East London, South Africa – Demonstrating the enduring power of partnership and shared vision, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa (LSFGFSA) have proudly announced the graduation of the third cohort of the Incubation Hub programme. In a significant show of support, the collaboration will provide funding totaling R3.5 million to non-profit organisations in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, underscoring a steadfast commitment to driving socio-economic development in communities across South Africa.
This year’s milestone moment honours the achievements of 16 non-profits, each of which participated in an intensive four-month training programme that focused on strategic development, good governance, financial management, child safeguarding, and monitoring and evaluation. A key hallmark of the initiative is the focus on mentorship and networking opportunities, equipping participants with the tools they need to flourish despite numerous challenges.
Over the last three years, the Incubation Hub has welcomed 31 non-profits, all with a shared determination to uplift local communities. This track record of success paved the way for the project’s expansion to Gauteng in 2024, where more organisations will benefit from the Incubation Hub’s practical guidance, ensuring that resources, skills, and leadership are nurtured and amplified for sustainable community-focused interventions.
According to Abey Kgotle, Executive Director: Human Resources & Corporate Affairs at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, this expansion epitomises MBSA’s vision of creating deeper and more lasting impact:
“Our partnership with Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa demonstrates the strength and resilience of organisations working tirelessly to bring lasting social change. By expanding the Incubation Hub to Gauteng and growing our footprint in the Eastern Cape, we are reaffirming our commitment to long-term, sustainable impact – ensuring that more communities have the resources and leadership needed to thrive and positively change the lives of many.”
The highlight of the 2023 programme was a graduation ceremony held in East London, where six outstanding non-profits—Nyara Youth Development, Light of Hope, Helping Those in Need, Faith and Hope Foundation, Child Welfare Tshwane, and Arch Impact Accelerator—were recognised for their unwavering commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges. Each organisation received R400,000, enabling them to continue delivering transformative initiatives in alignment with MBSA’s core Corporate Social Responsibility pillars: Education, Women Empowerment, and Community Upliftment.
Reflecting on the impact of the Incubation Hub so far, Marlene Coetzee-George, Chief Executive Officer of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, emphasised the vital role of collective efforts:
“The Incubation Hub has once again proven how collaboration can transform communities. We are immensely proud of the continued success of our partnership with Mercedes-Benz South Africa, which empowers non-profits to thrive despite the challenges they face.”
Under the shared vision of MBSA and LSFGFSA, the Incubation Hub has solidified its position as a catalyst for sustainable change. By extending its reach, offering comprehensive training, and championing innovative community-led programmes, this partnership strives to uplift vulnerable populations and create a ripple effect of positive transformation.
As South African communities work to overcome socio-economic barriers, Mercedes-Benz South Africa and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa have demonstrated that collaboration lies at the heart of durable impact. Through strategic investment, robust training, and unwavering support, the Incubation Hub continues to illuminate what is possible when innovative thinking and purposeful action converge.
