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Richards Bay Minerals Communications Department P O Box 401 Richards Bay 3900 South Africa Tel: +27 35 901 3111 Fax +27 35 901 3442 email: communication@rbm.co.za www.rbm.co.za 2016 | Sustainable Development Report
RBM has invested R73 million in new roads in local communities
RBM has spent R60 million since 2006 in a collaborative effort to improve the
quality of education in host communities and in the broader region
2016 | Sustainable Development Report
RBM accounts for half of KwaZulu-Natal’s mining output
In 2010 Rio Tinto secured a majority shareholding with a 74 per cent stake in
RBM. This was the single biggest foreign direct investment in the South
African mining industry up to that time
RBM work in partnership with stakeholders on a host of issues, from community
development to environmental management Table Of Contents
R1,5 billion+ has been spent on host community infrastructure, skills and 1 At a glance 2
enterprise development in the last 20 years
2 About us 4
RBM spends millions annually on improving the quality of education in host MD’s statement 4
communities and the wider region Organisational profile 6
Governance 17
RBM is a major employers and the single largest taxpayer in KwaZulu-Natal. 3 About this report 21
Over the past 10 years the company has contributed R8,5 billion, or five per cent of
the province’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Report profile 21
Sustainability framework 21
Material aspects and boundaries 22
Rio Tinto was the first mining company to eradicate mining hostels in Stakeholder engagement 22
Phalaborwa (PMC) in the 1980s. This led to better living conditions and improved
quality of life for employees 4 Economic 25
Economic performance 25
Rio Tinto appointed the first black South African managing director, for Market presence 25
Richards Bay Minerals Indirect economic impact 26
Procurement practices 27
Rio Tinto appointed the first female managing director in the South African 5 Environment 35
mining industry
Energy 36
Emissions 37
RBM’s enterprise development programme targets host communities, and over 60 Water 38
small and medium size enterprises have been developed in the last two years Biodiversity 39
Waste 40
Partnerships with municipalities extend to the provision of potable water to
households in host communities, contributing R17 million since 2014
6 Social 42
Employment 42
Society 50
Human rights 51
7 GRI content index 55
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
At a Glance
RBM’s 40th Anniversary
Certified Top Employer 2017 by Top Employer’s Institute
Gold Certificate (4-Star) and Team Merit Certificate from The Institute
Of Waste Management South Africa
Series of Work Stoppages due to Community Unrest
Loss of Key Staff Members
Rio Tinto-Led Investigation Into Allegations of Misconduct in Terms
of our Code of Conduct - The Way We Work
Best Safety Year Ever - Two Million All Injury Free Hours
Zero Fatalities on Site
Three Eco-Logic Awards
Winner KZN Top Business Awards in the Mining and Quarrying Category
2 Successful ISO 9001 Audit Against New Standards
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
About Us
We celebrated our 40th birthday this year. In 1975 it The safety of our employees, our contractors, our Water remains a critical issue for us as the drought
was decided that the pilot plant, built in 1973, was visitors, and our communities is of paramount continues and rainfall unfortunately has not occurred
worth scaling up to an industrial size, and on 1 April importance. Members of host communities also in catchment areas. Our work with government on the
1976 the company was born. tragically lost their lives during the year. RBM is Tugela Transfer Scheme holds great promise of relief
committed to creating a better life for all, including for us, as well as the surrounding Zululand area.
Since then our growth has been continuous, with our host communities. We are co-operating with, and
safety at the core of everything we do. Over the past fully support, the South African Police Service to deal
40 years we have survived water shortages, smelter with these criminal matters.
explosions, changing market conditions, and even a 2016 was another record-breaking
cyclone. Each challenge was resolved in the same We experienced a number of plant shutdowns during year for us in safety. Solid
way: with ingenuity, care, and commitment of the the year due to community unrest and cable theft, foundations created through our
people who have worked here. resulting in further loss – loss of production and loss
of equipment vandalized during the protests. We safety management systems and
This year we celebrate the history of our company, remain committed to engaging in a transparent and strong leadership has ensured safety
but also our future through the theme “40 Forward”. mutually respectful manner with all our stakeholders. is part of who we are.
Through looking at our past, it is possible to see clues We have set up a number of platforms for
to our future. That makes me certain we will chart a engagement and have been supported by government
course towards future success, just as we have done to find consensus on ways forward when our own
in the past. efforts to engage have not been unsuccessful. Realising our best safety year ever is a particularly
great achievement given tough economic trading
While the year was filled with celebration and Disruptions to operations have a significant impact conditions, which have driven a strong focus on
recognition, including Employer of Choice on the company and its shareholders, who include efficiency and cost-savings. We recognize the
certification and awards from the Waste Management employees and communities. Coupled with an contribution of our employees and contractors who
Institute of South Africa, Eco-Logic and KZN Top uncertain global market, community instability hold safety as a core value, ensuring everyone arrives
Business, it was also a year of tragedy and loss. We further threatens all our futures. The future life of home safely every day.
were deeply saddened this year by the tragic passing the mine has a direct impact on job security for
of our General Manager: Human Resources Ronny employees and contractors, procurement from
Nzimande. We hold the accolade of Employer of suppliers, and investment and development in our
Choice in his honour. host communities.
The Zulti South expansion relies on market conditions
improving and project approval. Our focus this year
has been on extensive stakeholder engagement and
progress toward obtaining relevant permits, as well as Mpho Mothoa
resettling priority homesteads. Managing Director
4 5
Organisational profile A culture of zero harm disposal. Other areas in the district are characterised by adequate open storage for products as well as general-
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
relatively low levels of urbanisation, and approximately purpose sheds and bulk storage bins.
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is a subsidiary of Rio Tinto We have achieved year-on-year improvements in our 80 per cent of the population live in rural areas. The close proximity to rail and harbour links makes
in South Africa, who has a shareholding of 74 per cent. safety record and have made a step-change in the the logistics of moving millions of tonnes of product
organisation’s safety culture. RBM’s lease areas fall within the local uMfolozi and throughout the world cost-effective.
We are a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction uMhlathuze municipalities. This includes, as the host
and refining, and South Africa’s largest mineral sands Strong safety management systems and programmes communities, the Traditional Councils of Mbonambi, At any one time, no fewer than 20 large ocean-going
producer and beneficiation company. keep safety top of mind, ensuring safe behaviour Sokhulu, Mkhwanazi, and Dube. vessels are either at anchorage or on the high seas,
and continuous improvement. These include the 12 transporting our products destined for customer
RBM is a major contributor to the economy of KwaZulu- Lifesaving Commitments, Zero Harm Culture Change Operations began with the Tisand mineral lease in markets across the globe.
Natal, accounting for 50 per cent of the province’s Workshops, the Fatality Prevention Programme, the KwaMbonambi area. In the late 1980s, operations
mining output. We humbly accepted the winning and Critical Risk Management. Every employee and expanded to the KwaSokhulu area with the Zulti North
position in the Mining and Quarrying Category for the contractor is empowered to stop work to address safety mineral lease. Planning for expansion to the KwaDube Ore reserves
KZN Top Business Awards this year. first. Safety lies in everyone’s hands and we are all our and KwaMkhwanazi areas through the Zulti South
brother’s keeper. mineral lease has been under way for some years, Ilmenite, rutile, and zircon are common minerals
Our vision ‘to make a difference in our world by with good progress made on permits and landowner found all over the world, but not always in economic
creating a brighter future for all our stakeholders’ and Location agreements during 2016. concentrations. One of the exceptions is the coastal area
uncompromising mission ‘to be the safest, most reliable of northern KwaZulu-Natal on the Zululand coast.
and sustainable industrial minerals supplier’ drives RBM is a leading mineral sands producer, extracting Products
our team to conduct business with both passion and heavy minerals from the dune sands situated north of The heavy minerals found in the dunes along the
compassion. We know that by creating a positive impact Richards Bay in Zululand, in the South African province Many of our products are used in the manufacture of coast of northern KwaZulu-Natal come from inland.
on the environment and within our wider community, of KwaZulu-Natal. everyday items: from toothpaste, TVs, and artificial hip Over the years, weathering of host rock has released
business success follows naturally. joints to the remarkable qualities of titanium used in the the minerals, which, because of their durability,
We are located in Richards Bay, the largest industrial aerospace and aviation industries. relatively high density, and high chemical stability,
Responsible beyond mining harbour in South Africa. RBM contributes 50 per cent of
KwaZulu-Natal’s mining sector by value of output, and
Through respecting and applying our values of trust, represents 3.3 per cent of the national mining sector
caring, honesty, courage, respect, and fairness we aim to output.
leave this area better than we found it.
Richards Bay is the economic centre of the King
The markets for our products are not static, and have Cetshwayo District Municipality. The district comprises
been severely affected by the downturn in commodities. six local municipalities, namely uMhlathuze, Mbonambi,
We can’t be sure when this will improve. But there are Mthonjaneni, Nkandla, Ntambanana, and Umlalazi.
specific, proactive steps we can take – as individuals,
as teams, and as a business – to make sure that we The area has a significant manufacturing sector and
continue to perform well despite this uncertainty. hosts five smelter operations including RBM. Production
for the area contributes 73.5 per cent of total gross
Rio Tinto has defined the five priorities we all need to geographic product of the province and 5.5 per cent of
focus on in order to deliver superior performance in the total formal employment.
face of economic challenges. These priorities inform
our sustainability framework detailed in the “About this The area has developed industrial infrastructure in the
report” section. form of roads, railways, electricity, water, and waste
We deliver superior performance when we put safety first in everything we do, when we learn form our mistakes,
and by immediately stopping the job if it’s not safe RBM is highly competitive in world markets thanks withstand the weathering process and are transported
to Rio Tinto’s proprietary smelting technology and down rivers to the ocean.
We deliver superior performance when we value diverse points of view, when we lead from our core values, and by international marketing links through Rio Tinto Iron
developing our commercial, operational and technical expertise and Titanium. Once in the sea, the sand is transported up the coast
by currents and wave action. Waves deposit the sand
We have distributors in most economically active containing the heavy minerals onto the beaches. From
We deliver superior performance when we treat every Rand as though it’s our own, when we make more money than countries in the world. there, the sand is blown into dunes by onshore winds.
we spend, and by spending less to produce more
Our bulk products for export are transported 27 From a geological point of view, the ore bodies are
We deliver superior performance when we listen to the needs of our stakeholders, when we set realistic kilometres to the harbour by rail. The Richards Bay highly complex and the behaviour of the minerals in
expectations, and by delivering on the promises we make Harbour’s multi-purpose, bulk-handling plant is one of the plant may vary considerably across the ore body.
the largest plants of its kind in the world and we are one Optimal performance of the separation processes
of its major customers. The 26-kilometre long conveyor carried out in the plant is thus dependent on
We deliver superior performance when we invest only in projects that will deliver the highest value, when we spend
network, designed to handle a wide variety of products, investigating and characterising the behaviour of the
less money on them, and by building them together with our partners
6 is fully computerised and centrally controlled. There is minerals as they flow through the plant. 7
ESTIMATED HEAVY MINERAL CONCENTRATES RESERVES (tonnes) 2016-2044 Being non-toxic and biologically passive, it is even
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
used in sweets, cosmetics, toothpaste, and in
2044 17 951 sunscreens to absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun. It
slows the weathering and fading action of the sun on
2041 - 2043 1 548 924
products such as paints and plastics.
2038 - 2040 3 042 661
2035 - 2037 144 670 3 238 037 Manufacturers mainly use rutile in welding rod fluxes
as it stabilises the arc and protects the molten metal
2032 - 2034 2 977 821 3 468 202
from oxidation - forming a superior welding joint.
2029 - 2031 5 295 511 3 967 262 Zulti North (tonnes) In its titanium metal form, it is used extensively in
2026 - 2028 5 414 916 4 482 103 Zulti South (tonnes) the aerospace and aviation industries because of its
lightness, strength, corrosion and heat resistance.
2023 - 2025 5 558 111 4 681 943
These properties also make it ideal for use in artificial
2020 - 2022 5 510 398 1 948 982 hip joints, pacemakers, and spectacle frames.
2017 - 2019 6 331 516
Our high purity pig iron, a bi-product of the smelting
operation, is used as a raw material in foundries for the
0 2 000 000 4 000 000 6 000 000 8 000 000 10 000 000 12 000 000
production of ductile iron castings. Ductile iron is used Bruce Grierson, “Mr Titanium”
extensively throughout the world for the production of
safety critical automotive parts, such as brake callipers Bruce Grierson is the father of RBM. First employed by Quebec Iron
and Titanium (QIT), he was appointed as the first managing director
Zulti South expansion Product responsibility and steering knuckles in cars and trucks. of RBM, in which capacity he served from 1974-1981. He later
became president of Rio Tinto. Apart from being instrumental in
Sound stakeholder relations have yielded positive Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for our products Zircon is used in the production of ceramic tiles and securing QIT’s involvement and bank financing at a critical time, as
outcomes, resulting in the conclusion of the following are attached to all shipments, providing the following sanitary ware. Refined to zirconia, it is used in a wide well as a keen involvement in the management of the project, Bruce
range of advanced ceramics, refractories, jewellery, almost single-handedly created the market for RBM’s products.
critical permits and agreements for the proposed information:
Zulti South expansion: electronic applications, and many other industrial and On the wall of Bruce’s house there is an aeroplane propeller, signed
- Content; domestic products. Zircon sand is also used in the to “John, from Charles”. John Grierson, Bruce’s father, was a good
- Water Use Licences for the corridor and mine - Safe use of the product; and foundry industry. friend of Charles Lindbergh, and the second person to fly the Atlantic
lease; - Safe disposal of the product. solo. Bruce evidently inherited his father’s intrepid genes.
- Environmental Assessments for the corridor Ownership
His forte, according to those who worked with him, was securing
and mine lease; We were recently audited against the ISO 9001 consensus of agreement among a variety of strong-willed and
- Servitudes agreement; and standard and re-certified. We deliberately asked to Richards Bay Minerals is the trading name for two conflicting opinions. He had the ability to grasp all the implications
- A Relocation and Resettlement Plan. be audited against the new ISO 9001:2015 standards, registered companies: of a complicated decision and articulate a convincing and principled
even though they only come into effect in 2017, to argument for a certain choice.
The conclusion of the remaining permits and confirm that we are well placed to be fully compliant. - Richards Bay Mining Proprietary Limited, which
In July 1981 Bruce Grierson left RBM and returned to run QIT. He
agreements is expected early in 2017. It is important for our customers to know that we undertakes mining and minerals separation; continued as chairman of RBIT and deputy chairman of Tisand. Roy
have a rigorous system to assess the quality of the and Macpherson, who was appointed to succeed him in July 1981, said:
For further details on resettlement, please see page 52 products we deliver to them. By moving early, we - Richards Bay Titanium Proprietary Limited, “Nobody in the world knows more about the titanium industry than
also avoided the cost of conducting an expensive gap which is responsible for the smelting and Bruce does. He is knowledgeable about all the production aspects,
beneficiation process. he is at home with the finance and personnel and has played a
The project team undertook a Capital Intensity Review analysis exercise.
major role in getting RBM’s products accepted on world markets,
(CIR) process, realising a 22 per cent reduction in the and indeed developing many of those markets where they were
project capital estimate. Markets Rio Tinto manages operations with a 74 per cent previously non-existent.”
shareholding. An employee trust (two per cent) and
Pending improvements in global market conditions Ninety-five per cent of our beneficiated product is Blue Horizon (24 per cent) hold remaining shares. Blue
and supportive relationships with communities, the exported, yielding a world market share of about 25 per Horizon is a consortium consisting of lead investors
Advisory Committee approved a project plan that will cent of titanium feedstock (titania slag and rutile), 33 and our four host communities via community trusts. Operations
see construction beginning in the first quarter of 2018. per cent of the world’s zircon output, and 25 per cent
of the world’s high purity pig iron. RBM OWNERSHIP Our operations commenced in 1977 with one dredge
mining plant and two furnaces producing approximately
Key activity Completion milestone date Titania slag, which comes from ilmenite, contains 85 400,000 tonnes per year of titania slag. In 1986, an
per cent titanium dioxide and is our primary product, additional mining plant and furnace were added,
Project approvals
while rutile contains 94 per cent titanium dioxide. increasing slag output to 750,000 tonnes per year.
Bridging funding Investment Committee May 2017 24%
Execution funding March 2018
Rio Tinto
Detail engineering Complete October 2018 Titanium dioxide is beneficiated by end-users most RBM’s titania slag capacity increased to one million
Blue Horizon
commonly to provide brilliance and opacity to tonnes per year and pig iron production went up to
Procurement Complete June 2019
products such as paints, plastics, or paper. It imparts
2% RBM Employees
550,000 tonnes per year during the early 1990s, when a
Construction, commissioning Start June 2018
Complete May 2020 a luminescence to glossy white electronic products fourth furnace and mining plant were installed.
Production ramp-up start October 2020
such as ultra-modern phones and tablets and kitchen 74%
appliances by reflecting and scattering light in the We currently have the capacity to produce
visible spectrum like thousands of tiny mirrors. approximately two million tonnes of products annually,
8 9
including approximately 100,000 tonnes per year of
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Female Total Male Total Grand
rutile and 250,000 tonnes per year of zircon. female male total
EMPLOYMENT African Coloured Indian White African Coloured Indian White
LEVEL
The low-clay Richards Bay sands suit a wet-mining
process. Artificial freshwater ponds are created in the Top management - - - - - 2 - 1 3 6 6
dunes several kilometres from the shoreline. On each Senior management 3 1 4 2 10 7 1 5 10 23 33
pond floats one or more dredgers and a concentrator Professional qualified and
plant. The dredger burrows into the face of a dune, experienced specialists and 14 - 3 6 23 33 - 18 40 91 114
mid management
advancing at a rate of a few metres a day. The sand
Senior technical, junior
face collapses into the pond and is sucked up and management, supervisors 75 5 19 20 119 379 18 94 149 640 759
pumped into the concentrator plant. There the heavy Semi-skilled and
minerals (about three per cent of the dunes) are discretionary decision 97 3 11 14 125 835 4 18 14 871 996
making
separated from the sand through a series of sieves and
sluices. The sand is pumped out behind the plant to Temporary employees 29 - - - 29 12 - - 11 23 52
reform the dune for rehabilitation, and the valuable Grand total 218 9 37 42 306 1 268 23 136 227 1 654 1 960
heavy mineral concentrate is deposited next to each
pond for transportation to the mineral separation plant.
At any one time we have approximately the same We subscribe to and are guided by the following
number of contractors as employees on site. standards, principles, and goals:
MINING ACTIVITY (tonnes) 2010 - 2016
90 000 000 3 500 000 The majority of our workforce remains between the - International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
ages of 30 and 50. principles;
80 000 000 - The United Nation’s Precautionary Principle of the
Heavy Mineral Concentrate Recovered
3 000 000
Age Total Rio Declaration and Environment Development,
70 000 000
2 500 000 Over 50 years 490 1992;
60 000 000 30 - 50 years 1 282 - The United Nation’s Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG);
Sand Mined
50 000 000 2 000 000 Under 30 years 188
- Rio Tinto’s Business Standards:
Grand total 1 960
40 000 000 1 500 000 - The way we work;
30 000 000 Trade union membership has not changed significantly - Business integrity (anti-corruption) standard;
1 000 000 during the year. - Business integrity (anti-trust) standard;
20 000 000 - Business integrity (conflicts of interest)
10 000 000 500 000 Union Total Percentage standard;
HMC Produced
NUM Union 982 50.1% - Anti-bribery due diligence standard;
Sand Mined
0
UASA 443 22.6% - Fraud standard;
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Non-Union 535 27.3%
- ISO 14000, IS0 9001, and OHSAS 18001; and
Grand total 1 960 100%
- The Mining Charter.
With an increase in sand mined and heavy mineral
concentrate produced during 2016, there was a slight The ICMM Principles:
drop in total beneficiated product supplied, with
demand remaining largely unchanged since 2015
Principle Our contribution see page
across products.
1 Implement and maintain ethical business practices and sound systems of corporate governance. 6, 14, 17-19
2 Integrate sustainable development considerations within the corporate decision-making process. 6, 21-22
TOTAL BENEFICIATED PRODUCT (tonnes) 2010 - 2016
3 Uphold fundamental human rights and respect cultures, customs and values in dealings with employees and 51-53
2 500 000 others who are affected by our activities.
4 Implement risk management strategies based on valid data and sound science. 13, 18, 25
2 000 000
5 Seek continual improvement of our health and safety performance. 42-45
1 500 000 6 Seek continual improvement of our environmental performance. 35-41
7 Contribute to conservation of biodiversity and integrated approaches to land use planning. 39-40
1 000 000
Iron produced 8 Facilitate and encourage responsible product design, use, re-use, recycling and disposal of our products. 8
500 000 Slag produced 9 Contribute to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which we operate. 6, 25-30, 50-53
Zircon produced
10 Implement effective and transparent engagement, communication and independently verified reporting 22 - 23
Rutile produced arrangements with our stakeholders.
0
12 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 13
The Sustainable Development Goals agencies to impact on the SDGs at some scale. With a
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
sustainable approach to development, we are able to
As a subsidiary of a global mining company, located create jobs, spur innovation, and bring investment and
within indigenous lands, we recognise our unique infrastructure to the area.
ability to form partnerships with government and other
Goal Our contribution
1 No poverty Jobs
Enterprise development
Supplier development
Resettlement programme
2 Zero hunger Community agricultural development programmes
Rehabilitation of land including growing commercial crops
3 Good health and well-being Occupational health and safety
Community clinics, including specialised Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Clinic
(PMCT)
4 Quality education Technical training
Apprenticeships
Learnerships
High school maths and science programme
Bursaries
Internships
Graduate development programme
5 Gender equality Equal pay and opportunities
6 Clean water and sanitation Shared use
Prevention of contamination
Water recycling
7 Affordable and clean energy Efficiency
Shared use
8 Decent work and economic growth Decent working conditions
Mine expansion
Enterprise and supplier development
9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure Development of roads
Shared use
Innovation in mining, rehabilitation, reuse, recycling methods
10 Reduced inequalities Community Trusts
Participatory planning
Social engagement
11 Sustainable cities and communities Positive land impact
Reduced emissions
Reduced water consumption
Local economic development
12 Responsible consumption and production Materials stewardship
Minimising waste
13 Climate action Reduced emissions
14 Life below water Zero water discharge
15 Life on land Managing biodiversity
Risk management and mitigation
Positive land impact
16 Peace, justice and strong institutions Transparent reporting
Good governance
Community complaints processes and resolution
17 Partnerships for the goals Partnerships with local, regional, and national government and civil society organisations
14 15
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment targets and introduced new categories for measured
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Catch-up Plan (2009 – 2013)
entities. In many cases, companies measured against
The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act the revised codes have achieved a significantly lower Bulk water supply R17 000 000 R8 000 000
(MPRDA), enacted in 2002, and the Broad-Based Black B-BBEE rating. New SLP (2015 – 2019): Corporate Social Responsibility projects
Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003 aim to advance
economic transformation, increasing the participation of The RBM Board’s Social and Ethics Committee Project name Approved budget Spend 2016 Status
black people in the South African economy. monitors and reviews the company’s overall approach Eco wash R3 000 000 R1 000 000
to transformation. The Employment Equity and
The Ministry of Trade and Industry issued a Code Skills Development Committees are responsible for Sewing enterprise R2 100 000 R500 000
of Good Practice (CoGP) in February 2007, as an driving transformation and non-discrimination in Toilet paper making R3 000 000 R1 500 000
implementation framework for B-BBEE policy the workplace, with specific areas of implementation
Concrete manufacturing R10 500 000 R3 500 000
and legislation. Specific industry charters were devolved to relevant business units.
also developed to highlight industry-specific Land stewardship and agriculture R7 200 000 R1 200 000
transformation imperatives. The Mining Charter was RBM was rated against the amended B-BBEE Codes
one of the first sector charters to be developed. in 2015/2016 and obtained a certificate as a Level 6 Status
contributor to B-BBEE. This provides our clients with Completed On-going Behind schedule
RBM’s commitment to transformation is measured the ability to claim 60% of spend with us in their own
through our annual B-BBEE rating, as well as procurement score.
progress made towards achieving targets and plans Governance
set out in our Social and Labour Plan (SLP). These
Year Codes B-BBEE rating
indicators impact on both our business and social RBM Board of Directors
2013 Old codes 5
licences to operate.
2014 Old codes 6
South African Disabled
Name Race Gender Title
The CoGP was revised in 2013. The revised codes 2015 Old codes 5 (Yes / No) (Yes / No)
came into effect in May 2015 and set even higher 2016 Revised codes 6 Marion Lesego Marole African Female Yes No Independent Director
Jacko Preyser
(replaced Mark Howard Davies on White Male Yes No Director
7 December 2016)
2016 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment rating
Bongukuphiwa Mthethwa African Male Yes No Director
Elements Score Weighting Comments Stephane Leblanc White Male No No Director
Our ownership score includes black women at 2.59. Due to insufficient data submitted Emsley Manne Dipico African Male Yes No Director
Ownership 14.59 20 for assessments on employee share participation scheme, the overall score for the
ownership element was impacted. Gary Anthony O'Brien White Male No No Director
One of the most significant transformation challenges RBM faces is achieving Johannes Bhekumuzi Magwaza African Male Yes No Director
employment equity targets in top and senior management levels. A robust Human
Management control 10.36 15 Resources strategy has been implemented to improve targets in the top and senior levels Mpho Lucas Mothoa African Male Yes No Managing Director
through succession planning, graduate development, and by ensuring that open positions
are offered to equity candidates whenever possible.
We achieved full bonus points for absorbing black people as permanent employees after RBM Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Skills development 13.44 20 completing learnership programmes. The business has developed an HRD strategy that As at the end of December 2016, our SLT comprised:
will focus more on learnership, apprenticeship, and internship programmes.
Continuing to meet the DTI’s stringent B-BBEE targets for preferential procurement Mpho Mothoa Luke Colton Moses Thokwane
Enterprise and supplier Managing Director Chief Financial Officer Acting General
28.37 40 is challenging. 13.37 of the points in this element are allocated to preferential
development Manager: Communities
procurement. We achieved full points for supplier and enterprise development.
and Corporate Relations
RBM’s commitment to empowering and improving the lives of members of our host
Socio-economic development 5 5 communities, to ensure sustainable development, is evident full points for this element.
Pregarsen Chinnu Joey Kunji-Behari Brigitte Ngobese
TOTAL SCORE 71.76 100 Acting General Manager: General Manager Acting General Manager:
Mining Smelting, Processing Human Resources
and Logistics
Social and Labour Plan (SLP)
The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has RBM is engaging with the regulator to finalise the SLP. Jacques Venter Dawid Erasmus Peter Eaglen
provisionally approved both our Catch–up Plan (2009- Apart from one project, all other projects have been General Manager General Manager General Manager
Technical and Major Projects Health, Safety, Environment
2013) and new SLP (2015-2019). completed under the Catch-up Plan (2009-2013). Asset Management and Security
16 17Board Committees Ethics and integrity
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Board Committees include the Board Audit Committee, the RBM Audit Forum, and the Board Social and
Ethics Committee. We were faced with a number of business integrity
cases during the year including fraud, conflicts of
Board Audit Committee interest, and collusion. We adhere strictly to due
This committee oversees compliance and audit matters on behalf of the Board process, as prescribed by Rio Tinto, to investigate
and resolve such matters. In some instances third
parties were found to have committed these breaches
3 Non-Executive Directors
of policies, standards, and law. In other instances,
disappointingly, RBM employees were responsible
and have since left the business.
We view matters of ethics and integrity in an
extremely serious light.
Manager : Specialist:
Managing Chief Financial Legal and Manager : External
Director Officer Administrative Compliance and Finance Auditor
Internal Controls We focused efforts this year on strong internal and
Services
external communication and training around the
requirements of our code of ethics, ‘the way we work’
and our intolerance for fraud and corruption.
RBM Audit Forum
Ethics and integrity form an integral part of our
The objective of the RBM Audit Forum is to oversee the group business compliance programme. It has the induction programme and employees attend
following responsibilities and provides guidance with respect to: refresher training each year as a compulsory training
- Integrity and compliance; requirement.
- Compliance risk management;
- Internal control environment; and The Community and Corporate Relations’ Economic
- Insurance risk management. Development team took the Anti-Corruption
Campaign to our four host communities in order
The Audit Forum reports and makes recommendations to the Board Audit Committee on significant matters. to heighten awareness. It is critical that our host
communities understand what the business regards
as corruption and fraud.
Managing Director The team shared posters describing how the
community can blow the whistle in the fight against
fraud. This communication was also shared internally
with our employees to make sure everyone is aware
of what is acceptable and what is not, and everyone is
Manager: empowered to report it.
Senior Specialist: External Legal and Manager:
Leadership Team Compliance and Auditor Administrative Finance
Internal Controls Services Employees, contractors, suppliers, and customers
of Rio Tinto managed sites can report concerns
anonymously through an independently operated
whistleblowing programme called Speak-OUT. Any
Board Social and Ethics Committee significant concerns about the business, or behaviour
of individuals, including suspicion of violations
This committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in respect of the company’s social of financial reporting, safety or environmental
and economic development programme, good corporate citizenship, human rights standards, anti-corruption procedures, or general business integrity issues can
measures, environmental, health and public safety, product stewardship, and labour and employment be reported.
practices. The committee is established pursuant to the requirements of the Companies Act 71 of 2008.
Speak-OUT reports are investigated internally and the
General Manager: Human Resources reports closeout
to the Executive Team and provides a summary to the
3 Non-Executive Directors Board Audit Committee and Audit Forum.
General
Chief General Manager: General Specialist Manager: Legal
Managing Financial Manager: Communities Manager: Compliance and
Director Officer Technical and Corporate Human and Internal Administrative
Relations Resources Controls Services
18 19Sustainable Development Report | 2016
About this report
Report profile Sustainability framework
This report covers the 2016 calendar year and is our
sixth Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)-aligned report.
This report is produced in accordance with the GRI G4 Our mission, vision and
leadership values, while
Core Option. underscoring principles needed
for operational sustainability,
are biased toward compassion
We publish our Sustainable Development Report and care for our people and the
annually on-line and print a limited number of reports. natural environments within
which we operate
The report covers the two entities that make up RBM:
Leadership values:
Community trust,caring,
- Richards Bay Mining (Pty) Ltd, which development honesty, courage,
respect, fairness
undertakes the mining and minerals
separation;
- Richards Bay Titanium (Pty) Ltd, which is
responsible for smelting and beneficiation Stakeholder A Culture of
processes. engagement Zero Harm
The report is not externally assured, but rather Sound
internally reviewed. environmental
practices
There are no significant re-statements or changes in
scope and boundaries.
For any comments or queries, please contact: Material aspects and boundaries
communication@rbm.co.za Our reporting process begins with a materiality
review. Using the GRI’s guidelines on materiality and
completeness, we review issues impacting business
in general, the context of mining and doing business
in South Africa, the matters we have reported on in
the past, those that we have engaged stakehold-
ers on over the year, and those that substantively
influence the assessments, actions, and decisions of
our business and our stakeholders. These represent
the most significant economic, environmental, and
social issues. Our materiality matrix plots the level of
importance to our stakeholders with the impact on
the business.
21An action plan was developed during the workshop.
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Structure Frequency Objective
Health, safety & security Progress will be monitored with the guidance and Traditional Council (TC) Monthly Gain buy-in on projects
Air emissions Community relations support of COGTA. The next workshop will take place - Mkhwanazi Provide update on projects
Waste Economic value - Dube Promote partnership
High Materials Water with the Mkhwanazi community. - Mbonambi Share information
stewardship Ethics & integrity - Sokhulu Promote good relationships
IMPACT ON THE BUSINESS
Skills Employee retention Achieve a social license to operate
development Energy The Dube Community Imbizo was held in November Continue the Zulti South engagement
Compliance 2016. The purpose of the imbizo was to create a Reach relocation & resettlement agreements, land takes, compensation principles & rates
platform where both RBM and the Dube Traditional Community Trust Monthly Partnership
Industrial relations Council reported on what was accomplished in 2016. - Mkhwanazi As necessary Empowerment
Medium - Dube Relationship building
Biodiversity
- Sokhulu
Low
As part of RBM’s stakeholder engagement plan, Local Recruitment Committee Bi-weekly To address employment, education skills, and training
the Managing Director (MD) and other RBM - Dube
- Mbonambi
Low Medium High representatives met with His Majesty, King Goodwill - Sokhulu
Zwelithini, at his residence in Nongoma. The King
King Cetshwayo District Municipality As necessary Partnership
LEVEL OF IMPORTANCE TO STAKEHOLDERS acknowledged the good work that RBM is doing in Information sharing
his communities and committed to strengthening Social license to operate
Service delivery
support for RBM.
Mhlathuze Municipality Quarterly Partnership on LED projects
Zulti South project plans
Stakeholder engagement Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) MD Stephane
Umfolozi Municipality Quarterly Partnership on LED projects
Leblanc joined by MD Mpho Mothoa and Acting Community engagement and projects support
RBM is always committed to engage in a transparent General Manager: CCR Moses Thokwane also visited Environmental Forums Quarterly Promote partnership
and mutually respectful manner with all our the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, the Hon Willies Community information
Control encroachment
stakeholders, and we have specific platforms in place Mchunu. He expressed his support for the company Land use management & future developments
to engage with all. and its contribution to the province. ZS Resettlement Advisory Committee Quarterly Consultative agreements
RRP Steering Committee Monthly Consultative agreements
2016 was unfortunately marked with a number We were pleased to engage with a number of other
of community protests despite on-going robust high profile representatives from various stakeholder Affected Committees Forum Monthly
As necessary
discussions with Traditional Councils, Business groups, including:
Mbonambi Heritage Task Team Monthly Preservation of cultural heritage resources
Forums, and newly elected Youth Committees.
Sokhulu Heritage Task Team Monthly Preservation of cultural heritage resources
- The Department of Mineral Resources Regional
Community protests and plant shutdowns have a Office; Amafa KZN Twice per year Engagements on heritage issues
Compliance with legislation
negative impact on all parties and every effort is - The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism
DEDTEA As necessary Engagements on environmental issues
being made to strengthen engagement to ensure and Environmental Affairs; Compliance with legislation
equal commitment to a common goal of prosperity - KZN Ezemvelo and the Department of DAFF As necessary Regulatory compliance & best practice
for all. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries;
DWS As necessary Regulatory compliance & best practice
- The Ingonyama Trust Board;
Sound relationships with our host communities are a - The National Religious Association for Social DMR Regularly Regulatory compliance & best practice
Social Labour Plan
high priority for us. While setting up structures and Development;
Premier’s Office As necessary Government support and Partnership
agreeing to terms of engagement are important, so is - COGTA;
Zululand Chamber of Commerce & Bi-annually Business support and industry partnership
building capacity and leadership in our communities - King Cetshwayo District Mayor; Industry
to enable effective engagement. To support this, - Umfolozi District Mayor;
Provincial Police Commissioner Bi-annually Business support in crime prevention against business
a capacity building, governance, and leadership - Chamber of Mines; and
Ingonyama Trust Board Regularly Regulatory compliance & best practice
programme is being developed in collaboration with - Amakhosi from host communities.
the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Mthunzini Community Forum Regularly Compliance & Social License to Operate
Traditional Affairs (COGTA). The expected outcomes Almost 200 RBM suppliers attended an MD Municipal Administrator Quarterly To ensure alignment and collaboration on projects implementation
(Manager)
of the programme are a better understanding of Townhall session this year. They were given a
roles and responsibilities among RBM, Traditional business update, which included an overview of Ward Committee Bi-annually Information sharing on projects and RBM plans
Councils, and COGTA, the strengthening of traditional current market conditions, our safety initiatives, COGTA As necessary On-going support and effective working relationships
Traditional Authorities
leadership institutional accountabilities through the and achievements. They were also reminded about
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Regularly Partnership on environmental conservation and development projects
establishment of mandated and authorised structures the importance of adhering to the principles of our
of engagement, and the long-term sustainability of business integrity guidelines, and our zero-tolerance Wildlands Conservation Trust Regularly Partnership on environmental conservation and development projects
host communities beyond RBM’s mining activities. approach to intimidation of any RBM employee RBM departments namely Monthly Alignment & collaboration with internal customers
- Engineering;
when it comes to tenders or any other business - HSE&S;
Sokhulu community leadership structures and opportunities. - Mine;
- HR;
committees attended an intensive three-day - ZS Project; and
workshop during November 2016. Attendees, who Our engagement channels vary across stakeholders, - SP&L
included representatives from the Sokhulu Youth but include face-to-face meetings, interviews, Department of Health As necessary Provision of infrastructure & health promotion
Committee, Traditional Council, Inkosi, and Trust, community izimbizo, rollout programmes, Student nurse practical training
indicated appreciation for the opportunity to engage workshops, MD Townhall sessions, newsletters, DramAidE Quarterly Health promotion, HIV & TB prevention
openly on important issues. conferences, and site visits. Sports associations As necessary Health & wellness
Promote good relationship and social cohesion
22 23Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Lillian Mkhize, Matthew Orchard, and Andrew Palmer
have formed a joint venture to establish African
Elangwe and employ 12 local community members.
Mkhize’s son also works for the company. The
company designs, installs, and maintains bag houses.
Their offices are at RBM. “I’m a Dube citizen. Since
RBM helps a lot of our communities, my company
is part of their database, that’s how I met Andrew.
He is like a son to me. He didn’t mind my age or my
skin colour,” Mkhize says. “It has been a challenge to
complete the paperwork to set up the new company,
but I’m glad about the social and economic impact we
Economic
can have on local communities,” Palmer said.
Economic performance focusing on improving efficiencies and reducing waste
in areas they have control over, with safety as top
Tough global economic trading conditions continue to priority, enables us to function as a lean operation,
challenge us to improve efficiencies, while reducing with a quick market-led response.
loss and waste. Efficiency improvements never come
at the cost of safety. Now, more than ever, being our It is important that improvements be identified
brother’s keeper is crucial. throughout the business and at all levels. In order
to engage employees, our management team
Project 2020, launched in 2015, aims to achieve a $300 recognises and rewards not only water- and energy-
per tonne unit cost of production by the year 2020. saving solutions, but each quarter our Managing
This project is led by our Chief Financial Officer, Luke Director, Mpho Mothoa, also presents a Continuous
Colton, and supported by the Senior Leadership Team Improvement Project award in the following categories:
as sponsors. safety; business; and innovation.
At the 2015 launch, six areas of opportunity were For financial performance, please refer to our Annual
identified and make up the project’s key work streams. Financial Statements for 2016.
WORKSTREAM OBJECTIVE
To improve overall equipment reliability and performance by implementing best-practice asset management
Asset management strategies
To achieve delivery of energy savings in line with the ELP 1 and ELP 2 initiatives, and to realise the forecasted
Energy saving savings for 2016 and over the five-year plan
Procurement To obtain cost reduction and manage cost inflation
Productivity improvements To plane and execute initiatives to deliver sustainable plant performance and efficiencies
Revenue generation To advance projects that deliver additional revenue generation
Workforce optimisation and effectiveness To fully utilise the current workforce in a more productive and efficient manner
Improvements have also been made to our Market presence
procurement system with the implementation of
a Demand Management process and procurement Seventy-two per cent of RBM’s workforce is from
representative assigned to each department as a KwaZulu-Natal, including 34 per cent from our
Demand Management Liaison. The procurement four host communities. We employ approximately
representative’s role is to ensure we are making the 2,000 people and the same number of contractors,
right purchases, in the right quantities, at the right impacting on the lives of an estimated 30,000 people.
time.
RBM is committed to providing reasonable job
Our global market demand has shifted from chloride opportunities. All contractors and end users source
slag to sulphate slag, with demand for zircon and labour from the local host communities through the
rutile remaining strong. Each department continuously RBM Community Recruitment office. 25Indirect economic impacts Literacy LOCAL SPEND (%) 2012 - 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
A group of 31 people with disabilities completed a 16
COMMUNITY SPEND (ZAR) 2012 - 2016
CASE STUDY: THUSONG CENTRE OPENING Fundamental Literacy course funded by the Mining 14
Qualifications Authority (MQA)
120 000 000 12
In June 2016, the honourable Minister of Mineral
Resources, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane, together with RBM 10
100 000 000
Managing Director Mpho Mothoa, officially handed 8
80 000 000 over the Port Dunford Thusong Centre to the Mayor CASE STUDY: BOOK COLLECTION FOR 6
of uMhlathuze, Mr Mduduzi Mhlongo, and the Inkosi SOKHULU YOUTH 4
60 000 000 uMkhwanazi. 2
40 000 000 The Sokhulu Youth Development Programme 0
RBM built the Port Dunford Thusong Centre as part of a submitted a proposal to RBM to appeal to employees 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
20 000 000 commitment in our Social and Labour Plan (SLP). and contractors to donate books for a library being
established in the area.
0 The Thusong Centre will enable surrounding
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 communities to access social and commercial services, TOTAL NUMBER OF LOCAL VENDORS 2012 - 2016
The Programme has set about creating a library using
including SASSA, Home Affairs, a SAPS Satellite an existing structure in Sokhulu so that the youth do 140
Community investment and educational spend
Station, a public library, an early childhood development not have to travel to Richards Bay to use a library. 120
LED Spend
centre, and other facilities to be determined by the
municipality and the Traditional Council. 100
We placed collection points at various places on site,
RBM has reached about R170 million in Local Economic with a heart-warming response from employees. 80
Development (LED) spend over the past five years. On the same day, the honourable minister and RBM’s 60
This has included investment in small-scale farming, Managing Director handed over four houses built in the
40
business development, construction and refurbishment area.
of community roads, houses for destitute families, 20
education, and healthcare facilities. During the handover, a commitment was made to the Procurement practices 0
Minister by the Mkhwanazi Trust to donate refrigerators 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Over the same period, RBM invested a further R80 to all 11 beneficiaries. Our Preferential Procurement Strategy centres on
million in community strengthening and education creating an enabling environment for increased
projects, including cultural heritage projects, the Inkosi uMkhwanazi and the Trust delivered on their procurement from local suppliers. Through focussed
B-BBEE SPEND (%) 2012 - 2016
development of sports and recreational activities, commitment, hosting a handover ceremony in August effort from our Business Development Centre, we
enterprise development, and local schools. In total, 2016 at the Port Dunford Thusong Centre. It was have increased procurement from host community 80,0
approximately R250 million was invested in our host encouraging to see the Trust identifying and meeting businesses to 13.55 per cent of spend, resulting in 70,0
communities over this period. needs of members of their community. the creation of approximately 200 jobs. The number
60,0
of local vendors on our database has risen to 119
RBM funded the construction of 44 houses – 11 in each Three SMMEs involved in building the houses also with overall B-BBEE spend at 67.7 per cent. 50,0
host community – in an initiative to assist community brought tears to the eyes of the beneficiaries, with their 40,0
members in need. The houses were handed over during donation of furniture. As a clear demonstration of our commitment to
30,0
the course of the year. the development of host community enterprises,
The SMMEs thanked RBM for the opportunity to RBM has set a target of 20 per cent of total annual 20,0
Skills development showcase their construction skills and indicated that contestable spend to be awarded to local and host 10,0
their way of demonstrating their appreciation was also community vendors. This has been the main driver
0
Training for unemployed youth in our host communities to give back to the community behind this significant achievement in 2016. 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
aims to help to create a pool of employable people.
We extend our reach and impact by working with For RBM this was a particularly memorable event We could not have achieved this without the existing
government’s National Skills Fund. showing what can be achieved when stakeholders contractors’ contribution to community development,
work together. by getting involved and entering into joint
Bambisanani Programme ventures with RBM’s host community enterprises.
The RBM-sponsored Bambisanani Learning Programme Joint ventures are a critical part of community
supports Grade 10 to 12 learners in maths and science. empowerment, as they involve the transfer of
Imbokodo Programme skills without compromising RBM standards and
In addition, it offers further training to school principals Twenty young women from the communities operational requirements.
and heads of department from local high schools. A continued on RBM’s two-year Imbokodo programme,
second cohort graduated with an Advanced Certificate in which provides both theoretical and practical training.
Education in 2016. On completion they receive an MQA-accredited
Smelting Certificate.
Apprenticeships
Twenty five youth from host communities continued On-the-job training for apprentices
on RBM’s two-year apprenticeship programmes Twelve youth joined the on-the-job component of a
including electrical engineering, fitting and turning, Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA)
26 instrumentation, and diesel mechanics. sponsored electrical apprenticeship at RBM. 27Youth engagement and development has been a key focus area in host communities. Through various engagements via newly selected youth committees in each host community, lack of driver’s licenses was identified as creating a significant barrier to employment. RBM provided the opportunity for 30 youth members within the Mbonambi community to obtain driver’s licences. A local service provider, Nkosi Driving, also pledged three opportunities for the Mbonambi youth. This brought the total number of beneficiaries to 33. RBM applauds the contribution from one of its host community companies and encourages more suppliers to lend a helping hand as we collectively uplift youth in the area. This initiative will be rolled out to the three remaining communities – Sokhulu, Dube, and Mkhwanazi – in the coming months.
Ten local small businesses from our host
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
Sustainable Development Report | 2016
communities were sponsored by RBM to attend a
two-day SMME Expo at the Durban ICC to showcase Mduduzi Nsele owns FMD Spillage Control, a
their businesses. cleaning-services company with 148 workers. “I saw
an opportunity to supply services, hence I started this
RBM also held its own SMME Open Days. The first business. Fortunately RBM is good at helping local
was held in June 2016 in partnership with the communities,” says Nsele. He says setting up his
Sokhulu Traditional Council and Youth Committee. own business has enabled further positive impact
The event was held at the Community Traditional on the local community through their donations of
Council and will ultimately be rolled out to all host school uniforms to school children in need. The
communities in partnership with relevant structures largest challenge Nsele says he encounters is union
within communities. representatives trying to mislead workers into joining
irrelevant trade unions. “Our industry is governed only
The second SMME Day was held at the Mkhwanazi by the Cleaning Bargaining Council KZN,” Nsele says.
Traditional Council, KwaDlangezwa, with an
impressive turnout of 60 businesses. It was also
very encouraging to have attendance by Izinduna,
Ndunankulu, and the CEO of the Mkhwanazi Trust.
The objective of the SMME Open Days is to refine Michael Thethwayo, owns Mike’s Civil, a five-time
and refresh RBM’s localwise database. This is a SMME Contractor of the Year winner in RBM’s Annual
database on which all enterprises from the four Safety Awards. The company maintains all RBM roads
host communities are registered. Entrepreneurs and has a staff of 12 with offices at Mzingazi. “RBM is
were encouraged to attend the SMME Open Day improving our lives. Their investment in our schools is
and provide the documentation necessary for legendary. It’s a pity the younger generation does not
registration. These documents include company realise how positively RBM has impacted our lives,”
registration documents and B-BBEE certificates. RBM Thethwayo says. He mentions cash flow management
provides those companies who do not have a B-BBEE as the key challenge in his business. “But my life and
certificate with an equivalent DTI affidavit to complete that of my workers has definitely improved, and our
and have certified. RBM also assisted entrepreneurs success is due to our working as a team,” he explains.
who did not have email addresses by opening email
accounts for them.
2016 saw several new companies being formed in our
host communities, as well as established companies
expanding to achieve even greater success.
CASE STUDIES: LOCAL BUSINESSES
MCK Services is a newly formed entity with three
directors: Melusi Gwala, Christo Mienie, and Kumaran
Poonan. The company supplies RBM with metallurgical
equipment, engineering services, and labour and
has already hired 35 employees. In an interview at
their offices in Richards Bay, Mienie said he viewed
the impact of the venture as a “win-win solution for
RBM, MCK and the community, as it uplifts all parties
involved.” Poonan mentioned lack of people from local
communities who have relevant skills and who are Six unemployed community members from Sokhulu
able to start working at short notice as some of the embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with the
challenges. But the company sees this challenge as launch of a block-making enterprise. RBM assisted
an opportunity as well: “Our vision is to establish a the start-up by donating two machines and some
training workshop at Mabhodla to counter the skills building materials. A concrete slab was also built to
shortage,” says Melusi. allow their business to operate. The enterprise is now
supplying blocks to contractors involved in other RBM
community projects.
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