one (61) local entrepreneurs from communities surrounding its operations. This marks the third cohort of entrepreneurs to successfully complete the programme since its launch in 2022.
Thuthukani is designed to build resilient businesses by offering tailored business skills training, technical enablement, and one-on-one mentorship to entrepreneurs from host communities. The programme is grounded in a detailed gap analysis and enables support in areas such as finance management, marketing, sales, project strategy, leadership, ISO certification, and personal development. The programme is delivered in partnership with business development service provider Raizcorp.
Of the 61 entrepreneurs graduating this year, 29 are supplier development beneficiaries – Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) that currently provide goods or services to Thungela, while 32 are enterprise development beneficiaries, comprising SMMEs that are not vendors but have potential for future integration into the mining value chain or in other industries. Notably, 50 of the 61 graduates also achieved technical enablement accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, specialised geological modelling, deep cleaning and hygiene, while other businesses became members of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa and The Institute of Waste Management South Africa, boosting their compliance and competitiveness for procurement opportunities.
“Thuthukani is more than a business development initiative. It is a catalyst for local economic resilience. Each graduate represents a point of impact that causes a ripple effect, creating jobs and opportunities that uplift families and communities. We are proud to support the growth of these entrepreneurs and help them realise their potential - as they contribute to the growth of local economies, says Mpumi Sithole, executive head, corporate affairs at Thungela.”
The graduation highlights Thungela’s commitment to inclusive socio-economic development and transforming small businesses in in host communities. As the programme grows, its impact continues to spread, with entrepreneurs not only formalising their businesses, but also entering new markets, gaining critical certifications, and becoming active contributors to the regional economy.
Among the graduates is a growing group of women-led businesses gaining real traction in their industries. Julliet Mahlangu, owner of Mpangela Industrial Holdings and a beneficiary of the programme says, “Before Thuthukani, I lacked the systems and structure to manage and scale my business. The mentorship and technical training helped me implement better financial controls, and I now feel more confident approaching new clients and bidding for contracts.”
“Watching this third cohort grow in confidence, capability, and market reach is a clear sign of the value this partnership delivers. Thuthukani’s focus on both enterprise and supplier development ensures that more entrepreneurs in Mpumalanga are equipped for long-term success, says Jeanne Renou, Strategic Relations & Projects Manager at Raizcorp.
Beneficiary, Giji John Motau, owner of Gemad Pty Ltd, says, “my journey with Thuthukani has been transformative. I’ve gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable business”.
Thuthukani reflects Thungela’s ongoing commitment to economic transformation and community empowerment.
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Thungela’s Goedehoop Colliery has completed the construction of a new cafeteria facility at the Mhluzi Industrial Park in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM). The new cafeteria will serve businesses operating in the industrial park, strengthening local economies and contributing to the broader revitalisation of the area.
Goedehoop Colliery invested R4,8 million in the facility as part of its Social and Labour Plan. This investment is a direct response to the priorities outlined in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which identifies infrastructure development in local economic zones as key to stimulating entrepreneurship and job creation.
Tman Mphokane, general manager at Goedehoop Colliery, said: “Our focus is on building platforms that enable local economic development, and this investment supports small businesses in host communities by creating a space where they can thrive and grow - contributing to the long-term resilience of the community.”
In delivering the project, Thungela prioritised the use of suppliers from host communities, advancing its approach to shared value through local procurement. These include Meedu Trading who were appointed as the principal contractor, Syncthor Consulting, who provided professional services, and Blaq Square Interior Design, a beneficiary of Thungela’s enterprise and supplier development programme Thuthukani, who led the interior design scope. Eight small, medium-sized enterprises (SMMES) from the host community were subcontracted, and seven residents were temporarily employed during the construction phase of the cafeteria.
Cllr, Mhlonishwa Masilela, Executive mayor of STLM, said: “This is exactly the kind of partnership that is needed. Infrastructure like this creates a tangible platform for small businesses to succeed, and it signals confidence in our local economy. We appreciate Thungela’s commitment to aligning with our development priorities and investing in projects that serve our community long after construction is completed.”
The cafeteria now stands as a vital amenity within the industrial park - positioned to support day-to-day operations, serve tenants, and stimulate business activity in the zone.
“We are deliberate about aligning our efforts with local development priorities and creating opportunities that have a lasting impact. By partnering with local suppliers and investing in shared growth, we’re building stronger, more inclusive local economies. We believe that real progress happens when investments are made with purpose and partnership,” added Tman.
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Thungela has completed the roll out of a series of first aid training across 45 no-fee schools in the Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts, in Mpumalanga, as part of the Education Initiative launched in 2024. This 5-year initiative is in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, and aims to enhance school readiness, literacy and numeracy, while elevating the skills of educators and school management teams and providing psychosocial support. In addition, the initiative also seeks to address infrastructure challenges.
A baseline assessment conducted before the initiative was launched identified challenges such as inadequate sick bay necessities at schools and lack of first aid training for educators. The training programme, which includes certification, ensures that the educators and school management representatives are equipped with the skills to effectively manage medical emergencies during school hours.
Mpumi Sithole, Executive head of corporate affairs, said: "Safety is our first value, and it is essential that we extend this commitment beyond our operations to the communities where we operate. It is also our firm belief that education and safety are interconnected pillars of community development. Through partnerships with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Netcare Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care (FECC), and Highveld Hospital, we provided the accredited first-aid training. The baseline assessment we conducted informed the need for essential medical resources to empower schools to become self-reliant in handling emergency response during learning.”
Thungela’s investment covered a two-day certified first-aid training for 140 school representatives, conducted by the FECC. All learners and school management representatives who were trained will receive Accredited Level 1 First Aid Certification. Every school also received first-aid kits, with a few others receiving high-low beds, side lockers, duvet covers, fitted sheets, and cardiac tables for their sick bays.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has welcomed this initiative as a meaningful step towards enhancing school safety and preparedness at schools. “Ensuring that our schools are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to respond to emergencies is crucial. This initiative demonstrates a practical and impactful approach to supporting our education system and promoting learner well-being,” said Mr Masilela, Chief education specialist, Nkangala district.
Thungela’s commitment to education and safety is aligned to its Socio-Economic Development (SED) goals of improving access to quality education and skills development.
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Thungela recently hosted delegates for a workshop organised by the United Nations University (UNU-FLORES) at the Kromdraai site. The workshop, a partnership between the G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) and the Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa (LaRSSA), focused on Post-Mining Landscape Restoration. It provided a critical platform for industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to witness Thungela’s transformative approach to mine closure.
“The closure of a mine is not the end of our journey; it’s the beginning of our commitment to create landscapes that are safe, stable, and capable of sustaining future generations. At Thungela, we see mine closure as a powerful opportunity to drive positive environmental renewal,” says Johan van Schalkwyk, Thungela’s chief operating officer.
The site visit demonstrated how Thungela has turned previously mined land into safe, stable, and functional ecosystems, setting a new standard in responsible environmental stewardship. Thungela’s approach prioritises long-term environmental recovery, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use. During the site visit, delegates, including representatives from the UN, G20, African and South African government departments, universities, and industry leaders, witnessed how Thungela is turning mine closure into an opportunity for environmental renewal through initiatives such as:
Thungela’s Commitment to Responsible Mine Closure
Thungela’s rehabilitation strategy goes beyond standard regulatory compliance to deliver tangible environmental benefits through innovative projects such as:
“Our approach to mine closure is grounded in a deep commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. We continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in post-mining landscape restoration, ensuring that our practices align with global standards and contribute meaningfully to ecosystem recovery and community resilience,” added Johan van Schalkwyk.
UN University’s Dr Alexey Alekseenko said that Thungela stood out for its exceptional professionalism in coal mining and land management, which made it an ideal case study to learn best practices in post-mining restoration.
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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.
