De Beers Voorspoed Mine hosted a successful, five-day NGO empowerment workshop as part of its corporate social investment initiatives for June. The mine partnered with the Department of Health, SADI Holdings, Vodacom, Aselsan health division, FSCA and NYDA. The workshop focused on equipping local NGOs with skills like NGO compliance, improving their business sustainability, Finance 101, and how to generate cash flow through various fundraising prospects.
The workshop offered an opportunity and platform for NGOs and other investors to see how best to collaborate and make a real sustainable difference in the communities in which they operate.
Linda Nkomo, director of Nkomo Development Foundation, is quoted saying “We are grateful for the touching, life-changing opportunities De Beers Voorspoed Mine and their key partners keep presenting; more so for NGOs, especially in these unprecedented times.
The engagements were meaningful and constructive. We are all facing tough times, and this workshop offered some sort of survival kit. The seed was planted and fell on fertile soil.”
Tatum De Pearce, from Kelly Cares Foundation, said she had learnt a lot and discovered more about why she’s doing what she’s doing in the NPO space.
Lebogang Mphaka, corporate affairs manager of De Beers Voorpsoed Mine, said the successful, meaningful workshop exceeded all their expectations. She ex- pressed her gratitude towards strategic partners, especially Mrs Happy Boshomane of SADI Holdings for her great facilitation. “The work we contribute across our district and province remains imperative. We continue to partner and leverage on such opportunities for the greater good and continue impacting lives positively in our various communities.”

Colin Singarum, the executive manager of business development for Aselsan, in turn, concluded that through the NGO workshop initiative, De Beers Voorspoed Mine is setting the benchmark for social entrepreneurship education and awareness. “The quality and relevance of the subject matter in the presentations were a major attribute to the success of the NGO workshop. Engaging with the presenters and the people behind these NGOs was the highlight of my experience at the workshop.”

“It was clear that corporate South Africa needs to draw on innovation, collaboration and sheer goodwill to ensure NGOs become self-sustainable partners of our businesses. My passion going forward is to encourage all Aselsan business partners to play a role in the vital quest De Beers Voorspoed Mine is driving.”