Kumba Iron Ore in the Northern Cape and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs will deliver 142 new homes to the Siyathemba community in the Gamagara Municipality.
KUMBA Iron Ore in the Northern Cape and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) will deliver 142 new homes to the Siyathemba community in the Gamagara Municipality.
Addressing stakeholders at the handover ceremony of the first 10 houses, the principal of Mineral Rights and Permitting at Kumba Iron Ore, Lorraine Scheepers, spoke of the value of the partnership between the mine and the department.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for community development and empowerment between the private and public sectors. We proudly stand here to witness the handing over of 10 out of 142 houses, a testament to our collective commitment to community development.”
Built by Coghsta, the 10 houses were officially handed over to their new owners by MEC Bentley Vass, who was joined by the Gamagara mayor, Johannes Roman, and Kumba Iron Ore representatives.
Kumba contributed by donating the 142 serviced stands to the municipality and installed the electrical infrastructure to the cumulative value of approximately R27 million.
In addition to the serviced stands, Kumba is also donating the newly renovated Siyathemba Flats, comprising 104 units, to the municipality.
“We’re working with the municipality to convert the flats to a sectional title homeownership scheme, enabling occupants to obtain title deeds to the units,” Scheepers added.
Altogether, the partnership between Kumba and the government will provide housing for over 200 families, ensuring that communities are uplifted.
“We have a backlog of 84,000 units in the Northern Cape and this gives you an indication of the housing development challenges in the Province,” Vass said during the ceremony.
“We need partners like Kumba and the private sector to help the government improve our people’s lives. My message for our beneficiaries is to look after your houses, plant trees and paint the walls. And to our partners, we appreciate the support you have given to our communities.”
