Corporate Social Investment

Lichtenburg Schools Recycling Project

Lafarge Cement involved local schools in Lichtenburg to participate in a recycling project which is aimed at sensitising learners towards the importance of taking care of our planet. Through the programme learners will be taught how to recycle various materials, the role that carbon dioxide plays in the environment as a "greenhouse gas" and overall environmental awareness. They will also learn about individual carbon footprints and how everyone can make a difference and contribute towards the increased health of our planet.

"This is an important initiative for Lafarge and one very close to our hearts. Not only because of our strong presence in Lichtenburg and our responsibility to the community, but also because our business philosophy is so deeply rooted in sustainability. We hope that by instilling an understanding of the importance of recycling amongst learners in the community, we will go a long way to sustaining this behavior into future generations," said Ilse Boshoff, National Marketing and Communications Manager of Lafarge Cement.

Education to enhance skills
A key constraint was identified as the country's shortage of skilled labour. The educational fields that present the major challenge in the skills shortage are Engineering, Science and Financial management, as a result of a lack of students with mathematics. Consequently, Asgi-SA, using government and business driven interventions aims to improve the situation. Various programmes have been introduced, which for example, seek to raise the levels of competency in subjects such as mathematics and science in High Schools, while a huge infrastructural upgrade of Further Education and Training Colleges is also planned.

Lafarge as a company that respects and cares for the communities where it operates has a Group as well as a locally-driven Corporate Social Responsibility policy (CSR). Stemming from this CSR policy an important strategic thrust is Supporting Education and, in 2009, Lafarge has continued to sponsor numerous community based organisations, many of them involved in the development of schools.

The Cement Business Unit supported a wide range of projects including:

"Back to school party"
An initiative of the Adopt-a-School Foundation (a Shanduka Foundation project), the "Back to School party" took place in November 2009. Adopt-a-School organised this event in order to showcase some of their school developmental initiatives in 2009. Lafarge was mentioned by Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairman of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, as one of the companies that, in partnership with the Foundation, added material value to the development of eleven schools in Bodibe. Lafarge's involvement was through the Lafarge Education Trust set up with its BEE shareholders.  

Lafarge Cement participated in the "Back to School party" and sponsored a table of ten valued at R50 000 to contribute towards the broader developmental agenda (the proceeds realised from the event went to charity).

Umtholo Primary School
Lafarge Cement donated two pallet loads of cement, which were used in the refurbishment of Umtholo Primary School, at an informal settlement called Zonkizizwe, in the south of Johannesburg. Women in Construction led the construction work. The community expressed their appreciation for the project, saying it would build confidence in the children attending the school and encourage them to learn. It was a humbling experience to see the delight on the faces of the learners as they entered their refurbished school.

Learner Focus Week
This is an annual project of the Department of Minerals and Energy that Lafarge Cement supports.  The aim of the 3-day event is to create awareness among high school and undergraduate students of the career opportunities in mining. 

This year Lafarge contributed R150 000 towards the organising of the event and also sent a training manager to deliver a presentation on career opportunities in mining and in Lafarge. The students, who are from disadvantaged communities throughout the country, are encouraged to participate in research exercises, as well as develop mining related science models and experiments.

National Youth Build
This project took place during June 2009, at Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, to coincide with the celebration of "Youth Month".  Lafarge Cement partnered the Department of Human Settlement and contributed R10 000 towards the initiative. Unemployed volunteer Eshowe youths are being  trained in building skills while they construct 449 houses. Elderly and disabled people from the local communities were the beneficiaries of the first phase of the Youth Build.

Women's Build at Thekwane North
Women's Build at Thekwane North in Mpumalanga, was another initiative of the Department of Human Settlement. Lafarge again demonstrated its commitment towards working with government and communities on projects that impart sustainable skills, while also addressing homelessness. Lafarge Cement supported the event by contributing R24 000 towards the building of 53 houses. The Build event took place in August 2009, when the country was celebrating "Women's Month". Women from the South African Women in Construction organisation developed their construction skills while taking part in the building of the houses.

Refurbishment of the Bodibe heritage site
The Lafarge Cement Works at Lichtenburg in the North West Province is a close neighbour of the Bodibe community.  In keeping with Lafarge policy, the company has developed a close relationship with the Bodibe and is committed to helping the upliftment of the community.

Says Lafarge Transformation Manager, Felleng Yende: "As a member of a global company, we aim to live up to our responsibilities in the communities that we share. We work with our community stakeholders to be a better neighbour and partner".