AfriSam fosters a spirit of giving in its efforts to improve the lives of less privileged people. This philosophy filters from top management down to the employees at the workface, throughout the company’s operations nationally. AfriSam’s KZN Construction Material employees have recently been involved in a number of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects throughout that province.

These projects are over and above the local economic development projects undertaken by the company in consultation with the local municipalities. In October 2012 AfriSam joined forces with Group 5 to donate a substantial amount of readymix concrete for the construction of a new home for the children of Tholuthando Children’s Home in Hillcrest near Durban. The home, which was started by Cindy Duma in 2005, originally housed three children. It now supports 32 children and with only two bedrooms and outside toilet facilities, conditions were far from desirable.

The sod turning ceremony took place on 12 October 2012. The goal is to complete the home by the end of 2013. This will mean that the children will have access to indoor plumbing, an indoor dining area and additional bedrooms. The AfriSam Construction Materials team also sponsored the year end awards and donated lap desks to the pupils of Sidingulwazi Primary School in Steadville, Ladysmith in November 2012. In a pre-Christmas endeavour, AfriSam employees packed and delivered 64 stationery packs and 82 food parcels to the underprivileged community in Sydenham, Durban.

After a violent storm swept through the Ladysmith region on 9 December 2012, AfriSam donated R75 000 towards repairing the windows of the homes of community members, whilst the local government will contribute towards the roof repairs. Sixteen of the homes affected are part of a 24-unit housing project originally funded by AfriSam. In December, the community of Steadville in Ladysmith participated in an AfriSam-sponsored sports day. The objective of this sports day was to help rebuild the community of Steadville and positively influence the youth of the town. Community members participated in a fun run, as well as soccer and netball games. AfriSam continues to identify and address areas of needs within the local communities in which it operates. By donating money, time, goods and expertise, AfriSam not only uplifts these communities but engenders a spirit of giving and gratitude in all its employees.