Exxaro advances education and digital inclusion in Lephalale

Exxaro invested R27 million in educational infrastructure, digital connectivity, and learner support programmes, helping transform learning outcomes for more than 1,600 learners and teachers at Nelsonskop Primary School in Lephalale, Limpopo 2025. This reinforced the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable community development through its Social and Labour Plan (SLP).

In 2024, Exxaro partnered with Nelsonskop Primary School near its flagship Grootegeluk Mine to improve learning conditions and expand access to quality education. The investment included the construction of a new multi-purpose school hall, four Grade R classrooms, nutritional support programmes, teacher development initiatives, and digital connectivity infrastructure.

Over the past 20 years, Exxaro has invested in education-focused initiatives across its host communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, helping create pathways to learning, employment, and economic participation for future generations.

Neo Monareng, Executive Head of Sustainability at Exxaro, said: “At Exxaro, we recognise education as one of the most powerful drivers of inclusive growth and long-term community resilience. Our investment in Nelsonskop Primary reflects our commitment to empowering young people with the opportunities, tools, and support they need to thrive, both today and in the future.  As a diversified mining resources champion, we remain focused on building resilient communities and local economies that can thrive independently long after our mining operations have ceased.

The project was implemented through collaboration between Exxaro, local government structures, school leadership, and community stakeholders, underscoring the importance of partnership-driven development in addressing social infrastructure needs.

“Exxaro has supported the school with facilities that are one of a kind in the Lephalale area. This represents a significant investment by the mine in our school, and we are committed to caring and maintaining these truly invaluable assets,” says Principal Rogers Molapo.

The investment reflects Exxaro’s strategic focus on strengthening education outcomes, improving access to opportunity, and equipping young people with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in a rapidly evolving economy.

The new facilities are helping alleviate overcrowding while creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for learners and teachers from the Marapong community. The newly constructed hall, named in honour of founding headmistress Martina Kekana, can accommodate up to 1,000 learners and provides separate assembly space for junior and senior learners.

Beyond improving educational infrastructure, the project also generated meaningful local economic participation during construction. More than 33 local businesses and suppliers contributed to the project, including subcontractors, service providers, equipment hire businesses, and local suppliers.

As part of its broader digital inclusion strategy, Exxaro is also rolling out Wi-Fi infrastructure across 25 schools in Lephalale, including Nelsonskop Primary. The initiative is helping bridge the digital divide by enabling internet access for learners and teachers, supporting digital literacy, and expanding access to online educational resources. Through investments in education, digital access, and youth development, Exxaro continues to contribute to building stronger, more inclusive communities that are equipped for long-term social and economic resilience.

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