Local economic development: Broad-based livelihoods programme

An initiative with meaningful and sustainable socio-economic outputs and outcomes enabling achievement of the SDGs and our SLP commitments.

Since early 2019, Harmony has supported the broad-based livelihoods programme, designed and implemented by partners Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions and Socio-Technical Interfacing, according to a set of principles aimed at widespread socio-economic development.

The programme’s core objective is to mobilise people at the bottom of the socioeconomic pyramid to become economically active as self-employed forces for local economic growth. It is inclusive as hundreds of households participate in the ongoing initiative that is easily scalable and implemented over a large geographic area. The programme also has an 11-year track record of impact and self-sustainability, which helps Harmony meet compliance requirements and reach various communities across South Africa.

Initially, we funded the continuation of a broad-based livelihoods programme in one of our Moab Khotsong host communities within the Matlosana local municipality. We then launched the programme at our Free State operations within the local municipalities of Matjhabeng and Masilonyana. In spite of Covid-19, favourable outcomes encouraged us to spread the programme to the Eastern Cape, a key labour-sending area, for the benefit of villages near Tsolo. In the past year, we brought the programme back to Johannesburg and Mogale City for the benefit of our Doornkop host communities.

The programme delivers livelihood skills development, knowledge transfer, ongoing mentorship, practical application, and monitoring and evaluation of results. Several sub-programmes enable diversified local economic impact, expansion and social change that empower communities to reduce their dependence on mining companies.

Complementary components of the programme spread economic activity and bring hope to impoverished communities: