ABB Education Trust launched
The main aim of starting the trust was for the company to contribute in a meaningful and sustainable way to enhance the educational and life opportunities of previously disadvantaged people.
ABB South Africa launched the ABB Education Trust on July 21 in Modderfontein.
Ms Natasha Mpela, the senior communications manager of ABB, said the main aim of starting the trust was for the company to contribute in a meaningful and sustainable way to enhance the educational and life opportunities of previously disadvantaged people.
“We would like to improve their well-being by assisting in development through the broad-based requirements of the B-BBEE Act, not only as a legislative requirement, but in accordance with the intent and spirit thereof,” said Ms Mpela.
She said the objective of the ABB Trust is to contribute to the empowerment and upliftment of black women in South Africa through the provision of scholarships, bursaries and awards for study and research.
“Our vision strives to support the beneficiaries to develop as engaged and active members of society, in line with the Trust’s values which is to entrench education as a firm contribution to the broader South African society and hence human development,” she said.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Leon Viljoen, the chief executive officer (CEO) of ABB SA, said the trust’s mission is to identify and assist financially deserving young black women who show academic potential.
“The Trust aims to benefit black women studying engineering and related fields of study, with a preference towards those interested in electrical engineering,” he said.
Ms Mpela said consideration will also be given to other disciplines such as finance, environment, health and safety, human resources and information technology.
School pupils in the last three years of secondary education will be considered in grades 10, 11 and 12 who, after matriculation, intend to enter into the engineering fields at a tertiary level.
Ms Mpela said young black women will be selected on financial merit and academic performance.
Even though ABB South Africa will fund the trust through dividends and grant contributions, it will be run by independent trustees with no interference from the company.
