“Change your mindset, change your future,” says Women in Mining beneficiary
Mbombela born and bred Gladys Maseko, has benefitted from Seriti’s sponsored Women in Mining programme to such an extent that she has recently opened a second branch of her business, Lady B laundry services, in Ermelo. The main branch is in eMahlahleni where she resides with her family and where her husband is a pastor at a local church. The programme has taught her that when you believe in yourself, have a clear passion and strong motivation, you will be able to open your mind to new growth and business opportunities.
Gladys Maseko
The majority of the 20 ladies on the programme are established suppliers to the Seriti Power business and they have each been running their companies for a number of years. Some of the companies have gone through difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic and these entrepreneurs are looking for renewed success in their businesses.
Gladys said she started the business because “I wanted to create job opportunities, especially for our youth in South Africa and because I was so passionate about being a businesswoman and giving back to the community. Being a young black woman with no capital to start the business and having had no business knowledge, posed a tremendous challenge, coupled with the pressure of supporting my family while my husband went through a serious illness.”
Lady B Cleaning Services with its two employees – the name comes from the Maseko’s congregation who fondly calls her Lady Bishop – has also been struck hard by the Covid pandemic. However, being a resilient woman of faith, Gladys has grown her business to include wellness coaching and the designing of inter alia, matric farewell dresses and ‘makoti’ outfits for her clients. She learned the ropes when she approached an elderly ex-factory worker some years ago, asking him to teach her to sew and design patterns. Today she constantly receives compliments on her own fashion style which she creates herself.
Elaborating on the wellness aspect, she explains that she made a mindset change back in 2019 to reduce her dress size from 42 to an incredible size 30 this year! She now advises clients on weight loss and how to introduce healthy eating habits.
This same mindset moved her to work her way up from a cleaning/tea lady for a mining house many years ago, to that of assistant surveyor. During this time, she attended many courses and training opportunities to eventually be able to take the leap into the world of an entrepreneur, when she was confronted with retrenchment in 2015.
Gladys hopes that with this programme, which is being managed by Collective Value Creation, she will be able to expand her business and hire more people, especially less privileged women.
This remarkable businesswoman, without any formal higher education, is a living testimony of her unshakable faith in the Lord and her belief that hard work, dedication and passion will carry you through many hardships.
Seriti’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes, aim to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain ready businesses that can secure procurement opportunities both inside and outside Seriti and to develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise the scale and drive supplier diversity in their Supply chain.
COUNCILLOR ARRESTED FOR HOUSEBREAKING, ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED RAPE
Voicenote by Brigadier Mohlala
A 39-year-old councillor was arrested in Kriel for housebreaking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted rape on Friday 05 May 2023.
According to information the councillor reportedly visited his friend where they had a couple of drinks. It is further alleged that whilst still in the house, the councillor allegedly made some inappropriate sexual comments towards the 12-year-old girl. After that, the two friends went out for leisure at a particular tavern nearby.
The mother of the girl had reportedly gone to work hence the girl, as well as her elder sister (26), is said to have been temporarily left to stay with their uncle (the councillor’s friend).
It is said that whilst the two buddies were still in the tavern, the councillor sneaked out without telling his friend.
Photo supplied
At about 23h30, the elder sister alleged that she heard somebody breaking into the house. She further alleges that the person tried to open her bedroom door which was fortunately locked. She then immediately called a friend and requested him to immediately alert the police. The man allegedly assaulted the teenage girl and tried to rape her. Whilst still in a state of shock, the elder sister reportedly heard her younger sister calling for her uncle to rescue her.
The report further states that the intruder responded by saying that the uncle was not in the house. At that moment, the Police fortunately arrived and upon noticing their arrival, the intruder reportedly abandoned what he was doing and escaped through the window, leaving behind his T-shirt as well as his mobile phone.
Police went after the suspect and caught him and according to the report, the man was wearing a pair of blue jeans as well as brown shoes without a top when he was cornered. He was charged accordingly. It is also reported that the suspect further sustained some injuries in the head.
As the Police went through the scene during the course of the probe, they came across some blood drops in the house as well as on the window. The suspect’s car was also found about 50 metres away from the home.
The arrested councillor is expected to appear in the Kriel Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, 08 May 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has condemned the incident whilst applauding men and women in Blue from Kriel for their swift response thereby arresting the suspect.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Jaco Horn was cleared on all charges as the case was struck from the roll by the Secunda Magistrates Court on 25 April.
The charges originated from an incident where a suspect died after being shot at and chased from Secunda Mall.
Night Guard Security, chased a suspect from the mall to the Graceland golf course after firing shots at him at the Mall.
Calls were made on several channels for help and people responded.
Several shots were fired at the fleeing suspect by several people including 5 guards from Night Guard Security. Night Guard is contracted by Secunda Mall.
The suspect ran onto the golf course at Graceland Hotel where he succumbed to a gunshot wound in the leg.
The Bulletin learned (from reliable sources) that after obtaining statements a decision was made to arrest Mr Horn.
During the Bail applications, that The Bulletin attended, Horn’s defence had to drag a confession from the investigating officer that other people fired shots. There was no clear evidence that Mr Horn fired any shots. A reason for having the case struck from the roll.
The Bulletin learned that the statements implicating Horn were taken from other shooters. The information provided to The Bulletin was that the statements said that they saw Horn shoot. This could not be proved.
Several people were quick to judge Horn purely on the fact that he was arrested. Horn had to step aside as CPF Chairman while the case was ongoing.
A local publication even blatantly said that Horn shot the victim from behind.
No other arrests were made in connection with the man’s death, even though several shooters were identified.
COLD WEATHER TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS WARM THIS WINTER.
With winter around the corner, it is our responsibility to keep our pets safe and warm and it is also required by law. All animal owners whether domestic animals, farm animals, or wildlife, are reminded to provide adequate shelter from adverse weather conditions.
MYTH: Cats and dogs are resistant to cold weather because they have fur.
FACT: They do feel cold and are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. When you are cold, they are cold too!
WHICH ANIMALS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE?
Puppies, kittens and other young animals as they have not yet built up a resistance to the cold. Always keep them indoors, in a warm environment.
Older pets, like people, feel the cold more.
Short-coated animals.
Thin breeds or species of animals.
Pets with medical conditions. Cold weather worsens certain medical conditions, which can also cause these pets to struggle with regulating their body temperature.
WINTER TIPS FOR ANIMALS
If your dog will tolerate a dog jersey, buy one and reduce exposure to the cold.
Make sure you shine when walking your dog in the dark by wearing reflective gear like a leash, clothing, bandana, collar, etc.
Towel dry your dog if they come inside damp. Check for cracks on the paw pads or redness between the toes and ensure you dry their feet properly.
Ideally, pets should be allowed to live inside, especially in cold or any extreme weather. If they are outside, bring them in during low/high temperatures. Remember to pet-proof your inside when you bring them in.
Raise their outdoor kennel off the ground. Ensure the kennel is solid, safe, waterproof and in a dry place, facing away from wind and rain. Line it with soft and warm bedding.
Bath your pets as little as possible during the winter. Washing them too often in general, can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry and itchy skin. If they have to be bathed, ask your veterinarian for a moisturizing shampoo or use dry shampoo for a quick clean.
Anti-freeze is dangerous for pets. Thoroughly clean any spills from your car and keep them stocked away in a safe place where the animals can’t reach it.
Pets burn more energy to stay warm in the winter, so you can feed them a bit more. Cold weather can do a number on your pet’s system, but keeping them hydrated gives the body some energy needed to regulate temperature.
Ensure they always have plenty of fresh drinking water in clean bowls (not plastic).
Let their hair grow. The longer coat will give some extra protection.
Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from cold walls or areas with a draft. A cozy pet bed, large pillow, or folded duvet can also work. Some pets will also feel safe sleeping in the igloo pet beds.
Minimize their time outside. Limiting exposure to extreme temperatures is good for your pet.
Don’t stop exercising because of the weather! You can still exercise outside or get some exercise and mental stimulation inside the house. There are many videos and ideas on this.
Look for signs of hypothermia and get them to a vet immediately: whining, shivering, anxiety, slowing or stops moving, weakness, or looking for warm places to burrow.
Look out for heat-seeking behaviour from your pets like curling up small, shivering, seeking the heater and more.
Provide livestock with structural shelters that have proper ventilation and bedding, as well as ample food and fresh water.
You can provide an outdoor shelter with food and fresh water for wild animals/community cats. Provide food for some wild animals like seeds for wild birds in your garden.
You may still need to protect your animals against fleas and ticks in winter. These parasites are present all year round. In winter they seek out warm places to live and will be more than happy to irritate the skin of your beloved pet. Don’t stop tick and flea control, however, don’t dip your dog in the cold. Rather use an alternate product that can be applied to dry skin. Always talk to your veterinarian.
When using a heater, ensure that the wiring is out of reach for your pets. Pets should not be left unsupervised with any heating appliances.
Birds specific – wall heaters in a safe place where the birds cannot get to chew on it or oil heaters can work, but never any gas, bar heaters, or form of wood or anthracite burning devices. Keep them out of a drafty area and you can use a blanket or cover for the cage if necessary. Keep their food dry.
If you want to help a shelter, please DO NOT buy the budget blankets. They are disposables and have to be hand-washed. Shelters do not have the time to handwash these blankets every day. They are put in a kennel today and as they tear easily, they block the drains and have to be thrown away the next day. Rather buy stormy or fleece blankets.
Some groups do outreach to rural areas. They make pet beds from dog food bags with newspaper and other materials inside. The dog food bag helps keep the inside dry, while still providing a softer bed and offering some protection from the damp and cold ground. Contact Little Paws Big Hearts if you want to contribute to this project.
CATS & OTHER SMALL ANIMALS As temperatures are starting to drop or even in stormy weather, please remember that feral cats and other small animals may find shelter for themselves or their babies in and under your car. This is a reminder to TAP TAP TAP on your hoods & wheels and blow your horns to let them get out. You can tap and stand back for a while, but still check as well! We can share horror stories about injured cats due to this and can you imagine how hurt and scared they can be? Please take that extra minute before starting your cars. SAVE A LIFE
If an owner leaves their pet in the cold, politely let them know you’re concerned. They might not know the risk that cold weather poses. If they respond poorly or continue with their neglect, time to speak up and report it to your nearest SPCA. If you see any stray animal suffering in the cold weather, please contact your local SPCA and take the animal in. Find your nearest SPCA here.
Remember that you choose to have your pet, they didn’t get to choose, so do right by them and keep them safe during all weather conditions. Their safety and care are your responsibility!
Next week we will look at responsible pet guardianship.
GOGO NABBED WITH 12.6 KG DAGGA IN THE PORT OF ENTRY
Nelspruit: 02 May 2023 – Gogo from the Kingdom of Eswatini who showed disrespect to the authority has allegedly bravely tried to cross the Port of Entry from her native country to the Republic of South Africa with a vehicle she allegedly hitchhiked with her 12.6kg luggage of dagga estimated at R52 920.00 street value.
According to information at police disposal, on Monday 01 May 2023, it is alleged that a 60-year-old woman got a lift from a vehicle that was from the Kingdom of Eswatini to the Republic.
They allegedly went straight to Mananga Port of Entry. It is alleged that after passing through the first control checkpoint, they had to undergo the same process on the South African side where members from the South African Revenue Services found the dagga.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the dagga belonged to the old woman.
The elderly woman was arrested, and charged with dagga trafficking and she is expected to appear in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court today, 02 May 2023 for dagga trafficking.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrests and voiced her disappointment as she believes that elders should lead by example to the youth.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR AND SELF ACCLAIMED ‘BUSH BABY” BENEFITS GREATLY FROM WOMEN IN MINING TRAINING PROGRAMME
Owner of Japino Enterprise in eMalahleni, Pinky Mahlangu, is one of twenty local entrepreneurs chosen by Seriti to participate in the Women in Mining training programme. This programme was launched in May 2022 and focuses on developing female entrepreneurs and assisting in growing their businesses.
Pinky Mahlangu
Pinky was born and raised in eMalahleni and completed her electrical engineering studies at the Tswane University of Technology’s Witbank and Pretoria Campuses. Her first job was with Samancor in Burgersfort as a maintenance coordinator where she gained valuable experience and skills.
However, she started her business in 2015 to fulfil a lifelong dream of owning her own enterprise and giving back to the community by creating job opportunities. Japino Enterprise, with its twelve employees, focuses on engineering consulting, construction of overhead lines, HT cable termination, earthing and lightning protection.
A new start-up usually comes with heaps of challenges and Pinky struggled with marketing her services and breaking into the industry. Funding and obtaining much-needed resources, such as another heavy vehicle and equipment to service clients’ needs, remain obstacles.
Her participation in the Women in Mining programme, being managed and run by Collective Value Creation, enables Pinky to expand her marketing offering across various platforms, as she learns the value and difference between sales and marketing. So far, her company’s website has been amended to reflect a more professional image and she has since noticed a rapid improvement in the business’ sales figures. Another aspect of the training, which she hopes to master soon, is to establish sound human resources policies for her company’s employees.
She is grateful for the sponsorship by Seriti to upskill female entrepreneurs and hopes this programme will continue, thereby enabling others to realise their dreams. One aspect of the programme is the one-on-one mentoring which Pinky finds ‘amazing’ as business owners are often on a lonely journey. However, personal mentoring enables them to sharpen and shape their skills in a more comfortable and intimate space.
Asheka Lee, personal development coach on the programme, comments on the programme. “What I love about this programme is that it helps women entrepreneurs compete in a male-dominated industry, by embracing their talents, strengths and authenticity. They can also learn and apply business skills that allow them to grow their businesses and stand out in the mining industry.”
Pinky is a mother of two young children and likes to stay fit and whenever her busy schedule allows, travels within South Africa to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. She considers herself a “bush baby” with her favourite place being the serene mountains of the Western Cape. She regards her husband and children as her invaluable support structure.
To remain humble and respect everyone, is this businesswoman’s philosophy in life and she wishes she could go back to her younger self, assuring her that “you are stronger than you realise.”
Apart from growing her business locally, she dreams of one day visiting China, hoping to learn how to approach manufacturing on a global scale and maybe expand her business globally as well.
39-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED FOR VIOLATION OF A GRAVE.
Bethal: Police in Bethal arrested a man for violation of a grave at Rustfontein farm.
The arrest came after the police received a complaint from a concerned community member who was at the farm performing his duties about a man who was busy violating the grave after he dug up a grave deeper than six feet.
The man was found in the grave and police instructed him to come out and he managed to do so by using the stairway he created inside the grave.
The police found the remains exhumed from the violated grave next to the tombstone and the suspect informed the police that he removed the remains from the grave.
Police then noticed that the violated grave had a tombstone which belonged to the late Henry Regionald Pattison and Basil Stuart Pattison.
The suspect was arrested and taken to Bethal Police cells for detention and charged accordingly. He will then appear at Bethal Magistrates Court Today, Friday 28 April 2023, facing a charge of violation of a grave.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
HEFTY SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO THREE RHINO POACHERS
Nelspruit: 26 April 2023- Two of the three suspects who were arrested for rhino poaching and other related crimes were sentenced to 34 years imprisonment whilst the third suspect was sentenced to 39 years imprisonment in Skukuza Region Court yesterday Tuesday 25 August 2023.
The suspects were arrested inside the Kruger National Park around Malelane area on 23 November 2019.
According to the report, the field ranger on duty spotted a suspicious-looking white Hyundai H1 with two visible occupants.
He decided to stop it to conduct a spot check. He requested the permit which was produced and seemed to be in order as it was bearing the names of the two visible occupants.
Whilst still speaking to the driver, he noticed that there were two other people lying flat on the floor behind the back seats.
The field ranger requested the driver to switch off the engine and hand the car keys to him.
He then instructed the driver to alight and opened the rear door to search it.
The field ranger then opened the sliding door and unexpectedly found the fourth passenger who was lying on the vehicle floor with the firearm pointed at the door.
He was also instructed to alight from the vehicle and a search began whereby five rhino horns, one hunting rifle with a silencer, fourteen live rounds, two knives and five mobile phones were found in the vehicle.
The five suspects made several court appearances and later all were granted bail.
Two of the five suspects did not return to court only three attended until the matter was finalised yesterday.
Zwelithini Mathebula (37) and Lucky Mhlongo (39) were sentenced to 34 years imprisonment each for killing endangered species, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of dangerous weapons.
Teddy Dlamini (37) was sentenced to 39 years imprisonment for all the above-mentioned cases including the pointing of a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the dedicated and brave field ranger, investigation team, judiciary, and prosecuting officials for the successful prosecution.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
UNDERSTANDING CRUELTY TO ANIMALS CAN HELP YOU JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST IT MORE EFFECTIVELY!
Last week we looked at how to better understand cruelty and recognize the signs of cruelty. This week we will look at how you can report cruelty and help us fight and prevent cruelty against animals.
Pets have no voice to cry out for help and they can’t dial 911. They aren’t able to alert authorities to abuse, and they can’t quietly discuss their pain and injuries with a veterinarian. You have to be the eyes and ears for the animals you encounter to ensure that if there is any abuse, it can be stopped in time. If you do not report cruelty, then you are complicit.
As we mentioned last week, neglect may require an educational visit from an SPCA inspector or animal welfare worker. Abuse may require the removal of the animal from the home and prosecuting the offenders. Either way, your call will guarantee a better life for that animal.
UNKNOWINGLY YOU CAN BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROBLEM.
• Breed – there’s no such thing as responsible breeding when we have a massive overpopulation crisis!
• Support breeders (registered or backyard)
• Support pet shops that sell animals
• Support Aquariums
• Support Zoos
• Support Petting farms
• Support wild animal interaction (e.g., rides)
• Support Circuses with animals
• Support unethical hunting practices
• Do not sterilize your pets
• Do not keep them safe
• Let them roam the streets (including cats)
• Support irresponsible organizations
• Do not report cruelty
• Abandon/abuse/neglect any animal
• Give animals away for free
• Use products tested on animals
• Support “free to good home” ads
• Not planning for your pets when you immigrate
…..the list goes on and it is easy to unknowingly contribute to the problem.
REPORTING CRUELTY
Save your local SPCA office and emergency numbers on your phone. Also include the numbers of the areas where your friends or family stay or where you visit frequently.
HOW TO REPORT
Is it safe to take a photo/video?
Get an exact address or pin drop.
Call your local SPCA. Find them via the NSPCA website.
Assist with the case.
Report if it happens again.
ALWAYS REPORT CRUELTY! If you notice an animal that appears to be suffering, call your local animal welfare agency (mainly the SPCA in SA) immediately! Do not send a message or email or do this through social media as we lose precious time! Call until they answer! It can always be done anonymously and even if you are unsure, rather report so the SPCA can investigate. You can find an SPCA near your location or contact the NSPCA directly. You can also report it to your local SAPS, but I would rather do it through the SPCA or other local animal welfare organizations willing to assist.
Read here how to recognize the signs of cruelty, but if you are unsure whether it is cruelty or not, report it anyways! Please understand that the SPCA can’t just take an animal away on the first visit. They need proof of the cruelty and there is a process to follow including writing a notice to comply or warnings before a warrant can be obtained for the removal of the animal in question. In clear-cut cases, it can happen faster. When you called them and they went out, and you feel nothing has happened, follow up. When it happens again, please contact them again and even provide affidavits where possible. This will help with the process.
HELP US FIGHT CRUELTY!
Report cruelty!
Be a responsible pet owner. Know about and fulfill the needs of your pet. Don’t just concern yourself with basic needs – give your pet positive experiences that really enhance their well-being. It is a lifetime commitment, not just when it suits you.
Be an example of kindness to other pets. Foster a pet that has suffered abandonment. Sadly, many pets are relinquished to shelters for various reasons. Foster homes help these animals to recover and prepare them to move on to a new permanent loving home. If you can, ADOPT!
Intervene if you witness animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect. Do what you can to stop someone from mistreating an animal. However, be sensible and if necessary, seek help from other witnesses or authorities. An animal that has been mistreated needs support, sometimes immediately. You can make a real difference by taking an animal out of a harmful situation.
You can keep food, water, a leash and a blanket in your car. If you see an animal in need or roaming around you can help. Approach only if it is safe for both you and the animal, as we do not want them to run away into danger. If the animal is hurt, stay with them or follow them at a safe distance, while you wait for your local animal welfare organizations to come and assist you. If you can pick up the animal, take them to your Vet, the SPCA, or into your yard until the owners are found.
Teach your children to have respect for animals. Set a good example by being respectful towards animals. Show children how to interact with and treat animals with love and consideration. Even if your pet allows it, kids should not be sitting on or pulling on the ears or tails, etc. of pets. Help them to grow up to become the next generation of advocates for animals. Children who are cruel to animals often grow up to be cruel to people as well. Nip animal cruelty in the bud early on.
Know the legislation & support legislation that promotes kindness to animals. Stronger animal welfare laws and harsher penalties for abusers will lead to fewer cruelty cases. Support the campaigns and advocate for animal rights! Ask what animal welfare policies the political party you support has. You can read the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1993 (Act 169).
Animal and social welfare link. Consider that neglect of animals can be closely linked to domestic violence. Animal abuse usually precedes or is concurrent with other abuse. By reporting your suspicions, you may also be helping both the animal in need and the family members concerned.
Educate people around you about the issue. Help people to understand that they can intervene in situations where animals are being neglected or even tormented. Animals have a right to live without fear or pain, and we have a responsibility to step in if their rights aren’t respected. Promote programs at schools! You can read more on specific educational animal welfare topics on the NSPCA website.
Offer help to people who seem overwhelmed with their animals. Animals aren’t necessarily neglected out of a lack of love. An owner may not have the psychological resources to provide an animal with the appropriate care. Whatever the reasons may be, an affected pet must be removed from a place of neglect and given the care it needs to live and thrive. Any help you give to an animal may help a human too.
Volunteer in animal welfare, whether it is by fostering, helping at kennels, sharing posts, or by donating to those that do the work. Take care of those animal welfare workers in the trenches, so they can continue this sad and tough job. Whether it is words of encouragement, a gift, treatment, or just a coffee.
Using cruelty-free products like skin/body/hair/make-up and clothes. The www.humaneguide.co.za are products endorsed by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa) that do not test on or pay for testing on animals. Don’t be fooled by companies’ smart and sly slogans. It is never what the company claims, but what they can prove! Be informed!
Dont’support “free to good home” ads and report selling of animals on social media. Don’t support breeders, pet shops, animal dealers/brokers, the circus, aquariums, petting farms, animal rides, animal sports, unethical hunting practices or any industry that exploits animals for money or entertainment.
Preventing animal cruelty is no easy task, but with your help, we CAN DO THIS!Next week we will look at winter tips to keep your pets safe and warm.
Sasol donates essential school materials to Van Stadensdam learners
Sasol has donated essential learning materials to learners from Van Stadensdam Primary School as part of an initiative to uplift fenceline communities.
The school is located in Charl Cilliers, in the Govan Mbeki Municipality. The donation is part of the Sasol For Good initiative, which involves employee volunteers.
Ms Rethabile Ndjibu – Sasol Manager for Social Impact
Van Stadensdam was presented with science equipment for Grade 7 learners and 50 school shoes for needy learners. Sasol was joined by local companies who came on board and offered different services to the school as part of responding to a call to give back to communities.
The Secunda-based Lael Contractors came on board and refurbished the school’s jungle gym and playground.
The South Africa Health Foundation set up a vegetable garden for the school to ensure that learners grow food, while the gardening and landscaping enterprise, “Extreme Thoughts”, cut grass and spruced up the soccer field.
(left to right) Mr Simphiwe Mvundla from Extreme Thoughts, Ms Sammy Masemola from Lael Contractors, Ms Rethabile Ndjibu Sasol Manager for Social Impact, Van Stadensdam Primary School Principal Mr MK Mhlungu, and Miss Sibiya from the Department of Education.
The Sasol for Good initiative allows employees to get involved in humanitarian support in their communities by volunteering their time, skills and resources through the company and employee-initiated social development causes.
Employees are allowed 40 hours per annum of paid leave for volunteer work, which encourages the spirit of giving back.
Sasol will on Saturday take the drive to Holmdene Secondary School, a farm school in the Lekwa Municipality. Sasol is an active investor in education and is involved in various holistic programmes that support learners from Early Childhood Development Centres to higher education.
