Today, Exxaro Resources, through its non-profit organisation, Aga Setshaba NPC, provided more than R1.3 million in humanitarian relief to over 2,000 people from more than 500 households affected by the severe floods in Tshikondeni and surrounding communities in Limpopo earlier this year.
The severe floods left hundreds of households facing significant hardship, with many experiencing damage to their homes and losing food stocks, bedding, clothing and other essential household belongings. Months later, vulnerable families continue to face the challenge of recovering and rebuilding their lives.
The relief intervention focused on immediate household needs, including food security through grocery support, blankets and essential household items. The beneficiary identification process was led by a collective of Traditional leaders, Community Stakeholders and the Department of Social Development. Priority was given to households with persons living with disabilities, elderly persons, women and child-headed households, as well as other families identified as particularly hardest hit and vulnerable.
Neo Monareng, Executive Head of Sustainability at Exxaro said, “While the closure of Tshikondeni Mine in 2014 marked the end of our mining operations in the area, it did not mark the end of our relationship with the communities with whom we have shared a journey. Our commitment is about continuing to support communities as they build resilience. The flood relief intervention is one example of this ongoing commitment, providing much-needed support to vulnerable families at a time when they need it most. Our flood relief intervention forms part of a broader programme of social impact and post-closure initiatives in the Tshikondeni area, focused on strengthening livelihoods, economic resilience and community wellbeing”.
Some of the ongoing support that Exxaro still offers in the Tshikondeni area includes agriculture and land use management interventions. As such, under the 2023 - 2027 Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitment, Exxaro currently supports eight local emerging farmers. This support includes funding, land leasing, equipment, water solutions and access to markets, helping farmers develop sustainable enterprises and strengthen their participation in the local economy. A further R6.1 million has been spent on Enterprise Supplier Development, and Exxaro is implementing an SLP water project in Tshikondeni, with an initial investment of R31.9 million, aimed at supplying water to four villages.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Exxaro’s commitment to Tshikondeni continues through practical interventions that address both immediate needs and longer-term community resilience.
The flood relief support therefore forms part of a broader approach: responding to communities in times of crisis while continuing to invest in initiatives that help create sustainable livelihoods and opportunities beyond the operational life of the mine.