Thousands of Anglo Platinum (Amplats) workers will get free houses to be built by the company, according to the human settlements department.

In a release, the department said: “Thousands of Amplats mine workers who have been finding it difficult to access houses will soon benefit from the company’s decision to build over 20,000 houses for its employees at the cost of R1.4 billlion.”

"Amplats will build 12,000 houses in the North West and 8,000 in Limpopo over the next 10 years," it added.

Amplats’ commitment comes as part of the each-one-settle-one campaign announced by Human Settlements Minister Toyko Sexwale (pictured) in September.

“This is what we had in mind when we thought of the concept of Each One Settle One, that we need each other – corporates and government – and that it is through these partnerships that we can succeed as a country,” said Sexwale.

He said this kind of investment was good for both employers and employees as companies could no longer afford to earn “huge turnovers” when their workers went home to slums after work.

The campaign was aimed at mobilising South African companies, especially JSE-listed entities, to help the government address the housing backlog, estimated at more than 2.3 million units.

"We don't want to see our workers living in isolation, but to be part of the integrated communities where our company operates," said Amplats CEO Neville Nicolau.

“Amplats’ housing business model is based on the premise that employees shall own houses and lessen their reliance or dependency on company provided accommodation both on-mine and off-mine. The main reason of this approach is to encourage and promote homeownership among its employees at all levels,” he added.

Amplats has also helped the Thabazimbi local municipality by providing basic infrastructure such as roads and sanitation.

Image: Getty