Local communities are at the heart of our initiatives, always. With an aim to continue the spirit of Mandela Day beyond 67 minutes, we embarked on a programme. From equipping small-scale growers with essential business skills to promoting safety awareness campaigns in primary schools, and supporting agricultural interns, here’s how we are growing a sweet future.
Recognising the importance of fundamental skills and business knowledge, we provided cooperative governance, business management and financial literacy courses for small-scale growers in the Jozini/Makhathi Flats, Mtubatuba (Madwaleni, KwaMthethwa/Mabhuyeni, eDlangezwa/Macekance) and Matikulu/Ensingweni areas. With 161 stakeholders trained in this programme, we hope to see a tangible change in the agriculture of the respective communities.
With a portion of land being leased by Tongaat Hulett from Obizo Communal Association, under the leadership of Inkosi Cebekhulu, it was our duty to hold a safety campaign in the community. The Obizo Awareness Campaign, led by The Obizo Estate Management and SED Team, educated learners at Ndodwane Primary School, Obizo Primary School and Cebekhulu Primary School, on the importance of safety on the farm and around operational activities involving sugarcane farming. Learners were taught about the background of the agreement with Tongaat Hulett, operational activities at the farm, the dangers that may be encountered on the farm, and the social impact of our operations. With eagerness, the learners participated in our question and answer session, where a few of them went home with prizes.
For our Agricultural Internship Programme, we partnered with Agri-Seta to give 5 young bright minds valuable workplace training. Sbukayena Dube (27), Nomthandazo Jobe (27), Snenhlanhla Bhengu (22), Andiswa Ndlela (25), and Zibuyile Simelane (23) were enrolled in a Senior Certificate Course in Sugarcane Farming, fully funded through the Grower Development Account. The course, facilitated by the South African Sugar Research Institute, offers comprehensive theoretical and practical training and gives the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in acquiring the necessary skills for a successful career in the sugar industry.
By investing and caring for local communities, we hope to make a tangible difference! Thank you to everyone who partnered with us to honour Madiba’s legacy of serving others. Happy Mandela Day!
