THE East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) corporate social investment (CSI) projects initiative continues to empower and develop underprivileged communities in the Buffalo City Metro region. Through its CSI initiatives, the ELIDZ recently donated sports equipment to the Buffalo City Metro Suns wheelchair basketball club, based in East London, as part of its ongoing support to assist local communities and enhance sports and youth development in the Metro region.
Since its official inception 20 years ago, the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) has been working hard to attract foreign and national investors to the Eastern Cape, while its CSI initiatives continue to empower local communities with a focus on youth development and education.
Last month, the Mthatha Express reported that the ELIDZ, through its CSI programme in partnership with Microsoft SA, donated a R550,000 state-of-the-art community-based computer laboratory at Umtiza High School in Fort Grey. This computer lab donation formed part of ELIDZ’s first phase of a five-year CSI initiative aimed at supporting five selected schools in Buffalo City.
During the last financial year, the zone implemented 15 CSI projects, which included the donation of sports equipment, supporting special needs homes, and providing a storage container to Isithembiso Multipurpose Centre in Ncera village. ELIDZ CEO Thembela Zweni stated that this marked a 48% year-on-year increase in CSI spending, reflecting the ELIDZ’s dedication to community development. “We remain committed to driving economic development and improving the lives of our community,” said Zweni.
The zone’s internship programme supported 55 internship beneficiaries, while 13 bursaries were awarded to beneficiaries in the province. Through the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park, 308 beneficiaries have been trained and equipped with valuable skills to meet industry demands and employment opportunities.
Last month, the ELIDZ celebrated 20 years since its designation as an industrial development zone by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), working towards its Vision 2025 goals.
