Ford South Africa joined the Gift of the Givers Foundation in commemorating the completion of newly constructed classrooms and extensive renovations to existing infrastructure at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom School, located in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
As a public secondary school, Solomon Mahlangu Freedom School is dedicated to the memory of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, honouring his courage and commitment to South Africa as a freedom fighter. He was a military hero in the country’s liberation movement and remains an iconic figure in Mamelodi to this day.
Ford South Africa recently provided a grant of more than R4-million to Gift of the Givers for the project to enhance the academic experience for both learners and teachers at the school. The funding facilitated the renovation of 36 classrooms and bathroom facilities, and much-needed upgrades to the plumbing and electrical systems, which had deteriorated over time.
Owing to its rapid growth, the school infrastructure had become insufficient for the 1 574 learners attending the school. To address this, four additional classrooms were constructed, with the new block dubbed the Ford wing.
“Over the years, our intake of children has increased tremendously and now far exceeds the number of learners the school was designed to accommodate, leading to an overcrowding crisis. Through the generosity of Ford and Gift of the Givers, we’ve been able to alleviate our space constraints, which will contribute to a much-improved educational experience,” says Mrs JT Zikhali, principal of Solomon Mahlangu Freedom School.
“We especially look forward to being able to make effective use of our laboratories for Physical Science and Life Science practical studies. Our labs and the library were previously used as classrooms to accommodate students,” she says.
Community empowerment was also a fundamental aspect of the project, with Gift of the Givers ensuring that contractors from the Mamelodi community were part of the construction and renovation project. “Through Ford’s grant, our foundation partnered with reputable contractors from the community to leverage on combined expertise for mutual benefit,” says Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers.
“Our CSR initiatives address social issues that are most pressing in the communities in which Ford operates. Education is one of our key pillars, as it’s an essential tool for economic empowerment and upliftment,” says Neale Hill, president of Ford Motor Company Africa.
One of the topics that comes up often when I write articles is “waste” within a dealership. Quite often, expenses are cut when times are challenging but often, waste is confused with expenditure.
The story of Gabisile Fakude will surely be an inspiration for many who have an eye on the automotive industry as a career, especially for those who have not traditionally been associated with this world as a career path.
Suzuki Kenilworth in Cape Town claimed top honours for the second year running at the annual Suzuki Dealer Conference and Awards.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.
Daniel Pink
Mahindra South Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SORAI (Save Our Rhinos Africa India), the global movement founded by cricket legend, Kevin Pietersen, dedicated to saving endangered rhinos across the region.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (“MBSA”) announced personnel changes within its executive committee.
The South African used car market experienced positive growth in May 2025, with year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month (MoM) increases indicating a positive consumer sentiment in the fifth month of the year.
