Crop boosters welcomed by government

The groundwork for prosperity has been tilled, thanks to cooperation between industrial powerhouse, LANXESS and the municipality.

At an open-air function on Friday, the partnership brought fresh winds of change to those residing near the newly donated 20 hectares making up Segede Farm, near Ingogo.

This project is one of many funded by R1.5-million contributed by Lanxess.

Touting the necessity of working alongside the business sector, municipal Local Economic Directive representative, Ferdie Alberts said such projects highlighted how poverty alleviation could be put into action.

Portfolio Councillor for Development Planning and Human Settlements, Matthew Shunmugam concurred.

“Through sustainable projects like this, we can reduce crime and the unemployment crisis, as we alleviate poverty.”

According to Cllr Shunmugam, the Ward 3 War Room had also benefited from Lanxess’s generosity, which in turn had served the community through the dispensing of medication and food kitchens weekly.

Last month alone, more than 1 000 people made use of the War Room.

Special guest for the function, Managing Director of Lanxess, Dr Karl Gassen spoke on the importance of entrepreneurs in uplifting communities, adding the company believed in supporting sustainable business.

“Corporate responsibility is a central element of Lanxess’s core business. As an international speciality chemicals group, we bear a major responsibility to the environment and the people within the community in which we operate.”

One of the beneficiaries at Segede Farm was the land owner, Oupa Nhlapho.

Mr Nhlapho said the funding received had been a great help, not only in terms of boosting local business, but also in providing a professional mentor to steer growth in the right direction.

“Ever since I received financial assistance from Lanxess, I can proudly say my business is growing in a positive direction and is attracting a lot of clients, including big supermarkets in Newcastle.”