CSR is one of the 7 pillars of the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), and, about 4 years ago, as part of our activities, we identified a needful project in the Empilweni Primary School. The school is situated in the Valley of 1000 Hills, near Botha’s Hill and close to our Head Office in Westmead, Pinetown (KZN) .
In brief, the situation that we encountered was as follows:
- 80% of the children were orphans; they were cared for by their grandparents who rely on a government pension.
- There is a high percentage of unemployment in the area.
- The Government had implemented a feeding scheme at the school and food was cooked in the classes, as there was no communal space.
- More low cost houses have in the meantime been built, resulting in more children and more pressure on the teachers.
We decided to “adopt” the school as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility Project, and in 2008, once the sufficient budget was in place, the plans were submitted and the construction soon started on the NEW SCHOOL HALL.
The 4 year project has finally borne fruit and the completion of the school hall was achieved at the beginning of November. The official opening and handover of the School Hall keys to Mrs Chilli, the Acting Head Master of Empilweni Primary School was finally done on Saturday, the 15th of November 2008.
The Italian Consul in Durban, Mr. Ugo Ciarlatani, who unveiled a plaque commemorating this occasion, local Authorities and representatives of the Department of Education were on hand to witness the handover. This occasion marked the culmination of our first Corporate Social Responsibility Project. Maccaferri SA thanks MAGNET / ENERGY WISE for their participation and sponsorship, as well as all the staff who have assisted in turning this project into reality.
