Last year we were challenged to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge. Our CE, Sim Tshabalala, made a concerted effort not to take part in this craze but rather chose to raise awareness about saving water. Standard Bank Group decided to buy JoJo tanks which are industrial grade plastic cylinder tanks which collect rain water. These tanks have a special lining which prevents algae and other bacteria from forming in the water so that it is safe to wash your hands and to drink.
Overall, just under R270 000 was donated by the bank and its staff to purchase JoJo tanks. 24 tanks were purchased, each holding 5000 litres of water and given to schools all over South Africa with the help of community upliftment and environmental organisation Wildlands.
The water at the schools will be used for general drinking water and also to irrigate the vegetable gardens that are used to feed the kids. In total these schools are home to 5000 leaners in poorer areas that don’t have easy access to water. Most households and schools in the area only have access to a communal water point. We are happy to be able to provide the kids with a dedicated water point that serves each school.
To find out more about our CSI and sustainability initiatives, please visit www.standardbank.com/sustainability
Watch below to see our CE, Sim Tshabalala, during his Ice Bucket challenge: