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Corporate social responsibility
Corporate social investment is institutionalised in AFGRI and is conducted at both a central and decentralised level. AFGRI allocates a percentage of its profit after tax to its CSI activities. By using these resources in a focused manner, AFGRI is able to ensure a greater impact on transformation in communities where projects are located. The drivers of the programme are:- budget allocation
- project selection – development projects such as skills development in agriculture and schools upliftment
- outreach and feedback – the number of people affected and impacted upon by the projects.
Approach to project selection
AFGRI supports projects in selected focus areas: agriculture; infrastructural development in primary schools; food gardens; environmental conservation; and water provision. Based on the set requirements, the Group provides projects with inputs, consumables, tools and equipment. Projects are located in areas where the Company has operational presence. 90% of the budget is allocated to development projects and 10% is reserved for social relief.
Development projects
ASIPHEPHE Primary School, KZN
In addition to the four classrooms and an ablution block for the teachers built during early 2008, AFGRI constructed toilets to cater for the 1 222 learners, desks and chairs, furniture for the educators, a school signboard and 1 222 stationery sets for the learners. Through this project, learners’ absenteeism, especially during the winter and rainy seasons, has been reduced; their concentration span has increased and the teachers’ morale has been boosted by the improved working environment.
FUNDISISA Combined School
Fundisisa Combined School is situated in the Dryden area and was established by a local farmer 15 years ago for farm workers’ children. The school has a current enrolment of approximately 200 learners. The first phase of the upliftment project was completed during February 2009. This included: renovation and painting of the school’s ablutions block and nine classrooms; installation of a new entrance gate; and building of teachers’ carport.
AFGRI and Rabobank provided the school with three computers, garden equipment and seeds for a vegetable garden. The vegetables supplement the current nutritional programme at the school. The second phase of the upliftment initiative will commence during July 2009 to provide additional furniture such as chairs, tables, shelves, burglar proofing for the classrooms and security fencing.
BETHLEHEM Farmers Trust (BFT)
Launched a decade ago and having faced many challenges, this Free State project continues to serve the community. The project continues to receive management support and working capital from AFGRI. The project has attracted national interest, receiving several awards, and has lived up to its mission to create and empower 94 previously disadvantaged farmers. A select number of farmers will be assisted with further education and training at a tertiary education facility in the coming year.
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Social Relief Projects
Roundabout playpumps
The Playpumps installed at five primary schools in Mpumalanga and Limpopo continue to provide free, clean and potable water to approximately 5 000 people in surrounding communities in the two provinces.
TATENI Home Care Services
AFGRI provides a monthly food supply to Tateni for three of its drop-in centres. The drop-in centres cater for 434 learners (orphaned and vulnerable children) from Khuthalani High School on a daily basis.
Bread of Life
Through the partnership with the Methodist church in Midrand, approximately 106 economic migrants and a number of destitute South Africans are provided meals three times a week.
The Manger Care Centre
The Manger Care Centre was established in 1987 as a non-profit organisation caring for the homeless and recovering addicts. Through the Manger Manna Soup Kitchen, 1 700 meals are provided to school children five days a week, during school terms. The children live in Etwatwa in Ekurhuleni. The goal of the Soup Kitchen is to develop its permanent, educational, agricultural, self-sustaining skills-based community upliftment venture, whereby schools will be trained to establish food gardens to supplement their staple diet. AFGRI provided the Centre with various inputs and tools for a vegetable garden.
Green Dwelling Project
The Green Dwelling Project is situated in Hebron, north of Pretoria. AFGRI provided seeds and equipment for the establishment of a vegetable garden. The vegetables are sold to the community with the proceeds being applied to other projects.