HWANGE-based coking coal producer, South Mining (Pvt) Ltd was commended for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including the construction of a state-of-the-art community library.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Education, in South Mining’s eyes, is a powerful tool for social cohesion, peace, and economic development. As such, they continue to invest in educational initiatives, believing it to be a vital instrument for poverty alleviation and progress.
Speaking at the South Mining Community Library Official Commissioning by First Lady DR. Auxillia Mnangagwa in Hwange on Thursday, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando said the CSR programs that South Mining has been doing are an indication for a company that is determined to promote government’s economic blueprint.
He also said that by investing in a library South Miming was concerned with the future Development of the country and called upon all Mines to emulate South Mining’s vision.
“What is important if you look for the economic history, no country started as developed, countries printed visions and developed themselves. The library came with a vision, and all the CSR statistics I have mentioned suggest that as a company South Mining is determined to help his Excellency the President in achieving his 2030 vision,” Hon Chitando said.
Capable of accommodating up to 100 pupils at a time, the library features a cutting-edge computer laboratory with internet access, online journals, and an extensive collection of books. The goal is to create a conducive environment for learning, laying a strong foundation for academic success and personal growth.
Speaking at the same event the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa commended South Mining for coming up with a community library saying that it will cater for the changing world.
She also said that the library will help the girl child in breaking free from societal constraints to become leaders of tomorrow thereby helping in the achievement of the 2030 vision.
“This library will evolve with changing times, it will cater for the changing world. South Mining investing in this library is not only investing in the future but also assuring that the past is not forgotten.
“I come before you today to emphasize the importance for education for the girl child. Education is not only a fundamental right but a catalyst for social change and empowerment. When we educate the girl child, we equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed to break free from societal constraints and become leaders in their communities. It is through education that we break the circle of inequality and discrimination, let us invest in the education of the girl child and in doing so we invest in the progress of our society as a whole,” Dr Mnangagwa said.
The CSR strategy
For South Mining to construct the state-of-the-art community library in Mpumalanga high-density suburb in Hwange. The Hwange local board donated 2 500m2 for this initiative. The library building itself takes up 700m2 and the librarian’s accommodation 100m2.
The construction of the community library as well as equipping it and the librarian’s four-roomed house was done at a cost of US$600 000. The well-equipped library will come in handy in offering a conducive environment for learners to study and lay a good foundation for them to excel in both their academic work and life in general.
To address the pressing issue of water access in rural areas, South Mining has drilled six boreholes, providing safe, clean drinking water for both humans and livestock. These boreholes have also facilitated the establishment of nutritional gardens, promoting food security and self-sustainability within the communities.
In addition to the library and water initiatives, South Mining has shown immense support for communal activities and social programmes. They constructed a community hall in Madumabisa, providing a gathering place for villagers during group activities, social support, and public information initiatives.
In addition to the above-mentioned community social responsibility actions by the company some activities that were undertaken include the construction of a football pitch in Madumabisa Village, the donation of a twin cab (Toyota Hilux) to the Hwange Rural District Council to enable its personnel to reach out to communities and areas with poor road networks.