The initiative is launched during Mandela Month and is aimed at empowering the community, with a particular focus on the youth.
Coal mining company Liberty Coal has launched its community social investment programme in the town of Hendrina where it primarily operates.
The programme trains youths in mining operation skills to enable them to be equipped when facing the job market.
Scores attended the company’s launch at Hendrina’s Cosmos Hall, including Nkangala district mayor Leah Khoza, top cops and company bosses.
Some youths will be trained in operating mining machinery like dumptrucks and excavators while others will get enrolled for code 10 & 14 driver’s licence programme.
The community programmes form part of the company’s Mandela month inititiatives.
“This community social investment initiative is aimed at empowering our immediate community in particular the youth with skills and utilities that will put them in good stead in the job skills market,” the company said.
The company said the initiative forms part of its ongoing commitment to make a difference in the areas where they conduct mining operations – by benefiting their host communities.
ALSO SEE: NUM believes NPA is playing politics with opposition of sale of Optimum Mine
Also hundreds of school uniforms will be distributed to schools during this month.
The company says it plans to make a difference in fighting poverty and unemployment in the area of Optimum Coal Mine – an area badly affected by poverty since the closure of the South Africa’s largest coal mine more than 5 years ago.
Liberty Coal is battling to buy the mine amid objections from the state which argues that Liberty Coal is owned by a Gupta associate and that giving it the mine will be the same as giving it to the Guptas through the backdoor.
The NPA in March 2022 won a high court battle to thwart the sale of the mine to Liberty Coal.
ALSO SEE: Battle for Optimum Mine reaches deadlock
Liberty Coal owner Daniel McGowan is now making fresh bids to get the mine – he has proposed to buy out Optimum Mine creditors.
(edited by MLM)
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