Mpumalanga
South Africa
Sector
Banking
Public Sector Entity
Previously, we looked at Mpumalanga Province’s developmental initiatives in partnership with First National Bank (FNB). This month, we will be examining how these initiatives benefit the citizens of Mpumalanga and how South Africa’s large corporate firms and Government can co-create effective social upliftment projects.
In line with its partnership with the province, FNB 'adopted' Government’s heritage, Mpumalanga Greening and tourism flagship projects to assist with the service delivery agenda outlined in the province’s strategy.
FNB contributed generously towards a heritage project, which led to the publishing of a book – Mpumalanga, Heritage and History – last year. The book won the Mail and Guardian book of the year award and one of the sites identified in the project - Makhonjwa Mountains – is set to receive World Heritage site status.
Human settlements in the area are certainly a focus for the book, but the sands of time stretch further back. Indeed, the geology of Mpumalanga is nothing short of a history of deep time – a past that still plays a vital role in attracting commerce to the region.
For example, Mpumalanga hosts one of the two oldest and best-preserved rock sequences found anywhere on our planet. More than just a tourist hotspot, the area is a mecca for scientists interested in how the young Earth functioned three-million years ago.
Together with FNB, the province is currently working on turning these sites into major tourist attractions, to create the much-needed jobs that will further stimulate these rural communities.
Tsidi Lebenya, Regional Director in Mpumalanga for FNB Public Sector Banking, says: 'This project is not only about discovering the history of the province, but also about economic development through the identification of additional tourist routes. New economic activities will emerge and go a long way in alleviating poverty in the Province.'
Mpumalanga is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. Nevertheless, it is not immune to the consequences of climate change. To address this, the Premier challenged the province to plant 100 000 trees in the last financial year. This was achieved, and a further challenge was made to plant 150 000 in Government’s current financial year, which kicked of in March 2008.
In a bid to help, FNB is planting 2 500 trees at 200 schools in the Ehlanzeni District. Looking at the plight of some of these schools, especially in the most remote rural areas, the bank is also contributing 10 food gardens in the most needy schools as identified by the province.
'We hope this will alleviate the problem of hunger for learners and generate income for the schools further down the line. We are also supporting a schools exchange programme in four schools that were adopted by the MEC of Public Works,' adds Lebenya.
An institution that is not only serious about transformation, but also committed to developing and empowering women, FNB three years ago established a forum where female business leaders in the province could establish meaningful networks with Government.
This initiative has received enormous support from Government, and this year the bank is introducing an awards event to honour the outstanding women entrepreneurs of Mpumalanga.
In celebrating Women’s Month, FNB will be hosting its 4th Women’s Leadership and Lifestyle conference on 1-2 August 2008 to coincide with the awards, which will be honour deserving women in the categories of tourism, construction, agriculture, corporations and development.
The bank has embraced the need for capacity building in South Africa, which serves as the backdrop to this event. Says Lebenya, 'Our economy desperately needs more people who go into business on their own, so as to earn an independent living and provide employment opportunities for others too.
'FNB is committed to small and medium enterprise (SME) development and we value the role that women play in engendering a spirit of entrepreneurship in South Africa. FNB is partnering with Mpumalanga to drive the promotion of women in business, which is why a business leadership conference is so meaningful here.'
Transformation is an economic reality and a business imperative. More so than in other emerging economies and especially among black entrepreneurs and women, South African entrepreneurs need advice, encouragement and support.
'In order to harness the tourism potential among our top source markets of Germany, the UK, USA, Netherlands and France, women in the province will need all the financial and mentorship assistance they can get from their service providers,' concludes Lebenya.
FNB invests millions of rands each year towards the development and upliftment of South African communities through its fund. Over the past financial year, over R15-million was donated in support of various community projects in the country.
For more information about FNB’s Public Sector Banking in Mpumalanga, contact Tsidi Lebenya on +27 13 754 0567 or email tlebenya@fnb.co.za.
