Michelle Nel
By the end of January the Johannesburg World Summit Company (Jowsco the Section 21 company organising the World Summit) had secured R300-million to host the biggest international event in the history of the country. This is more than half its targeted R550-million.
The South African government (national, provincial and local levels) pledged R200-million. Other United Nations member countries didn’t quite match this, but committed themselves to R90-million. The UN itself provides only logistical support.
In December last year the first two South African corporate sponsors, MTN and Standard Bank, put in R5-million each. A few weeks ago Anglo American handed a cheque for R5-million to Moss Mashishi, CEO of Jowsco, at a function at the Wanderers Stadium in Illovo, which is to be the venue for the Ubuntu Village hosting a mixture of cultural, leisure and logistical facilities during the summit.
“We are in serious discussions with five other corporations,” Mashishi told the Mail & Guardian. He had taken a few hours off from an intensive Jowsco bosberaad that aimed to sort out the logistical challenges.
“All the managers of all the line functions are reporting back so that we get a comprehensive picture of our state of readiness so far,” he said.
Michael Spicer, executive director, corporate affairs, Anglo American said: “We are delighted to be part of this important event in the history of South Africa. Anglo is aware of the importance of sustainable development especially the triple bottom line encompassing social, environmental and economic considerations.
“To this end, we are playing a leadership role in the Global Mining Initiative, which takes place in Toronto soon, and will provide unique industry input to the World Summit on Sustainable Development. As a global resources company we have a key role to play in moving towards society’s ultimate goal of sustainability.”
Mashishi said Anglo American was leading a second wave of corporate sponsors and hoped to have more “good news” to announce soon about sponsorship.
“This support from one of our country’s largest multinational companies is welcomed as recognition of the importance of the summit,” Mashishi said. “South Africa’s successful hosting of this UN event depends on the commitment of all its citizens, including big business.”