Deputy President to officiate the hand over ceremony of community support material donated by SAPPI towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 in schools

Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 Vaccines, will on Friday, 18 February 2022, visit Ngodwana Mill in the Mpumalanga province.

This visit will include the Handover Ceremony of essential materials by Sappi Southern Africa to local community towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

The Handover Ceremony, which follows government decision to resume with the normal fulltime school timetable, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held at the Sappi Southern Africa in Ngodwana Mill, Ehlanzeni District, in the Mpumalanga province.

The handover of goods to schools is a continuation of Sappi Southern Africa’s corporate social responsibility in supporting education.

Over many years of its existence, Sappi has continued its operations as one of the largest producers and sellers of commodity paper products, pulp, dissolving pulp, forest and timber products for Southern Africa and export markets.

The Ngodwana Mill in particular is a major economic player in Mpumalanga and the company has created employment opportunities for members of the surrounding communities.

The event which will be attended by learners, parents, teachers and school governing body representatives, builds on the commitment between government and social partners to work together in addressing prevailing social challenges in communities.

During his visit to the Sappi Ngodwana Mill, Deputy President Mabuza will undertake a guided tour of the Sappi’s Enterprise Development Centre, which promotes sustainable livelihoods by identifying procurement opportunities and overseeing the capacity building of small and medium-sized enterprises through training and operational support.

In line with his delegated responsibility as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 Vaccines, the Deputy President will on conclusion of his visit to Sappi, embark on a walkabout as part of  COVID-19 vaccination demand strategy.

Deputy President Mabuza will be accompanied by the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister of Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, MECs in the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and will be received by the Sappi Southern Africa Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alex Thiel.

Source: Government of South Africa