Eastern Cape, South Africa – In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has partnered with the Gift of the Givers Foundation to restore Gqala Primary School in Tsholomnqa, Eastern Cape. The school, which serves over 150 students, suffered significant damage due to gale-force winds in 2023, leading to severe disruptions in education.
This generous donation, valued at R2.5 million, facilitated the complete reconstruction and refurbishment of the school’s infrastructure. Additionally, it provided essential learning materials and uniforms, ensuring that the students could resume their education without further delay.
“We are honored to have been a part of this project and see it come to life beyond a concept. For Mercedes-Benz, it is about more than building our cars; we believe in intentionally impacting our communities, particularly for our future generation. Through this donation, Mercedes-Benz South Africa demonstrates an active interest and investment in accessibility to quality education,” stated Abey Kgotle, Executive Director of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at MBSA.
The Gift of the Givers Foundation, Africa’s largest disaster response non-governmental organization, aims to instill hope and restore dignity to the most vulnerable populations. This collaboration with MBSA is a testament to their shared commitment to community upliftment.
Since 2022, MBSA and the Gift of the Givers Foundation have forged a robust partnership, addressing socio-economic needs and providing disaster relief in regions like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and the Eastern Cape. Their swift response to the disaster at Gqala Primary School ensured that both immediate and long-term needs of the affected learners were met effectively.
“Our philosophy is to be among the people who benefit mankind. We wish to thank Mercedes-Benz South Africa for their generous contribution and support in making a difference to the Tsholomnqa community. This partnership is a steppingstone towards a positive lasting impact,” expressed Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation.
The restoration of Gqala Primary School reaffirms Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s dedication to corporate social responsibility. By collaborating with the Gift of the Givers Foundation, MBSA showcases its commitment to fostering meaningful community impact. The success of the Gqala Primary School project stands as a powerful testament to this dedication, proving that the company’s influence extends far beyond the automotive industry.
