Atlas Copco spreads Madiba Magic throughout July

Atlas Copco is always willing to get involved and make a positive impact on disadvantaged communities in South Africa. “We recognise that there are countless needy causes that desperately require assistance, which is why this year we decided to spread goodwill to several organisations not only on Mandela Day but also throughout July,” states Wendy Buffa-Pace, Group Human Resources Manager at Atlas Copco. In celebration of the tenth anniversary of Mandela Day, Atlas Copco employees supported a number of philanthropic initiatives, from handing out lunch-boxes to the homeless to erecting fences at a school. Kicking off with a blanket drive, the Atlas Copco team handed out 164 blankets to the Huis Dien Bothma Ouetehuis in Boksburg as well as to the Benoni-based Manger Care Centre on Johannesburg’s East Rand. Atlas Copco also brought some Madiba magic to Vastfontein Community Transformation. When this non-profit, faith-based organisation which comprises amongst others a pre-primary, primary and high school, realised that their students were struggling to attend school due to long distances, the Centre decided to bring the Vastfontein High School closer to their community members. In an effort to collect funds to fence the eight hectare property, the organisation hosted a fundraising event from 18 to 20 July 2019 which invited companies to make donations towards fence panels as well as to assist with installation. Atlas Copco, as a long-standing supporter of the Vastfontein Community Transformation organisation, was immediately on board upon hearing about this initiative. On Mandela Day, 18 July, the enthusiastic Atlas Copco team – Bongani Ndlovu, Mando Makama, Sixolile Mdluli, Katlego Ntsie, Nyasha Ruzvidzo and Mpho Tembe - rolled up their sleeves and got to work erecting fence panels. Atlas Copco’s Industrial Technique division lent its support by supplying cordless drills and ten pairs of safety gloves. “We are proud of our employees for their generosity in making a difference in the lives of the under-privileged. Every gesture of goodwill, no matter how small, can change a person’s life,” concludes Wendy.