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Steel giant ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Newcastle Works has stepped up to the plate, establishing its commitment to the Newcastle community by donating over 4 700 food parcels to local families in need.
During the month of July, KwaZulu-Natal experienced extensive destruction of property, alongside scores of businesses suffering mass looting during the civil unrest. Such was the extent of the upheaval; it is estimated that the impact on the national economy is over R20 billion.
The devastation left in the wake of the unrest resulted in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government declaring a state of disaster.
Not escaping the devastation, Newcastle noted over 40 shops looted, and others damaged. The extent of the damages is expected to cost the local economy over R200 million.
As Newcastillians already face significant levels of economic distress, joblessness, poverty and hunger, primarily due to the impact of the pandemic, ArcelorMittal Newcastle Works felt it was essential to come to the community’s aid.
Therefore, ArcelorMittal South Africa elected to partner with the Newcastle Municipality in support of its rebuilding efforts.
The company has now contributed towards the Newcastle Municipality’s multi-million-rand Social Relief of Distress (SRD) programme. The initiative will see emergency food assistance provided to thousands of vulnerable families and households throughout the area.
According to the Municipality, this will be one of the most extensive food relief programmes in the history of the north-western KwaZulu-Natal town.
On Thursday morning, 2 September 2021, Executive Manager for Arcelor Mittal South Africa Newcastle Works, Jacques Kotze, joined by Joe Nowbath, Manager of Socio-Economic Development at ArcelorMittal Newcastle, met with the Newcastle Municipality’s Mayor, Cllr Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, Acting Municipal Manager Vish Govender and municipal officials to hand over the historical donation.
Kotze noted that it was a great honour to be part of the endeavour to impact the community positively. Further stating, “It is important to make a difference and work with communities.”
Bearing this in mind, Kotze pointed out that when the steel producer heard about the Municipality reaching out to the community and how many people were affected by the social unrest, they took it upon themselves to assist. “The community is our family and we have donated over 4 700 food parcels.”
Manager Vish Govender, Newcaste Mayor Cllr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, ArcelorMittal’s Joe Nowbath 
These food parcels will be distributed to 4 700 families in and around Newcastle, which, as Kotze points out, will alleviate many of the hardships people are currently facing.
As to why they felt it was imperative to join hands with local government, Kotze explained, “ArcelorMittal South Africa likes to be brokers of hope and the Newcastle Municipality, as well as the Provincial Government has the same goal, which makes collaboration easier.”
Cllr Dr Mahlaba emphasised that the steel giant’s generosity humbled him and the Municipality. “There is a saying which states, Charity begins at home. As brokers of hope, you have made sure that charity truly has begun at home.”
Continuing, the mayor further stated that as several people lost their jobs and primary income through the civil unrest, the food parcels would go a far way, especially as the magnitude of the donation has never been done before in the area.
Making the initiative even more unique, as Mahlaba pointed out, was that ArcelorMittal’s Newcastle Works used local suppliers, thereby contributing to the local economy. The mayor added, “ArcelorMittal is seen as an anchor business in Newcastle, which you are.”
Moreover, Kotze added that with the current unemployment figures, ArcelorMittal runs other initiatives that contribute to the community’s sustainability. This includes the steel giant offering residents the opportunity to develop their skills.
He adds that ArcelorMittal also has a relationship with a local college, where people are sent on training for free. “While the handouts help, ArcelorMittal South Africa believes that in giving people skills and through development, we can help create a sustainable future.”
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