Hualin Quarry Mine has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in Pumula, as it seeks to strengthen its relationship with the local community.
In an interview with CITE, Hualin Quarry Mine manager, James Muvundisi, said the company has been actively involved in supporting the community through various initiatives over the years.
“We have been working with the community for some years now and we have been assisting in various ways in terms of our corporate social responsibility (CSR),” said Muvundisi.
He highlighted that the school fees support programme remains one of the company’s key initiatives, aimed at assisting vulnerable learners.
“One of the major programmes we have is helping vulnerable learners with school fees. So far we have 26 learners in total whom we are assisting. We get the list through the Ward Development Committee (WDC), then we pay the money ourselves directly to the school,” he said.
Beyond education support, the company has also rolled out several community-focused projects designed to improve livelihoods in Pumula.
“We are also offering support to an orphanage that is in the community. Every month we supply them with basic commodities. We have also donated Jojo tanks for the community and at local schools,” Muvundisi added.
He further highlighted youth empowerment initiatives, including a mushroom production project being undertaken by young people in the area.
“There is also a project for growing mushrooms that is being done by young people in the community. We have stepped in financially to help them,” he said.
Muvundisi noted that more projects are in the pipeline, including plans to rehabilitate local roads in partnership with the city council.
“Currently, we are engaging the city council to rehabilitate the road. We have been in contact with them for a while and progress is being made. We hope to finalise everything soon,” he said.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said the programme has grown in scope, with more vulnerable children being incorporated into the school fees assistance scheme.
“We have a number of children that are being assisted under this programme by Hualin Mine. Initially we had 18 learners, now they are 26. We increased the number after realising that there were more vulnerable children within the community,” she said.
Cllr Moyo added that the Ward Development Committee, Child Protection Committee and school authorities work together with the mining company to identify deserving beneficiaries.
She said involving schools in the selection process helps ensure that support reaches those most in need while complementing other assistance programmes in the community.
Hualin Quarry Mine said it will continue to invest in community development initiatives as part of its broader efforts to maintain a positive and sustainable relationship with residents.