Season's Greeting: A Message from the CEO
As we reflect on the Impact Catalyst's November/December business activities, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our valued stakeholders, partners and the general public for the continued support.
As we kick-start the festive season, the Impact Catalyst team wishes you and your family a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and happiness. May the New Year bring opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Charl Harding
Bridging the Digital Divide: Transforming Northern Cape schools through Connectivity?
The Impact Catalyst, in collaboration with its Northern Cape partners and the Northern Cape Department of Education, are actively addressing the digital divide in the province through the School Connectivity Pilot Project, which was recently evaluated by its beneficiaries and partners during a site visit at Deben Primary School on 07 November 2023, in Kathu.?
Funded by Anglo American (Kumba Iron Ore), Assmang, Kudumane Manganese Resources (KMR) and South32, the initiative aims to install broadband infrastructure at eight schools to enhance learning outcomes, improve access to educational resources and foster community development.?
“This collaborative initiative not only addresses the critical issue of educational inequality in underserved regions but, it also empowers students with the digital tools necessary to thrive in the digital age, ensuring that no child is left behind,” said Impact Catalyst CEO Charl Harding.?
Representing the Northern Cape partners, Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager at KMR, Tshidi Mashishi, highlighted the project's genesis by emphasising the crucial collaboration among mining companies.?
“The initiative stems from a comprehensive process called "How will John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) look like when it is fixed?" This process involved various stakeholders such as district and local municipalities, traditional authorities, faith organizations, civic organizations, and youth in the communities”.?
She further added: “The eight pilot schools mark the beginning of our journey to ensuring no communities are left behind in the advancement of technology and the fourth industrial revolution. The vision is to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to the entire JTG District, starting with schools and gradually extending to community facilities like libraries, community halls, clinics, etc.”?
Leveraging the expertise of Altron, the Impact Catalyst successfully installed broadband infrastructure at Hotazel Combined School, Hotazel College School, Deben Primary School, Gamagara High School, KS Shuping Secondary School, Segopotso Intermediate School, and Assmang Primary School.?
Thato Matsio, Project Manager: ICT and Education, highlighted the transformative potential of the Wi-Fi infrastructure, stating: “The Northern Cape School Connectivity Pilot Project stands out for its focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by schools in rural and peri-urban areas. Currently the lack of resources to empower learners with the skills to navigate the era of digitalisation is a stumbling block to academic success. Therefore, through the installation of the broadband infrastructure, we hope that learners and educators will have better access to information and digital skills to prepare learners for the future world of work. If we can get this right, we will be more equipped to replicate this model to other parts of JTG.”?
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary schools, Mr. Olifant, Principal of Assmang Primary School indicated that this initiative is needed in most communities, particularly those who are situated far from libraries and other centers of information.?
“Most of our learners come from homes which are being subsidised by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This means their parents cannot afford data or Wi-Fi at home, as it is not a priority. Therefore, when learners are given assignments, they must travel to libraries, which can be unsafe. So, having this initiative at our school will enable learners to access information in a safe environment without having to travel long distance.”?
During the site visit at Deben Primary School, other beneficiaries praised the initiative for empowering educators to shift from traditional teaching methods to more innovative techniques.?
Principal Mr. Sebolai noted: “Since the programme took off, we have seen positive results not only among learners but also in teaching methods. Educators are adapting to the digital age, ensuring our learners are not left behind.”?
With the infrastructure installed, the second phase of the School Connectivity Pilot Project will now focus on capacitating schools with digital tools such as multimedia resources, interactive learning platforms, and educational apps to further enhance learning outcomes.?
Impact Catalyst in the Media?
What's Next - Thato Matsio explains the importance of the Northern Cape School Connectivity Project
Impact Catalyst strikes a balance between championing sustainable development goals and uplifting underserved communities.
The Impact Catalyst, an initiative founded in 2019 by Anglo American, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Exxaro, and World Vision South Africa, is at the helm of facilitating public-private partnerships in South Africa. This effort aims to contribute towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through large-scale initiatives that equip communities with skills and resources to be self-sufficient and stimulate their local economy.
Invited to discuss the Impact Catalyst's focus areas and projects on SA FM was Charl Harding, Impact Catalyst CEO.
To listen to the full interview, see link: Podcasts - SAfm
Social Development month: role of public-private partnerships
As South Africa wraps-up Social Development Month, which is themed: “Working together to build caring and sustainable communities”, SA FM assessed how organisations are reinforcing their commitment to fostering public-private partnerships to drive achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through transformative projects that boost local economies and empower communities.?
In the Sustainable Development Goals context - How are PPPs in South Africa contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Analysing specific PPP projects in South Africa to understand their successes, challenges, and impact on social development.
To listen to the full interview, see link: Podcasts - SAfm
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Impact Catalyst Participates in Panel Discussion on JET at Sasol SME Sustainability Summit
As an organisation that has been appointed by the Presidential Climate Commission to drive Just Energy Transition (JET) initiatives in two districts in Mpumalanga, the Impact Catalyst Head of Department for JET Aradhna Pandarum participated in a panel discussion titled: Just Energy Transition as it impacts Mpumalanga at the Sasol SME Sustainability Summit on 29 November 2023.?
As part of the discussions, Pandarum shared her views on critical aspects of a just energy transition in ensuring job creation and skills development. She also outlined initiatives that should be implemented to support the workforce and entrepreneurs in Mpumalanga, particularly as the province transitions from fossil fuel energy to low carbon technologies.?
The Impact Catalyst and SerDev Announced Implementation of Livestock Project in JTG District, Kuruman, Northern Cape
The much-anticipated sustainable livestock development project commenced in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District Municipality on October 1, 2023. This project was realised thanks to substantial funding from the Impact Catalyst’s mining partners in the region. SerDev, a project implementation and transformation company belonging to the Sernick Group, are the implementation agents.?
?In December 2021, the farming community from the JTG region visited the Sernick value chain in Kroonstad and Edenville, located in the Free State, to directly observe the workings of a similar livestock development programme. Early in January 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with SerDev, and shortly thereafter, the Impact Catalyst became a partner in the initiative.?
?“Unlocking the value of underutilised assets in support of socio-economic development is a cornerstone of our agricultural development strategy. Communities and emerging farmers own ±40% of the total South African cattle herd, yet they only manage to commercially participate in 20% of the red meat value chain. This anomaly presents an opportunity for development, and we needed the financial support of our mining partners to, over time, facilitate the process of assisting emerging cattle farmers in the region to fully and fairly participate in the value chain,” said Impact Catalyst Agricultural Specialist, Jan Alberts.?
?The project began with a baseline study in 2022 by the University of the Free State, focusing on the commercial red meat value chain in the JTG area. Equipped with these insights, SerDev is set to track progress over the coming five to seven years. Additionally, early findings from an independent socioeconomic survey suggest that the programme will significantly boost the local red meat value chain in the JTG region. This enhancement will be achieved through advanced genetics and modernised farming methods. Such improvements are expected to create a beneficial ripple effect across the Northern Cape and potentially throughout South Africa.?
?“It is most heartwarming and encouraging to see the high level of commitment and drive being displayed by members of the JTG community. Their attitude speaks directly to the objectives of SerDev and the outcomes that are envisaged in this project,” said Jerome Topley, the newly appointed Managing Director of SerDev.?
As an organisation that initiates and implements scaled socio-economic development projects in rural communities, the Impact Catalyst in collaboration with Anglo American (Kumba Iron Ore), Kudumane Manganese Resources, Assmang, and South32, are working together to support the implementation of the JTG livestock project.?
?“After the idea was born to assist livestock farmers, it took 18 months to plan and find the necessary funding for the regional livestock project. The farmers are so relieved that at last the programme is now a reality, and we cannot wait to see all livestock farmers participating,” said Mr James Choche, Chairperson of the JTG Agricultural Forum, the umbrella body of all the co-ops in the area.?
?The project office is situated in the Seokama area, adjacent to the veterinary services, and will be permanently staffed by SerDev's monitoring team. The programme collaborates closely with government officials from the Department of Agriculture in Mothibistad.?
?This initiative's primary goal is to guide emerging farmers from conventional farming methods to more commercially viable agricultural practices. This shift emphasises crucial production performance aspects such as maximising calving rates, advancing genetics, increasing carrying capacity, and strengthening biosecurity protocols.?
?The project will adopt SerDev's development model, employing a tiered approach that assists farmers at different stages of growth. This approach encourages farmers to transition from traditional to commercial farming by offering various training and incentives.?
A crucial aspect of the initiative involves enhancing calving and weaning rates. By prioritising the well-being and supplementary feeding of productive cows, the calving rate can rise significantly, from the usual 35% to an impressive 85%. This enhancement will enable farmers to generate greater income from their herds.?
?Each farmer's production of eight high-quality weaners annually holds the equivalent value of a full-time job for 12 months at the minimum wage in the agricultural sector. This breakthrough can lift traditional livestock owners out of the cycle of poverty.?
?The project's success also hinges on the significance of good genetics, which leads to healthier animals with improved feed-to-weight conversion. Gradually introducing quality genetic bulls will progressively enhance the herds. This proactive approach empowers farmers to replace unproductive, older, and ailing cattle with superior genetic heifers.?
Carrying capacity is a critical factor, signifying the sustainable count of livestock that a particular area can support through grazing. The initiative will therefore provide farmers with valuable insights into the significance of carrying capacity and the benefits of adopting a rotational camp system to maximise grazing efficiency. In addition, careful emphasis will be placed on optimising land usage, ensuring that every piece of land contributes to the collective welfare of the entire nation.?
?SerDev has a meticulous focus on improving the skillsets of new and existing farmers by implementing cutting-edge methodologies. These baskets of skills comprise primary agriculture, value-chain applications, matters of finance and market entry. SerDev develops and sustains industry-specific partnerships to ensure significant eventual growth and is uncompromisingly committed to contributing to food safety and food security, whilst by the same token aiding to establish profit-driven farming practitioners.??
?“This livestock programme has the potential to get livestock farmers out of the poverty trap because we will not only empower farmers, but we will also look at developing the market for the farmers. The partnership between all the stakeholders will provide hope in the very neglected and impoverished areas of the Northern Cape. It is time that livestock farmers help themselves by making informed decisions about their livestock over the long term. This programme will support and empower farmers to become independent farmers on the road to commercialisation,” said Petro Naude, the Director of New Business Development for SerDev.?
Beyond Festive: Impact Catalyst and Partners Advance Community and School Road Safety in Limpopo Province??
As South Africa unveiled its festive season national road safety campaign themed: "A Call to Action," Impact Catalyst and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to collaboratively advancing road safety initiatives in high-risk communities in Limpopo Province, extending beyond the festive season.?
Impact Catalyst, a collaborative platform dedicated to driving large-scale initiatives for socio-economic development, brought together key stakeholders including the Anglo American Foundation, De Beers Group (Venetia Mine), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Limpopo Provincial Government. This alliance aims to mitigate road and pedestrian accidents through the establishment of the Limpopo Road Safety Programme (LRSP).?
During the past seven months, the LRSP established its presence in Musina and Blouberg Local Municipality through the “Road Safety Starts with Me” campaign, which garnered the support and active involvement of the municipalities, the Department of Transport and Community Safety (DTCS), community representatives and local radio stations.?
“The Road Safety Starts with Me Campaign initiated in Musina and expanded to Blouberg, was aimed at inspiring changed road use behaviour using an innovative educational and community-based approach,” said Dr Jonathan James, Impact Catalyst Programme Manager: LRSP.?
Reaching over 14 000 community members, the campaign focused on amplifying the "Road Safety Starts with Me" message through interactive games simulating road safety scenarios, an exhibition gallery showcasing the impact of accidents through videos and photos, mobile testing vehicle demonstrations, school debates, theatrical demonstrations, talks on basic life support procedures, and engaging discussions on community radio stations.?
?As part of the campaign, the Impact Catalyst and its partners also donated road safety resource packs, a mobile Junior Traffic Training Centre, and road safety posters to the municipalities and local DTCS to support ongoing road safety campaigns within the community.?
?In Musina, the Mayor, Cllr N.G Mawela, acknowledged that accidents in the region have become a major cause behind increased death rates. He attributed this to motorists and pedestrians being non-compliant with road safety rules. He added: “We are therefore happy that the initiative has made its presence felt in Musina because our people need to be empowered with information on why road safety is important.”?
The Blouberg Local Municipality was also among one of the areas that welcomed the initiative. Cllr Maria Thamaga, Mayor of Blouberg, indicated that she values the partnership and applauded the programme for putting a spotlight on road safety. “This initiative has assisted with spreading the message of road safety awareness in our schools and the wider community to curb negligent and reckless driving.”?
Community representative, Mr Mohlali from Blouberg Local Municipality indicated that the campaign made him self-introspect. He added: "The work done by the Limpopo Road Safety Programme through this campaign has done an effective job in not only educating us but also, inspiring individual and collective compliance with the rules of the road, which will all hopefully contribute to less tragic accidents in our region.
Looking ahead to 2024, LRSP will intensify the Safe to School - Safe to Home (STS-STH) project across districts in Limpopo. This initiative will include a social and technical stream, incorporating road risk assessments, the recommendation of effective local traffic engineering improvements, extensive road safety education for children, parents, and the community, along with collaborations with local law enforcement to implement measures addressing behaviours contributing to or worsening road trauma for children.?
“As De Beers Venetia Mine, we are committed to working with the communities we operate in and local government in intensifying efforts on road safety. We believe spearheading campaigns like this and programmes which help educate schools, parents and community members about the rules of the road are critical in collectively working towards ensuring that road incidents are greatly reduced in the Limpopo Province,” said Itumeleng Mogale, Social Performance Manager at De Beers Group (Venetia mine).?