Social
Shared value for our stakeholders
At the heart of our ESG framework lies a deep commitment to shared value. By focusing on inclusion and empowerment, safety, health and well-being, and community partnerships, we strive to uplift and enrich the lives of communities surrounding our operations. Our ultimate vision is to create lasting meaningful impact for all our stakeholders.
Our people
We strive to create a workplace where each individual feels valued, respected and free to be their whole, authentic selves regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation or identity. In 2025, historically disadvantaged persons held 69% of management roles, reflecting progress towards greater leadership representation.
Women accounted for 36% of management positions, reinforcing our focus on gender diversity and inclusive leadership throughout the organisation. We further invested in our people through focused leadership programmes, ongoing training initiatives, and the strengthening of future-focused skills.
Safety, health and well-being
Safety is our first value, and we are unwavering in our commitment to zero harm, so that all our people return from work safe and healthy every day. 2025 marked the third consecutive year without a loss of life.
This achievement is testament to the discipline and dedication of our people. This culture continues to be strengthened through targeted interventions in identified high‑risk areas. Our commitment extends beyond physical safety to holistic employee wellness, through dedicated health, wellness and employee assistance programmes.
Socio-economic development
We are committed to driving long-lasting social impact through our socio-economic development (SED) initiatives while fostering resilient community partnerships and transparent engagement.
We channelled R130 million into socio-economic development initiatives for host communities, guided by our socio-economic development approach. These initiatives included education support, delivered through the Thungela Education Initiative, enterprise and supplier development (ESD) through Thuthukani and the execution of ten Social and Labour Plan projects in 2025 that focussed on community infrastructure projects and improved access to healthcare.
Our success depends on safe workplaces, inclusive opportunities and positive relationships with the communities surrounding our operations.
Social and labour plans
Our Social and Labour Plans summarise each operation’s plan to create value for its host community and can be found here: link to the documents attached.
Case studies
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Thungela celebrates third cohort of entrepreneurs graduating from ESD programme, Thuthukani
: Thungela celebrates third cohort of entrepreneurs graduating from ESD programme, ThuthukaniThuthukani, Thungela’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, hosted a graduation ceremony for sixty-one (61) local entrepreneurs from communities surrounding its operations.
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Thungela launches education initiative in Mpumalanga
: Thungela launches education initiative in MpumalangaThungela, in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, officially launches the Thungela Education Initiative, aimed at improving access to quality education for learners in the foundation and intermediate phases, from grades R to 4, in 45 “no-fee” schools.
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Thungela hands over two completed SLP projects
: Thungela hands over two completed SLP projectsOn Thursday, 4 May, Thungela handed over two completed Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects – the new Phola Fire Station and the revamped Ogies Taxi Rank.