Benefits accruing to rural communities from the mining industry corporate social responsibility projects in Moses Kotane Local Municipality of North West Province

Abstract

Mining industry Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects are designed to improve the quality of life of neighbouring communities. However, it is increasingly argued that few of them actually result in tangible benefits for the communities where they are implemented. Moreover, few empirical studies have been undertaken on this subject. The dearth in research on this subject explains why there is inadequate evidence to draw informed conclusions and decisions. The current study sought to determine the nature of benefits accruing to rural communities from mining companies CSR projects in Moses Kotane Local Municipality of the North West Province. Specifically, the study sought to determine the characteristics of mining companies CSR activities, nature of community-perceived benefits derived from them and assess the perception of surrounding local communities on such initiatives. A case study design was used because of its power of providing detailed factual information on mining CSR activities. The study was carried out following a sequential mixed research method that integrated qualitative and quantitative techniques. Document review, questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. A total of 261 respondents randomly selected from households in five villages, 30 purposively sampled key informants who included 18 officials from various institutions and youth, were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was used to draw meaning from the qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were carried out using the Microsoft Excel software. It was revealed that CSR projects were improving water infrastructure, in addition to being used to construct and refurbish schools and clinics. Although the CSR projects were supporting the livelihoods of local households, there was still considerable room for improvement particularly in relation to creating sustainable employment opportunities. Only 8 % of the respondents believed that CSR projects were beneficial to them. Lack of consultation when developing the CSR projects and limited awareness campaigns led to inappropriate initiatives being implemented. This highlighted the need for adopting inclusive approaches in decision making processes starting from planning to implementation.