22 October 2019, Pretoria: Exxaro officially launched their new building – the conneXXion – in Centurion, Pretoria. The launch presented an opportunity for external stakeholders to experience the extraordinary architecture, artistic prowess, the technological capability and sustainable features of the 5 Green star rating (according to the Green Building Council of South Africa) building.
Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo says, “Exxaro’s drive to innovate through excellence has propelled us to utilise new technologies to advance our organisational excellence and this building is a contributor to this. Our new building has a range of features aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of our employees while minimising its environmental footprint.”
Some features of the building include e-parking bays, “visually-attractive central staircases” aimed at encouraging employees to avoid using the lifts while allowing for the capture of urine to produce fertiliser that can be used in agricultural activities.
An honoured guest at this momentous occasion was Minister of Employment and Labour, Thembelani Thulas Nxesi, “Opening a Head Office in the mist of the difficult economic climate gives hope and assurance that Exxaro are growing and are here for the long haul despite the dynamic changes in the coal and mining sector.”
Minister Nxesi also congratulated Exxaro for qualifying as one of South Africa’s Top Performing Companies in the Mining Sector and for their contribution to the economic transformation in South Africa.
“Exxaro being awarded the Top Empowerment Company Certificate is testimony to all your investments, training initiatives, youth programs and the vision of the future. You are making meaningful changes to the lives of South Africans, especially the poor and the working class”.
The conneXXion epitomises innovation and represents the commitment to the environment; and to reducing the company’s carbon footprint, conserving natural resources, and creating a sustainable company for Exxaro employees and South Africa.
Mgojo further states, “Transitioning to cleaner sources of energy is important and an imperative, but it’s not going to happen overnight. As coal production declines, jobs, regional economic development, political and environmental impacts will all require attention and assessment.”
As a proudly South African company Exxaro is committed to leading by example in respect of sustainable development and will look to find ways of working that minimises the negative impact of our operations while uplifting the country’s economy.