Page 13 - BKCOB CSI Guide 2015

Mercedes-Benz South Africa Project -

STEP-ping into a brighter future

Mercedes-Benz group of companies 15 Eastern Cape schools motivated MBSA
in South Africa (MBSA) believes that to replicate the model in 14 schools in the
sustaining the future is a joint responsibility Tshwane education district in co-operation
of government, corporate South Africa with the Department of Education, and
and the citizens of the country. implementation partner, Funda Afrika.

“In order for any business to run
successfully, we need a favourable “
environment. Doing our part to reduce
the triple threat of poverty, inequality MBSA is passionate about
and unemployment can have a direct the education and skills
impact on socio-economic stability and development of the youth
an adequately skilled workforce. Our
corporate social investment programme
is our way of contributing to the creation ”
of this environment,” says Vice President of
Group Corporate Affairs, Mayur Bhana. STEP approaches school development in
a holistic manner, amplifying the element
of sustainability. The empowerment
MBSA is passionate about the education
and skills development of the youth - a of the current intake of learners is
foundational pillar on which the company balanced with developing functional and
builds its CSI programme. Projects span effectively managed schools as well as
the whole range from early childhood educator development. Activities include
development, to primary and secondary strengthening school governing bodies
schools, as well as tertiary level. and administration teams; improving
financial management and curriculum
implementation; supporting principals
One such project, the School
Transformation and Empowerment and staff; learner development and extra
Programme (STEP) was piloted in the classes to improve pass rates; as well as life
Eastern Cape in 2009. “The province is home skills training and career guidance.
to the company’s manufacturing plant,
and the standard of education here is of
the utmost importance to our continued
viability,” says Bhana. In the subsequent
years, the success of this programme at

Corporate Social Investment Guide | 13