Company Announcement - Engen Petroleum, South Africa’s leading producer and marketer of a wide range of fuels, lubricants and oil-based products, has donated R50 000 towards renovation of the Ekuphumleni Old Age Home in Zwide, Port Elizabeth. This initiative formed part of the company’s CSI “Festive Giving” campaign, which aimed to support and uplift the spirit of local communities. The company has supported the old age home for the past five years.

The official opening ceremony of the renovated building on Saturday, 20 February was a bitter-sweet affair as the community reflected on a tragic fire last November, which claimed the lives of three elderly male residents. The fire destroyed a large part of the building. Subsequently, the home received a major facelift thanks to the South African Navy.  Forty-eight Navy artisans, including plumbers, electricians and builders assisted with the extensive revamp of the home.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Mrs Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula and the Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development Mrs Nancy Sihlwayi handed over the newly revamped old age home. Special guests and dignitaries included the Eastern Cape Premier Mr. Phumulo Masualle, Executive Mayor Dr Danny Jordaan, the Secretary for Defence and Military Generals and the Military Council.

Engen’s Corporate Social Investment Manager, Mntu Nduvane says: “We were devastated when we heard about the fire and we hope that our contribution demonstrates in some small way our commitment to uplifting the local community.  It is essential to restore and revive Ekuphumleni Old Age Home as it is the only facility catering for the aged community in the Nelson Mandela Metro Township area.”

Funds were raised as part of Engen’s Employee Community Partnership Programme. This programme encourages Engen employees to play a meaningful role in their communities. Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Engen General Manager: Corporate Affairs added: “We wish the residents of Ekuphumleni Old Age Home all the very best in their new home. We sincerely hope it will impart a sense of dignity and renewed pride in the folk who reside there.”