A clash of cultures (and lawyers): Anglo Platinum and mine-affected communities in Limpopo Province, South Africa

► This case study emphasizes the cultural dimension of effective social management. ► Legal compliance based social management can undermine trust and exacerbate local conflict. ► A simplistic understanding of 'community' works against social management effectiveness. ► Corporate culture must be responsive to complexities in community culture and representation. ► Companies should set up collaborative problem-solving and accountability systems at the outset.