28/10/2023
We Care. Partex and the Lööf Foundation, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Hand in Hand, support the village of Simbumbumbu in Zimbabwe. During a recent visit, Partex CEO Mikael Persson and Martin Erasmus, MD of our South African subsidiary, had the opportunity to see the progress of the 'Community Upliftment' project on-site.
Zimbabwe, with its 15 million inhabitants, has faced years of economic challenges. This has led to many, especially men, seeking opportunities in South Africa. The women who remain in their home villages are often required to take on all the responsibilities for their families on their own. In Simbumbumbu, families typically consist of six members.
The funding from the Lööf Foundation has made it possible for the 'Matshena Garden' project in Simbumbumbu to invest in two Jojo-tanks, a water pump, pipes, and the installation of solar panels to generate electricity for the water pump.
As a result, the project now provides the villagers with both nutritious food and a source of income, as they sell surplus in the local community and to nearby mining companies. The garden's crops include butternuts, evergreen, sugar beans, onions, tomatoes, and cabbage. The garden also includes a nursery for cultivating lemon, mango, orange, and papaya trees. Additionally, there is a chicken house for 200 broilers, and there are plans to establish a fish pond for both fish consumption and sale.
This project has had a big impact on the living standards in the village, making it possible to pay school fees and earn a monthly profit of $40 USD, with collective savings of $2 USD per month for future needs.
Mikael says, "Zimbabwe was truly fascinating in many ways. The area where Simbumbumbu is located faces severe drought, extreme poverty, and high unemployment. Therefore, it's a good feeling to see the difference our contribution has made."
The Lööf Foundation was founded in 2013 by Partex owner Sophie Lööf. It is a philanthropic, non-profit foundation that aims to contribute to the development and well-being of others, both locally and globally (looffoundation.org)
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