According to Glencore Coal, the pandemic has presented the country with immense challenges and Glencore has adapted its existing social investment programmes to address the changing social needs of communities caused by the pandemic.

Glencore adds that it saw fit to continue supporting host communities in the fight against COVID-19 by directly linking their COVID-19 relief programmes to empowering local organisations.

Abanqobi is a woman-led organisation that has been in existence since 2013. The organisation aims to build resilience among vulnerable children and youth, as well as their caregivers, through:
  • skills development
  • academic empowerment
  • economic strengthening, and
  • community upliftment. 
The masks were distributed to 11 local schools in the Emalahleni and Middelburg communities.

"Masks remain a necessary part of protecting people against the coronavirus, especially as the country gradually begins to resume most economical activities," says Glencore Coal's acting community manager Ian Troskie. "We are so proud to have worked with the Abanqobi non-profit organisation because, as an organisation seeking to create a positive impact in their communities, they fully align with our progress together vision."

Since the pandemic started, Glencore has donated over 60 000 masks. To date, it has assisted its host communities through various relief programmes, such as:
  • the provision of screening and testing in communities
  • the supply of water tanks in water-scarce communities, and
  • the supply of food aid and e-learning programmes to support the education of learners during lockdown.
For more information, visit www.glencore.com. You can also follow Glencore Coal on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram