In a remarkable demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Automotive South Africa recently inaugurated a brand-new library and learning centre at Lavela Secondary School in Soweto. This initiative marks the 22nd library sponsorship under Hyundai’s ongoing corporate social investment programme, which collaborates with Hyundai Motor Company in Korea and the DP World Motus Community Trust.
The event witnessed the presence of approximately 800 learners from Lavela Secondary School, where Mr. Neo Sithole, the school’s principal, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors. He emphasized the library’s vital role in fostering responsible adulthood among students, stating, “The library, the resource centre is going to contribute to that.” This sentiment echoes Hyundai’s commitment to educational empowerment in previously disadvantaged communities.
A Legacy of Learning
Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, addressed the students, acknowledging their deserving status as recipients of this generous gift. “You should all be very proud of yourself,” he declared, highlighting that the library represents more than just books; it embodies Hyundai’s core values and corporate investment initiatives aimed at enriching the community.
Jansen van Rensburg underscored the transformative power of education, asserting that one’s current circumstances do not dictate their future. “You are the only person in charge of your future,” he urged the students, encouraging them to educate themselves to uncover better opportunities. This philosophy is at the heart of Hyundai’s social investment initiatives, which aim to create sustainable pathways for change.
Empowering Future Leaders
The metaphor of the library as an “airplane” encapsulated the essence of Jansen van Rensburg’s message. He likened the new resources to an opportunity for growth, stating, “Some of you will be scared to use it, some of you will just be passengers on the ride. But there is an opportunity for everyone to learn to become the pilot on this airplane and become the captain.” This analogy serves as a reminder that the tools for learning are available, but it is the learners’ responsibility to harness them effectively.
The importance of literacy was a focal point of his address. “You need to be able to read with comprehension to understand,” he emphasized, acknowledging the rapidly evolving world where technology and artificial intelligence increasingly dominate. He urged the students to not only read but to critically assess the information they consume, equipping them for a future where being well-informed is paramount.
A Lasting Investment in the Community
Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s dedication to education began in 2013, with the launch of an initiative aimed at creating libraries and learning resource centres in underprivileged schools across the south of Gauteng. Since then, the company has invested approximately R31.5 million in establishing 22 libraries in the region, demonstrating a long-term commitment to community development.
Each library sponsorship includes the provision of a trained librarian to manage the resource centre, further enhancing the educational environment. This approach ensures that the facilities are not just physical spaces but thriving centres of learning and exploration.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s latest contribution to Lavela Secondary School exemplifies the profound impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives on education. By investing in the next generation, Hyundai is not only enriching the lives of students but also fostering a culture of learning that transcends socioeconomic barriers. As these young learners embark on their educational journeys, the new library stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering them to navigate their futures with confidence and competence. Through such initiatives, Hyundai continues to demonstrate that the path to change lies in the power of knowledge and education.
