In true Mandela Month spirit, Tronox and Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) recently joined forces to remind us that ubuntu isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a call to action.
The two mining giants took a heartfelt detour from the boardroom to the classrooms of Thembimfundo Special School in eShowe, a school that offers safety, education, and a second home to children living with intellectual and physical disabilities.
With sleeves rolled up and hearts wide open, employees from both companies spent the day volunteering, painting, cleaning, and pouring love into every corner of the school. Their efforts were more than just symbolic. They were a physical expression of solidarity, support, and shared humanity.
Before the site visit, RBM employees made a financial contribution, while the Tronox team gathered essential food items, ensuring that their impact went beyond the visit and into the day-to-day lives of the learners.
Leadership from both companies were hands-on and present, walking the talk. Representing Tronox were Shalen Poorun (site Director at Fairbreeze Mine) and Prega Chinnu (Site Director at Central Processing Centre). From RBM, the frontline was led by Dr. Mandla Zembe (General Manager for Security) and Sphamandla Xulu (Manager: Communities & Stakeholder Engagement).
Thembimfundo is not just a school, it’s a lifeline,” shared Zanele Zungu, Regional Communities and Corporate Affairs Manager at Tronox. Home to over 300 learners (including 253 boarders) living with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, and hearing impairments, the school is a sanctuary for young lives navigating extraordinary challenges.
In support, Tronox donated beds and food parcels to improve hostel conditions. RBM went full force, providing four industrial washing machines and dryers, 22 industrial classroom fans, and 300 hygiene packs for learners. Together, their gesture was a tribute to Madiba’s enduring legacy, service, dignity, and collective care.
“Partnering with RBM shows what’s possible when we come together,” said Zungu. “It’s a privilege to support a school that lives the values of dignity, care, and inclusion every day.”
Mr Xulu of RBM echoed the sentiment, adding: “Investing in our communities is not just good business, it’s the right thing to do. This Mandela Month collaboration is a reminder that real impact happens when intention meets action.”
While Mandela Month may come once a year, initiatives like these plant seeds of long-term change. It’s not about a single day, it’s about a legacy.
