DTSA Group of Companies empowers tomorrow’s workforce with mentorship and technology.
- Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) and Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS) support Sizanani Mentorship Programme’s (Sizanani) cause to uplift Alexandra township youth through academic support, mentorship, and skills development.
- High school girls participating in the Sizanani Mentorship Programme explore careers at DTSA through the company’s “Take a girl child to work” initiative.
- DTSA and DTFS enable university students participating in the Sizanani Mentorship Programme with the donation of laptops to support their academic journey.
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔, 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔 – The past week was an inspiring and action-packed journey for the high school girls and undergraduate students in the Sizanani Mentorship Programme. The week kicked off with an exciting visit to DTSA’s head office in Centurion, as part of the company’s “Take a Girl Child to Work” initiative, aimed at opening doors to the world of trucking and logistics. The learners were introduced to the dynamic commercial vehicle industry, explored a range of career opportunities at DTSA and DTFS and spent the day job shadowing passionate employees who served as mentors. Through storytelling, hands-on experience, and real-world insights, the girls left inspired, empowered, and more confident about the bright futures that lie ahead.
While the Sizanani Mentorship Programme provides invaluable support with their learner’s school career, university applications, bursaries, and training opportunities, many of its undergraduate students still face a major hurdle: limited access to computers and the internet. To complete assignments, students must often travel long distances to public computer labs.
In response to this challenge, DTSA and DTFS wrapped up the week on a high note by welcoming Sizanani back to their head office, this time around, with a group of undergraduate students. The students were introduced to Daimler Truck’s operations and in a meaningful show of support, 18 students studying Engineering, IT, and other fields received brand-new laptops to help them succeed in their academic journeys.
Valerie Hirsch, Director of Sizanani Mentorship Programme commented on the week: “The visit to DTSA as part of their take a girl child to work initiative was incredible. Nine of our high school girls learned about the truck industry, career opportunities, as well as topics such as finance, engineering, and other fields, while being mentored by employees. The girls were especially impressed to see a truck owned by a woman! They were encouraged to believe in themselves and aim high. The experience was truly eye-opening for these learners, who need exposure and motivation to create a bright future for themselves.
She continued: "We are also delighted by the generous donation of 18 brand-new laptops to our university students from the Sizanani Mentorship Programme. This will make a huge difference in their lives. All the students matriculated at high schools in Alexandra township, and their families cannot afford computers. Having their own laptops will help them improve their academic performance and make life much easier, especially for those studying online or living off-campus. They will also have more time to improve their computer skills and conduct various types of research. We are truly thankful for the generous contribution of DTSA and DTFS to the future of our learners.”
Maretha Gerber added: “We deeply value the incredible work done by the Sizanani Mentorship Programme and were proud to collaborate with them on this meaningful initiative. Education is one of the key pillars in DTSA’s corporate social responsibility strategy, and equipping these bright young students with laptops is one way we can help unlock their potential. In today’s digital world, computer literacy is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. No student should have to struggle through their studies without access to the tools they need to succeed. We extend our best wishes to the learners participating in the Sizanani Mentorship Programme. May our contribution, regardless of how big or small, make a meaningful impact and help guide their career paths toward a promising future."
Mike Honiball, CEO of DTFS SA concluded: “It was very inspiring to address the students from Sizanani, tell them more about our business and share some of our personal career journeys with them. DTFS hopes that the students will take full advantage of the laptops handed over to them and that this donation will go a long way towards the students’ career success.”
Ends.
Media enquiries:
Jacqueline Fourie
Cell: 0796957485
e-mail: jacqueline.fourie@daimlertruck.com
Daimler Truck Southern Africa Group of Companies at a glance:
Since the invention of the truck over 125 years ago, Daimler Truck AG has been a pioneer in the commercial vehicle sector and is today one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. Established in South Africa over 60 years ago, Daimler Truck Southern Africa Ltd together with its subsidiaries Daimler Truck Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd provides an optimal experience for our esteemed customers based on a comprehensive products and services portfolio. The Group’s success is based on its leading brands inclusive of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Buses, FUSO Trucks in addition to offering parts and services for Freightliner and Western Star Trucks. Its product range is backed by its market leading value-added services in Fleetboard, TruckStore, TruckTraining, and Financial Services. With a Southern African footprint that includes South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, the company is headquartered in Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa, and all its products are assembled locally in its East London production plant.