Mining major Anglo American’s New Vaal colliery, located south of Vereeniging, in the Free State, partnered with Ward 21 of the Metsimaholo local municipality to build the R26-million Harry Gwala multipurpose sports centre in Sasolburg.

This project, which aims to provide community members in the region with suitable sports facilities, was built from February 2012 to August 2013 and forms part of Anglo American’s social and labour plans.

Built on land donated by the local municipality in the Harry Gwala township, the centre was constructed by Welkom-based 100% black-owned company Mofomo Construction. Local labour was used on site, which peaked at 107 labourers, 81 of whom were males and 26 women.

The New Vaal colliery carried the costs for building and furnishing the sports facility, establishing an information technology net-work connection and providing security at the facility.

Government services, including the South African Police Service contact centre, a satellite fire station and the South African Social Security Agency, as well as a municipality pay-point centre and prepaid electricity purchase point, will also feature in the centre to bring these services closer to the community.

The sports centre comprises a multipurpose hall for training sessions, workshops and basketball tournaments, two tennis courts, two netball courts, a talent development centre and change rooms, as well as kiosks for selling and serving refreshments.

By February 2014, during the last phase of construction at the sports centre, soccer fields will be added.

The project steering committee included a New Vaal representative, community members and municipal representatives.

At the opening of the centre last month, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu highlighted the importance of projects like the Harry Gwala multipurpose centre.

“Through the social and labour plans that are agreed on with mining companies, we aim to create lasting and sustainable change in the communities affected by mining operations by ploughing back some of their profits,” she said, adding that this project was a demonstration of what a focused mining company could achieve.

Anglo American Thermal Coal CEO Godfrey Gomwe says the company aims to leave a lasting legacy in the communities in which it operates.

“Being involved in this sports centre is part of our commitment to develop the community and to stimulate positive social change and socioeconomic benefits, such as a safe environment for recreational and professional sporting purposes.”

The New Vaal colliery and the municipality are also considering opportunities to partner with other organisations in the area, such as petrochemicals group Sasol, to ensure that programmes at the centre are integrated into the area’s flagship sports development programme, the Metsimaholo Rejuvenation Programme.