Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
22 July 2022
In line with its vision of leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come and fully committed to economic development and community upliftment within its host communities, the diversified and 100 % black-owned mining company Overlooked Group, delivered on 18 July 2022 (Mandela Day) five houses to 18 beneficiaries within the Govan Mbeki Municipality in Mpumalanga.
This R1.5 million local economic development project created employment and business opportunities for the local community.
In carrying out this project, local businesses were prioritised to ensure that the economic benefit brought about by this opportunity remained within the municipality.
Added to this, community members gained concrete works, brick laying, plastering and plumbing skills which will benefit them in the future.
Setlogelo Kobuoe, General Manager Technical & Sustainability at Overlooked Group expressed how the mining house aims to improve the socio-economic environment within its community.
“This housing project speaks to our strategic intent of investing and empowering our communities.
We take pride in the high caliber work of our local contractors and sub-contractors whom we partnered with to assist us in improving the living standards of the Govan Mbeki community.”
The handover was attended by the Hon. Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki – Cllr. N.G. Zuma, National Council of Provinces (NCOP) member, Ms Ethel Nkosi, Members of the Mayoral Committee, Ward Councillors, beneficiaries of the housing project as well as the community members.
During the handover, a stop was made at one of the beneficiaries’ homes for a ribbon cutting ceremony where the Executive Mayor, Cllr Zuma, handed over the keys for the home.
Mandela Day also saw the Overlooked Group celebrate with one of its strategic partners, Blue Mining Services at Lethithemba Drop-in Centre in Emzinoni.
Blue Mining Services and partners handed over groceries and blankets, and installed perimeter palisade fencing at the centre.
Nonkululeko Msinga, Stakeholder Affairs Manager for Overlooked Group concluded that finding collaborative opportunities, through the local municipality, to give back to our communities is impactful and leaves a legacy.
“Simple acts of kindness enhance the lives of our communities.
Through our partnerships, we continue to find ways to uplift and positively impact our community’s livelihood.”