South32 Metalloys hands over new sustainable facility for local children

South32 Metalloys handed over a R45-million newly built sustainable facility to the Kotulong Community Centre (KCC), an NGO that takes care of vulnerable children in Meyerton, South Africa. The facility forms part of Metalloys’ legacy and was previous located within the premises of the operation.

The centre was developed and handed over in partnership with the Department of Social Development and the KCC management and Board. It will provide the children with a safe place to call home in a more suitable environment. The new building has seven three-bedroom units, a kitchen and laundry area, administration block, library and social worker unit. It was built by a local company and created 26 temporary jobs for the local community during construction. Sustainability is a priority for us, and this is reflected in the design and low maintenance nature of the facility.

More than 75 per cent of the centre is powered by solar energy and it is equipped with energy-efficient technology including floor insulation and double-glazed windows. It also includes a borehole capable of providing 7,200 litres of water per hour, which will go through a high-standard chlorination system to provide affordable and clean water.

The project included capacity-building for the KCC Board and management team through the provision of training in governance, fund-raising and strategy. A R10 million endowment will further support the sustainability of the centre for the long-term. This project aligns with our purpose of making a difference by improving people's lives now and for generations to come.

Noel Pillay, South32 Chief Operating Officer said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our purpose and underpins the delivery of our strategy. We are committed to working with our stakeholders to create value and opportunities for them in areas surrounding our operations. We apply the same approach to our community development projects and believe that this new centre will provide the children with an environment that meets all their needs and a safe place to call home. We believe this will go a long way in improving their mental and physical wellbeing.”