Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s leading express transportation companies, has made a significant contribution to Kanana, a rural town in South Africa’s Gauteng province, by donating two boreholes. This initiative aims to mitigate the town’s severe water shortage issues.
In partnership with the People Matter Foundation, this project addresses the persistent water supply challenges in South Africa, which are exacerbated by climate change and limitations in water and sanitation infrastructure. According to a recent report by the Department of Water and Sanitation, 29% of municipal water supply systems in the country are critically failing. The boreholes provided to Kanana are expected to furnish clean, unpolluted water for essential uses such as cooking, gardening, and hygiene, thus reducing the strain on the municipal water system.
Globally, 2 billion people lack access to safe water, as highlighted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Under its FedEx Cares initiative, FedEx has committed to social responsibility by partnering on water projects worldwide. This includes installing boreholes and utilizing its global logistics network to support the delivery of safe drinking water and water purification infrastructure to communities in need.
Taarek Hinedi, Vice President of Operations at FedEx MEISA, stated, “Access to water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, acknowledged by the United Nations as a Sustainable Development Goal. Clean water is essential for combating poverty because it enhances health and supports sustainable development. FedEx is hopeful that this collaboration will help the Kanana community overcome their water crisis. Together, we aim to make a positive impact, ensuring every individual has access to this vital resource for a better and brighter future.”
Pastor Peter Segale, spokesperson and Operations Manager for the People Matter Foundation, remarked, “Our NGO was founded to provide care and support during times of disaster. We now also focus on offering long-term solutions through initiatives like this borehole project with FedEx, which will contribute to building a more resilient and self-sufficient community in Kanana.”
This collaboration exemplifies how corporate responsibility and community-focused initiatives can come together to address critical issues and foster sustainable development.
