Businesses and kids benefit

R20M: GETTING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INTO SCHOOLS Masks produced by artisans in casino’s catchment area.

Despite the challenging economic climate caused by Covid-19, Peermont’s Emperors Palace has remained invested in the local Ekurhuleni community.

Through one of its broad-based black economic empowerment vehicles, the Infrastructure Fund, Emperors Palace has started to roll-out a personal protective equipment (PPE) project valued at R20 million to 156 Ekurhuleni schools.

As part of the initiative the “Palace of Dreams” not only kept pupils and educators safe by providing masks, shields, gloves, aprons, soap and cleaning materials, but created job opportunities by contracting small businesses and cooperatives in its catchment area to produce the masks.

“We are very proud of these local businesses,” says Emperors Palace trust administrator Makomane Ntabo. “It’s during these tough times that we are proud to make a difference, empower local businesses, as well as providing protection for our children.”

Beneficiaries included:

The Dorcas Foundation in the Ethafeni Multi-Skill Centre in Tembisa. The organisation has produced just over 23 000 masks, which have been distributed to schools in Tembisa, Kathorus, Daveyton and Etwatwa.

Masinga Embroideries was employed to cut out all the materials required for the masks before they were distributed to other entities for sewing. Owners Sipho and Pontsho Masinga and their team have helped produce just under 225 000 masks. Thanks to the project the Tembisa business was able to employ a further six staff members and buy a new dye sublimation printer and a direct garment inkjet printer.

Bulang Mamati Cooperative in Klippoortjie Park worked with the Revelation Cooperative and Bana Bamohale Cooperative, both in Buhle Park, to produce 48 976 masks to date.

The Daveyton Association for the Physically Disabled has made 37 313 masks, creating jobs for about 30 of the centre’s members. – Citizen reporter