Project Playground, a non-profit children’s rights organisation, was delighted to receive two passenger vehicles donated by Epiroc South Africa. The vehicles have already made a profound difference, enabling social workers from Project Playground to reach children at schools, in court and within communities without the time-consuming burden of having to walk or rely on public transport. With reliable mobility, they can now deliver vital interventions more efficiently and effectively extend their support wherever it is needed most.
To further amplify Project Playground’s visibility, Epiroc enhanced its donation by branding both vehicles with the organisation’s logo, turning them into moving ambassadors for the tremendous work they do. Through this meaningful contribution, Epiroc, a leading specialist in the supply of mining machinery, equipment and integrated technologies across Southern Africa, once again demonstrates its steadfast commitment to uplifting South Africa’s underprivileged children and empowering them to build a better future. “Children represent the future and safeguarding their safety and development is a priority for us, enabling them to grow into responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the country,” asserts Ziyanda Mkhaliphi, Regional Corporate & Social Responsibility Manager at Epiroc South Africa.
Project Playground was founded in 2010 by Princess Sofia of Sweden (then Sofia Hellqvist) and Frida Vesterberg, in response to the enduring inequalities and limited access to opportunities stemming from South Africa’s apartheid legacy. Project Playground is primarily based in Cape Town, with main operational centres in the townships of Langa and Gugulethu, while also maintaining a smaller affiliated branch in Stockholm, Sweden. The organisation works directly with 450 participants and reaches more than 1,700 family members. Its vision is ‘a world where every child is safe, supported, and able to realise their full potential, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality’.
Epiroc has been supporting Project Playground for several years and Ziyanda outlines why this partnership remains so important, emphasising the principles that underpin this continued support: “To begin with, as Epiroc’s global head office is based in Sweden, we maintain a strong connection to the country, making Project Playground a natural programme that resonates deeply with our values. Secondly, while Epiroc typically invests in initiatives within mining communities where our customers operate, this partnership with Project Playground extends the company’s impact beyond those boundaries, reinforcing a broader commitment to social development. Another key factor is that children in Langa are often exposed to social risks that hinder their development and wellbeing, and Epiroc therefore remains firmly committed to empowering social workers to support families through counselling and psychosocial services, while also connecting households with essential state resources.”
Through ongoing engagements and site visits to Project Playground, the Epiroc team develops a deeper understanding of and gain greater insight into their scope of work and the many challenges they face. Epiroc’s support has taken many forms over the years, starting with initiatives such as the placement of unemployed social work graduates at the organisation, including the funding of their stipends and supporting after‑care sports and cultural activities.
“Given the broad scope of their responsibilities, from home visits where some of the most vulnerable children reside to child protection investigations, court appearances and family reunifications, the provision of two vehicles ensures reliable transport, alleviates critical bottlenecks and reinforces their ability to deliver vital social work interventions, serving the community more effectively and with greater ease,” states Ziyanda.
On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, Sthembiso Mnisi, Regional Communications Specialist and Kevin Govender, Procurement Manager from Epiroc South Africa formally handed over the two passenger vehicles to Frida Vesterberg, Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships and Financial Sustainability and Nyameka Mzamo, Chief Executive Officer at Project Playground, who expressed the team’s heartfelt gratitude for the donation.
“On behalf of everyone at Project Playground, I wish to thank Epiroc for their longstanding, loyal support,” shares Frida. “Before receiving the vehicles, our social workers faced serious limitations in reaching clients and supporting them at school or in court — challenges that also posed safety risks for staff. Now, with driving integrated into their daily responsibilities, our social workers have experienced an enormous difference – enhancing our team, elevating the visibility of our organisation and, most importantly, serving the children and families more effectively. With this support, we can strengthen our preventative and holistic approach, guiding children on their journey towards independence and equipping them with the confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence they need to break cycles of disadvantage. We are deeply grateful; thank you so much.” This initiative marks a significant milestone in the collaborative commitment to strengthening Project Playground’s impact within the communities they serve and reflects a longstanding partnership which Epiroc remains dedicated to sustaining. “Regular visits to Project Playground allow us to evaluate the Epiroc‑sponsored programmes, ensuring they remain effective and responsive. This strategic approach creates a continuous feedback loop, enabling us to strengthen outcomes and adapt our support to the evolving needs of the children and families,” concludes Ziyanda.
