As a contribution to Mandela Day, on July 18, diversified miner Anglo American’s Coal Business invested R450 000 in upliftment projects for vulnerable people in the Johannesburg area.

Anglo American Coal Business’s investment includes a R150 000 donation to Gauteng’s one-stop centre for abused women and children, Ikhaya Lethemba, in Braamfontein. The Turfontein-based centre for intellectually disabled children and adults, The Hamlet, received R150 000, while, on July 22, the R450 000 donation was rounded off with a donation of R150 000 to Gordon Primary School, in Alexandra, for the purchase of information and communication technology equipment.

“The contribution of Anglo American Coal Business is a wonderful way of giving life to the wish of Nelson Mandela that people contribute to society in a meaningful way. We appreciate the way the private sector is contributing to our programmes to ensure that the legacy of the great statesman continues to live on in all of us.

“Ikhaya Lethemba has empowered and changed the lives of many ‘clients’ – as we respectfully refer to victims – and continues to give hope to society,” said of Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane during the handover at Ikhaya Lethemba.

She added that Anglo American Coal Business’s contribution to Ikhaya Lethemba would ensure more abused women and children receive speedy and reliable treatment and attention when reporting a case.

Anglo American Coal Business CEO Themba Mkhwanazi highlighted that the company’s support for these causes is linked to its overall philosophy, which sees mining as an activity that can help transform people’s lives in a positive and lasting way. “It is the company’s privilege to support these projects by providing the most vulnerable and poor with the necessary tools to further their personal development.

“Not only are we giving to these facilities to meet their immediate needs, but our greatest motivation is that we leave an impactful legacy that will outlive us for generations to come. “This sustained support will allow them to reach their full potential, and will result in a real and sustainable difference in our society,” he pointed out.

Anglo American’s latest donation brings its total investment in Ikhaya Lethemba to close to R1-million since its first pledge in 2012.

Since then, funding has been directed towards the purchase of a 16-seater Toyota Quantum minibus to provide transport for the children and mothers, 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 centre is also scheduled to launch a fantasy park where mothers and children under the age of six will play together in a safe, therapeutic environment funded by Anglo American.