South32, Nominee for Established ESG Leader for a Resources Producer, 2024 Africa Awards

About the Nominee & their Nomination

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. 

We produce commodities including bauxite, alumina, aluminium, copper, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, metallurgical coal and manganese from our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. We also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world. 

We are headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, with several offices in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Our regional head office for Southern Africa operations is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The project we are nominating is associated the aluminium smelter based in Richards Bay, Hillside Aluminium.

Initiative: Paediatric Burns Unit Ngwelezana Hospital

The existing Adult Burns Outpatient Department at Ngwelezana Hospital does not adequately address the unique needs of pediatric burn patients. To address this gap, Hillside Aluminium has established a dedicated Paediatric Burns Outpatient Department (PBOD) in Phase 1, specifically designed for the treatment of child burn victims. This new facility includes tailored equipment and an environment that aligns with specialized paediatric treatment protocols. 

Phase 2, adjacent to Phase 1, complements the PBOD by creating a cohesive treatment environment for both inpatient and outpatient care. Together, these facilities offer a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing burns and injuries in children. 

South32 partnered with the Carte Blanche Trust, Department of Health and the Ngwelezana Hospital to determine the specific requirements for the Paediatric Burns Unit.

To date, Phase 1 and 2 investments have significantly enhanced the health and social well-being of approximately 1 million residents in the King Cetshwayo District and surrounding areas.

Highlights

The new PBOD provides tailored, comprehensive care specifically designed for children, addressing their unique medical and emotional needs. This facility not only improves the quality of treatment for young burn victims but also ensures continuity of care, which is crucial for their recovery and long-term health outcomes.

The initiative has achieved the following outcomes: 

• Patient reach: The PBOD serves over 1,066 children with burn injuries. 
• Referral network: The PBOD facilitated referrals from 15 hospitals, 15 clinics, and 1 Community Health Centre, enhancing the regional network for burn care. 
• Local employment: During construction, 65 locals were employed, contributing to the local economy. 
• Population impact: Ngwelezana Tertiary Hospital, which serves a population of 2.6 million across three districts, has significantly expanded its capacity to address paediatric burn injuries within this extensive service area. 
• Overall, the investment has made a substantial impact by not only improving the quality of paediatric burn care but also enhancing the health infrastructure and socio-economic conditions within the King Cetshwayo District and its neighbouring districts.

Incorporating ESG principles into a paediatric burns’ unit enhanced the overall impact and sustainability of the facility. 

• Environment: Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems in the construction and operation of the unit including low-energy lighting, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable building materials. 
• Social: The facility was designed to be child-friendly and supportive of family involvement. This includes a play area created for a comforting environment, space for family members, and child-friendly medical equipment. The facility is accessible to all children, including those with disabilities. 
• Governance: We ensured through monitoring activities that Carte Blanche Making a Difference Trust follows all relevant health and safety regulations, medical standards, and best practices for paediatric care through the Department of Health.