Wild Coast Sun spends R1.8m on local communities

In partnership with local shareholders Wild Coast Sun Mbizana Development Trust and Mgungundlovu CPA, Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun spent R1.8 million towards socio-economic development (SED) during 2020.

The projects ranged from vegetable gardens to fixing up trauma centres at police stations and donating science kits to high schools.

“We are very proud to have supported our local communities, providing vegetables to eat, safe places to go after violent incidents, and ensuring that schools have decent teaching resources and toilet facilities,” said Peter Tshidi, Wild Coast Sun general manager.

Education was the biggest beneficiary of SED spending, at R1 127 111. This critical area was followed by environmental issues, which secured R397 014, while sport received R143 981 and agriculture R108 013. The arts wrapped up spending, with an investment of R24 380.

In addition to other projects in the education space, Wild Coast Sun donated science kits, mathematics study guides, and sanitary pads to 10 high schools in the Alfred Nzo East District for grades 10, 11, and 12 pupils.

Another project is the Golf Coaching Academy. Professional golfer Arnold Mentz instructs 15 to 20 learners, aged between eight and 18, from Ithuba Primary and Vulindlela High schools in the Eastern Cape. On a Friday afternoon, they play and learn on-course rules and regulations, while Saturday mornings find them on the Wild Coast Sun’s challenging 18-hole championship golf course that stretches along the stunning coast.

To help feed the local community, Wild Coast Sun also sponsored Queens Greens – which comprises 14ha of land and employs six workers to plant various vegetables – with a borehole, pump, and installation fees. The resort also buys vegetables for its kitchens from Queens Greens.

“These are just some examples of the work we have done in the past year. In 2020, we started or completed 15 projects that will help alleviate poverty in our communities, while also providing tangible benefits in the way of vegetable gardens, textbooks, and after-hour activities,” Tshidi added.