Going Green

Thebe ya Bophelo (TYB), the administrators of ThebeMed, took their first tentative steps in the CSI (Corporate Social Investment) environment a number of years ago. In the early days the projects were small and largely ad hoc in nature. As the years have progressed, projects developed and extended their scope. The current initiatives, like their ‘Go Green Project’ are targeted, long term projects, intended to add value and sustainability over the long term to the beneficiaries.

The CSI initiatives and projects are initiated by staff at Thebe ya Bophelo (TYB) and are based on identifying specific needs with the communities that are serviced by the ThebeMed medical aid. TYB is the acknowledged leader within the Thebe Group for their CSI initiatives. This fact has been recognised by the Group and TYB has won the Chairman’s CSI Award for two years running.

The latest CSI project facilitated by TYB staff was ‘Go Green Project’. The aim is to transfer entrepreneurial skills to learners and to grow communities through gardens. At schools, learners are taught not only to grow food, but how to run a business selling what they have harvested within their communities.

There has been as increased awareness amongst learners to grow and maintain their own food gardens. Subjects such as Science and Life Orientation have placed an emphasis on nutritional education. The TYB team wanted to help communities plant gardens to serve as outdoor learning laboratories where learners could experience a hands-on-curriculum and where the activities would guide learners to embrace concepts of nutritional value, sustainability, entrepreneurial skills and community wellbeing.

During October to November 2013, the TYB team visited 13 schools in the Secunda, Rustenburg and Gauteng areas where they initiated these projects. They aim to complete 18 projects in 18 schools by the end of the fiscal year.

The aim of this project is to encourage self-development, entrepreneur skills and sustainability. Above all, taking care for our planet and our environment, was encouraged and the habits of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle were promoted.

“We are cognisant of the social issues that are affecting the communities in which we operate and do business. We continue to go back to our communities, as we are an organisation that provides quality, cost effective and innovative healthcare solutions,” explained Mosibudi Makgato, marketing & communications Executive at TYB.

The TYB team is delighted to be part of this project and the legacy they leave behind.