Water is life: the QVDB Foundation and Cassper Nyovest give students access to clean drinking water
The Quinton van der Burgh Foundation (QVDB Foundation) and South African superstar Cassper Nyovest have reacted to a desperate need for clean drinkable water in the North West Province.
Thanks to their initiative, Nyovest’s alma mater, Sol Plaatje Primary School in Mahikeng can now supply its 47 teachers and 1357 students with fresh drinking water.
The QVDB Foundation teamed up with the South African rapper and music entrepreneur to sponsor the school with a borehole and a well to the value of R260 000.
“We don’t need you to worry about access to water. We need you to worry about what you’re going to become, a famous rapper like Cassper, the next President or running big companies,” said Quinton van der Burgh, founder and president of the QVDB Foundation speaking at the launch and ribbon cutting of the Well at Sol Plaatje Primary School last week (Wednesday, March 22).
According to research, 19% of South Africa’s rural population lacks access to a reliable water supply and 33% do not have basic sanitation services. While rural citizens suffer the most, over 26% of all schools (urban or rural), and 45% of clinics, have no water access either.
“It’s such a simple thing, yet so many people are struggling to get access to water. This should never be the case,” said van der Burgh.
As the president of Generosity Water Global, a charitable organisation with a worldwide footprint, van der Burgh is no stranger to the cause, having played a part in bringing clean drinking water to thousands of people in developing countries.
“The act of giving is what it’s going to take to change South Africa,” he said.
For more on QVDB Foundation’s initiatives please visit: www.qvdbfoundation.co.za
MORE ABOUT QUINTON VAN DER BURGH
● South-African-born entrepreneur, Quinton van der Burgh (QVDB) entrenched himself in South African business folklore by establishing Voda-Tella International at age 22. Based in London at the time, the organisation primarily focused on the supply and distribution of telecommunication services and devices, but Voda-Tella International would go on to operate in twelve countries.
● With an eye for marketing and an extensive understanding of mergers and acquisitions, QVDB founded Quinton van der Burgh Investments which has invested in an array of industries ranging from Fin-Tech to Aviation, Entertainment to Hospitality but has more recently focused most of his investments in commodities, including the Mining of Coal and Metal assets throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
● Through his foundation (QVDBF) and association with and ownership of Generosity Water, QVDB started his philanthropic journey by establishing water wells throughout Southern Africa and ensuring that communities and schools in desperate need were provided access to safe and clean drinking water. This ongoing initiative has, to date, helped over 415 000 South Africans exercise their inalienable human right to water.
● Often quoted, “I’m not just wanting to change someone’s life for a day or a month, I truly want to change their lives for life!”, QVDB has extended his charitable undertakings to include the #ActOfGenerosity, an initiative designed to encourage fellow South Africans to share their stories and one that promises that selected applicants are assisted with the support they need to rebuild their lives, regardless of the nature of the assistance required. From settling credit card debt to paying for operations or schooling, QVDB has restored the selected candidates’ dignity and standing in society.