Mbuyelo’s main focus on its social responsibility is in the areas in which it mines, so as to give back to the immediately affected communities. The contributions are mostly educational: in the form of bursaries, skills transfer or mentorships, learnership programmes, and other sustainable community business programmes. Next, the company takes a look at the rural areas of South Africa, and at the moment, Limpopo is the fortunate province as this is where the company has started with its community outreach programmes. Mbuyelo management thought this would be the perfect place to start, seeing as in our efforts to change the world; surely we should first take a look at ourselves and our home.

Mbuyelo being a Tsonga word for “rewards”, the company decided to give to the people of Limpopo- from as little as clothing, to extending and refurbishing schools, and presenting generous bursaries to any willing and deserving individuals. The thinking is to equip human beings with knowledge and skills so as to be able to take care of themselves; and who knows? Maybe they would do the same for someone else. And of course, the company lends a helping hand to its own employees educationally, and there is where the unity of family is most visible!

Mbuyelo has also started running agricultural programmes such as crop and poultry farming. Research is being conducted, as well as feasibility studies such as the social impact these programmes will have on the community, the demographics, market locations, etc. The company has a promising contract with a multi-national retail store already, a true reflection of the seriousness of these projects.

No one person’s need is greater than another: Mbuyelo has also taken on making contributions to one of Standard Banks’ community outreach programmes, which targets crèches in and around Gauteng. These contributions go towards renovating the crèches and other just as pressing needs. Mbuyelo is a developing company with a bright future ahead, but in doing so; we do not forget where we come from in our endeavors to reach our own goals. We dream big, but our hearts are bigger