Glencore Coal, in partnership with the eMalahleni Local Municipality, has officially handed over a new, fully equipped fire station in Ferrobank, Kwa-Guqa, marking an important milestone in strengthening emergency response services and community safety in the area.
The approximately R18.6 million project was initiated in response to the growing need for dedicated emergency response infrastructure in Kwa-Guqa and surrounding communities. The new facility will support the municipality’s efforts to respond more effectively to household and community fires, veld fires and other emergencies, helping to protect lives, property and the local environment.
The fire station is well equipped with the following:
- A main fire house
- Wash bay
- Drill tower
- Generator room
- Compressor and equipment storeroom
- Parking facilities
The facility has been designed to meet the operational requirements of a modern emergency response station and will be integrated into the municipality’s existing emergency services infrastructure. To provide a safe, durable and fit-for-purpose environment for emergency personnel and equipment, the facility is also fully paved and securely fenced.
“When we broke ground on this project in 2024, we spoke about the importance of having emergency services closer to the community, enabling faster response times and helping to save lives. Today, that vision has become a reality. We know the devastating impact that uncontrolled fires can have on lives, homes, businesses and the environment, and having emergency services closer to the community can help reduce response times and minimise that impact. We are proud to have worked alongside the eMalahleni Local Municipality and our stakeholders to deliver infrastructure that addresses a critical community need and will provide a lasting benefit to the community,” said Noel Pillay, Glencore Coal’s GM for Community & Regulatory Affairs.
The project also supported local economic participation through the appointment of local contractor, Ruby’s & Olwethu Projects, from within the eMalahleni Local Municipality.
“I would like to thank Glencore for giving us the opportunity and believing in us to make this project work. I am proud of how we worked hand in hand to overcome the challenges and bring the project to completion,” said Samuel Maswanganne, CEO of Ruby’s & Olwethu Projects.
The project also created employment for 28 community members, which consisted of 8 women and 20 men including 9 youth. This underscores how Glencore’s investment extends beyond strengthening community safety to creating employment and skills development opportunities for local community members, contributing to immediate job creation while supporting the longer-term growth of local capabilities.
“Our firefighters put their lives at risk every day, running towards danger when others are running away, to save lives, protect homes and keep our communities safe. This facility gives them the support and infrastructure they need to carry out that vital work, and we are deeply grateful for their courage, dedication and service. It is also a commitment to ensuring that every member of our community can access essential emergency services when they need them most,” said Acting Executive Mayor of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Thembi Tshabalala.
The project reinforces Glencore’s commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver sustainable infrastructure and meaningful social investment in the communities where it operates.
