Mercedes-Benz South Africa Boosts Eastern Cape Non-Profits with R6 Million Impact

Mercedes-Benz South Africa, in partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, developed a socio-economic development Incubation Hub to capacitate, nurture and accelerate the growth of non-profit organisations that uplift communities in East London, Eastern Cape.

Image supplied by Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Today, Mercedes-Benz South Africa graduated non-profit organisations from its Incubation Hub programme and donated R6,000,000 towards social causes championed by these non-profits.

“Our mission has always been to play an active role in the sustainable impact of the communities in which we operate. The Incubation Hub acknowledges the significant role of non-profit organisations in our efforts to promote community upliftment and make a tangible difference and impact in the lives of many in the Eastern Cape.”

Abey Kgotle, Executive Director: Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, Mercedes-Benz South Africa

The Incubation Hub is an extension of a nine-year partnership between Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Laureus Sports for Good Foundation. Now in its second year running, this year’s cohort of non-profit organisations embarked on a four-month training programme where they were supported, empowered, and professionally developed.

The Incubation Hub offered support and mentorship to the NPOs by providing guidance on organisational strategy, governance, child safeguarding & vetting, financial management, monitoring & evaluation as well as online education sessions, mentorship and access to networks and other crucial aspects of managing an NPO. The support provided by the Incubation Hub was intended to significantly increase the chances of a the NPO’s success.

The training programme culminated in a graduation ceremony and the donation of R 1,500,000 to the three best performing NPOs which were iZibalo NPC, EduSport Youth and Thetha Nathi Counselling Services. R300 000 was awarded to each participating organisation of the Incubation Hub as recognition of their commitment to sustainable community solutions. These organisations will work with the company to implement practical and sustainable solutions to uplift communities located in the Eastern Cape, through a focus on MBSA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars including Education, Women Empowerment and Community Upliftment, to name a few.

“The Incubation Hub provided a supportive ecosystem that accelerated the growth and success of the NPOs. The concept of incubation supports with the overarching role Laureus sees itself performing – enabling positive social transformation through sport, but also facilitating transformation through meaningful partnerships. We are very pleased with the ground-breaking work we continue to deliver in partnership with Mercedes-Benz South Africa.”

Marlene Coetzee-George, Chief Executive Officer, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa.

As MBSA and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation move forward in their commitment to social-economic development, the Incubation Hub stands as a testament to their shared vision of creating a positive and lasting impact in communities throughout the Eastern Cape.