In what has been hailed the biggest food relief programme in the history of the north-western town of Newcastle, ArcelorMittal has contributed towards the municipality’s multi-million rand Social Relief of Distress programme which will see emergency food assistance provided to thousands of vulnerable households throughout Newcastle; many of which were affected by the July unrest.
During the July unrest, over 40 shops in the Newcastle area were looted and vandalised with the damages expected to cost the local economy over R200 million. Upon hearing about the municipality stepping up to assist those affected, steel giant ArcelorMittal offered to lend a helping hand by generously donating over 4 700 food parcels to the community. “It is important to make a difference and work with communities. The community is our family and we have donated over 4 700 parcels,” said ArcelorMittal General Manager, Jacques Kotze. Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, welcomed the donation. “Our Social Relief of Distress programme is aimed at uplifting Newcastle and ensuring that our residents are uplifted in this time of need. We thank the private sector for answering when we called upon them to lend a hand. We will rebuild our economy step by step. Beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, and the recent looting of shops, is a resilient Newcastle,” said Mayor Mahlaba. He further commended the company for fulfilling the needs of people in the town. “There is a saying which states that charity begins at home. As brokers of hope, you have made sure that charity truly has begun at home,” he said. Mayor Mahlaba added that ArcelorMittal is seen as an anchor in the business world due to the company sourcing local suppliers and thus contributing to local economic growth.
