In every community, the future is shaped by the care we give to our children today. At VEA Group, we believe that real investment is not only measured in buildings or profits but in the lives we touch and the opportunities we help unlock for the next generation.

This belief came to life through our contribution to the establishment of a new aftercare centre, a safe haven created to support children from the immediate community with a space to learn, grow, play and simply be children. More than bricks and mortar, this centre represents hope, stability and the promise of a brighter future for all who walk through its doors.

A Place Where Futures Begin

For many children in South Africa, the hours after school can be the most vulnerable. Without safe environments or access to learning resources, young minds are left exposed to risks that can shape their futures in deeply negative ways. Aftercare centres play a pivotal role in filling this gap by offering structure, care and encouragement when it is needed most.

VEA Group’s contribution to this project focused on both the construction of the centre and providing essential resources such as books, desks and tables. These may seem like basic items, but in the hands of a child eager to learn, they become instruments of transformation.

Each desk becomes a place where dreams are sketched and goals are set. Each book opens a door to new worlds and ideas. Each table becomes a gathering point for shared learning, connection and belonging.

Building More Than Structures

The aftercare centre was completed in November 2019 and developed with one simple goal in mind: to create an environment where children feel safe, valued and inspired to expand their horizons.

At VEA Group, our corporate social investment philosophy centres on long term impact. We do not view community initiatives as once off gestures but as part of a broader, enduring commitment to building resilient and empowered communities. By investing in spaces that nurture young people, we are investing directly in the future of South Africa.

This initiative is aligned with our belief that business carries a responsibility that extends beyond financial success. Companies must serve as forces for good, creating opportunities, promoting dignity and supporting sustainable development.

Education as the Foundation of Change

Education remains one of the most powerful tools to break cycles of inequality and disadvantage. Education, however, is not limited to classrooms and formal lessons. It includes creating environments where children feel supported enough to believe in themselves.

The aftercare centre provides exactly that:

• A place for homework support and guided learning
• A space for reading, thinking and discovery
• A refuge where children are supervised and encouraged to explore their full potential

By ensuring access to educational support and a structured environment, the centre helps children build confidence, learn valuable skills and develop a sense of hope, qualities that will serve them throughout life.

Our Commitment to South Africa’s Youth

South Africa’s future depends on how we nurture its young people today. As a proudly South African business group, VEA is deeply invested in seeing our communities thrive. We understand that the challenges facing our country — such as inequality, unemployment and social instability — cannot be tackled by government alone. They require passionate and sustained partnerships between business, communities and civil society.

The aftercare centre initiative exemplifies how we aim to play our part.

It reflects our cultural values of desire, continuous effort, persistence and care for people. It is about showing up, staying committed and doing the work that matters, even when it might not make headlines.

Creating Ripples of Impact

The true success of this aftercare centre will not be measured by the physical space alone but by the stories that emerge from it:

• The child who improves their reading and finds confidence
• The learner who gains new skills and discovers a passion for maths or science
• The young person who feels safe enough to dream bigger about their future

These are the ripples that spread through families, schools and communities, shaping a generation that is equipped to uplift others in turn.

Looking Ahead

At VEA Group, we remain committed to initiatives that champion human potential. As we continue to grow across industries and borders, our roots remain firmly grounded in South Africa and in the belief that sustainable success must include meaningful social impact.

Because when we invest in children, we are investing in the future of our nation.

To learn more about the aftercare initiative and how you can support, please visit the local community centre website or contact us at VEA Group.