Launched in 2011, the DPAP is a leadership and development programme that aims to develop a talent pool of black dealer principals for the Volkswagen dealer network.

The programme offers candidates personalised mentoring and coaching that is structured to provide broader training exposure, using a blended learning model. It is uniquely designed and developed for Volkswagen and focuses on principles of leadership and management within the automotive industry.

“Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has invested more than R1 billion in transformation programmes in the past 10 years. The DPAP promotes economic inclusion and diversification of the dealer network as well as fostering a true spirit of transformation and black economic empowerment,” said Nonkqubela Maliza, VWSA Corporate and Government Affairs Director.

The fourth wave of the programme took 10 candidates through a development journey that covered subjects such as retail business, finance, leadership and general management. The programme is developed by Optima Training, a global specialist in development and management learning programmes.

Of the total 33 candidates who graduated in the DPAP programme over the past decade, 17 have been promoted to Dealer Principal positions whilst others have been promoted to Group Financial Director and Management roles.

VWSA has invested in transformation and B-BBEE programmes through its Business Support Centre in Kariega, Automotive Industry Transformation Fund, the VWSA B-BBEE Initiatives Trust, Ntinga Project and the DPAP.

“The goal of our initiatives is to make a lasting and valuable impact in the transformation of the South African automotive industry. Furthermore, VWSA has also provided meaningful work opportunities to over 2 000 unemployed youth through the Youth Employment Service (YES), an investment of R128 million,” concluded Nonkqubela.