The Ruta Sechaba Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Africa’s brightest young minds by providing opportunities to pupils who deliver academic and sporting excellence, despite their socio-economic circumstances.

The donation of Sprinter Inkanyezi vehicles will enable learners to get to school and extra-curricular activities, helping to improve their attendance and academic performance.

“We are excited and proud to be part of this initiative. We believe that by leveraging our resources and expertise, we can make a meaningful difference in the communities in which we operate. Through this donation, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is catalysing development and access to education, changing lives of many for the better,” says Nadia Trimmel: President, Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.

The Sprinters donated to the Ruta Sechaba Foundation have been converted into 23-seater school buses by a Mercedes-Benz approved Van Partner. Whilst the Sprinter is already known for its focus on safety, these converted school buses include specific safety features for younger travellers:

• Reinforced internal structures: Building on the already robust safety features of our base vehicle, this school bus conversion incorporates reinforced internal structures, specifically aimed at protecting school-aged children in critical situations like rollovers.
• High-visibility seatbelts: Bright red 3-point belts allow the driver and co-driver to easily confirm that everyone is buckled up.
• Anti-slip flooring: Minimises the risk of falls and injuries, especially in the case of children.
• Parking assistance: A reverse beeper and rear parking sensors aid the driver during manoeuvres, preventing accidental collisions.
• Fire-resistant interior: Flame-retardant felt throughout slows ignition, limits the spreading of fire and reduces harmful fumes in case of emergencies.

Established in 2016, the Ruta Sechaba Foundation is dedicated to shaping the leaders of the future and making a lasting impact on South Africa's educational landscape. Through high school scholarships, the foundation gives bright young learners without the financial means access to quality education, fostering success in academics, sports and leadership. Over the past five years, 3 000 scholarships have been offered, with 90% of Grade 12 learners achieving bachelor’s degree passes.

“We wish to thank Mercedes-Benz South Africa for the most generous contribution to our cause and for its commitment to making a difference in the community. By collaborating with future-focused partners, access to quality education for more and more learners becomes a reality. This partnership exemplifies the positive change that can be achieved when working together to address critical social needs,” says Natasha Mkhize, Executive: Strategic Relations of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation.