The Toteng-based Khoemacau Copper Mining through its legacy projects started in 2019 has been working on sustainable community projects in Ngamiland.

The mining company has subcontracted companies such as SMEI Projects, Barminco and Kalcon to assist in the legacy projects. So far, three companies have donated poultry projects in three villages of Komana, Somelo and Toteng. The donations are part of the mining investment strategy.

Khoemacau Copper Mining CEO, Johan Ferreira has highlighted that since the inception of the legacy projects, 10 undertakings have been initiated and completed in some of the communities where the mine operates.

Ferreira explained the projects range from furnishing Toteng Clinic with equipment worth P3.5 million to the donation of a photocopy machine at Bothatogo Primary School to the tune of P40,000. He added that the company has identified impactful areas and they can contribute to spaces such as education and the construction of a girls’ hostel in Ngami Junior Secondary School in Sehithwa.

He revealed the company has already spent a total of P5.9 million on the projects.

“We invest in communities in a sustainable manner in order to ensure that when we are no longer here the communities will self-sustain,” he stated. He added that in four of the villages where the poultry project (layers) was launched, they will produce 1,300 eggs per day and sell at P2,800 per day and in a month they will have an income of P84,000. Ferreira noted the amount received was significant and very soon it will support local schools, clinics, youth associations and other structures in the communities.

Barminco Operations Manager, Tim Gough highlighted that their Somelo project ticks all the right boxes in being a legacy project. As with proper management, it had the potential to change the economic landscape of the village.

He emphasised that there is no reason why Somelo should not be the hub of egg production in the North West region.

Gough added that as this is one of their flagship partnership in the area, they are fully committed to ensuring the project succeeds and does not stagnate as they have observed with most business-related initiatives where a recipient group lacks business skills.

“Our belief is that beneficiaries must be equipped enough to run competitive and profitable businesses,” he stated.

For his part, Kgosi Motshweneng Komeng of Somelo village applauded both Barminco and Khoemacau for investing in a sustainable project such as a poultry in his village.

Komeng said the project will go a long way in assisting his community.