Hlanganani
GROWING HOPE
Umbogavango Nature Reserve marked Arbour Day in style on September 4, when about 45 participants, including learners and teachers from Kusakusa and Magama Primary Schools, WESSA national staff, AECI representatives and the Umbogavango Education Team, gathered for a day dedicated to trees, learning and environmental stewardship. The programme opened with an inspiring talk by Azile Mpukwana, an environmentalist and youth advocate with Adopt a River. Mpukwana highlighted the significance of Arbour Day and the 2025 Trees of the Year – the Red Milkwood, White Milkwood and Tamboti, while reminding participants that a healthy planet cannot exist without trees.
Interactive displays on climate change, an environmental pledge and a tree-planting activity followed, with nine trees planted on-site to symbolise a shared commitment to a climate-resilient future. Gratitude was extended to AECI for donating recycled materials and stationery, which learners thoroughly enjoyed. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to AECI, eMadamini Bakery for its ongoing support of the Umbogavango Education Programme and the participating schools in recognition of their continued commitment.
Despite disruptions caused by local taxi strikes, the celebration was a resounding success and a meaningful reminder of the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
Community commitment
is recipe for progress
As 2025 progresses, Anchor Yeast remains committed to building a safer, smarter, and more efficient workplace. Since the start of the year, the company has recorded only one minor injury with no lost time reported – a clear reflection of the collective dedication of its teams and the effectiveness of its safety protocols.
On November 18, 2024, Anchor Yeast conducted a comprehensive emergency drill based on a high-risk scenario involving mechanical integrity failures on its ammonia tank, specifically corrosion cracking that went undetected. The exercise tested the team’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively. The drill was considered a success and provided valuable insights for further strengthening of internal systems.
In line with its continuous improvement strategy, Anchor Yeast has made significant infrastructure upgrades in the Drying Plant. The filter press was phased out and replaced with a Rotary Vacuum Filter (RVF) system, delivering immediate benefits such as a superior final product, improved hygiene standards, and enhanced operational efficiency – while also advancing the company’s sustainability goals.
The company also reached a major milestone with the commissioning of a new Coating Plant, specifically designed to enhance its animal nutrition feed capabilities. This investment demonstrates Anchor Yeast’s commitment to innovation, quality, and meeting the needs of clients and markets both locally and internationally.
Beyond operational excellence, Anchor Yeast continues to strengthen community connections. A Community Engagement Forum has been established, providing a structured platform for feedback and discussions on environmental conditions that affect surrounding communities.
Social responsibility also remains a central focus. On Human Rights Day, Anchor Yeast employees prepared
1 872 sandwiches, which were donated to children in need – an initiative that brought hope and nourishment to many young lives.
Looking ahead, the company has launched a new initiative in preparation for Mandela Day: the collection of 750ml glass jars to be filled with nutrient-rich soup ingredients. These will be distributed to underprivileged children, ensuring that Nelson Mandela’s legacy of giving continues to inspire.
Through its commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability, and community upliftment, Anchor Yeast continues to move forward with purpose and impact.
From struggle to strength
ZUZUMQHELE High School in Ezimbokodweni recently celebrated the successful completion of a transformative water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) project, made possible through funding from BASF and implemented by Triple-P.
Once faced with inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, the school has now become a beacon of hope and dignity for its 568 learners.
Over a seven-month period, the project upgraded the school’s ablution facilities, significantly improving sanitation and hygiene while inspiring positive behavioural change among both learners and staff.
Learners took on leadership roles as champions of change, hosting hygiene workshops and raising health awareness throughout the school. Fourteen learners were also appointed as Wash monitors, tasked with promoting respectful use of the facilities and instilling a sense of responsibility in protecting school assets.
The initiative further strengthened the bond between home and school, with parents and the school governing body actively involved in supporting the project.
The joyful handover celebration in May 2025, brought together the school community, featuring inspiring messages, lively dancing and the donation of sanitation supplies to ensure the project’s sustainability.
RECOMMENDED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR UIC NEIGHBOURS
What do you do if you hear the siren? (Undulating tone for five minutes)
Move indoors as quickly as possible. Close all windows and doors.
Remain indoors until you hear the ‘all clear’ (steady siren note for one minute).
Report to the environmental line any environmental problems you believe may come from the UIC:
* Environmental line 082-440-7207
* AECI Property Services 031-949-2111
* UIC security 031-949-2100
Call Nomali Msomi on 031-949-2080 or 083-253-5643 with queries.
Companies operating within
Umbogintwini Industrial Complex (UIC) have instituted measures to ensure your well-being in the unlikely event of an emergency on site. The UIC emergency siren is tested every Tuesday at 10h00. If you hear a siren at any other time, it means that an emergency may have arisen within the complex.
Enviro Line 082-440-7207 For enquiries about community participation and visits: Nomali Msomi, community liaison officer: 083-253-5643 or office 031-949-2080. Email letters to the editor: southcoastsun@dbn.caxton.co.za
Year of progress, people and purpose
Dyefin Textiles remains committed to operating at world-class standards while safeguarding the environment.
In 2024, they broke ground on a new Effluent Water Recycling Plant – an important milestone in our journey toward sustainable water use. Scheduled for completion in December 2025, the facility will treat all dyehouse effluent and recover approximately 75% for reuse in production. This landmark project not only reduces the environmental footprint, but also secures a reliable water supply for the future.
Welcoming visitors to the plant
This year, they were proud to open its doors to students, industry visitors and retail partners.
In October, Dyefin hosted lecturers from the Durban University of Technology, international guests from Hamburg and representatives from the MR Price Group, offering them first-hand insights into textile processing. The following month, they welcomed textile students from the University of Eswatini for a production tour. These visits created meaningful opportunities to showcase the work, exchange knowledge and inspire the next generation of textile professionals.
Developing the people
Training remained a cornerstone of Dyefin’s success in 2024. The National Certificate in CTFL Manufacturing Process Learnership Programme continued to thrive, with 13 learners currently enrolled and 10 successfully completing their qualifications, each embedding the 6’S workplace practice into their training.
Employees also benefited from the KZN Clothing & Textile Cluster’s Team Leader Development Programme (TLDP) and Emerging Leader Development Programme (ELDP). Both initiatives, designed to strengthen leadership, management and technical capabilities, concluded successfully, equipping talent from across their departments for future growth.
A highlight of the year was Zindzi Mbeki’s outstanding Wet-lab Project presentation in April, which drew high praise. Staff achievements were celebrated through multiple award nominations, with training administrator, Thandekile Gumede, proudly receiving the Yoshi Master Award.
Workplace safety training remained a top priority. Health and safety representatives completed occupational health and safety training in June, while key staff underwent incident investigation training, further strengthening the safety culture. Importantly, all compliance training was completed well ahead of annual audit requirements.
Extending training beyond the walls
Dyefin also sponsored 15 external learnerships, including six for learners with disabilities, focused on the National Certificate in Business Administration. This initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to skills development, not only within the company, but also in empowering the broader community.
Giving back to the community
Dyefin continued to strengthen its social responsibility efforts in 2024, with a particular focus on the innovative recycling of stenter strings. By repurposing these materials, they were able to support a variety of community initiatives and empower diverse groups through skills development and creativity.
Beneficiaries included:
– Afriweave & eRotary – using stenter strings to teach children traditional mat-weaving skills.
– Ethelbert Children’s Home – hosting a weaving workshop for 10 children.
– ELET Training Centre – enabling challenged adults, including a blind student, to produce woven bags for literacy programme participants.
– Igugu Labantu – receiving offcuts of Disney prints and fleece to create children’s clothing for local distribution.
– SHHF NPO – using stenter strings to produce and sell bags in support of disadvantaged communities.
– Local Special Needs School – where students proudly created projects from donated stenter string.
Community spirit through sport
The year concluded with a spirited soccer tournament on November 30, held in memory of late employees from across the complex. After a tense penalty shootout, Thorburn emerged victorious, claiming the Champions Trophy against Dyefin
