The Spirit of togetherness: Audi SA and VWSA commitment
• Collaborative impact
• Volunteerism at its best
• Empowering communities
Collaborative Impact
Transforming the lives of South Africans and affecting positive change in the community is one of the core principles of Audi South Africa and Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA). As a newly appointed YES (Youth Employment Service) candidate, working in Audi’s marketing department, I was initially unaware that Audi SA is a subdivision of VWSA.
However, I have learnt a lot more about the two automotive organisations since starting at Audi in July. A part of this exciting journey included the opportunity to take part in one of the annual corporate social investment projects, Show of Hands, which also partnered with Rise Against Hunger. As employee volunteerism and meaningful experiences are some of the values of both organisations, this initiative was one I could not miss.
On 29 July, more than 120 VWSA and Audi SA employees and their loved ones joined hands in volunteering at the Edutak Pre-School Training and Development centre in Pretoria. Edutak staff and practitioners also joined the group, and together we managed to make a tangible difference. Edutak is a SETA-accredited non-profit organisation that aims to provide quality early childhood education and entrepreneurial skills to people, especially children in various disadvantaged communities in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and more.
Volunteerism at Its Best
What a sight it was to see a diverse crowd of all ages coming together for a common goal, as the two automotive brands have a strong foundation in teamwork and embracing sustainability. The activities included packing meals and toys, and revamping the external area of the facility by planting grass, filling the sandpit and painting wall murals.
Another first-time volunteer and Audi intern, Hellen Motha, describes her experience as follows: “I have been looking forward to ‘Show of Hands’ from day one because my heart is very close to children and I am very passionate about contributing to society’s greater good. The event was evidence of how VWSA and Audi SA contribute to progress in the communities that need it the most. The smiles I saw on those children's faces linger in my heart.”
This is one of many similar sentiments expressed by attendees on the day. The spirit of togetherness was evident, as 17,748 meals were packed thanks to Rise Against Hunger. Furthermore, R100,000 worth of educational toys were packed, new shelves and flooring installed, and the external facilities were revamped with beautifully painted murals.
Volunteerism at Its Best
At VWSA and Audi SA, the focus is not solely on the automotive industry, but on people and the greater society. The organisations are dedicated to driving change and creating a thriving and healthy society, bringing to mind the Helen Keller quote, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Together, we can inspire each other to take action to become better citizens by uplifting others.
I am filled with a sense of pride to be working for an organisation that is focused on empowering society with the necessary skills and tools, and influencing people to do good for themselves and each other. The real meaning of life is creating shared experiences and fulfilling our duty as engaged citizens by giving back to those who need it most.
*Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used as well as the selected equipment.
Notes to editor:
Samantha Tinyane is a newly appointed YES (Youth Employment Service) candidate, working in Audi South Africa’s marketing department. The YES programme aims to give young people a crucial first chance to gain employability skills within a corporate environment. Samantha is 26 years old and is Strategic Corporate Communications graduate from the University of Johannesburg. In this article, she accounts her first experience to Audi’s (part of the Volkswagen Group South Africa) employee volunteerism initiative, called the Show of Hands.