Paying it forward with Corporates that Care: 'I'm part of that product'

Many companies endeavour to have a positive impact on South African society, and often education is the area that many choose to focus on.

Mlandzeni Boyce is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company (ROMPCO).

He says the company’s Learner Support Programme works directly with the communities.

"We basically send skilled consultants... go to the community, engage them, understand what are the key issues that they have?"

Boyce says they have realised over time that it's mainly socio-economic challenges that need to be tackled.

One of their education initiatives is a mobile lab, made by converting Quantums into laboratories on wheels.

"Most rural schools don't have labs... we're talking about quintile 1 and quintile 2 schools. These kids have to write matric and compete with kids that are sitting in quintile 4 and quintile 5."

ROMPCO is also passionate about treating these pupils with dignity – including providing packs of sanitary products to the girls.

"We've adopted about 9,000 kids in South Africa, 9,000 kids in Mozambique."

Boyce's passion for this type of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative comes from his personal journey.

"I'm part of that product... I'm a scientist, I'm a CEO, come from the township. My parents would never have afforded the education I have today – but it was corporate that did that."

To listen to Mlandzeni Boyce in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: