Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM), in partnership with the Msobo Group of Companies, officially handed over a crèche in Carolina Ward 21 on Wednesday April 24. The initiative, also financially supported by the CEO of Northern Coal, Khalid Mansoor, is a reflection of the mine’s deep commitment to the community’s well-being.
CALM’s acting mayor, Cllr Simphiwe Nkosi, has commended Northern Coal for funding the project, describing the facility as state-of-the-art. The crèche has already welcomed 33 children with plans to accommodate more from surrounding areas. Nkosi urged other private companies to emulate the Msobo Group of Companies in giving back to society.
Mansoor emphasized the importance of nurturing children, highlighting their future roles as leaders. He also stressed the company’s dedication to community development, noting that 80% of their workforce is locally sourced.
The beneficiary of the crèche, Thuli Ndlandla, expressed her gratitude towards CALM for their support. She said the new crèche is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for children’s development, while pleading to the community to maintain the facility’s cleanliness.
“I would like to thank Northern Coal mine for their donation and I know if it wasn’t for them and the municipality it was going to be difficult for us to build our own facility. We are going to make sure that the place is well taken care of. We are also calling on residents to assist us in safe guarding the area,” she said.
The handing over ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the facility to the public. Attendees were given the opportunity to explore the crèche’s facilities and being witness to its commitment to provide a nurturing environment for the community’s children.
This effort between the municipality and private sector exemplifies a model of community development, setting a benchmark for corporate-social collaboration.
