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In Tsantsabane, Kolomela Mine, operated by Anglo American business Kumba Iron Ore, goes beyond mining needs, offering a crucial water supply to local communities. This partnership between Anglo American and Tsantsabane Municipality is a lifeline in a region where water is scarce.

“We are returning pride to the people”

The People

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Cindy Mathebula, Water Superintendent Tsantsabane Local Municipality (60-sec)

As the Water Superintendent of Tsantsabane, Cindy Mathebula faces daily challenges ensuring the community has reliable water access. With support from Anglo American in repairing pipelines and drilling boreholes, Cindy now sees hope. These efforts have significantly increased water supply, helping her better serve the growing needs of Postmasburg’s residents.

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Keaobaka Matilo, Specialist Community Liaison Anglo American (30-sec)

Keaobaka Matilo, a Specialist in Community Liaison at Anglo American, passionately advocates for the Tsantsabane community’s right to water. By leading efforts to drill boreholes and install emergency water systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, Keaobaka has helped secure essential water access for informal settlements, restoring pride and dignity to the residents.

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Nombuso Khetsi, Senior Hydrologist at Anglo American (60-sec)

Nombuso Khetsi, a Senior Hydrologist at Anglo American, is dedicated to turning Kolomela Mine’s dewatering process into a lifeline for Tsantsabane. By extracting groundwater to keep the mine dry, Nombuso ensures that excess water is redirected to local communities, providing a critical resource in this water-scarce region.

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Adam Tatas, Livestock Farmer (60-sec)

Adam Tatas, a livestock farmer in Gatkoppies, has long struggled with water access despite being near the main water line. After raising concerns with the municipality, he finally saw improvements. Anglo American’s efforts have brought water closer to his farm, easing his burden and helping preserve the heritage-rich land he cherishes.

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Cindy Mathebula, Water Superintendent Tsantsabane Local Municipality (30-sec)

In Tsantsabane, groundwater is vital, but limited due to aging pipelines and rising demand. Cindy’s role as Water Superintendent has been made easier with the help of Anglo American. She’s grateful for their continued assistance with infrastructure maintenance, knowing that these initiatives can better meet the needs of Postmasburg.

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Nombuso Khetsi, Senior Hydrologist at Anglo American (30-sec)

Nombuso Khetsi is transforming the way mining impacts lives. By reimagining the dewatering process at Kolomela Mine, she helps turn extracted groundwater into a vital resource, providing water to those who need it most and supporting the sustainability of the region’s future.

Corporate Overview

The Story

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In the arid northern reaches of South Africa, Kolomela Mine, operated by Anglo American business Kumba Iron Ore, plays a vital role in sustaining the water-scarce Tsantsabane region. As part of its mining operations, the mine conducts dewatering processes to maintain dry conditions for extraction. However, the water drawn from deep underground doesn’t just serve the mine; it also becomes a valuable resource for local communities.

Kolomela Mine transfers excess water to the Vaal Central Water Board, which supplies the Tsantsabane Municipality, including the growing town of Postmasburg. This collaboration helps meet the increasing demand for water as more people move to the area for job opportunities. Kolomela Mine’s efforts go beyond water provision—they’ve repaired old pipelines, drilled new boreholes, and supported infrastructure improvements to ensure a reliable water supply.

For local farmers, like those at Gatkoppies, the mine’s involvement has meant better access to water, essential for sustaining their livelihoods. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kolomela Mine’s emergency water systems ensured that even informal settlements had access to this critical resource. Through these initiatives, the mine is not only supporting its operations but also enhancing the lives of Tsantsabane’s residents, restoring dignity and hope in the process.