SAEC gives community the sunny-side up
To bring this project to life, SAEC contributed the chicken structure, which currently hosts 2 000 chickens, a cold storage, a solar energy installation, JoJo water tanks, one hectare of fencing and an office block, as well as security officers to ensure the project is always protected
South32 South Africa Energy Coal (SAEC) handed over the Rietspruit Agricultural Project, valued at R3.8 million, to the Sidlasonke Co-operative and the provincial Department of Agriculture in Rietspruit.
This handover took place on August 26. To bring this project to life, SAEC contributed the chicken structure, which currently hosts 2 000 chickens, a cold storage, a solar energy installation, JoJo water tanks, one hectare of fencing and an office block, as well as security officers to ensure the project is always protected.
The JoJo tanks will help with the storage of water, ensuring continuity of supply, connected through the municipal water grid, while the provision of electricity comes from the solar system installed by SAEC as part of its contribution to the project.
The beneficiaries were also taken through training and mentorship to equip them with the requisite skills to manage the project efficiently in the future.
Kgabi Masia, SAEC President said: “This project is in line with SAEC’s Social and Labour Plan investment objectives aimed at creating sustainable communities where we operate, and to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. We acknowledge that food security is a major challenge, particularly in less privileged communities and among the elderly people living in Rietspruit.”
“As a mining company, we are fully committed to community development and we embrace every opportunity aimed at creating social value for the people of South Africa, thus helping to eliminate poverty, unemployment and inequality,” added Masia.
SAEC is actively involved in investing in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those living in the local communities.
The Rietspruit Agricultural Project will empower this community to be self-sustainable economically and socially and beyond the closure of the mining operation.
The initiative will support the community with basic food necessities to boost their access to food, and already, the project is providing eggs to the community at below retail price.
“The poultry farm has benefited the Rietspruit community immensely as we are now able to buy eggs in bulk, fresh from the farm at a low price as no transport costs are incurred. We are grateful to SAEC for the support they have given to the Rietspruit Agricultural Project and constantly ensuring that we grow as a community and that we grow our businesses to create job opportunities and eradicate poverty,” concluded Councillor Thembi Shabalala.
