Rosslyn, Gauteng – UD Trucks Southern Africa is reinforcing its commitment to creating a Better Life by investing in both the communities it serves and the future workforce that will drive South Africa's economy. From employee-led community initiatives to long-term youth development programmes, the company continues to demonstrate that meaningful impact is created through consistent action.
Supporting Communities, One Project at a Time
Most recently, UD Trucks employees volunteered their time to support Boikhutso Old Age Home in Oskraal, North West, helping to improve the living environment for its elderly residents.
Working alongside one another, employees carried out maintenance and refurbishment of the facility, including repairing broken windows, refreshing resident rooms and communal spaces, cleaning the premises and gardens, and donating essential household items, blankets and appliances.
While the physical improvements were significant, the initiative was equally about spending time with residents and reaffirming the importance of dignity, care and human connection.
Creating Opportunities Beyond the Workplace
For UD Trucks Southern Africa, community investment extends beyond volunteer initiatives. The company believes sustainable impact is achieved by creating opportunities that empower people through education, skills development and employment.
Working in partnership with organisations such as the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA), UD Trucks supports youth employment initiatives that equip young people with workplace experience, mentorship and practical skills, helping bridge the gap between education and employment while preparing them for long-term careers.
Since 2021, the company has continued to invest in developing South Africa's future workforce through a range of initiatives, including:
- Supporting 80 apprentices through structured technical training and mentorship.
- Providing skills development opportunities for 97 young people of all abilities.
- Enrolling 77 learners in Production Operator and Production Process Controller learnerships since 2023.
- Supporting 154 bursary beneficiaries, including employees and external students, through education funding initiatives.
These programmes reflect UD Trucks' commitment to developing the technical and professional skills needed to support South Africa's manufacturing and commercial vehicle industries.
Investing in People
"At UD Trucks Southern Africa, we believe creating a Better Life starts with investing in people," says Janet Frost, Human Resources Director at UD Trucks Southern Africa.
"People are at the heart of everything we do. Whether through apprenticeships, bursaries, youth employment initiatives or employee development, we are committed to equipping people with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed. By investing in talent today, we are helping to build a stronger workforce, a more competitive industry and more resilient communities for the future."
A Purpose That Goes Beyond Business
For Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, these initiatives reflect the company's purpose of creating lasting value beyond the transport solutions it delivers.
""At UD Trucks, we measure success not only by the trucks we deliver, but by the positive impact we create. Investing in communities, developing future talent and building meaningful partnerships are fundamental to our business because sustainable growth depends on thriving people, resilient communities and a stronger industry. Creating a Better Life is our commitment to delivering lasting value for society as well as our customers."
As UD Trucks Southern Africa continues to invest in community upliftment, education and skills development, the company remains focused on creating opportunities that strengthen communities today while helping to build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
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For further information, please contact:
Sanelisiwe Ngcobo,
Marketing Director, UD Trucks Southern Africa
Sanelisiwe.ngcobo@udtrucks.com
