In KwaMashu and beyond, City Logistics is backing school programmes, non-profit organisations and conservation work through transport and in-kind support.
Corporate social investment often takes the form of funding or one-off donations. In some cases, however, support is shaped by a company’s everyday operations. City Logistics’ current initiatives reflect this approach, with a focus on education, youth development and conservation, supported largely through in-kind contributions and transport capacity.
KwaMashu: Education and youth development
In KwaMashu, City Logistics is involved in two ongoing initiatives linked to local schools. The first is the SAFA KwaMashu Legends Schools League, a structured football tournament involving 12 high schools, including Inhlakanipho Secondary, Inqabakazulu Secondary, JE Ndlovu High School and John Dube High School, among others.
The league runs annually in partnership with SAFA, the Department of Education and local football bodies. It includes boys, girls and U16 divisions, with matches played over several weeks and concluding in knockout rounds and finals. The programme is intended to encourage participation in sport, while also supporting health and teamwork among learners.
“KwaMashu has a strong football culture, and this tournament gives learners exposure to competitive matches, coaching and even scouts,” said Mhlengi Nxele, at KwaMashu Schools League. “It showcases local talent, fosters community pride and has already seen some learners go on to professional contracts and represent the country.”
Beyond the game itself, participation in the league also exposes learners to a broader set of life skills. “They learn teamwork, discipline, resilience and leadership, as well as how to manage pressure and work with others,” added Mhlengi, noting that structured competition plays an important role in personal development both on and off the field.
The second initiative, a computer literacy programme, supports eight Grade 12 learners from schools in KwaMashu each year. Learners are selected based on their trial exam performance, with the programme focused on developing practical computer skills that can be applied beyond school. This annual initiative forms part of a broader focus on education and learner support in the area.
Ongoing donations and community partnerships
Alongside these structured programmes, several ad hoc and recurring contributions are made in support of community initiatives. These include laptops for the computer literacy programme, soccer kits, trophies and medals for the schools’ league, snacks and refreshments for match days, sponsorship of community events such as golf days, and support for facilitators and youth development programmes at selected schools.
Transport support for non-profit organisations
A separate area of focus is transport support provided to non-profit organisations. City Logistics currently offers transport, at no cost, to a range of organisations, including City Hope, The Clothing Bank, Zero2Five, The Litter Boom Project and the Zululand Rhino Orphanage, as well as several other community-driven initiatives with customers.
This support is provided as needed and is intended to assist organisations with the movement of goods, which can be a significant operational cost.
“We’re mindful that the most useful support is not always financial,” said Ryan Gaines, CEO of City Logistics. “In many cases, it’s about using the capacity we already have in a way that is practical, relevant, and genuinely responsive to the needs of the organisations and communities involved.”
Supporting conservation efforts
One example of this transport support is the delivery of milk powder to the Zululand Rhino Orphanage. This support, which began this year, ensures a consistent and reliable supply of essential nutrition for orphaned calves.
To date, one load of two pallets has been transported, with an estimated value of R14,000. Milk powder is a critical resource for orphaned rhino calves, many of which have been separated from their mothers due to poaching. Reliable delivery of these supplies is necessary for their care and development during rehabilitation.
A practical approach to corporate support
Across these initiatives, the focus remains on providing support that aligns with existing operations. This includes funding where required, as well as the use of logistics infrastructure, supplier networks and in-kind contributions to support programmes on the ground.
