For South Africa’s trucking industry to thrive into the next generation, it needs more than just infrastructure and investment – it needs people. And not just any people. It needs young people. Too many girls grow up without ever imagining themselves behind the wheel of a truck, inside a logistics hub, or at the helm of a fleet operation. That’s why real-world exposure, mentoring and belief are everything. It’s also why Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s (DTSA) latest partnership with the Sizanani Mentorship Programme matters far beyond corporate social responsibility – it’s a glimpse of a better future for transport, driven by inclusion.
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 event-filled visit to DTSA’s head office in Centurion as part of the OEM’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 Daimler Truck Financial Services South Africa (DTFS) and spent the day job-shadowing passionate employees who served as mentors.
Through storytelling, hands-on experiences 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.
A tool for learning, a springboard for success
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.
“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, president and Group CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa, 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, 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 to the students own career success.”
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