Volkswagen Group Africa

It was an honour to show His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, our vintage Beetle which was part of the 100-year history display at the naamsa | The Automotive Business Council SA Auto Week yesterday. The Beetle was the first Volkswagen to come off the production line in August 1951 and marked the start of Volkswagen’s rich history in South Africa.   During his walk about of the exhibition, President Ramaphosa stopped by the Beetle for a quick chat where he mentioned that growing up, the Beetle and Jetta were his favourite cars (I have this on video too 😊). As a brand, we value the strategic relationship we have with the South African government and we appreciate President Ramaphosa’s support, who in June, also paid a visit to our Kariega plant after the Press Shop and Admin areas were severely affected by flash floods.   It is good to look back in history and to reflect on how far we have come as a brand with our iconic models like the Beetle, the Kombi, the Citi Golf and the Golf to name a few.   As Volkswagen Group Africa, we are committed to South Africa and the African continent and we look forward to the next 73 years. Key to future expansion, is how we shape the African automotive landscape today and I am truly encouraged by the conversations had at SA Auto Week. Yesterday, I was part of a panel titled ‘Pivoting Africa’s Mineral Industrial Policy’ where we discussed what needs to happen in order to ensure that Africa’s rich minerals start to create economic value chains for the benefit of African economies and her people. Pivoting Africa’s mineral industrial policy requires a strategic shift from the current export-orientated model to one which underscores value additional, local beneficiation, sustainable and ethical practices, the right policy framework and institutional support for economic diversification and building capacity across the continent as well as leveraging growing industries like that of electric vehicles.   I’d like to applaud and congratulate naamsa President and my neighbour Billy Tom and naamsa CEO Mikel MABASA on this years’ SA Auto Week. As an industry, we can only benefit from the events like the SA Auto Week which brings together all key stakeholders in one room. I now look forward to how we can progress the topics and decisions made at SA Auto Week to grow and advance the South African and African automotive industries.   #SAAutoWeek

We’re excited to share that our Volkswagen brand Head of Marketing, Bridget Harpur, has received the esteemed Marketing Leadership and Innovation Award at the 2024 Loeries – adding to her impressive career achievements.   With over 20 years of experience, Bridget has excelled in brand development, campaign execution and team leadership.   This award recognises individuals for their long-term contributions to marketing, with the inaugural recipient being Mike Glendinning – then Volkswagen Group Africa’s Sales & Marketing Director.   He had the following to say, “I’m so proud to see the Volkswagen brand continue to grow and the award come full circle. Congratulations to you, Bridget, for the incredible work you’ve done for this beloved brand. Keep the magic rolling.”   #VolkswagenGroupAfrica #Award #Marketing #Loeries

Let’s give it up for one of Volkswagen Group Africa’s rising stars! 🌠🙌🏽   Siyabonga Ngcobo made us proud by taking home the Rising Star Award in the Industrial Manufacturing category at the TransUnion® Rising Stars Awards.   In recognising emerging leaders, the Awards select winners based on the following criteria:   Vision and ability to innovate Passion and impact Responsible engagement Agility in uncertainty encompassing digital engagement Systems thinking and sensemaking   Congratulations, Siyabonga - your future is bright! 🤩

As the official transport partner, Volkswagen Group Africa is well represented at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat’s #BiasharaAfrika2024!   Wishing our Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda colleagues all the best!   Keep tabs on their social media pages for updates.

We’re proud to have legendary South African footballer and former Bafana Captain Lucas Radebe join the Volkswagen Group Africa family as a #VWTrain4Life programme ambassador.   Now in its third year – this programme aims to empower young girls through football and life skills education.   Our Volkswagen brand’s Head of Marketing Bridget Harpur is pleased with Lucas’ involvement, commenting that: “His values of leadership, resilience, empowerment and service align perfectly with Volkswagen’s mission to ‘Move People Forwards’ and our goal of supporting communities ‘Beyond the Drive’.”   Radebe takes delivery of the new Volkwsagen Tiguan to symbolise the start of a journey that promises to drive change and inspire greatness.   #VW4Good #DrivingGirlEmpowerment

As we continue to celebrate our amazing Sheroes at Volkswagen Group Africa; we shine the spotlight on Heath and Safety Coordinator Colleen Thorne, as well as Supplier Quality Auditor Terri-Ann Leander. 🦸🏽♀️   Learn more about how they reached legendary status in their respective departments!   #SheroOfTheDay #VolkswagenGroupAfrica

Tough terrain is no match for the Amarok. With 4HIGH (4H) and rear diff-lock engaged, rangers protecting rhinos can keep moving through gravel, mud, and rocky landscapes with ease. More traction means better control, and better control means better conservation. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/dvwXzBZM #Amarok4Motion #RhinoDay

Today we’re celebrating the Sheroes in our Payroll Department! 🦸🏽♀️   Let’s shine a light on two incredible colleagues whose caring and compassionate nature stands out every day. They are none other than Payroll Administrator Merilyn Pyon and Payroll Supervisor Cynthia Nobathembu Lion.   Read more about the impact they make on a daily basis.   #SheroOfTheDay #VolkswagenGroupAfrica

Give a warm round of applause to our Vivo Production Team! 👏 They are our Sheroes of the day! 🦸🏽♀️ Spanning multiple divisions and forming part of legacy of a local favourite, the Polo Vivo. Their team consists of Barenice Tarentaal, Leandi Schipper, Mandy van Staden, Michelle Mativandlela,  Nadja Greger and Siphosethu Magadla. Discover what sets their team apart. #SheroOfTheDay #VolkswagenGroupAfrica

This is what a Shero looks like. 🦸🏽♀️ Today’s Sheroes are recognised for their dedication and wealth of expertise. They are the Product Engineering Technical Project Leader, Nandipha Tsako and IT Applications Architect, Maxine Malgraff. Take a look at their stories. Stay tuned as we continue to honour remarkable Sheroes within our organisation. #SheroOfTheDay #WomensMonth #VolkswagenGroupAfrica