According to CEO, DJ Kumbula, the company identified three needy causes to whom they made donations as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improving lives.

“We provided electronic equipment with basic warranty in support for our chosen charities with the aim of bridging the digital divide in the various communities, while at the same time developing the skills for unemployed job seekers, which will equip them with the basic skills to get back into the workforce.

These donations included Masemola High School in Limpopo, the only school out of 13 schools in a village of 50 000 people to boast a Library. Mr Harry Mathabatha from Masemola sent through a request for assistance in giving the newly built Library which sat empty, second hand books. Qrent contributed seven computers for the school to further enhance the learning and teaching experience of the school.

Erika Lingenfelder, founder of Beam Africa, which runs a Skills Training Programme in Nellmapius, next to Mamelodi received five computers. These will be used for Short Skills courses and job creation to youth who have not been able to finish matric as well as those who have but are unemployed. Beam Africa has partners in the retail sector who assist them in a Jump Start program which leads to recruitment from their students.

Furthermore, a small community of Diyatawala, situated in Kestell about 20km’s from Harrismith, which was established when a group of farm workers settled close to their place of employment disintegrated – unfortunately leaving the workers and their families behind. This community caught the attention of individuals giving back to communities in need, who after learning about the history of the area, decided to meet and develop plans to make a difference in the lives of those inhabiting the land. The team, now called ‘Friends of Diyatawala’, approached Qrent for assistance in refurbishing the community development centre. Qrent donated IT equipment and revamped the centre, changing the face of the dilapidated building.

“We believe that we have a responsibility to support the community and the environment by helping reduce the amount of electronic waste that makes its way to landfills – which is why we are actively recycling IT equipment,” added Kumbula.

The use of the equipment has meant that the youth in the different communities who would not normally have access to computers on a daily basis, are gaining the vital computer skills needed in today’s IT-driven world.

Qrent’s innovative services promote sustainability by refurbishing equipment – and changing people’s lives