PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – July 2025
In a powerful demonstration of how corporate responsibility can drive lasting impact, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) and Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS) have partnered with the Sizanani Mentorship Programme to uplift youth from Alexandra township through education, mentorship, and skills development. The week-long engagement saw a blend of inspiration, empowerment, and tangible support for both high school learners and university students who are part of Sizanani’s transformative initiatives.
Opening Doors for Future Leaders
The week began with nine bright young minds from Alexandra stepping into a new world at DTSA’s head office in Centurion. Through the “Take a Girl Child to Work” initiative, these high school girls were introduced to the exciting realm of commercial vehicles, finance, engineering, and logistics. They spent the day job-shadowing professionals across departments, gaining invaluable insights and real-world experience in a fast-evolving industry.
From technical demonstrations to one-on-one mentoring conversations, the day was designed to ignite curiosity and ambition. It also offered the girls a rare opportunity to envision careers beyond their current horizons. A highlight for many was seeing a truck owned by a woman, a powerful symbol of possibility and representation in a male-dominated industry.
Valerie Hirsch, Director of the Sizanani Mentorship Programme, reflected on the experience:
“The visit to DTSA was incredible. The girls learned about so many career paths, and most importantly, they were inspired to believe in themselves. Exposure like this is critical—it gives them the motivation and vision to pursue a future they never thought possible.”
Removing Barriers to Success
While high school learners are building their academic foundations, university students face their own set of challenges—chief among them, limited access to technology. Many must travel long distances to public libraries or labs simply to complete coursework. Recognising this digital divide, DTSA and DTFS returned to their Centurion office later in the week, this time welcoming a group of 18 undergraduate students from the Sizanani Mentorship Programme.
In a ceremony that underscored their commitment to education as a driver of equity, DTSA and DTFS presented each student with a brand-new laptop. The recipients—studying Engineering, IT, and other disciplines—now have the tools to work more effectively, conduct research, and build the digital fluency so essential to modern success.
“Having their own laptops will help them improve their academic performance and make life much easier,” said Hirsch. “Especially for those studying online or living off-campus, this support is nothing short of life-changing.”
A Shared Vision for Progress
Maretha Gerber, President and CEO of DTSA, reinforced the importance of educational support in DTSA’s broader social impact strategy:
“Education is a cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility. In today’s digital world, computer literacy is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. No student should be held back by lack of access. We hope these laptops help unlock each student’s potential and bring them closer to the future they deserve.”
Mike Honiball, CEO of DTFS SA, echoed the sentiment:
“It was incredibly inspiring to meet the students, share our career stories, and encourage them to dream big. We hope they seize every opportunity ahead and use these laptops as a stepping stone toward career success.”
Creating a Ripple Effect
For the Sizanani learners, this collaboration with DTSA and DTFS goes far beyond laptops or job-shadowing. It’s about access, opportunity, and belief—the building blocks of long-term empowerment. As Hirsch noted, “Our students come from communities where resources are scarce, but dreams are not. Partnerships like this help make those dreams tangible.”
With this latest initiative, DTSA and DTFS are not just driving trucks—they’re helping to drive transformation, one student at a time.
About the Sizanani Mentorship Programme
The Sizanani Mentorship Programme has, for over a decade, supported high school learners from Alexandra township with academic tutoring, mentorship, university applications, and life skills. It has helped dozens of students gain access to tertiary education and ultimately change the trajectory of their lives.
About Daimler Truck Southern Africa and Daimler Truck Financial Services
DTSA and DTFS are committed to building a better future through inclusive economic participation, education, and empowerment. Through initiatives like “Take a Girl Child to Work” and technology donations, they continue to invest in South Africa’s most valuable resource: its youth.
