VWSA employees make a difference through Show of Hands event

Shortly preceding Mandela Day, the volunteers gave their free time on Saturday 16 July to participate in various projects at the Mthonjeni Primary School in KwaNobuhle. The work formed part of VWSA's Show of Hands initiative, which was held annually prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and was hosted for the first time in three years in Kariega.

The volunteers rolled up their sleeves to paint the exterior and some of the classrooms of the school, along with planting a waterwise garden, installing benches in outside areas, and packing more than 32 000 nutritious meals for local schools, early childhood development centres and NGO's. VWSA received support from partners such as Old Mutual, who donated mobile libraries for classrooms; Rise Against Hunger, who assisted with meal packs; Axalta Plascon, who provided the paint needed for the project.

In addition to the renovations, VWSA also brought contractors to the school to perform plumbing repairs and install water tanks for the school amid the ongoing water crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay. The company perviously supported similar projects at 15 different schools in the Metro, as part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's Adopt-a-School initiative.

"One of the core values at VWSA is One Team, and this event has shown us time and time again that our employees will work together as one team when it comes to making an impact where it is most needed," said Nonkqubela Maliza, Director of Corporate and Government Affairs at VWSA. "Our Community Trust prioritizes education, youth development and community development, and our employees have supported us in giving their free time to also contribute to these critical causes. Their dedication to making a difference is truly inspiring."