Masakhane Soccer Fields and Community Hall

Project Handover

“The Masakhane Community Hall and Soccer Fields upgrades were implemented as a part of the Mine's Social and Labour Plan Commitments whereby the mine implement various Human Resources Programmes and a Mine Community Project over the 5-year cycle,” said Suzanne Baird, Master of Ceremonies and Programme Director, JK Consulting (Pty) Ltd. The event was the Project Handover of Sizisa Ukhanyo Mine Community Project, Upgrades of the Masakhane Community Hall and Soccer Field son Friday 27th September 2024. “The purpose of Project Handover was to identify a project from the local municipality's IDP, the mine collaborated with the Masakhane Community Councillor and the LED Department of Overstrand Municipality,” Suzann said.

Suzanne gave the quests some background information of the project and said following a meeting with the public, the community decided that the community's need for the community hall and soccer field upgrades was significant - the project proposal was accepted as a significant project by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The community already benefits from several services offered by the renovated community hall, including a day clinic, a location for youth programs, and more. The soccer fields now satisfy all regulations needed to host SAFA matches.

Quest speakers during the event were Mr Eddie Burger (Director, Sizisa Ukhayo Trading 410 (Pty) Ltd), Councillor Theodore Nginete (Ward Councillor, Masakhane), Mr Pieter Swart (Regional Manager, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy) and Alderman Dudley Coetzee. Eddie Burger referred to Andrew Kumani who started working for him 30 years ago and later became part of the project in supporting the community to keep the children from the streets. In his speech Pieter Swart referred to the good relationship between the Mining Companies and the Municipality over the years - “money made must be put back into the community,” he said. Alderman Dudley Coetzee emphasizes the community’s responsibility to look after what they received. The Municipality will keep on with the maintenance, but the community must not destroy anything but report problems to the Municipality.

“Special thanks to Sizisa Ukhanyo Trading 410 (Pty) Ltd management, Mr Eddie Burger and Stephen Dumont, owners of the mine; Jean-Marie Nelson, Administrator for implementing the project and giving back to their mine community; Jean-Marie and JK Consulting (Pty) Ltd (Social and Labour Plan consultant) who facilitated the Project; special thanks to the Ward Councillor, Theodorah Nqinete,” Suzann concluded.

Suzanne thanked all the role players for a successful project and function. She led guests to the Community Hall for cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the official opening. After they’ve enjoyed some refreshments, they went back to the Soccer Fields for cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the official opening. Afterwards the quests were entertained by the youngsters with a soccer match.

Hardus Botha

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