Engen honours Sierra Leone with lead sponsorship of Africa Peace Award

Friday, 30 April 2010

African energy company, Engen Petroleum has again taken lead sponsorship of the 2010 Africa Peace Award (APA), continuing an unbroken tradition of support for the award since its inception in 1993.

The company will co-host a red carpet event to mark the occasion in Durban, South Africa, on 30 April 2010, along with APA's founder, ACCORD (the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes).

More than 750 guests from government, diplomatic circles, civil society of three countries and foreign dignitaries will attend. Among them, South Africa's President Jacob Zuma will witness the handing over of the award to Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma who will accept the award on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone.

In his address, Vasu Gounden, founder and executive director of ACCORD, said Sierra Leone was being honoured for its determination, patriotism and bravery in ending a decade-long civil war, for achieving peace and for maintaining it through two elections after the conflict.

The APA was established in 1993, initially to recognise South African communities, individuals or institutions whose efforts turned conflict into peace. In 1995, it was extended to include all of Africa, with similar objectives. Engen's support continued throughout this period, until the present.

"It has been Engen's privilege to support ACCORD, initially in promoting peace in South Africa, then in promoting the country's vision for peace in Africa," says Rashid Yusof, Engen CEO and MD. "As a nation we have learnt that we can never let our guard down against the forces of enmity, and we support this award with humility and full knowledge of our own frailty."

With operations in 18 African countries, Engen is committed to Africa, having stated that it wants to be a leading petroleum marketer in Africa by 2016. To accompany its commercial interests, it has a genuine concern for the economic, social and environmental welfare of the continent. The company supports social projects throughout Africa, including donations in support of under-privileged children and displaced people in areas of unrest.

This ethos of caring permeates other areas of its business too. Before undertaking new investments, Engen consults extensively among communities, leadership and internal stakeholders, and takes pride in making extensive use of local resources in the areas of employment and business partnerships.

"As we seek out new opportunities in Africa, we pledge our continued commitment and support to its people," concludes Yusof. "Africa is our home and our sustenance, and we hope that our contribution to ACCORD's endeavours on the continent and in South Africa will help bring us the lasting peace we all crave, as citizens, as communities and as businesses.

For more information, contact Engen Group Communications Manager: Tania Landsberg: Tel: 021 403 5258 or email:Tania.landsberg@engenoil.com.