Cover story: Afrox
As an integral part of its commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable and productive South Africa, Afrox takes the long-term view to sustainable social responsibility, training, safety as well as industrial solutions. African Fusion finds out more… Industry leader delivers lasting 360° social solutions
aware of the mountain of empty single-use refrigerant cylinders at Afrox’s Roodekop LPG and refrigerant warehouse,” Mahlangu tells African Fusion. “The idea was born to upcycle this waste by using the skill and creativity of our apprentices to create high- value corporate gifts as an entrepreneurial income generator. “This has social impact in terms of income and employment, along with envi- ronmental and sustainability impact,” adds Afrox’s CSR manager. “And to date, our 10 apprentices have manufactured over 2 000 braai stands out of these cylinders.” The end product, a portable outdoor cooker or braai stand, was distributed under the ‘We Care’ brand to all Afrox staff as an end-of-year company gift. This project ex- ceeded the initiative’s original goals in terms of sustainability and environmental impact, while still meeting all of the small business and technical skills development goals. As well as the wealth of experience gleaned from producing so many identical high-quality gifts, Mohabir points out that the sponsored trainees received welding and cutting training directly from Afrox, along with refrigeration, electrical/electri- cian and manufacturing skills training from the Thuthukisa Institute, all of which relate to Afrox’s business areas. While on the programme, all students re- ceived a laptop with access to MS Office; and access to Thuthukisa tools, workshops and the business centre from where they were encourage to run small businesses. Trade specific PPE, tools and consumables were also issued to each candidate and they all benefitted from a monthly stipend of R4 000. “We have now depleted the stockpile of empty refrigerant cylinders at Roodekop and we are looking for other refrigerant suppliers who may have a similar waste stockpile problem. All our Afrox-sponsored apprentices are still with us completing various apprenticeship programmes,” says Mahlangu. Another successful Afrox CSR initiative is the development of training centres focused on welding as an in-demand route to a sustainable career. Launched in 2016, the POPUP Welding School in Soshanguve provides welding skills to persons who need them most. Following this success, Afrox sponsored the LIV Welding Academy in KZN, a custom- built container welding school developed in partnership with Afrox and the LIV Village. Through these training centres, Afrox contributes to the development of entrepreneurial skills for the upliftment of South Africa’s unemployed youth.
L eading gases company Afrox incorpo- rates a strong culture of social respon- sibility into its day-to-day business strategies through programmes supporting education, job creation and income gen- eration. Its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives assist in practical ways while making a sustainable difference to society, positively impacting customers, stakehold- ers, surrounding communities and, impor- tantly, the South African economy. “We are committed to acting respon- sibly towards people and the environ- ment, conserving natural resources and developing sustainable practices through socio-economic development and internal programmes,” says Afrox CSR manager Nemenita Mohabir. “CSR is an inherent part of how we do business. Economically and socially strong communities enhance success and Afrox’s CSR initiatives are chosen to align with our long-term business objectives.” Afrox’s CSR programmes comprise a host of projects ranging from fun days for under-privileged children to develop- ing welding schools, donating gases and welding materials; talent and small busi- ness development schemes and internal programmes incorporating staff health and wellness, bursaries and tertiary assistance.
Mohabir cites a strategic CSR collabora- tion between Afrox and the Thuthukisa In- stitute, a community initiative approved by SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation. The Thuthukisa Institute runs a not-for-profit artisan and technical skills development centre where young black entrepreneurs can develop appropriate trade and produc- tion-centred vocational skills. Says Thuthukisa Institute director Pau- los Mahlangu: “In partnership with com- panies such as Afrox, we seek out young entrepreneurs from disadvantaged com- munities who are committed and display a keen interest in building viable businesses. Participants are mentored and encour- aged to actively engage in entrepreneurial enterprises, while we transfer high quality and critically-needed skills, technologies, production and business know-how to the chosen candidates.” The Afrox-Thuthukisa collaboration project involves 10 unemployed ap- prentices – five women and five men – in a business incubation programme with direct environmental impact. “Initially, the programme focused on the refrigeration side of Afrox’s business, with the candidates being trained in Thuthukisa’s workshops on the maintenance and repair of refrig- eration equipment. But then we became
The ten Thuthukisa Institute Apprentices, from left: Nancy Mokoena, Paballo Motaung, Ntokolo Rakolodi, Xolani Ndlovu, Thabang Mohlala, Karabelo Lekgothoane, Kgotsofatso Mahlangu, Precias Phetla, Phontso Aphane and Thabang Rampone.
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November 2022
AFRICAN FUSION
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