With the current economic conditions and an ever-growing waiting list for the Government’s Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses, it has become increasingly difficult for South Africans to own decent homes.

PPC has implemented an initiative which will see over 300 of its employees – mainly semi-skilled workers, who do not qualify for either a state-funded RDP house or for a bank loan – acquire a decent house. This initiative will run over the next three to four years.

Yogesh Narsing, an executive for special projects from PPC, says the main difference between this initiative and other prior industry initiatives is that PPC will ensure that the employees receive all the training necessary to successfully manage and maintain their new homes. “This initiative supports one of our strategic pillars – to be a responsible corporate and it will not only see us supply the means to acquire decent housing to our employees, but also give them training and the technological know-how to successfully transact for their new homes and maintain them,” he says.

The first person to receive a home from PPC is Edward Ringani, who retired after more than 35 years of service to the company. His house has been completed in his ancestral home of Mmapela, Mokopane, in Limpopo. Four more houses will follow in quick succession.

“I believe that a happy employee is a loyal and productive one. This employee housing support initiative is just one aspect of how PPC cares for its people and PPC remains committed to ensure that as an organisation we go beyond the cement bag,” says Narsing.