Exxaro is continuing in its efforts to socio-economic impact of Covid-19, through a partnership with international charity organisation World Vision South Africa, to bring healthy food and hygiene packs to vulnerable children and their families.
Exxaro is supporting a cause that encourages a positive future for vulnerable children, and through this partnership, it is giving them access to a basic human need – hygiene and food.
The mining will donate R1.5 million to create sustainable food sources for two schools and a children’s home in Mpumalanga, in the form of food gardens, which will provide the source for healthy meals for the children and their families. which will be used to cook healthy meals for the children.
World Vision identified Bonani Primary School in Bethal, Bonginhlanhla Primary School and Cosmos Children’s Haven both in Kriel as the beneficiaries of the food gardens.
Tebogo Leepile, Community Development Manager at Exxaro Resources, said: “We remain committed to investing in our local communities. These projects will make life a little easier for those in need for longer term sustainability. The donations will go directly to families who need it most, with the assistance of World Vision.”
The donation is underpinned by the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 2, which aims to end hunger; achieve food security and improved nutrition; and promote sustainable agriculture.
Bonani Primary School Principal Mrs Ndwandwe, and the School Governing Body welcomed the project and have already earmarked space for the food gardens.
“This gardening project is going to make a great impact in our school. The school has a nutrition programme in place so this garden will supplement what the government currently gives us,” said Ndwandwe. “Thanks to Exxaro and World Vision our kids will now have fresh and healthy food every day.”
World Vision South Africa said the donation would go a long way to helping some of the most vulnerable members of society.
“No one should worry about where they're going to get their next meal,” said World Vision SA spokesman Dumela Shikwambana. “That's why we are incredibly grateful for Exxaro’s generosity, which will help us to provide meals and support to hundreds of local families in need."
Leepile said Exxaro has long been committed to supporting the creation of sustainable communities through partnerships. “We believe in empowering our communities and through programmes like World Vision, we are able to educate the communities about creating an enabling system that will keep on giving. Without the creation of self-sustainability, no society can thrive and take care of its most vulnerable.”
The prevention of malnutrition is the first step on the war against poverty. The provision of food means that children will be healthy to play their part as active and engaged members of their communities. This not only supports local communities and economy, it also paves the way to ensuring a better South Africa.