Food parcels are supplied on an annual basis to families most in need. As well as foods like soup, mielie meal, rice, potatoes and butternuts, the parcels also include essential items like washing power and soap.

Every year, bursaries are awarded to youngsters, allowing them to learn, develop skills and find employment. Many young people have used their bursaries to get their driver’s license and gain certificates in professions such as game tracking and catering.

Sibusiso Sibuyi is one of our graduates that we are especially proud of. He is now one of the top chefs at a seven-star lodge in the nearby Sabi Sand reserve.

Sibusiso says, “I am honoured to be one of the recipients of the Eurolab bursary programme. Thanks to Eurolab’s generous support, I am the first person in my family to attend college.

“Growing up in a less privileged community presented financial and academic challenges. Through the bursary and the learning I received, I have realised the value of a college education.

“I want to take this moment to appreciate and thank Eurolab for its support. Eurolab brought light to my darkest situation.

“Today I am qualified chef, and I will obtain my driver’s license soon. There are tons of blessings. Thank you very much for the support and love.”

The post Top chef recognises the value of education first appeared on Eurolab.

Eurolab Chairman, Gabe Simaan, brought the water scarcity issue in the Dixie village to the attention of Ivan Saltzman, Dis-Chem Pharmacies CEO in 2019. Eurolab has supported the Dixie village for several years, providing food parcels to those families most in need and supporting young people with their careers by providing bursaries.

Dis-Chem Pharmacies and the Dis-Chem Foundation financed the project and Innovation Africa was brought in as the technical partner to build the system. The Dis-Chem Foundation was established 15 years ago and aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged people in South Africa. Innovation Africa is a specialist NGO with a solid track record in building sustainable water and energy systems in rural communities throughout Africa. The water system relies on solar energy and gravity to pump water from boreholes into 15 taps installed across the village.

Construction took place with the full buy-in of the community and in close consultation with the Mnisi tribal authority. A water committee was established, and ten Dixie community members were employed on the project. They have acquired skills that they can now offer to future construction or water projects.

The water system in the Dixie village is sustainable – the community will continue to have access to clean running water for years to come. There are no running costs. Villagers were involved in building the water system and are involved in its ongoing maintenance.

According to the South African Constitution every citizen is entitled to a certain amount of water regardless of his ability to pay for it. Sadly, many communities still do not have access to safe water. Together with the Dis-Chem Foundation and Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Eurolab’s hope is that this water project can be replicated in other rural communities with no access to safe water.

*In the photo above: The Eurolab and Innovation Africa team with Patrick Gumede who coordinates Eurolab’s CSI contributions with village leaders

A Dixie community member celebrates running water in her village

One of the 15 taps installed in the Dixie village

Dixie community members were trained by Innovation Africa to build and maintain the water system. Ten community members were employed to build the sustainable water system.

The post Safe running water for the people of Dixie first appeared on Eurolab.