Volkswagen Group South Africa has partnered with Smollan Group and Toll Group in donating two 23-seater Crafter buses to Nokuphila Community Services, a non-profit organisation based in Kwa-Thema, Springs.
Smollan Group is one of Volkswagen Group South Africa’s biggest fleet customers and leading field marketing organisation. Toll Group is an international integrated logistics company.
Nokuphila Community Services’ core activities include amongst other things after-care support services to over 350 vulnerable school children between the ages of seven and 18 years. Nokuphila also provide home-based care and support to families and people affected and infected with HIV/Aids.
The two converted Volkswagen Crafter buses with a combined value of R800 000 will be used to supplement Nokuphila’s transportation programme which include shuttling of primary school learners from their respective schools in KwaThema to the drop-in centre where they receive after-school educational support and food. The Crafters will also transport HIV/Aids patients to health facilities around the Gauteng province.
“Volkswagen Group South Africa is privileged to partner with Smollan Group and Toll Group in making a difference to the community of KwaThema by providing resources that give them opportunities for a brighter future. Volkswagen is a people orientated company. We always strive to be a company with meaning and impact in the communities where we operate,” said David Powels, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa.
“Our Corporate Social Investment programme focuses in youth development, early childhood development, environment, community wellbeing and health as well as local economic development. We were therefore very agreeable to partnering with Smollan Group in Nokuphila Community Services as its activities fall within our CSI focus areas,” added Powels.
David Smollan, Chief Executive Officer of Smollan Group said: “We have been supporting Nokuphila Community Services for nearly 12 years. We are very pleased that Volkswagen Group South Africa has also come on board to lay a foundation that will give opportunities to the children that are benefitting from the services of Nokuphila.”
Dumani Sibeko, Chairperson of Nokuphila Community Services Board said, “We are very grateful to Smollan Group, Volkswagen and Toll Group for the donation of the two Volkswagen buses. We believe this donation will contribute immensely to our fight against poverty and will ensure that our children are transported in comfortable and safe buses.”
