Staff members from Atlas Copco’s Power Technique business area (formerly Construction Technique) dedicated their 67 minutes in honour of Madiba Day on 18 July 2017 by giving of their time to Sithabile Child and Youth Center.

Philip Herselman, General Manager of Atlas Copco Power Technique, explains that the relationship with Sithabile started last year when the business area donated blankets to the Center. “Thanks to this initiative we recognised the good work being done at Sithabile despite their many needs and lack of funding.

Many of their learners have been awarded learnerships and have gone on to achieve tertiary educations and have even addressed international forums. Mandela Day presented the prefect opportunity for us to continue building on a lasting relationship with Sithabile.”

Herselman adds that the policy of giving back to the community in which Atlas Copco operates is also strongly supported by the company and staff.

Established 24 years ago in Putfontein, Benoni, in the Ekurhuleni Municipality of the East Rand, Sithabile creates a safe haven for some 35 children who are survivors of abuse, exploitation and neglect. In addition, the Center feeds over 100 families in their local RDP and informal settlement communities. The Center relies on support from the private sector and individuals in the community.

“We have provided care for hundreds of children in need over the years,” says Thabisile Msezane who is a Director at Sithabile. “We are extremely proud of our achievements; over 30 of our young people have successfully completed Matric, a couple of our children have been awarded learnerships in the insurance industry, some have spoken at national, regional and international forums such as the United Nations Special Session issues that affect children, and one lady who completed her Somatology Diploma at University of Johannesburg is now working in the USA.”

Thabisile adds that a young man is studying Mining Engineering through UNISA graduating in September 2017 while working at a mine in Middleburg.

Money donated by Power Technique was used to purchase groceries, cleaning materials and toiletries as well as basic medical aid kits which were handed over by staff members to Sithabile. Atlas Copco even remembered Sithabile’s resident canine who received a donation of dog food.

Wanting to give back and do more than merely hand over donations on this auspicious day on South Africa’s July calendar, Power Technique staff members also sponsored their time. With always so much to do, especially on the maintenance side, the Center welcomed their assistance with open arms.

Sithabile became a hive of activity as all the staff members got busy helping with general chores around the facility - from preparing lunch for the children, to painting and working in the vegetable garden.

Thabisile extended a sincere thank you to Atlas Copco and staff on behalf of Sithabile. “We appreciate your generous donations as well as the time spent at the Center. Your contribution will allow the children to have a comfortable environment and contribute to their nutrition for the next few months.

You have helped to show that when the community comes together, we can make a difference in the life of a child.”