The launch of the Chibuto Women and Children’s Centre in south-west Mozambique on 20 July 2022 was an immense step forward for the welfare of the local community. The centre, constructed and equipped by non-profit company (NPC) Zenzele Itereleng in partnership with Associação Cross Moçambique, can now benefit vulnerable children, widows and elderly people through the provision of training and vocational services including sewing, culinary services, hairdressing, a savings group and preschool services.
More than R3 million (US$175,000) has been invested in the centre, and its day-to-day administration will be managed by Associação Cross Moçambique with the support of Zenzele Itereleng.
The formal handover was attended by government officials, religious leaders, Zenzele Itereleng board members and representatives of Anglo American Platinum, with the invited speakers urging the community to take full advantage of all that the centre has to offer.
"We are proud to have built this centre that will positively impact the lives of some of the Chibuto people... A big thank you to our collaborators Platinum and Associação Cross Moçambique, for helping us bring this important project to life.”
Bongiwe Mnyande, representative of the Zenzele Itereleng board and an independent non-executive director, said: “We are proud to have built this centre that will positively impact the lives of some of the Chibuto people. The purpose of the centre is aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, specifically the targets of achieving zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education and gender equality. A big thank you to our collaborators Platinum and Associação Cross Moçambique, for helping us bring this important project to life.”
Bongiwe Mnyande, non-executive director at Zenzele Itereleng, addressing the audience.
Sanah Machaba, head of social performance at Platinum, addressing the audience.
The Chibuto community and stakeholders during the launch.
Sanah Machaba, head of social performance and integration at Platinum, pointed out that “one of the pillars of Platinum’s sustainable mine plan is to build thriving communities in the areas where we operate. While the South African mining industry’s reliance on migrant labour has reduced significantly in recent years, we remain committed to making a real difference in geographical areas where, historically, we have recruited many employees.”Doroteia José Balane, executive director of Associação Cross Moçambique, also expressed her gratitude: “I have dedicated my life to providing food, education, medical care and safe shelter to orphans and vulnerable children. This centre will benefit 140 widows, 50 orphaned children, 20 children and 17 unemployed youth. This important work would not be possible without the support of our partners, and I want to thank Zenzele Itereleng and Platinum for their generous contribution. We look forward to continued partnership to benefit the people of Chibuto.”
Zenzele Itereleng is a beneficiary of the Lefa La Rona Trust, which was established in December 2012 as part of Platinum’s Alchemy community share ownership scheme. At present, communities own 1.4 million shares worth over R1.7 billion in the mining company. Alchemy was established to ensure the long-term development of Platinum’s mining host communities and labour-sending areas.
