Nampak Bevcan raises commitment to education

The 'Every-Can-Counts' campaign managed to increase Nampak's commitment by a further R3 506 620 through a joint initiative that contributed to Nampak's total CSI educational fund.

"Thanks to the South African public, we are thrilled to be able to contribute this incredible amount to assist with education," said Erik Smuts, Nampak Bevcan MD. "We are very happy with reaching the R8.5 million mark and we are thankful to the many people who supported the cause by purchasing beverage cans. This is not a Nampak Bevcan success - it is the people of South Africa's success, whom as always, have showed a 'can' do attitude," said Smuts.

Impact on th environment

The simple commitment of buying beverages in cans has allowed the whole country to support education initiatives, and in this way make a difference to many disadvantaged children. Consumers across the country automatically participated in the campaign by purchasing their favourite beverage in a can. In addition to the 3c donation, the purchasing of canned beverages has a significant impact on the environment, given that cans are 100% recyclable and 70% of all cans produced are collected for recycling, making beverage cans the country's most recycled form of beverage packaging.

The funds are earmarked for various education initiatives as part of the company's CSI target for education. R5 million rand will go towards developing and maintaining science laboratories, computer facilities, administrative infrastructure, teacher upgrade programmes, bursaries for selected top students in Maths, Science and Accounting and libraries in the following schools:

• Lethulwazi High School in Vosloorus, Gauteng
  
• Amogelang High School in Soshanguve, Gauteng
  
• Lebohang High School in Boipatong, Gauteng
  
• Nkumbulo High School in Kwa-Thema, Gauteng
  
• Swelihle High School in Umlazi, KwaZulu Natal
  
• Belhar High School in Belhar, Western Cape
  
• Luhlaza High School in Khayelitsha, Western Cape

As a result of the 'Every-Can-Counts' campaign, Nampak Bevcan which is the largest division within the Nampak group will endeavour to maximise the impact of this contribution as far as possible. SABC Education will receive R2.5 million to develop the educational content that they broadcast on their daily "Matrics Uploaded" show. This program focuses on preparing grades 10, 11 and 12 for their final exams, with a special focus on the areas of Mathematics and Science.

"Supporting Matrics Uploaded via the SABC was one of the best ways in which we could reach and assist a large number of students, thereby making the biggest possible difference," adds Smuts.

"SABC Education is delighted to be a recipient of these funds. The funds will go towards the content development of our show 'Matrics Uploaded' and it is only through sponsors such as Nampak and Nampak Bevcan that we can make our show a possibility," said Danie Swart, head of marketing, SABC Education.

61 bursaries awarded

In addition to "Matrics Uploaded" the balance of R1 006 620 will be allocated to additional education initiatives that will be identified before the end of September 2011.

Besides the commitment above, Nampak has also awarded 61 bursaries to the total value of R2.18 million with the ultimate goal of providing career opportunities for learners within the Nampak group. The criteria for the Nampak Partnered School Bursaries Scheme's bursaries include the academic performance of candidates during their final matric year, with particular emphasis on mathematics, science and accounting as well as the potential of such a student for a future management position within Nampak.