South Africa’s trucking industry has always had a warm heart and despite tough trading conditions, continues to demonstrate ubuntu by investing in the people and communities that keep it ticking over. This spirit of giving back permeates fleets and a broad spectrum of trucking suppliers. One such organisation is UD Trucks Southern Africa, an OEM actively engaged in uplifting people’s lives through community initiatives, youth development, skills training and education programmes.

From employees giving their time to support an old age home to long-term investment in apprentices, learners and bursary beneficiaries, UD Trucks is demonstrating that creating a ‘Better Life’ is about consistent, practical action.

Supporting communities, one project at a time
Most recently, UD Trucks employees volunteered their time to support Boikhutso Old Age Home in Oskraal, North West, helping to improve the living environment for its elderly residents.

Working together, employees undertook maintenance and refurbishment work at the facility, including repairing broken windows, refreshing residents’ rooms and communal areas, cleaning the premises and gardens, and donating essential household items, blankets and appliances.

While the physical improvements made a tangible difference, the initiative was also about spending time with residents and reaffirming the importance of dignity, care and human connection.

Building the workforce of tomorrow
For UD Trucks Southern Africa, community investment extends beyond volunteer initiatives. The company believes sustainable impact comes from creating opportunities that empower people through education, skills development and employment.

Through partnerships with organisations such as the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA), UD Trucks supports youth employment initiatives that provide young people with workplace experience, mentorship and practical skills. These programmes help bridge the gap between education and employment while preparing participants for longer-term careers.

Since 2021, the company has invested in a range of initiatives aimed at developing South Africa’s future workforce, including:

• Supporting 80 apprentices through structured technical training and mentorship.

• Providing skills development opportunities for 97 young people of all abilities.

• Enrolling 77 learners in Production Operator and Production Process Controller learnerships since 2023.

• Supporting 154 bursary beneficiaries, including employees and external students, through education funding initiatives.

The programmes are aimed at developing the technical and professional capabilities required to support South Africa’s manufacturing and commercial vehicle industries.

Investing in people
“At UD Trucks Southern Africa, we believe creating a Better Life starts with investing in people,” says Janet Frost, human resources director at UD Trucks Southern Africa.

“People are at the heart of everything we do. Whether through apprenticeships, bursaries, youth employment initiatives or employee development, we are committed to equipping people with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed. By investing in talent today, we are helping to build a stronger workforce, a more competitive industry and more resilient communities for the future.”

A purpose beyond business
For Filip Van den Heede, managing director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, the initiatives reflect a purpose that extends beyond the transport solutions delivered by the company.

“At UD Trucks, we measure success not only by the trucks we deliver but by the positive impact we create. Investing in communities, developing future talent and building meaningful partnerships are fundamental to our business because sustainable growth depends on thriving people, resilient communities and a stronger industry.”

“Creating a Better Life is our commitment to delivering lasting value for society as well as our customers,” concludes Van den Heede.

As UD Trucks Southern Africa continues to invest in community upliftment, education and skills development, its approach highlights an important dimension of the commercial vehicle business. Trucks may keep the economy moving but it is people who ultimately keep the wheels turning.

Editor’s comment: There is more to being a truck OEM than putting trucks on the road. The industry needs skilled technicians, competent operators, young people with a pathway into meaningful employment and communities that can share in the benefits of economic activity. That makes programmes such as these more than corporate social investment. They are an investment in the future of trucking itself – and a reminder that if we want to build a stronger industry, we need to start by building the people who will carry it forward.

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