Localisation efforts payoff: Linhleko Projects collaborates for new mall development in Rustenburg
In efforts to stimulate multiple facets of South Africa’s economy in diverse locations, it is common practice that tenders from State-Owned Entities stipulate the use of local companies in the execution of a project. This often provides exciting opportunities for local companies to apply their expertise and add to their experience. In the case of the new Tlhabane Square shopping centre developed in Rustenburg, Linhleko Projects had the privilege of providing structural steel fabrication and erection services. Further, the company took this opportunity to upskill other businesses in the area.
Linhleko Projects’ CEO Buang Moloto says: “When we were awarded the contract, we realised we had an opportunity to train some of our partners to help us ensure we could complete the scope of work to the highest quality – and on deadline. We spent two months training 14 individuals from two other companies, teaching them about basic steel support and steel assembly. We trained them on working at heights, basic drilling, and some supervisory skills.” The team at Linhleko Projects ensured that they had the right people, with the right skills to begin fabrication in December 2020, with erection taking place from January 2021. Their scope of work was completed by the end of April.
The Tlhabane Square shopping centre is a project of the Public Investment Corporation SOC – an asset management firm wholly owned by the government. WBHO and Trencon formed a joint venture to build the facility, which offers 31 000 sqm of retail space and approximately 12 000 sqm of office space. The mall aims to service thousands of residents in the surrounding areas and, as such, includes a taxi rank which Linhleko constructed. “We also did the structural steel for the Cashbuild’s main roof, and structural support, as well as sundry projects for the Pick n Pay which included the gates, ClearVu structures and corner protectors,” explains Moloto.
The mall officially opened on 26 August, after a strong multi-party effort and a collaborative approach to solving problems on site. “This project was not without its challenges,” explains Moloto. “Much of our work in the area is usually for mines and mineral processing plants. This mall presented us with new kinds of requirements to meet, with new technical specifications. However, we rose to the challenges and worked with the other contracted parties to pull together a great development. Now, we are better prepared for new scopes of work to come in the future!”
Linhleko Projects was formally initiated in 2016 and has three core business divisions: mineral processing, steel fabrication and engineering services. With humble beginnings, the company has grown to employ almost 100 people and aims to – through its growing project portfolio – provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for staff and individuals from the surrounding communities. “We are honoured to have worked on this new development. We have learnt so much in the process, while also passing on our knowledge to others. This reassures me that our company vision is being realised,” concludes Moloto.
