In South Africa mining companies are mandated by law to contribute to the Integrated Development Plans (IDP) of municipalities in which they operate. However, mining towns are faced with declining economies and various socioeconomic ills whilst mining companies continue to make profits. Distressed mining towns give an indication that the engagement nexus between mining companies and Local Administration (LA) is not effective enough to promote socio- economic upliftment in localities that mining activities take place. It is against this backdrop that the Centre for Local Capacity Development (CLCB) together with its partners, VNG International and Musina Local Municipality have been awarded a grant funding by the European Union to support the capacity of five (5) selected mining LAs namely: Musina LA, Thabazimbi LA, Sol Plaatje LA, Lephalale LA and Ba-Phalaborwa LA. The Programme therefore aims to contribute to the long term objective of increasing economic development and growth in South African mining towns by providing institutional (LA) and official (IDP, LED and Spatial Planning) capacity support; for effective engagement with mining companies operating within the respective jurisdiction.

Overall objective
Increase economic development and growth in South African Mining Towns.

Specific objective
LAs are actively and effectively engaging mining companies for co-implementation of IDP-SLP projects