On July 25, 2024, UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA) partnered with SaferStops Association (SSA) to commemorate Mandela Day by donating winter hampers to approximately 350 truck drivers at Vaal Truck-Inn Truck Stop, situated next to the N3 in Johannesburg, South Africa. This initiative exemplifies UDTSA’s steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its dedication to the well-being of those at the core of the logistics industry. The hampers, filled with essential winter items, aim to provide truck drivers with much-needed comfort and warmth during the colder months.
SaferStops Association (SSA) originated from the gender-diversity initiatives facilitated by the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA). SSA is a collaborative effort to enhance the well-being of commercial drivers in South Africa, particularly truck drivers. The ultimate goal of this alliance is to establish a baseline standard for all truck stops, ensuring that drivers receive the vital support they need to excel in their roles and improve road safety.
Nicci Scott, CEO of SaferStops, expressed her gratitude: “As SSA, we are honoured by the pivotal support of UDTSA to make Mandela month special for truck drivers who keep the wheels of our economy turning. Truck drivers often face long hours away from home and may have limited access to essentials. Noble acts like these not only meet the immediate needs of drivers but also highlight the importance of meaningful partnerships that will move our industry forward.”
Supporting Communities Through Various CSR Initiatives
UDTSA’s commitment to social responsibility extends beyond this Mandela Day initiative. The company has been actively involved in several impactful CSR programs, each designed to address specific societal needs and contribute to the community’s overall well-being.
Shoprite Soup Kitchen Initiative
UDTSA is a proud partner of the Shoprite Soup Kitchen initiative, which focuses on hunger alleviation in society. Through this program, UD Trucks has provided mobile units in the form of trucks to support immediate hunger relief needs in the communities where Shoprite operates. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, UDTSA donated a new Kuzer truck, bringing the total number of trucks donated to four. These mobile kitchens play a crucial role in delivering hot meals to those in need, especially in underserved areas.
Ultimate Women Program
In line with its commitment to gender transformation and advancement in the transport industry, UDTSA launched the Ultimate Women Program in November 2022. This program focuses on empowering women in various roles within the transport sector, offering training and development opportunities to promote equality. The program has since expanded to include bus driver training, further supporting the broader goal of gender inclusivity. As part of this expansion, UDTSA has provided a 65-seater Croner bus for a three-month training program.
Apprenticeship Training Support
UDTSA recognizes the importance of technical education and skills development. The company has donated a used vehicle to Soltech, an organization that participates in the UD Apprentice program. These vehicles are used for the technical training of candidates, equipping them with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers. This initiative ensures that future generations of technicians are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry.
Driving Positive Change: Leadership Insights
Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, emphasized the significance of July: “July is a time when all of us in South Africa pause and extend goodness to those in need as a way of recognizing the legacy left for the nation. We hope our contribution to the drivers will go a long way in ensuring their comfort and well-being whilst they continue to keep the trucks on the road where they belong. As a company that is guided by its purpose of ‘Better Life,’ it is this very purpose that spurs our ongoing commitment to making various positive contributions to the societies we serve and within the transport industry, promoting a better life for the planet, growth, and people.”
Ongoing Commitment to Empowerment and Growth
UDTSA’s ongoing commitment to driving positive change in the industry through empowering disadvantaged groups, investing in skills development, and socio-economic contributions has been recognized as the company recently achieved a Level 3 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) rating for the second consecutive year. To maintain its Level 3 BBBEE contributor status, UDTSA invested significantly towards skills training and development through the company’s participation in the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, a business-led collaboration with the government that provides opportunities for unemployed youth in South Africa for development and job creation.
Janet Frost, Human Resources Director at UD Trucks Southern Africa, proudly stated: “As UDTSA, we are proud of the significant strides we have made not only to provide exceptional products and services but to also ensure a transformed and socially responsible organisation. On our transformation journey, we have taken a holistic approach that encompasses our employees, customers, dealers, and communities. Achieving a level 3 contributor status for the second consecutive year as a company further underscores our ongoing commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, socio-economic development, and participation in the commercial vehicle industry.”
Looking Ahead
UDTSA looks forward to continuing its journey towards greater empowerment, growth, and consistently living its Better Life purpose. Through its various CSR initiatives and unwavering commitment to the community, UDTSA is not just driving trucks but driving change, making a lasting impact on society and the transport industry.
