When Nelson Mandela Bay experienced severe water shortages a year ago, Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) was one of the first companies that heeded the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s call for member companies to assist with implementing urgent interventions to reign in water losses in the metropole.
This resulted in VWSA being recognised by the Chamber with a Water Crisis Award, for their tremendous commitment in supporting the Adopt a Leak as well as Adopt a School initiatives.
“VWSA has over the years done so much for the Nelson Mandela Bay community and remains committed to the growth and prosperity of this region. Their support of our Adopt a School and Adopt a Leak initiatives is evidence of their commitment to humanitarian efforts,” said Chamber chief executive Denise van Huyssteen.
“More importantly, it speaks to the power of how you can resolve any problem through strategic partnerships.”
To this end, VWSA has installed 30 water tanks at 15 schools in Kariega and Despatch, in partnership with Old Mutual. Both companies sponsored 15 tanks with a capacity of 5 000 litres each, and ensured the tanks were fitted with taps and connected to roof gutters at the schools.
In addition to the tanks, VWSA also assisted in alleviating the water crisis by fixing leaks and replacing plumbing, including toilets, taps and pipes, at 19 schools in Nelson Mandela Bay. The project forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Adopt a School initiative, which challenges local businesses to assist with water preservation at local schools.
Beyond this, the company has remained committed to reducing its environmental impact and has played its part in minimising the use of resources, including water. Between 2010 and 2021, the company reduced its use of water by 65% and installed an on-site wastewater recycling facility to reuse water for production processes and reduce the Kariega plant’s freshwater consumption.
