New Germany, South Africa - October 27, 2009
"It is a privilege for Dow Advanced Material to be able to make a contribution to the success of important events in our local schools, that so badly need financial assistance," says Martin Rogers Site manager, New Germany plant. "The New Germany plant, which is determined to make a difference in South Africa by reaching out to communities beyond the plant’s immediate environment, supports many meaningful projects.
"Generous donations and employee involvement have made a difference to initiatives such as this."
The Umzamo Primary School, which is nestled in the heart of Botha’s Hill, not far from the Dow Advanced Materials plant, hosts a mini HIV/AIDS celebration each year.
This year’s event, which was proudly sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, was attended by dignitaries, stakeholders, parents, teachers and all the pupils of the Umzamo Primary School.
What was special about this year’s function was the enthusiastic participation by the pupils themselves. The function started with the ‘lighting of the candles’ that signified health, joy and sustenance. Highlights of the day were Gospel singing, choral verse, poetry, a wedding song and ‘isichathamiya’ which is a Zulu word for slow dancing.
"The Dow Advanced Materials New Germany plant is proud to be part of this initiative that highlights the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention and support programmes," says Martin Rogers, plant manager, the Dow Advanced Materials New Germany plant.
"The company has established close relationships with locally based non-profit organisations that play a key role in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The New Germany plant has introduced in-house and community HIV/AIDS training and educational workshops that provide counselling and support."
About Dow
About Dow Southern Africa
Dow traces its South African origins back to 1959 when its first sales office was established. The company is a significant local industry player and operates through a group of wholly owned subsidiaries namely Sentrachem Limited, Dow Southern Africa (Pty) Limited (including the Chemicals and Automotive businesses) and Dow AgroSciences Southern Africa (Pty) Limited. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company. The Rohm and Haas manufactory in New Germany, KwaZulu Natal is incorporated into Dow as its Advanced Materials Division. As a company that has a passion for the betterment of the human condition, Dow continues to be a proactive participant and supporter of Corporate Citizenship programs aimed at conservation and providing support, including education to orphaned, vulnerable and underserved children. Dow is also supportive of economic transformation in South Africa as well as the Responsible Care® Guiding Principles initiative. More information about Dow Southern Africa can be found at: http://www.dow.com/imea/ssa/about/locations.htm
For Editorial Information:
Doritha Erwee
The Dow Chemical Company
27 11 575 1547
