Kavango committed to community development

KAVANGO Resources, a leading player in the exploration sector, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to positively impacting the communities where it operates, as part of its Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR) initiatives.

Emphasising the importance of giving back, the company has consistently demonstrated its dedication to uplifting local communities where they operate and fostering sustainable development. Aside from our shareholders, the company’s most important stakeholder groups are its employees, local partners and those local communities that may be impacted by its exploration activities.

Kavango operations provide employment in remote areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe. Essential to its success is the establishment of close working relationships with local partners.  According to its corporate governance policy, the company seeks local partners who have a good understanding of the local exploration and mining industry and regulations within the countries, and with the capacity and capability to assist with the management and maintenance of the projects.

“We are mindful of our obligations to the local environment and operate to high levels of health and safety in respect of both our local workers and the local community. Employee training focuses on operating safely and considerately in these communities.

“Engagement with local communities is dependent on jurisdiction and the stage of exploration but is typically by public forum or with local or regional leaders, including site visits and workshops,” reads part of the policy.
The policy further notes that social projects in the local communities depend on local needs and the stage of exploration/level of project investment.

“Examples of our social projects include support to local schools. As projects move forward, towards potential mining activities, we will seek to bring in partners who can credibly make the investments to move towards mine production.

“In doing so we have regard for their ability and desire to move projects forward, their industry reputation and their commitment to treating the local communities fairly and protecting the environment. We intend to enter agreements that allow us to monitor their activities and have monthly updates on project progress,” reads the policy.

In an interview, Kavango Zimbabwe, human resources manager, Mr Menelisi Ncube reiterated the importance of their corporate governance policy revealing that, just this year they had embarked on several major community initiatives, empowering the communities they operate from.

“As part of our Social Corporate Responsibility initiative, our company’s commitment is to give back to the communities where we operate. This year, Kavango Resources stood as a proud sponsor of the 2024 Orap Zenzele Isuzu Cup football tournament in Zimbabwe, which unfolded from the 6th to the 8th of June.

“The company’s generous donation of cash played a pivotal role in facilitating the acquisition of essential sports kits, provisions, and other amenities vital to the success of the tournament. This sponsorship not only underscored Kavango’s support for grassroots sporting initiatives but also reflected its dedication to nurturing talent and promoting active, healthy lifestyles within the local community,” said Mr Ncube.

More recently, last Thursday, Kavango extended a generous donation of 10 tonnes of cement to Knocknara Primary School in Filabusi, Zimbabwe, where the company is actively engaged in mineral exploration activities.
“This substantial contribution is poised to significantly enhance the school’s infrastructure, thereby creating a conducive learning environment for the pupils.

The warm reception extended by the school community further underscored the positive impact of Kavango’s contribution, reflecting the tangible difference the company is making in the lives of the students and educators at Knocknara Primary School.

“We are talking of a school that is currently operating in a farmhouse, so that cement will go a long way in constructing a classroom block and teachers’ cottage, a project in which the community is engaged. We will continue supporting them through various initiatives until they achieve their goals,” said Mr Ncube.

Beyond charitable donations, Kavango Resources is dedicated to improving the livelihoods of the local community through job creation, adhering to its policy of employing locals in its areas of development and operations.

By providing employment opportunities and fostering skill development, the company is actively contributing to the economic empowerment and social upliftment of the communities in which it operates. “On top of salaries, for our employees, we also cover medical aid and air evacuation in case of an accident.

We also provide three meals per day for those away from their homes that stay on-site at Filabusi in our exploration camp,” said Mr Ncube. Reflecting on these initiatives, Mr Ncube expressed pride in the company’s ability to positively impact the lives of the school children and the broader community.

These meaningful contributions underscore the company’s dedication to social responsibility and its commitment to being a positive force in the areas where it conducts its operations. “We are also grateful to our chief executive officer, Ben Turney and the entire executive management for the support,” he said.

Kavango Resources’ unwavering commitment to social corporate responsibility and community development serves as a testament to the company’s ethos of responsible and sustainable resource development.  Through its strategic initiatives and genuine dedication to making a difference, Kavango Resources continues to exemplify the positive impact that responsible corporate citizenship can have on local communities, emphasising its role as a catalyst for positive change and sustainable development.