Communities benefit from Tronox projects
Tronox KZN Sands’ post-pandemic LED handover
AS a responsible organisation, Tronox aspires to create value for its neighbouring communities through Local Economic Development (LED) projects.
The value Tronox has created was evident at its LED project handover on Friday, which included projects completed in 2020 where official handovers were delayed by the pandemic.
These projects have benefitted communities and contractors hired locally. A total of 16 contractors benefitted over the course of two years, with 481 community members receiving temporary employment during construction.
According to Kuda Shoniwa, acting supply chain director of Tronox South Africa: 'Tronox provides local contractors with opportunities and mentorship, as well as exposure for black women and youth-owned businesses.'
The LED handover started with a delegation from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Tronox’s clients, municipal officials and local amakhosi.
They were treated to a closed session review of Tronox mining operations by Shalen Poorun, the site director at Fairbreeze Mine, and later welcomed by Mpho Mothoa, chairman and MD of Tronox South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
School sponsorships
The delegation then travelled to Thekelimfundo Primary School in Macambini near Fairbreeze Mine where they were welcomed in song.
Tronox has sponsored four classrooms and a kitchen, built by
Amagwaba Construction, which created 29 jobs. These buildings were officially opened by Mothoa, Inkosi Mathaba, and uMlalazi speaker Cllr Stan Larkan.
The delegation proceeded to Nsingweni Primary School in the KwaNzuza where an administration block, ablution facilities for staff and pupils, and four classrooms were officially opened by Mothoa, Cllr Larkan, DMRE acting regional manager, Ncedisa Mahala, and Inkosi Nzuza.
Mahala expressed his gratitude at Tronox’s commitment to its surrounding communities by creating jobs and improving the standard of schooling locally.
The third handover took place in Mkhwanazi, near Tronox Central Processing Complex.
Here, Tronox contracted Getkate Projects, a 100% female-owned company, for the installation of a computer laboratory at Mbuyiseni High School. This air-conditioned computer laboratory consists of 33
computers, Wi-Fi, a projector and printer.
'This will go a long way to improving conditions under which our educators and learners can perform and work well,' said Dr David Chonco, chief director at the Department of Education.
'We appreciate your contribution as it will assist in alleviating the budget constraints experienced by the Department of Education in KZN.'
The group’s last stop was at Gubhethuka Primary School for another handover of an administration block, to which Alson Group, a 100% black-owned company, was contracted. This created 33 temporary jobs, 26 of whom were youth.
This building was opened by Mothoa and the mayor of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, AT Ntuli.
Community appreciation
The guests then visited a local church where more thanks were given and lunch was served.
Although these projects were officially opened this year, community members believe they have already reaped the fruits of these projects.
'Our admin block has made it easy for teachers to execute their work,' said SS Mngomezulu, principal of Gubhethuka Primary School.
'This facility provides the school with the foundation to meet the fourth industrial revolution.'
Schools were not the only beneficiaries of Tronox's investments in KZN.
From 2018 to 2020, eight local communities gained from its LED projects. They invested in a bakery, structures for marketing stalls and a veterinary clinic.
Furthermore, Tronox offered a helping hand to the community by building 23 houses to meet their basic needs and provide them with a dignified lifestyle.
'Our efforts are aimed at promoting the long-term interest of not only our employees, but also of the local communities, business partners, and our customers,' said Mothoa.