CSI initiatives: SA Express hosts a festive cheer for learners

Empoyees of SA Express, the state-owned airline, hosted a Christmas party for more than 200 learners from Sithand’izingane Care Project in Witkpooi, Brakpan.  The initiative, which forms part of SA Express’ corporate social investment (CSI) programmes, was started by SA Express staff members to give back to the Ekurhuleni community.

They raised money to buy 200 pairs of shoes which were handed over to the learners at the function.

The Sithand’izingane project, which has been going on for the past 12 years, assists children who have been orphaned by the scourge of HIV/Aids in the Ekurhuleni area.

Inati Ntshanga, SA Express CEO, said:  they were pleased to be making a humble contribution towards making the day special for the children who have been affected by the devastating pandemic of HIV/Aids. "As SA Express, we are a caring organisation, and this is part of our CSI programme to make a positive impact in the community of Ekurhuleni."

He went on to pay a tribute to the founders of the project, the longstanding sponsors and supporters as well as the volunteers. "I also thank my colleagues at SA Express for opening their hearts to those fellow South Africans who are less fortunate than us. Although we have always been based in the area of Ekurhuleni, this is the first time that we are working with Sithand’izingane. Hopefully, this isn't the last time we do so. We are quite active in other parts of this community especially in projects targeting the youth as future leaders.  I’d like you to think of us as reliable and dependable long-term partners,” Ntshanga said. “I believe that today’s festivities will also give much needed hope for those children affected by violence in our society and will serve as a reminder to keep the anti-abuse campaign alive every day of the year. Our children tend to become easy prey to the scourge of abuse which we have to root out in all our communities.”

The CEO said their involvement with the Ekurhuleni community continues to grow every year and he indicated that the airline’s CSI programme will be rolled out to other parts of the country to create awareness of SA Express's activities and opportunities. “We want to be actively involved in the lives of the people of this community. We want to be part of your success and want to grow with you. Through this gesture, we are saying – we care! We want you to know we are not indifferent to your daily struggles.”

Apart from its own CSI programmes, the airline also supports other programmes of the department of public enterprises, and encourages its more than 1 000 employees to give their time and skills to their communities. 
Here are pictures of the excited learners and entertainers. (Supplied by SA Express)