Shining Light on Tronox’s KZN Communities

Tronox KZN Sands officially hands community development projects over to locals

Tronox creates value for all its stakeholders by investing in many ways, such as ensuring our products are manufactured safely and at the highest possible quality, and by supporting development projects within the communities that host us.

On March 11, 2022, KZN Sands celebrated this responsibility through the Local Economic Development (LED) Project Handovers. As the pandemic delayed projects and events, the handover mainly focused on 2020 projects.

The day kicked off at Fairbreeze Mine, where a select group from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Tronox South Africa executive committee members and local authorities enjoyed breakfast and were welcomed by Mpho Mothoa, managing director – South Africa.

The delegation then traveled to the first destination, Thekelimfundo Primary School, situated near the mine. After being greeted by the learners’ welcoming song, the group was thanked by the principal for Tronox’s sponsorship of the kitchen and classrooms. These buildings were officially opened by Mpho and the former mayor of uMlalazi municipality.

The next handover was at Ensingweni Primary School, where Tronox funded an administration block and restrooms. The principal and students expressed their wholehearted thanks for these basic needs. The next stop was at Mbuyiseni High School, which is close to Tronox’s Central Processing Center. Here the delegation officially opened the sponsored computer laboratory. Tronox provided the school with 33 computers, a projector, a printer, and wi-fi capabilities to ensure that learners are technologically equipped for their studies and the work environment.

The group’s last stop was Gubhethuka Primary School for yet another handover of an administration block. This building was opened by Mpho and the mayor of the local municipality, A.T. Ntuli. The guests then moved to a local church where more praises of thanks were given and lunch was served.

This fulfilling day of LED handovers highlighted the development of schools in the local communities surrounding our sites. At every school, Nozuko Basson, regional manager, communities and public affairs; and Nick Bulunga, senior community relations coordinator, encouraged learners to use the development in their schools as an opportunity to grow in their learning, as they are the future engineers, directors, and financial officers of the world.

Schools are not the only beneficiaries of Tronox investments in South Africa. From 2018 to 2020, eight local communities gained from LED projects. Tronox is passionate about the growth of local small- and medium-sized businesses and has invested in a bakery, structures for marketing stalls, and a veterinary clinic. Furthermore, Tronox offered a helping hand to the community by building 23 houses to meet their basic needs and provide a dignified lifestyle. All of these LED projects delivered temporary job opportunities and helped ease the burden of unemployment in South Africa.

View our video highlights of these uplifting and meaningful projects.