Anglo American Platinum’s Thembelani Mine puts school shoes on the feet of three hundred and thirty eight underprivileged learners from Rustenburg to give them pride to go to school and warmth during the upcoming winter season.
 
As part of the company’s Social & Labour Plans projects, education has been identified as a key area and the company has contributed immensely in building of new schools, renovating existing infrastructure at schools, building Information & Technology Centres, libraries and resourcing of these facilities. The company supports a number of initiatives in partnership with the North West Department of Education.
 
Thembelani Mine joined forces with Transnet Freight Rail, U-Bank and the company’s contractors namely GST, Lesedi and Kern to provide a total of 500 pairs of school shoes. In addition to the school shoes, Transnet Freight Rail will also provide shopper bags with stationery for the learners.
 
The shoes will be handed over by the MEC for Department of Education and Sport Development in the North West province, Hon. Maphefo Matsemela who will be accompanied by the District Director of the Bojanala District, Mrs P Mokhutle and the Chief Education Specialist, Dr Matshediso with the area and circuit managers present.
 
Thembelani Mine will be represented by the General Manager Zweli Ndese who will be accompanied by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and UASA union leadership.
 
The beneficiary schools are Boikagong Primary School in Paardekraal, Bana-pele Primary School in Sondela, Retlakgona Primary School in Meriting, Sekete IV High School in Kanana Village and Lerutlhware Primary School in Mosenthal Village. A total of 162 school shoes remaining will be allocated to needy schools through consultation with the Department of Education and Sport Development’s officials.
 
Commenting on behalf of Transnet Freight Rail, Johan Bouwer Executive Manager Operations, Steel and Cement Business Unit said, “We believe in the importance of making a difference in the communities which we operate in and this initiative also gives us an opportunity to strengthen the relationship with our key stakeholders.”
 
Thembelani Mine General Manager, Zweli Ndese said “For the learners whose parents or guardians cannot afford to buy school shoes, it is embarrassing to have to come to school and spend time with friends that have polished, comfortable shoes to wear every day. Many of the learners have to walk long distances to reach their schools and during winter this is especially difficult to do barefooted or with worn out shoes. Today’s donation will make a huge difference in the lives of the learners and it is my hope that Thembelani Mine will be able to continue to make this difference for many winters to come. To us, such initiatives are not only about donating school shoes but also leading by example and supporting the youth as they are future leaders.”