The Lebelelang Disability Centre and the White City Library, two landmark social infrastructure projects in Postmasburg, were recently handed over to the Tsantsabane community.
This was done by Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore and showcases successful collaboration between business, government, and civil society.
Support came from multiple stakeholders including the Department of Social Development, National Development Agency, Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Assmang Beeshoek, and Lesedi Solar.
Together worth R54 million, these projects are proof of how mining investment, when done in partnership, transforms communities.
Built on former dumping sites, Lebelelang has created 83 jobs while providing a safe, dignified space for persons with disabilities. The White City Library is now a hub of literacy, digital access, and tertiary learning through the Sol Plaatje University (SPU).
Kumba Iron Ore’s social projects, rolling out as a part of their Social Labour Plans (SLPs), deliver safe and inclusive spaces for people with disabilities, improving access to essential health services, and bringing literacy and skills development closer to home. The initiatives build on the delivery of sports and recreation facilities, as well as critical road and water infrastructure, which are strengthening community pride, mobility and resilience in surrounding communities.
Ongoing commitment to community development
“What matters most is not the buildings themselves, but how they serve and uplift the people of Tsantsabane. Our role is to walk alongside the community, ensuring our investments support education, inclusion and opportunity where they are needed most. These projects are a testament to what is possible when business, government, partners and communities work together.
“It shows the power of partnerships in delivering facilities that respond directly to community needs and create long-lasting impact,” said Mpumi Zikalala, chief executive officer (CEO) of Kumba Iron Ore.
In the first half of 2025, Kumba invested R135 million in social initiatives, supporting 670 jobs, more than 10 000 learners, and 330 teachers. But the real story lies in the faces of children discovering books, families accessing clean water, and persons with disabilities stepping into a centre built for their dignity and empowerment.
The two facilities are just two examples of Kumba’s ongoing commitment to community development within a much broader programme. This includes investments in inclusive sports infrastructure across the Sishen area, as well as essential road and water projects delivered in partnership with local municipalities. Collectively, these initiatives are enhancing daily life and building long-term resilience in surrounding communities.
The handover ceremony was attended by Gwede Mantashe, minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and Dr Zamani Saul, premier of the Northern Cape, among other key stakeholders.
“Anglo American has been part of South Africa’s story for over a century. Our roots are firmly anchored here. Every day, we invest in people, communities and opportunity – building a legacy that uplifts and transforms lives”, concludes Zikalala.
More about the community upliftment projects
Lebelelang Centre, Postmasburg
The Lebelelang Centre, first established in 2005 and expanded with partners including the Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Assmang, Lesedi Solar, the National Development Agency and the Department of Social Development, stands as a model of inclusion. Built on a former waste site, it now offers a safe, dignified space that stimulates physical, mental and social development. Through partnerships, including a R26 million contribution from Kumba Iron Ore, the project created 83 jobs and transformed a neglected area into a centre of empowerment. It demonstrates how collaboration between business, government and civil society can meaningfully change lives and environments.
White City Library
Aligned with Kumba Iron Ore’s, Kolomela Mine’s SLP 3 and the Tsantsabane Local Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan, this library with Kumba’s R28 million investment, will become a hub of learning and curiosity, bridging the digital divide through a Sol Plaatje University learning partnership at the centre. It will serve generations, blending expanded education opportunities with curiosity-driven spaces for young minds.
Sport and recreation facilities
To foster health, dignity and community cohesion, inclusive sports facilities have been developed across Kathu and neighbouring communities. These include the Sesheng Learn-to-Swim Pool, Mapoteng Combi Courts, Sesheng Football Facility and the Siyathemba soccer field. With a combined investment of more than R31 million, the facilities are designed to be accessible and sustainable, providing proper changerooms, ablutions and safe recreational spaces. They restore pride and belonging, while nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people and families to thrive. Beyond infrastructure, these facilities promote safety, social connection and wellness, laying the foundation for stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
Roads and basic Infrastructure
Essential infrastructure underpins safe, dignified living. Working with municipal partners, road projects are underway to improve access to schools, clinics and workplaces. While less visible than other developments, reliable roads are vital to mobility and opportunity. Through a R16 million bulk water programme, boreholes in Laxey, Gahuwe, Gakowe and Dithakong have been refurbished and solar-upgraded, restoring clean drinking water to communities. In August 2024, the Heuningsvlei (Lurie) scheme was completed, introducing PV-driven pumps, new power lines and remote monitoring. These initiatives collectively strengthen long-term water resilience, showing how practical infrastructure investments underpin growth, health and stability for rural communities.
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