Johannesburg, 13 November 2025 – In a powerful celebration of partnership, purpose, and progress, BYD Auto South Africa has joined forces with the Adopt-a-School Foundation—an entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation—to strengthen mobility solutions for schools in under-served communities. The announcement was made at the Foundation’s 16th annual Back to School Party-themed gala, held on 1 November 2025 at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
The prestigious event brought together more than 700 business and industry leaders from over 70 companies to champion access to education in South Africa. Hosted by the Foundation’s Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the evening’s theme, “Geography – A World in Union,” celebrated global unity, progress, and the transformative power of education to bridge divides and connect communities.
Guests were treated to a vibrant programme, emceed by acclaimed comedian Mpho Popps alongside young co-hosts from Hlakaniphani Primary School in Soweto. The entertainment line-up included soul-stirring performances by Loyiso Bala, the Fukama Primary School Choir, and legendary Afro-pop duo, Mafikizolo—each act reinforcing the night’s message of inspiration and togetherness.
However, the standout moment of the evening came when BYD Auto South Africa took to the stage with a surprise donation to the Adopt-a-School Foundation. The gesture drew a standing ovation from attendees, marking one of the night’s most memorable highlights and underscoring BYD’s dedication to driving meaningful, community-focused change.
The donation will directly enhance the Foundation’s mobility capabilities, ensuring its field teams have reliable, sustainable transportation to reach and service schools in remote and under-resourced areas. For BYD, it’s a tangible way of turning innovation into impact—helping the Foundation continue its vital work in building stronger, more resilient education systems.
“At BYD, we believe that progress is not only measured by the technology we create but by the impact we make,” said Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director at BYD Auto South Africa. “Education is the ultimate vehicle for transformation, and we are honoured to support the Adopt-a-School Foundation in their mission to unlock opportunity and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
“As a brand built on innovation, sustainability, and mobility, we are proud to play a role in helping South Africa move forward—both literally and figuratively,” added Steve Chang, Managing Director at BYD South Africa.
This year’s Back to School Party raised an impressive R6.6 million through table sales, auctions, and pledges. The funds will support the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s Whole School Development initiative, which focuses on improving school infrastructure, leadership, curriculum delivery, and learner well-being across South Africa.
Since its founding in 2002, the Adopt-a-School Foundation has made a profound national impact—benefiting over 1.7 million learners, collaborating with 690 schools, constructing 830 school structures, supporting 2,600 small businesses, and training 36,000 educators. The Foundation has also conducted 111,000 eyesight tests, providing 5,600 learners with eyeglasses—proof of its holistic approach to education.
BYD’s involvement in this initiative exemplifies the brand’s guiding vision, “Build Your Dreams,” where technology meets purpose and innovation drives empowerment. Through partnerships like this, BYD continues to accelerate change—creating a more sustainable, equitable, and inspiring future for generations to come.
