Seriti turns the spotlight on the protection of the vulnerable during women’s month Download as pdf (145 KB)

Johannesburg, 30 August 2021: Seriti has launched initiatives in excess of R1, 2 million, aimed at the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) and the protection of the vulnerable, including Women and Children in Emalahleni, in commemoration of Women’s month.

These initiatives include the provision of a therapeutic playroom at the Foundation for Victims of Crime (FOVOC), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in eMalahleni, that supports victims of GBV with services such as court support, restorative justice, prevention programmes and sheltering services for women and their children, as well as the construction of a Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) based at the Kriel Police Station.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently lamented the surge in gender-based violence occurrences across the country, citing that the problem seems to be worsening as the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have kept Women and Children inside homes with their abusers. This is reported to have prompted an escalation in gender-based violence against women and children in South Africa, and the Mpumalanga Province is no exception to the scourge.

Today, Seriti is handing over a brand-new therapeutic playroom to the Foundation for Victims of Crime (FOVOC) in eMalahleni, in response to the plight faced by the vulnerable. This will enable the centre to provide admitted victims of crime, with a warm and receptive environment, which is child-friendly for the young ones.

The new facility provides the necessary resources for children to play freely and with gradual social integration from the harsh external environment, ensuring that they are protected from offenders and remain engaged and entertained in this sanctuary. The donation includes a furnished playroom container with toys for the children, bedding and recreational items, as well as a vegetable garden to assist in empowering beneficiaries with self-sustenance tools when they return to their homes.

Thabo Masike, Chief Corporate and Community Relations Officer at Seriti said: “We believe that these initiatives will aid our partners, the FOVOC and SAPS in protecting the vulnerable members of society, more so with the increased abuse of Women and young girls in our communities. The protection of the vulnerable is key to these initiatives as we are aware that a situation where they are violated, can lead to femicide and in other instances, leaves permanent scars for the victims.”

Seriti, also funded the construction of a Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) based at the Kriel Police Station. The facility boasts a fully furnished office, bedroom and restrooms, with a play area for children. Victims of abuse receive basic counselling at the centre, as well as coping mechanisms to help with the recovery process after experiencing abuse.

To ensure that this centre is protected, Seriti took the decision to refurbish the Kriel Police Station as well. The refurbishment of the Police station includes repainting inside and outside, tiling, installation of clear view fencing and steel gates amongst other refurbishments, ensuring that the SAPS renders professional services, protects victims and arrests offenders to keep our communities safe.

“Seriti’s contribution will go a long way in fighting against crime in the area and in the protection of Women and children against perpetrators. We will continue to partner and support our stakeholders, including the SAPS, to ensure that areas surrounding our operations are safe for our employees, business and the residents at large. By renovating the police station, we restore the dignity and promote the pride of the police workforce as well,” said Masike.

The Kriel Police Station renders services to the Kriel, Thubelihle, Rietspruit and neighbouring farm communities, including the mines and businesses in the area, among others. These initiatives and support offered by Seriti will see eMalahleni transformed for the benefit of all going forward.

For further information please contact:

Hulisani Rasivhaga

+27 83 370 2327

NOTE TO EDITORS:

About Seriti:

Seriti Resources Holdings is a broad-based, 91% black-owned and controlled coal mining company.

Seriti’s subsidiary, Seriti Coal operates three large-scale, opencast and underground thermal coal mines – the New Vaal, New Denmark and Kriel collieries, which respectively supply Eskom’s Lethabo, Tutuka and Kriel power stations. The New Largo mine is currently under development, to meet the needs of the adjacent Kusile power station.

On 1 June 2021, Seriti acquired the operations of SA Coal Holdings Proprietary Limited (SAEC) from South32, bringing into the fold four additional mines – the Khutala, Klipspruit, and Middelburg Mines Services (MMS) North and South mines, which provide coal to the Kendal and Duvha power stations, as well as export coal via the Richards Bay Coal Terminal.

Seriti is co-owned by four anchor shareholders – Masimong Group Holdings (Masimong), Community Investment Holdings (CIH), Zungu Investments (Zico) and Thebe Investment Corporation (Thebe). It is Seriti’s philosophy that 10% of the equity in its mining operations be ring-fenced equally for the benefit of employees and communities through established unencumbered employee and community trusts.

As a responsible South African coal miner, Seriti has a proven track record in the acquisition, operation and development of large-scale opencast and underground coal mines. Guided by experienced board and management teams, Seriti maintains a principle focus on its long-term commitment to the domestic market and, in particular, the reliable and cost-effective provision of coal to Eskom.

Further information on Seriti can be found at www.seritiza.com