Dakar 2026 tough on South African participants
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
- Industry News
- 19 January 2026
Russel Coleman has been appointed as new Human Resources Director and Board Member of Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), based in Kariega in the Eastern Cape.
Russell will join the VWSA Management Board from 1 April 2022. He brings with him over 20 years’ experience in the manufacturing space, both in the automotive and FMCG industries.

Born and raised in Gqeberha, he joins VWSA from Beiersdorf in KwaZulu-Natal, where he held the position of HR Director Southern Africa. Before this, he occupied various Human Resources positions with companies such as Danone, Parmalat, Mondelez International and Faurecia Automotive.
“We are excited to welcome Russell to the Management Board,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director, Robert Cisek. “I have no doubt that his decades of knowledge and experience of managing people within a manufacturing environment will greatly benefit VWSA and our employees.”
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
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