Located in the Port of Maputo, Grindrod is a company focused on the terminal's strategic operations and its logistics capabilities, and is committed to fulfilling its purpose of making a positive difference to Africa's trade with the world by touching the lives of the communities in which it operates. Understanding its clients' challenges and the complexities and constraints of specific corridors allows Grindrod to find the best route to market by road, rail or sea, taking care of all the logistics along the way. Its proven track record of operational experience across the entire supply chain and its investments in strategic infrastructure enable its divisions to deliver cargo from the busiest cities to the most remote regions of Africa or the world.
Guided by its commitment to making a positive difference to Africa's trade with the world, the company has looked at the many needs that exist in its area of operation and has invested heavily in a range of sectors linked to the well-being, health and education of communities.
Over the past year, the company has focused on a number of social responsibility initiatives that have stood out and had a positive impact. Particularly notable is the strong impact on pupils' and teachers' access to schools, through the donation of around 542 bicycles along the Goba and Ressano Garcia corridors, as well as the support given to the Sibaccuse Community, where it inaugurated a Community Teaching and Learning Centre. These facilities aim to benefit between 3,500 and 4,000 people and will be run by the 85 members of the Sibaccuse Women's Association. With an eye on sustainability and on children's future, Grindrod planted around 500 trees in Marracuene, with the aim of contributing to the environment and reinforcing its support for sustainability and children's environmental education.
With these initiatives, Grindrod aims to have a significant impact on education and on communities. The company looks at its actions from a 360-degree perspective and intends to ensure that it supports communities in every way possible. It focuses on the environment and helps pupils to attend classes, enabling teachers to reach schools efficiently. Teachers, pupils and staff live between 5 and 45 kilometres from their place of work. “With these initiatives, we feel that we really are touching communities,” says Ismenia Ferreira, National HR Director of Grindrod in Mozambique.
“We know that in Sibaccuse we are really making a difference to society, by investing in women and children, because we know that women are the educators and children are the future of Grindrod. We are here to support and encourage these children to be our future,” Ismenia continues.
These actions were designed to empower young people and populations with fewer resources in order to secure a livelihood and access to the essential resources for the well-being of these communities.
It is well known that public transport is scarce. Most staff spend, on average, 3 hours a day travelling to school. According to reports, this has caused delays and regular absences among teachers, both from the school and from the classroom, harming the teaching and learning of the 317 pupils and 225 teachers. The bicycles donated have gone beyond their role as a mere means of transport, serving as catalysts for positive change for pupils, teachers, school staff and early-career entrepreneurs. The aim of the bicycles was to simplify everyday life, improving mobility and helping to improve attendance rates.
The programme recognises the top 20% of pupils on both rail corridors, rewarding them with bicycles for their exceptional performance. As pupils move from the 6th grade to secondary school, the bicycles become invaluable assets, bridging the distance between far-flung educational centres and ensuring continuity of education.
Beyond the distribution, the initiative empowers local young people through training in mechanics and small business management. The creation of rural bicycle shops in the communities ensures the programme's sustainability, while promoting economic independence among the younger generation. In addition, the Community Teaching and Learning Centre will include training for 25 people from the Sibaccuse Women-Led Community Association (SWLCA), which will be responsible for the administration and maintenance of the community centre. The centre serves not only as a space for educational programmes, but also as an important cultural hub to foster self-esteem and strengthen bonds within the community.
For Ismenia Ferreira, Grindrod's HR Manager, “the purpose of this initiative is to provide the community with a space for education and training, health consultations, and community engagement events and meetings. This health centre has already treated around 400 patients, and will be used by the Sibaccuse Community, as well as by the surrounding communities. We want to reach as many people as possible and know that we are really touching lives.
Pedro Alberto Poh-Quong, Grindrod's General Operations Director in Mozambique, shares his personal connection, saying: "These initiatives are personal to me. Through education, mobility and empowerment, we are pedalling towards a brighter future for our children and communities."
