Exxaro interim results show their commitment to community

The successes within Exxaro’s business units have allowed them to assist their host communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community development is at the core of Exxaro’s business model and has been further emphasised during this difficult time.

Exxaro has donated R31 550 000 to assist host communities during this difficult time.

The funding was distributed as follows:

• R20 million to the Solidarity Fund to support South Africa’s healthcare system, humanitarian efforts and campaign for behavioural change
• 45m to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, supply food parcels and provide personal protective equipment (PPE)
• R7m to set up two COVID-19 PCR testing laboratories in Lephalale, Limpopo, and Kriel, Mpumalanga
• 1m for edu-awareness and anti-stigma communication campaigns in our host communities.

In addition to this, Exxaro joined forces with Eskom, the Lephalale Local Municipality, the Department of Health and SAPS’s local security cluster to launch a mass screening and testing drive in Lephalale.

Together, they screened around 26 000 people and referred 30 of them for further testing during May.

Exxaro CEO, Mxolisi Mgojo says, “Our interim financial results are indicative of how successful collaboration with businesses, government and individuals can foster operational success. To extend further assistance, Exxaro provided support to its ESD beneficiaries to ensure they remain operational both during and after the national lockdown by hosting weekly webinars. During this period – six-month period ending on 30 June – a total, R2.3 million has been disbursed to ESD beneficiaries to help them address COVID-19 related-challenges”.

Environmental management

As Exxaro strives to power better lives in Africa and beyond, they are also committed to preserving the environment.

The recent pandemic has highlighted the importance of ensuring a sustainably run business to secure the livelihoods of all involved.

The ability to adapt to change while remaining operational is key to business success.

Exxaro has taken a strategic decision to develop policies and programmes to begin transitioning to a low carbon future.

On March 12, Exxaro published their climate change position statement, with a target to be carbon neutral by 2050.

The group has also started incorporating small-scale renewable energy solutions into their existing portfolio.

An example of this, is their 100% ownership of Cennergi, which owns and operates the Tsitsikamma Community and Amakhala Emoyeni wind farms in the Eastern Cape.

This will allow the company to future-proof its business and the futures of their host communities.

“The group has experienced no fatalities in 41 months to August 1. In line with our Zero Harm vision appropriate measures have been implemented across our operations to manage the COVID-19 risks,” Mgojo said.

These measures include  mandatory COVID-19 self-screening questionnaire, daily disinfecting of workspaces and other common areas, reduced capacity of staff buses that are regularly sanitised, seasonal flu vaccines and supplements provided by occupational health centres, access-controlled screening and a digitally managed contact tracing solution.

“We believe in a holistic approach to ensuring safety. This extends beyond our mines and office space; it includes the families and communities of our staff and stakeholders,” said Mgojo.

The ability to successfully manage the ecosystem in which Exxaro operates has proven to be instrumental in ensuring its success.

Although the recent pandemic has had an impact on the business, they have successfully navigated the challenges and are reaping the rewards of their resilience.