Two of Canyon Coal’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP) projects that will improve the quality of life of Canyon’s host communities are nearing completion. The projects form part of Khanye Colliery in, Bronkhorstspruit and Phalanndwa Colliery near Delmas.  

Canyon Coal in collaboration with Victor Khanye Local Municipality are implementing the Argent Water Supply Project as part of the local economic development (LED) programme for Phalanndwa Extension, near Delmas in Mpumalanga.  

Canyon Coal Social Licensing Manager Xolile Mankayi explains that the municipality identified the need for clean drinking water for the rural community of Argent and Emahlathini which are the immediate host community of Phalanndwa, the implementation commenced in May 2022.  

The project cost R200 000 which included drilling and rehabilitation of the boreholes and installation of water tanks, purlins on the top of the 4m x 4m high steel stand for 20 000 Litre JoJo tanks (4 x 5 000 litre JoJo tank storage containers), general plumbing, supply, and installation of fittings, fencing of the control box, connecting of loose standing existing tank to the existing pipeline, repair of base slab of the tank and extension of pipes for installation of taps. A local company, Madlou Trading was subcontracted to do the electrical works on the project and 7 local people were employed for the duration of the project. 

Mankayi says once completed, the community will have consistent clean water from the water tanks without requiring the municipality to supply water. The project will be handed over to the community after all installations have been quality-tested and approved,” he says.  

Mkhambi School Upgrade 

The Mkhambi Primary School is located in Ward 105 Sokhulumi, within the municipality of the City of Tshwane. The R1.31 million worth of upgrades to the school commenced in March 2022 and include the construction of shelters between the different blocks; upgrading of the school’s stormwater management system, installation of barge boards for kitchen and classroom shelters, and painting of school facilities. Six locals were employed for this project. “The project will benefit learners through shelters on rainy days and scorching weather and the upgrading of the stormwater management system will circumvent the wetland,” Xolile notes.