Atlas Copco South Africa employees rolled up their sleeves and got down to earth, planting trees as part of their 67 minutes in honour of the iconic Nelson Mandela. In partnership with Save the Planet, Atlas Copco assisted with the planting of twelve River Bush Willow trees on the sports fields and playgrounds of Isaac Makau Primary School in Benoni.

School Principal Derrick Moeketse reached out to Save the Planet for assistance in providing trees to green the school’s environment so that the learners will have shade which is particularly important during the hot summer months.

Save Our Planet – Plant a tree is a registered non-profit organisation that was founded by Jonathan Richmond in 2012 with the sole objective of greening South Africa. With the assistance of sponsorships, the organisation provides on average 1500 school children with ‘tree gifts’ on a monthly basis. “With 75 000 trees already in the ground, we are half way in realising our mission to plant over 150 000 trees around Gauteng,” states Jonathan. 

According to Jonathan, Atlas Copco was the perfect partner for this initiative.
“In addition to the fact that we had already established contact with the company in May this year, Isaac Makau Primary School is ideally located close to the Atlas Copco’s head office in Jet Park.”

Atlas Copco’s Corporate Communications Manager, South and sub-Sahara, Kgothatso Ntsie, agrees that the partnership was a perfect fit. “As a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions, Atlas Copco is doing its part for a greener planet by planting trees all around the world. So when Jonathan approached us to sponsor the trees, we got the nod from all our business areas - Construction Technique, Mining & Rock Excavation, Compressor Technique, Industrial Technique, Holdings, Business Services, Secoroc and Rand Air.”

“This project also aligns with our mandate to involve human resources alongside financial assistance and donations, an approach that enables our employees to get involved in this type of heartwarming initiative. Being able to plant the indigenous trees on Nelson Mandela Day on the 18th of July as part of our 67 minutes made the occasion even more special.”

This successful initiative was the first project between Atlas Copco and Save our Planet and also the first time that Atlas Copco has come to the support of Isaac Makau Primary School. In addition to providing the necessary shade, as they grow the trees will also be a natural border between the two sports fields.

Jonathan extends a sincere thank you to Kgothatso and Marilyn Govender, Atlas Copco Supplier Development Manager, for making the day possible. “We are looking forward to future greening projects, leaving a living legacy!”

Principal Moeketse expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in this initiative and believes that receiving this sponsorship is not only beneficial to the school but will also motivate the learners. He welcomes future sponsorships as well as visits to the school to show the learners that people care and to teach them to reach out to others in need.