Community Empowerment

At Jupiter, community empowerment is a core focus, underscored by Tshipi’s B-BBEE program, Social Labour Plan, and the Tshipi Mining Charter Program. Our commitment to excellence in these initiatives is driven by a desire to uplift and better reflect and serve the communities around us.

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) 

While not widely understood outside of South Africa, B-BBEE aligns closely with ESG principles. South Africa’s journey towards economic transformation began with the election of its first democratic government in 1994, which aimed to address past socio-economic inequalities. The B-BBEE Strategy was introduced in 2003, leading to the enactment of the B-BBEE Act. Updated in 2013, the Act’s primary goal is to advance economic transformation and increase the economic participation of black people in South Africa. Tshipi has consistently excelled in ESG performance, particularly in improving B-BBEE standards.

B-BBEE performance not only supports social and economic outcomes for communities but also brings commercial benefits to Tshipi. Strong B-BBEE performance can result in preferential access to rail haulage slots for manganese ore transport, enhanced ability to attract and retain local talent, reduced costs and improved quality of goods and services from Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), reduced risk of industrial action, and an enhanced social licence to operate.

The Five Areas of Empowerment 
1. Ownership: Ensuring a minimum of 25% ownership by historically disadvantaged individuals.
2. Management and Control: Developing a diverse management team that represents the communities in which we operate.
3. Skills Development: Investing in the skills and competencies of employees and the community.
4. Enterprise Supplier Development: Engaging with empowered suppliers and contractors, including SMMEs.
5. Socio-Economic Development: Contributing to communities in alignment with local government priorities.

Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

The health, safety, and wellbeing of our employees is paramount. We maintain a strong focus on wellness strategies, enhancing employee capabilities, and proactive health initiatives. Tshipi’s commitment to ‘Zero Harm’ is demonstrated through a multifaceted approach to health and safety. Our extensive wellness programs include regular health screenings and mental health support, which has resulted in a significant reduction in workplace incidents. These initiatives are crucial in fostering a safe and productive work environment and reflect our proactive approach to employee wellbeing.

Read more in our 2023 Sustainability Report here.