IT WAS a joyous celebration on Tuesday when executive chairperson of Rainbow Minerals and founder of ARM and BBEE Trust, Patrice Motsepe, ploughed back millions of rand into communities around Mohlaletsi in Sekhukhune, Limpopo.

Motsepe, who owns several mines around the area, has donated a total of R3,4million to help with the provision of community halls, schools, road infrastructure and recreational facilities.

The money was handed over to the Limpopo Rural Upliftment Trust (LRUT), which will oversee the implementation of the project. The event was held at the Mampuru Thulare Primary School in Mohlaletsi.

Motsepe, who also owns premiership soccer club Mamelodi Sundowns , said the donation was his way of ploughing back into the community.

Hesaid it was important that mining companies have a good working relations with communities in which they mine.

"It is very important for mining houses to help develop their communities through the funds accrued from the minerals they mine," Motsepe said.

Receiving the donation, LRUT chairperson Hosi Mlungisi Nsanwisi praised Motsepe for "opening his heart and wallet" to the local community.

Speaking on behalf of Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale, MEC for economic development and tourism Pitsi Moloto said the donation would help fund developmental projects.