Mercedes-Benz South Africa empowers learners’ education with Sprinter Inkanyezi donation
Mercedes-Benz South Africa is proud to announce its substantial donation towards empowering learner education through three (3) Sprinter Inkanyezi vehicles to the Ruta Sechaba Foundation.
Ruta Sechaba Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Africa’s brightest young minds by providing opportunities to pupils that deliver academic and sporting excellence, despite their socio-economic circumstances.
The donation of Sprinter Inkanyezi vehicles will enable learners to get to school and extra-curricular activities, helping to improve their attendance and academic performance.
“We are excited and proud to be part of this initiative. We believe that by leveraging our resources and expertise, we can make a meaningful impact in the communities where we operate. Through this donation, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is catalysing development and access to education, changing lives for many, for the better.”
Nadia Trimmel: President, Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa
Mercedes-Benz South Africa, in its commitment to providing quality transportation as well as its focus on education, made the decision to donate the vehicles to Ruta Sechaba Foundation an easy one. The Sprinter donated to the Ruta Sechaba Foundation have been converted into 23-seater school buses by a Mercedes-Benz approved VanPartner. The school bus conversion was specifically designed in collaboration with South African schools to prioritise the safety and well-being of school children during their journeys on the road. Whilst the Sprinter is already known for its focus on safety, these converted school buses include specific safety features aimed at younger travelers:
- Reinforced internal structures: Building on the already robust safety features of our base vehicle, this school bus conversion incorporates reinforced internal structures, specifically aimed at protecting school-aged children in critical situations like rollovers.
- High-visibility seatbelts: Bright red 3-point belts allow the driver and co-driver to easily confirm that everyone is buckled up.
- Anti-slip flooring: Minimises the risk of falls and injuries, especially for children.
- Parking assistance: A reverse beeper and rear parking sensors aid the driver during manoeuvres, preventing accidental collisions.
- Fire-resistant interior: Flame-retardant felt throughout slows ignition, limits fire spread and reduces harmful fumes in case of emergencies.
As with all Mercedes-Benz approved conversions, these Sprinters are tested to meet the highest global safety standards. This meticulous approach ensures that the Ruta Sechaba Foundation learners can enjoy not only comfortable journeys but, more importantly, maximum safety as they travel between destinations. This donation aligns with Mercedes-Benz South Africa's commitment to education and community development, recognising the importance of ensuring that learners have access to safe and efficient transport.
Established in 2016, the Ruta Sechaba Foundation is dedicated to shaping the leaders of the future and making a lasting impact on South Africa's educational landscape. Through high school scholarships, the foundation provides bright young learners without the financial means with access to quality education, fostering success in academics, sports, and leadership. Over the past five (5) years, 3 000 scholarships have been offered, with 90% of Grade 12 learners achieving bachelor degree passes.
“We wish to thank Mercedes-Benz South Africa for the most generous contribution to our cause and for its commitment to making a difference to the community. By collaborating with future-focused partners, access to quality education for more and more learners becomes a reality. This partnership exemplifies the positive change that can be achieved when working together to address critical social needs.”
Natasha Mkhize, Executive: Strategic Relations of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa remains committed to being a responsible corporate citizen, actively contributing to the quality of life improvement of communities across the country. This donation reinforces the company's dedication to creating a lasting and positive impact on society.
