By Inside Biz
In a heartfelt gathering at the Mhlume Country Club on December 12, 2024, Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RES) Managing Director, Nick Jackson, led the annual MD’s Lunch, a meeting dedicated to fostering relationships between the company and surrounding community leaders.
This event showcased the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare, addressing pressing local issues and promoting collaboration.
During the meeting, Jackson emphasized the company’s dedication to the well-being of its neighbors, highlighting ongoing efforts in water sanitation and infrastructure development.
“We are concerned about our neighbors and their needs,” he stated, noting that the company has built over ten boreholes to provide clean water to surrounding communities. This initiative aims to tackle the critical issue of water scarcity, which many local leaders identified as a primary concern.
In addition to sanitation efforts, the company has also invested in local sports. The Managing Director announced an increase in sponsorship for the Sakhelene League, which supports adult football teams. This year’s budget has risen to E200,000, compared to last year’s E150,000, with funds allocated based on the number of teams participating.
The company has also had the Siyakha 1,800 league, aimed at encouraging youth participation in sports, fostering teamwork, and promoting healthy lifestyles among children.
Moreover, the company’s commitment to community welfare extends to fundraising initiatives, such as charity golf games to generate funds for borehole projects. Jackson expressed hope for a continued strong relationship, emphasizing that such partnerships are crucial for the company and the community’s safety and prosperity.
Community leaders reciprocated the sentiment, pledging to work hand in hand with the company to ensure the safety of its properties. They acknowledged the company as a “good friend” and reiterated the importance of continued support for clean water initiatives, a pressing need in several local areas.
The MD’s Lunch serves as an annual platform for both parties to reflect on past discussions and strategize for the future, ensuring that the community’s needs are met while fostering a spirit of cooperation. As both the company and community leaders look forward to continued collaboration, the meeting underscored the importance of mutual support in building a brighter future for all.
This event not only reinforced existing ties but also paved the way for new initiatives that promise to benefit the broader community, resonating with the company’s vision of responsible and caring corporate citizenship.