Diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) founder and executive chairperson Dr Patrice Motsepe has extended a “message of hope”, lauded the work and collaboration undertaken thus far between the company and traditional and religious leaders, and issued funds to these entities.

This occurred during this year’s ARM Empowerment Trust and Motsepe Foundation meeting with kings, religious and faith-based leaders and traditional leaders, who represent communities impacted by the mining company and its operations, on November 15, in Johannesburg.

These meetings have, over the years, been held to seek to improve the living conditions and standards of people living in poor rural and urban communities.

Speaking at the event, different leaders thanked Motsepe, his family and the foundation for the role these have played, especially in the upliftment of rural communities, and through other philanthropic efforts.

They also extended their support to continuing to work with the company in its developments.

It was noted that South Africa, as a developing country with a growing population, needed considerable assistance to lift people out of poverty, with efforts by the company said to be helping in this regard.

Agriculture was one area identified for enabling upliftment, with entities indicating that they were willing to work with ARM to unlock the real value of the land to benefit the people.

The support and recognition of traditional and faith-based leaders was also welcomed by speakers.

Delivering his address, Motsepe said that while the work done thus far and collaboration between the entities must be acknowledged, there was still much more to be done.

He emphasised the importance of these partnerships continuing, noting that, as South Africa and the rest of the world faced considerable economic challenges, stakeholders must come together as a unit in the country to face these.

He highlighted one sponsorship he was pleased with from the past year as that between Agri SA and rural agriculture.

Motsepe said this year’s meeting with stakeholders was aimed at expressing a message of hope to South Africans, especially those who were unemployed and in poverty, with many companies, individuals and organisations aiming to contribute to remedy this.

With more work to be done to build relationships and commons interests, Motsepe emphasised that religious and traditional leaders had an important role to play, and indicated that these institutions must be respected.

Funds were handed over to the various organisations, with the Eastern Cape Rural Investment Trust and Limpopo Rural Investment Trust receiving R6.2-million.

The Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West and Free State Rural Investment Trusts all received R2.3-million.

Various religious organisations also received funding, ranging from R310 000 to R660 000 each.

The work undertaken by the foundation was also lauded, with several of its milestones and successes outlined.

Following the ceremonies, a private meeting was held between Motsepe and several leaders to discuss matters and work that needed to be undertaken.