Having integrated a strategic environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) transformation framework into its overarching strategy and business processes, logistics company Grindrod has positively impacted various communities through initiatives in Southern Africa, says Grindrod Group public relations and marketing manager Alison Briggs.

Guided by its principle of “making a positive difference in Africa’s trade with the world and touching [the] lives of the communities in which we operate”, Grindrod has focused on various initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of these communities, she explains.

In 2024, Grindrod contributed to a variety of projects in Richards Bay and Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, with focus on education, nutrition and environmental sustainability.

As part of its ongoing collaboration with nonprofit entity Adopt-A-School Foundation, Grindrod assisted Mabhodla Primary School, in Richards Bay, in enhancing facilities and educational programmes, which included its funding three “state-of-the-art” classrooms.  

Given the success of its work with the Adopt-A-School Foundation, Grindrod intends to expand its corporate social investment focus to Mozambique.

Further, through Grindrod’s partnership with menstrual hygiene-focused social enterprise Blossom Care team, which began in 2023, the company contributed to the introduction of a menstrual health programme at its adopted schools, which include Sinaye Primary School, in Richards Bay, and Inhlakanipho Secondary School, in Durban.

It also contributed a six-month supply of sanitary pads as part of its commitment to supporting education and improving school attendance.

“Grindrod will continue to support Blossom Care in its various adopted schools to provide education on menstrual health and supply sanitary pads,” Briggs says.

Beyond these initiatives, Grindrod provides scholarships through President Cyril Ramaphosa's Education Trust, enabling promising matriculants to further their education.

Cross-Border Initiatives
Grindrod’s community support extends to Mozambique, Eswatini and Namibia, where several “impactful” projects have been undertaken.  

In Mozambique, its projects include the construction of a community and teaching centre supporting the community of Sibaccuse, in the Marracuene district. Managed by the 85 members of the Sibaccuse Women’s Association, the facility benefits between 3 500 and 4 000 individuals, Briggs explains.

Grindrod also collaborated with social enterprise Mozambikes to donate 177 bicycles to five elementary schools in Mailane, Goba, Muchangulene, Mundavene and Mafavuca, as well as 365 bicycles along the Ressano Garcia corridor, benefiting seven schools in the Moamba district.

“These bicycles transcend their role as mere means of transport; they serve as catalysts for positive change for students, teachers, school staff and budding entrepreneurs,” Briggs says.

She elaborates that the bicycles simplify daily lives, enhance mobility and contribute to improved attendance rates, going beyond mobility to create an environment conducive to academic growth.

In Namibia, Grindrod donated technology resources, including laptops, projectors, printers, projector screens and paper, to Da Palm Secondary School and Goaob Dr Justus Garoeb Secondary School, in the Erongo region.

This year, Grindrod will look to expand its current initiatives and methodologies, as well as investigate new projects, Briggs concludes.