Canyon Coal collaborates with government to create a sanctuary for teen boys

Plans are underway to transform this property situated in Middelburg; Mpumalanga into a place of safety for young boys.

Canyon Coal has invested more than R3,7 million toward a project to develop a place of safety for young boys in the Middelburg area in Mpumalanga. A property has already been bought and will be refurbished to accommodate teenagers who are impacted by societal ills like drug abuse, negligence, and behavioral challenges. Canyon Coal’s Social Licensing Manager Xolile Mankayi says the company partnered with the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality to initiate the project.

The project corresponds with the international agenda to promote the protection of vulnerable children through policies such as Sustainable Development Goals, NPAC, the National Children’s Act, and the South African Constitution. Mankayi says the idea was inspired by the realization that there was a shortage of programmes to assist young boys who need social support. “Challenges facing our communities intensified with the advent of Covid 19. Data from Stats SA shows that by 2020 more than 60% of our children were impacted by the effects of poverty. It is important that we empower our children and protect them from situations that might impede their growth,” Mankayi says. The property is situated near Canyon’s Phalanndwa and Singani projects and falls under the company’s SLP initiatives meant to benefi t the mines host communities.

Once the refurbishments are completed, the building will be handed over to DSD so they can manage the day-today operations. The center will provide accommodation, counselling, and psycho-social support services for beneficiaries. Mankayi highlighted the importance of partnerships to help communities break the cycle of juvenile delinquency. “It would be wonderful to look back and see the positive impact being made in people’s lives. We hope this initiative will help young boys to realise their full potential and grow into outstanding members of society,” he says.