Anglo American's Thermal Coal business invests in social upliftment

The social upliftment projects include a R250,000 donation to Ikhaya Lethemba, Gauteng's flagship one-stop centre for abused women and children based in Braamfontein, R250,000 to Alexandra's Gordon Primary School and R100,000 to The Hamlet, a Turfontein-based centre which meets the needs of intellectually disabled children and adults.

Much-needed funding

Apart from the company's financial investment, hundreds of employees put their weight behind the global movement - a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for making the world a brighter place, just as the country's beloved Tata Madiba did.

Thermal Coal's latest donation to Ikhaya Lethemba brings its investment in the shelter to R750,000 since its initial pledge of R500,000 on Mandela Day last year.

To date, funding has been directed towards the purchase of a 16-seater Quantum in which children and mothers are taken to school and court, the upgrading of the aging building's plumbing and electrical infrastructure, television sets and DVD players for its expansive residential quarters and specialised equipment for its medical ward.

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety's Advocate Monyezi Tshongweni applauded Anglo American's contribution to Ikhaya Lethemba, saying that through its contribution it was strengthening the prosecution and conviction rate of those linked to gender-based violence and child abuse.

"What Anglo American has done here is nothing short of walking the talk," he said.

Bringing hope to the vulnerable and abused

Ikhaya Lethemba, which means 'Home of Hope', is a government flagship project that provides support for women and children from across the Gauteng province, who have been sexually, emotionally and physically abused. The shelter can accommodate up to 150 women and children for a period of up to nine months.

The home further houses a multi-disciplinary team able to render a variety of essential services. Victims have access to medico-legal services, court preparation for children and adults, child assessment, specialised counselling and skills development training.

Anglo American has taken the lead in lending its support to gender and child-based violence causes, having supported, among others, the Bethany Home Shelter and the Teddy Bear Clinic.

Head of public affairs at Anglo American's Thermal Coal business, Bheki Khumalo, concludes that the company's support of these causes is linked to its overall philosophy: "Anglo American places firm emphasis on responsibility in the way in which we conduct business, as we believe that mining is an activity that can help transform people's lives in a positive and lasting way. It is our privilege to support these projects in providing the most vulnerable and poor with the necessary tools to further their personal development.

"This sustained support will allow them to reach their full potential, and will result in a real and sustainable difference in society being cultivated in our country."

For more information, go to www.angloamerican.com.