Daveyton soccer club perplexed by mine’s claim of support

Daveyton’s East Rand Soccer Academy (ERESA) has accused the Gravelotte Gold Mine in Brakpan of lying.

This is after the former published on its website that the mine supports the academy financially.

On the website, www.gravelottegold.com under the community involvement tab, the mine states they are contributing to the social and economic growth of SA and Ekurhuleni and supports local farmers by helping them plant cabbages, lettuce and onions on an 80-hectare farm.

Furthermore, it is stated that the mine supports ERESA by ‘funding the club’ and that their ‘strategic partnership goes beyond financial backing’, adding that ‘the company does not only contribute to the development of local sports but also invests in the well-being and aspirations of community members’.

They also have the academy’s photos, logos and documents, including the CIPC certificate and SARS tax exemption letter, on their website.

However, ERESA’s sports director Zukile Mbotshane claims the mine is being dishonest about giving back to the community through the academy. He said it is only stated on the website to meet their corporate social investment (CSI) objectives.

“We can’t approach other companies because of this. They say we already have a partnership with Gravelotte. Everyone in the community has the impression that we have a partnership and receiving financial backing from the mine,” said Mbotshane.

He explained to Benoni City Times that ERESA approached the mine in November to ask for financial assistance.
They were subsequently asked to submit a proposal along with their banking details and PPO certificate for compliance.

“We were told by a representative from the mine that the company and its CEO were impressed with our proposal.

“After three weeks, we followed up to ask for an update through calls and emails but received no response. After many attempts we gave up because no one was willing to talk to us,” he said.

When Mbotshane and his executive went onto Gravelotte’s website to look for alternative contact details, they were shocked to discover that the mine had all their information and claims to support them financially.

“They posted that they support us financially, help our coaches with coaching courses and our players with school programmes and playing equipment. They say they are giving back to the community through us,” Mbotshane said.

The director reiterated that they have received no financial backing from the mine and haven’t had any contact with the company since November.

In offering the mine a right of reply, the City Times approached Gravelotte on April 10 and was referred to their PRO, who hasn’t returned our calls or responded to emails since.

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