Media Coverage

Tongaat Hulett and eThekwini Join Forces to Uplift

Tongaat Hulett Developments and His Worship, Mayor Obed Mlaba, demonstrated today (Monday 25 August) that although Cornubia development details are not yet finalised, the well-being of its communities remains a top priority for both parties.

The Soul Winning Community Project, spearheaded by the selfless determination of Mama Mhlongo in Amaotana, provides meals to countless members of the community who are unemployed, homeless, or unable to provide food for themselves. The project, which relies solely on volunteers and donations, received a welcome boost from Tongaat Hulett in the form of wheelchairs, gas stoves, a fridge, tables, chairs and urns.

Mayor Mlaba, presented the donated items to Mama Mhlongo and joined the Amaotana community and Tongaat Hulett team in putting the new soup kitchen facilities to use.

Tongaat Hulett Developments director: corporate, Bongani Gumede, explained the importance of the Amaotana project: “The Amaotana community has a large population in need of assistance, with approximately 48 000 people living in informal dwellings as a result of poverty and high unemployment. The soup kitchen feeds street children, the elderly and victims of diseases such as TB and HIV/AIDS.

“Tongaat Hulett's commitment to Corporate Social Partnership (CSP) involves the identification – in partnership with key community members – of projects that will be relevant and sustainable, and to which we can add the most value,” Gumede said.

Gumede added that in her request for assistance, Mama Mhlongo had pointed out a little-known, but critical fact: that TB and HIV/AIDS medication can lose effectiveness when taken on an empty stomach. “This makes this outstanding project even more significant, given its close proximity to the local clinic,” he explained. “We congratulate Mama Mhlongo on her exceptional commitment and efforts in providing this valuable service to the community, and look forward to further partnerships with Cornubia communities to build a sustainable future.”

Tongaat Hulett - 18 May 2009