Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions invested in four sustainable social projects in honour of Mandela Day on 18th July 2017 which addressed the needs of two old age homes, an animal shelter as well as a primary school.

Thyssenkrupp staff members were asked to support the various initiatives by donating blankets, cat and dog food or money. “The first stop on our Mandela Day journey was Tembisa Old Age Home where we donated blankets to keep the elderly warm during the cold winter months,” says Thyssenkrupp Marketing and Communications Manager, Kgothatso Ntsie. “Following a tour of the facilities which gave us the opportunity to meet some of the residents, we busied ourselves doing some general chores around the home.”

Tembisa Old Age Home opened its doors in 2014 to take care of the physical wellbeing of the elderly by providing nursing care, ear and eye care, physiotherapy, and counselling services. “We also focus on our residents’ mental wellbeing with activities such as crafting, knitting and gardening to help enrich their lives,” says Cornelia “Corny” Mbuqe, Centre Manager at Tembisa Old Age Home.

“We currently care for 36 senior citizens and our oldest resident is 98. On behalf of all our residents and staff I extend a sincere thank you to Thyssenkrupp. The blankets will help keep our elderly nice and warm, and thank you for spending the time with us and helping out at the home.”

“Itlhokomeng Association for Aged and Disabled persons in Alexandra was our next destination where we were treated to a joyous Mandela celebration in a festive, colourful party atmosphere,” continues Kgothatso. Itlhokomeng which means ‘Help Yourselves’ was founded in 1978 by a group of concerned women from Alexandra Community and is spearheaded by Marjorie Manganye who is fondly referred to as ‘Mother Theresa of Alexandra’.

The opening of a permanent home to replace the temporary home in 1991 increased elderly accommodation to 90 with the frail care unit housing 60%. Itlhokomeng staff was extremely grateful to receive the generous blanket donation and thanked Thyssenkrupp for taking part in their Mandela celebration.

Not forgetting about the plight of animals, Thyssenkrupp journeyed on to the Midrand SPCA to hand over cat and dog food.

The Midrand SPCA was established in 1991 in an answer to a growing need resulting from the rapid development of Midrand and the subsequent influx of animals into the residential areas. “We proudly accept all animals and do not turn any animal away,” says Branda Lucus, Chairlady, Midrand SPCA.

“On behalf of the Midrand SPCA, the staff, management and animals, we thank Thyssenkrupp for their kind and generous donation made towards our cause. Without the assistance of the public we simply cannot continue the work that we do.”

Thyssenkrupp’s Mandela Day journey concluded with a donation of pens, pencils, rulers, erasers and highlighters to learners at Skeen Primary School. Established in 1936, the school has grown and developed. Today it proudly provides education to some 1,522 learners.

Alongside school subjects, sports is also considered to be important and learners play soccer, cricket, basketball and netball. Deputy Principal, Kate Makola thanked Thyssenkrupp for their generous donation of stationery saying that the learners will use them well.

In closing, Kgothatso says that Thyssenkrupp is proud to have participated in these initiatives as part of Mandela Day celebrations.

“This journey was indeed a two-way street because by handing over donations and giving of our time proved to be an extremely rewarding experience for all the staff members who participated. We hope that our contributions have made a sustainable difference to the lives of the elderly, the learners and animals, and we pledge our continued investment in and support of the community.”