Ivanplats reaches out to community

MOGALAKWENA – Ivanplats launched the recently-refurbished Lesedi Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children at Kgobudi Village in Mokopane. Ivanplats also handed over new science and computer laboratories to six schools with the aim of creating centres of excellence for learning.
The handover of the care centre, as well as the science and computer laboratories, took place at a ceremony in Kgobudi Village that was attended by community members, company representatives, government officials and traditional lea-ders.
The refurbishment of the Lesedi Care Centre, delivered at a cost of R2,7 million, included an upgrade of the old building, the erection of a new fence, a new water borehole, construction of a sports facility and the establishment of a vegetable garden.
The schools that received new science and computer laboratories are Masodi Secondary School (Masodi Village), Ben Hlongwane High School (Tshamahansi), Gobela High School (Magongoa Village), AB Makapan High School (Sekgoboko), and Lekwa High School (Kgobudi Villlage). The project was implemented with an investment of R6,5 million.
Dr. Patricia Makhesha, managing director of Ivanplats, said “Ivanplats understands the importance of promoting socio-economic growth and development in the communities that host our operations. We are not only excited to have delivered these projects in good time but we also believe they will make a meaningful impact in the community. These projects are an investment in children, the future of our country.”
Limpopo education department official Ndo Mangala said the new computer and science laboratories would help to improve the teaching and learning of science. “The equipment in those laboratories will help learners to conduct proper experiments and also help them to improve their results in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). We now expect learners and teachers to show their appreciation by attaining better results,” said Mangala.
The projects form part of Ivanplats’ Social and Labour Plan. The communities that will benefit from the new facilities are close to the construction site where Ivanplats is building a new platinum mine in Mokopane, about 50km south-west of Polokwane in Limpopo.