People Corporate Social Responsibility
With a corporate slogan, Powered by People, GM South Africa is a company driven buy its people and as such plays a leading role in the social development of the region through its extensive community support programmes.
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment
GM South Africa is in complete support of the government's broad based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) policies and views this as not just a matter of complying with requirements, but as being essential for the economic prosperity of South Africa as a whole. In 2008, we have achieved Level Six in the BBBEE audit.
It is for this purpose that we have established a BBBEE Steering Committee consisting of senior executives of the company to oversee and to give greater impetus to our goals. Efforts are focused around progressing all key elements of the BBBEE Scorecard including management and control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and corporate social investment.
As we continuously work to improve our level of contribution, we are particularly interested in sustainable initiatives which will better position the company for more balanced representation today as well as tomorrow.
United in the fight against crime
In an effort to help fight crime in the city GM South Africa has made eight Corsa Utilities available to neighbourhood watch patrols. In addition, the company donated three SAAB 9-3 Aero high performance vehicles to the Port Elizabeth Flying Squad. GM South Africa also helped enhance the recreational facilities and security measures at Sunny Park, a play park for children in the midst of an impoverished community.
Keeping Retirees in touch
GM South Africa has 1 700 retirees and has a dedicated programme to keep them socially, economically and physically active in the community. They receive regular training in skills development and are encouraged to participate in social and sporting activities. In addition, the retirees enjoy the medical facilities of a fully equipment on-site clinic and social workers who tend to their needs.
Reaching out to the vulnerable
With the slogan, Touch a Life, GM South Africa's comprehensive HIV/Aids programme does not stop at awareness drives in the workplace. It extends beyond awareness and reaches out to learners at high school level who are trained as peer counselors and are encouraged to get involved in their own communities. Furthermore the company treats children from local Aids havens twice per year with an excursion that brings pure joy and happiness to the little ones.
Education is key
To GM South Africa education is the key to the development of a strong nation. To this end the company partners with the local university to ensure educational programmes take place from primary school to tertiary level. Starting Blocks, a technical Lego programme is one such initiative in schools that help promote careers in technology. GM South Africa also supports the Advanced Mechatronics and Technology Centre and the Chair in Mechatronics at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. In reaching even further, the company donates a number of obsolete computers, classroom and technical equipment to needy schools every year. The company also participates in the national Rally to Read project, an initiative that ensures reading books and writing material reach remote rural schools.
Housing
Through the initiatives of the GM South Africa Foundation, education and housing are key focus areas. The Sakhasonke village in Walmer Township in Port Elizabeth is an award winning example of low cost, high density housing for low income groups. This is the Foundation's second housing initiative and is based on a model which will be replicated across the country.
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