The North West Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR) and Valterra
Platinum Mines have on Friday, 17 July 2026 entered into a landmark
public-private partnership that will inject close to R100 million towards
the upgrading of 12km of Road D105 from Ramokokastad to Brits, bringing
long-awaited relief to communities in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) by the MEC for Public Works and Roads, Sempe Elizabeth
Mokua and the Senior General at the mine's Amandabult Complex, Mr Johan Van
Tonder in the presence Kgosi Manotshe Ramokoka.who represents Baphalane ba
Ramokoka Traditional Council.
Under the agreement, Valterra Platinum Mines will inject R98 million into
the joint upgrade for 10 kilometre stretch of Road D105, while the
department will contribute towards the remaining 2km that includes
construction of a bridge to improve safety and all-weather accessibility
for the community.
The Department has already appointed a consulting engineering firm for the
designs before construction commences. Vaalterra will on the other had
appoint the contractor to carry out the works.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MEC Mokua said the Department continues
to encourage partnerships with the mining sector as part of its strategy to
expand and preserve the provincial road network.
"This is far more than a road construction project. It is a partnership
that restores hope to the people of Ramokokastad, Bojating and all the
surrounding villages while demonstrating that sustainable infrastructure
development is possible when government and business work together. I also
want to add that mining remains a key driver of the provincial economy.
At the same time, mining activities place considerable pressure on our road
infrastructure through the movement of heavy vehicles," the MEC said
She added that partnerships such as this one represent a responsible and
sustainable approach to ensuring that communities benefit from improved
infrastructure while supporting economic growth.
Johan Van Tonder, pledged the mine's continued commitment to ensuring the
roads in the area that also benefits their employees and operations also
contribute towards community development and access to social amenities. As
the recipient of this grand gesture, Kgosi Ramokoka pledged his and the
community's support by ensuring that the project is implemented in time and
within the allocated budget by avoiding any stoppages.
He commended the department and the mining house for their consideration of
their area. "You could have chosen to take this project somewhere else but
you chose our villages. This gesture came as a surprise as some of us never
thought we will ever see the road to Brits tarred in our lifetime," Kgosi
Ramokoka said.
The project is expected to improve access to schools, healthcare
facilities, economic opportunities and public services for the Ramokokastad
community and surrounding villages, while strengthening connectivity within
the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.