24 JULY 2018
We have reaffirmed our commitment to alleviating poverty.
In honour of the centenary of the birth of global icon Nelson Mandela, we have reaffirmed our commitment to help alleviate poverty and create a legacy of self-sustaining communities.
Employees at our South Africa Energy Coal operation recently marked Mandela Day by visiting Home Based Care organisations in and around the Steve Tshwete and eMalahleni local municipalities to deliver blankets, food parcels and other sought-after supplies to assist those living in the community.
Activities also centred around providing upgrades and repairs to the Ogies Clinic health care facility as well as serving soup and distributing clothing to the patients.
Thabo Manne, South Africa Energy Coal Acting Corporate Affairs Manager said: “We believe in investing in our communities so that we can try to ease the burden and endeavour to leave a legacy of self-sustaining communities post the life of our operations.”
Employees also helped to pack food parcels and blankets to be delivered to more than 40 patients from Phola and Ogies who are cared for by a local Home Based Care organisation.
Ms. Mamsy Nkuna, Ukuzala Ukuzelula Home Based Care Manager said: “We are truly grateful to South32 for making a true impact and difference in the lives of our people.”
This Mandela Day we also announced that we had joined The Relate Trust and other partners to help raise R100 million for literacy projects and job creation across South Africa by purchasing thousands of special Mandela Centenary Relate bracelets as gifts for our employees.
Proceeds from the bracelets will benefit two causes - creating jobs for the those who make them and funding for the Mandela Library Project which installs libraries in under-resourced schools.
Our Chief Operating Officer, Mike Fraser said: “Every year our people come together to help alleviate poverty by taking time out to serve and assist various charitable organisations in our communities. We are proud to support this cause which makes a difference and improves lives now and for generations to come, by giving our employees a gift that honours Nelson Mandela's centenary.”Topics