Based in Damonsville township, near the town of Brits, Matlapeng Fire and Safety supply and service fire extinguishers and related equipment for our Eland operation.

It is a BEE company owned by Abram Mills, who grew up in an orphanage after the loss of his parents. He worked with companies such as Chubb Fire and Security then set up on his own, forming Matlapeng Fire and Safety (MFS).

When Eland mine started up in 2019, Mills offered his services to the engineering and planning team. Since the start of the relationship, Northam has contributed, significantly, to MFS’s growth. Northam has helped Abram to develop his commercial skills, reduce costs at MFS and be more competitive, as well as developing MFS’s quality management processes through training to prepare for the ISO 9001 quality management standard certification.

MFS now has seven employees and expects to reach 50 in the next two years. Northam’s support means MFS itself can contribute to the community: it employs local people and supports NGOs and schools around Damonsville – MFS even services the fire extinguishers at the orphanage where Abram grew up.

“If you want something in life, don’t wait: just go for it. We carry out regular inspections at Eland mine, and always find that procedures and safety are observed correctly. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity granted to MFS by Northam. I’ve never had any complaints, and I intend to keep it that way!”

Abram Mills
Managing Director, Matlapeng Fire and Safety