How repurposed containers are bringing hope to Africa

The private, black-owned Moti Group has primarily been known for its mining interests for the 18 years it has been in existence, but that’s about to change under its new leadership team.

Moti Group has some eye-catching projects across the African continent, including its partnership with a Chinese behemoth in a Zimbabwe-based lithium operation, and its platinum group metals (PGM) tailings retreatment joint venture adjacent to Anglo Platinum’s Amandelbult Platinum Mine in the Waterberg district of Limpopo province.

Adjacent to these mining operations are its interests in property, aviation and financial products.

Many people were surprised when former National Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane announced in 2022 that he would be joining the Moti Group as CEO. The group was founded by Zunaid Moti, who has since relinquished all responsibilities in the company to his son, executive director Mikaeel Moti, and Mogajane.

“I spent 23 years in the public sector and most of that time at a senior level,” says Mogajane. “From this I gained a good understanding of the challenges we face as a country and as a continent, from unplanned urban settlements to illegal immigration, and the developmental needs of people living in the poorest parts of the country.

“I felt I could bring some of these teachings to the private sector, which is what I am doing. And one of the biggest problems we face in the region is lack of infrastructure, whether in the form of health clinics, roads, or schools.”

In keeping with this thinking, Mogajane has lent his formidable expertise to rolling out a new infrastructure solution designed by Moti called African Hero, where recycled and renovated shipping containers are repurposed and kitted out as mobile clinics or schools.

Traditional brick-and-mortar clinics take at least 10 to 12 months from breaking ground to completion. The African Hero concept can be deployed in three weeks.

Complementary fit

This is a logical play for the Moti Group, which counts East Rand Containers among its SA business interests.

A number of these containerised clinics are already in operation at its mining operations in Limpopo, and the plan is to roll out 40 more in the next 12 months.

The group will provide the infrastructure, with government or the business sector providing the medicine and personnel to run these mobile clinics or schools.

In Zimbabwe, the Moti Group plans eight new clinics within the next two months, and discussions are already underway with potential partners in SA and Botswana.

“Africa’s challenges are well understood,” says Mogajane. “But to change the narrative, it’s important for African leaders and companies to look beyond business as usual – which is where African Hero comes in.

“African Hero offers a practical solution for infrastructure delivery that can be transported essentially anywhere across the continent – even in underserviced rural areas where there is little or no pre-existing infrastructure.”

Power and technology

The containerised clinics and schools come fully equipped with solar power and back-up generators, fully operational water purification and filtration systems, air-conditioning, reinforced doors and windows, and CCTV systems for enhanced security.

These mobile clinics can handle the treatment of between 50 and 100 patients a day, sufficient to make a major difference to public health in vulnerable communities.

The containerised schools comprise eight classrooms able to accommodate up to 240 students.

The set-up includes computer science laboratories, with built-in computers, and internet, to ensure students even in remote areas are equipped with skills needed for the digital age. Schools are designed with a courtyard, tuck shop, sports field, and office space for a principal, a receptionist, and another four administrative offices for support staff.

“Through supporting quality healthcare and education, as well as providing vital community services, we strongly believe that African Hero can play a meaningful role in stimulating sustainable socio-economic development,” says Mogajane.

“But the benefits don’t stop there – our facilities are even able to act as offices and retail stores, and we hope to one day expand our footprint to help jumpstart new businesses in remote areas.”

Direct impact

The Moti Cares Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Moti Group, launched with the vision of South Africans giving a hand-up to their fellow citizens, regardless of race or creed. It supports animal welfare groups and orphanages and during the KwaZulu-Natal riots in 2021 delivered two million meals to desperate families.

“Our solution means the Moti Group is essentially willing to invest the money for these facilities upfront ourselves, and instead agree on repayment terms with our various partners over a period of time,” says Mogajane.

“This ensures that we can have a quick and meaningful effect on communities, directly impacting the lives of ordinary people.”

These are just some of the initiatives incubated within the Moti Group, which Mogajane anticipates will breathe fresh life into Africa’s sluggish performance in rolling out public infrastructure.

Brought to you by the Moti Group.

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