Epiroc has once again demonstrated its steadfast commitment to the conviction that every person deserves access to safe, potable water – a fundamental, life‑sustaining resource – through the recent delivery of a new borehole to Kloofwater Intermediate School in Rustenburg, Northwest Province, as part of the company’s Water for All initiative.
Rooted in the founding principle that clean water is a human right, Water for All, a non‑profit organisation established by employees on 22 August 1984, works to provide communities in need with safe drinking water. Through voluntary employee contributions, matched by the company, the organisation brings safe drinking water to communities across the country.
“We timed the handover of the borehole to coincide with Water for All’s 42nd anniversary, marking the occasion as a fitting celebration of this milestone,” says Victor Scott – Vice President EpiCore Southern, Eastern & Central Africa. “We believe that all children, regardless of their background, deserve the dignity of having access to clean water. Moreover, a reliable water supply is a fundamental enabler of quality education, and this initiative reflects Epiroc’s commitment to sustainable support of education. By addressing such a basic yet critical need, we are helping to unlock the potential of both learners and educators, enabling them to flourish in a safe and supportive environment.
The borehole is expected to bring immediate and tangible improvements to daily life at Kloofwater Intermediate School, providing reliable access to clean water for drinking, sanitation and cooking through the school’s feeding scheme. “Improving sanitation creates a safer, more hygienic environment that reduces health risks associated with waterborne illnesses, strengthens wellbeing, and helps minimise absenteeism among learners and educators. “We are building a more dignified learning environment that encourages better attendance, ultimately strengthening academic performance,” asserts Hercules Mc Donald – General Manager of New Concept Mining (NCM). As a ground support solutions provider acquired by Epiroc in 2019 and now proudly operating as New Concept Mining Powered by Epiroc, NCM counts its employees among the monthly contributors to the Water for All initiative, making their involvement in this project a natural extension of the company’s ongoing commitment to this worthy cause.
“At Epiroc, we recognise our responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing and development of the people around us, and we believe our role in the communities where we operate extends far beyond business,” highlights Victor. “Our commitment is to leave communities better off than we found them, and this is especially true in Rustenburg, where we serve several mines.” It was in this spirit that Epiroc first engaged with educators and learners at Kloofwater Intermediate School during its 2025 Mandela Day outreach, when the team revitalised classrooms by painting, installing ceilings and light fixtures, and fitting glass to windows.
Victor explains that when the principal, Samuel Mosime, shared the school’s challenges around access to clean water, struggling with inadequate supply that directly affected the overall learning environment, Epiroc pledged to return and explore solutions. “Given the school’s critical need for reliable access to clean water, it was identified as a priority. Following extensive discussions and feasibility studies, the Committee concluded that Kloofwater was the perfect beneficiary of the Water for All project and resolved to proceed with the rollout.”
Drilling commenced in April 2026 and once water was located, yield and quality tests were conducted prior to installing the necessary infrastructure (pipes, taps and storage tanks), to secure a reliable water supply for the Kloofwater school community.
On 21 August 2026, senior management from Epiroc and NCM were joined by the Water for All Committee, with support from colleagues at Epiroc Drilling Tools, for the official handover of the borehole to the Kloofwater principal, educators and learners. The delegation also included long‑serving donors who have faithfully contributed to this worthy cause for more than a decade.
Samuel expressed their sincere appreciation saying: “On behalf of the learners, educators and the entire Kloofwater Intermediate School community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Epiroc for the generous gift of a borehole. Access to clean water is something many take for granted, yet for us it represents a profound change in daily life. Our learners can now focus on their studies without the burden of water scarcity, and our educators can dedicate themselves fully to teaching in a safe and supportive setting. We are especially grateful that Epiroc listened to our community and responded with compassion and commitment.” “In line with our pledge to ensuring that the positive impact of initiatives like this reaches well beyond a single community, we plan to extend similar support to other underserved communities across South Africa,” emphasises Victor. “Our strategy is built on close collaboration with local stakeholders to identify where access to clean water and essential infrastructure can deliver the greatest impact. By scaling these efforts, we aim to strengthen education environments, improve learner wellbeing and contribute to long‑term community development, one borehole at a time. Epiroc’s broader vision is one of sustainable community support, where initiatives in education, health and infrastructure are purposefully designed to uplift communities and deliver lasting value.”
