In a heartfelt celebration of Mandela Day, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the infrastructure arm of the City of Johannesburg, proudly donated 29 laptops to the Soweto Infrastructure & Construction Chambers (SICC).
The donation event was led by the City of Johannesburg MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina, and JDA CEO Mr. Themba Mathibe at the JDA Auditorium on Thursday, 18 July.
The laptops, given in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, are set to empower SICC members and contribute to the ongoing development of Soweto’s infrastructure sector.
This initiative underscores the JDA’s commitment to social upliftment and skills development within the community. By providing essential resources, the JDA aims to empower the youth, create job opportunities, and foster economic development in Soweto.
MMC Eunice Mgcina expressed her pride in the initiative, stating, “This donation is a testament to our dedication to the values of Mandela Day. The SICC represents about 300 entrepreneurs and SMMEs, and the laptops will help them with business registrations, compliance, and accessing future business opportunities.”
Mr. Themba Mathibe, CEO of JDA, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) program focuses on making meaningful contributions to social development in the regions where we operate. By providing these laptops, we are investing in the future of Soweto, supporting sustainable initiatives that will have a lasting and positive impact on the community.”
The Soweto Infrastructure & Construction Chamber, a key stakeholder in the local community, will utilize the laptops to support SMME empowerment, skill development, and job creation initiatives. This donation will equip the Chamber with valuable resources, fostering a conducive environment for learning, innovation, and economic growth.
In addition to the laptop donation, the event launched a “Rally to Read” book drive, where staff members will donate books to promote literacy within the community. The book drive will highlight the spirit of giving and collective effort to enhance social well-being.
The JDA’s donation and the launch of its accompanying book drive are aligned with the spirit of Mandela Day and the vision of a more inclusive and prosperous society. This event has exemplified the JDA’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and community development, paving the way for a brighter future for Soweto.