Epiroc South Africa continues to demonstrate that its commitment to children’s wellbeing is not a once‑off gesture but a sustained, long‑term investment in the country’s future. From equipping underprivileged schools with science laboratories to providing essential resources that enable learning with dignity, Epiroc has consistently prioritised initiatives that empower young people in the communities where customers operate the company’s world-class mining machines. Their latest contribution – the donation of school supplies and reusable sanitary pads to underprivileged learners at two schools in Steelpoort, Mpumalanga – reinforces Epiroc’s vision that sustained investment in children’s education and care is the cornerstone of individual growth, community upliftment and national advancement.
Epiroc’s significant footprint in the Steelpoort mining area guided the decision to support Sebope and Selala Primary Schools, with the initiative aligning seamlessly with the company’s broader CSI commitments. “Our decision to donate school supplies and Palesa Pads is anchored in the firm belief that equipping learners with tools for success, alongside dignity and resilience, helps strengthen entire communities,” says Ziyanda Mkhaliphi, Regional Corporate & Social Responsibility Manager at Epiroc South Africa. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that our support directly benefits children and families in the Steelpoort communities where several of our valued customers are active, with the aim of strengthening social development throughout the region.”
Epiroc’s decision to focus on donating school supplies to Sebope Primary was informed by a visit to the school, where the company engaged directly with staff to identify essential items needed to create a more conducive learning environment. The school shared a needs-list spanning classroom, kitchenware and sports items and Epiroc responded comprehensively, providing whiteboards and fans for every classroom, kitchenware to support the feeding scheme as well as sports equipment, outdoor chairs and gazebos.
Ziyanda explains that the new whiteboards enable educators to keep learners engaged during lessons, while fans ensure that classrooms remain comfortable through the blistering hot summer months. “The durable kitchenware items will support the school’s feeding scheme at lunchtime, providing utensils, bowls and mugs for daily use while sports equipment, including netball and soccer balls will encourage participation in extra‑curricular activities, fostering physical health, mental well‑being and social skills that contribute to holistic learner development.”
To further strengthen the impact, Epiroc added Palesa Pads to the donation, helping to keep girls in school during their menstrual cycles. “It is an unfortunate reality that many young girls miss up to a week of classes each month because they simply cannot afford sanitary pads,” notes Ziyanda with concern. “By providing reusable Palesa Pads, which are cost‑effective and environmentally sustainable, Epiroc is helping to restore dignity, reduce absenteeism and keep single‑use plastics out of the environment. We have enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the remarkable Palesa Pads initiative, supporting their work through donations to young girls in our country over many years.”
To broaden the reach of this initiative, Epiroc extended the donation of Palesa Pads to neighbouring Selala Primary School, enabling even more girls to benefit from this support. Sherie ‘Palesa’ de Wet, Founder and CEO of Palesa Pads, comments: “We are deeply grateful for Epiroc’s continued support of the Palesa Pads mission. Every girl deserves the freedom to attend school without interruption, and every woman deserves access to sanitary products that are safe, sustainable and dignified. Epiroc’s contribution restores confidence, attendance and opportunity for the girls and communities we serve.”
The handover of donations to Sebope and Selala Primary Schools on 23 and 24 July 2026 was carried out by Team Epiroc members Antoinette Jansen van Vuuren – Customer Manager, Site Administrators – Belinda Laas, Nkukise Mphela – Site Administrator and Dalina Sibiya and Customer Care Intern – Lethabo Molapo.
Commenting on the success of Epiroc’s previous initiatives, ranging from stationery and furniture to school uniform donations, Ziyanda emphasises the tangible impact and positive outcomes that these efforts have delivered for under‑resourced schools and their communities. “The annual contribution of essential resources have proven highly effective, enhancing learners’ dignity and enriching the overall educational experience, while also strengthening trust and engagement within the community in equal measure. Through our sustained commitment, we strive to nurture a generation of future professionals by empowering learners to remain engaged, succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
