Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to the South African Police Services (SAPS) Empangeni Command Centre and the district office of the Department of Health (DOH) in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The PPE, valued at R600 000, included face masks, gloves, sanitisers, and surgical gowns.
Werner Duvenhage, managing director of RBM commented, “The donation was part of our ongoing support for our host communities and to help those in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19. We have taken a more proactive stance to support government in its efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus. This is in addition to efforts we are taking as a company to share information on health protocols with our employees and communities to stem the spread of the virus.”
Earlier in the year, RBM contracted four SMMEs – one from each of its four host communities – to manufacture 100 000 cloth face masks, which were then donated for free to members of the community. The SMMEs are managed by and employ mainly young people, including women.
“We are pleased that our contributions to the fight against COVID-19 also benefited local communities by creating job opportunities and supporting local economic development. This donation is part of RBM’s strategy to be involved in Public Private Partnerships for the benefit of our host communities,” added Duvenhage.