Rather than strip 16 left-hand drive models for recycling, VWSA has donated the Golfs to local technical schools and colleges for use in their training workshops.
Rather than strip 16 left-hand drive models for recycling, VWSA has donated the Golfs to local technical schools and colleges for use in their training workshops.
The 13 Eastern Cape-based institutions offering technical education related to the automotive field will now be able to use the Golfs, including several new Golf 5 models, in specialised learning environments.
“The 16 vehicles are legally not allowed to be driven on South African roads,” said Volkswagen SA spokesman Bill Stephens.
“Volkswagen of South Africa decided that pupils and students would benefit from studying the advanced technology used in the cars in their prescribed technical courses. The technology in the vehicles ranges from 1,4 petrol engines to 1,9 TDI and 2,0-litre FSI specification.”
“The institutions have been chosen because they are comprehensive schools and colleges which offer technical education in the automotive field. As most of their technical graduates are destined to pursue further qualifications in the artisan field, access to the vehicles would increase their skills and understanding of state-of-the-art technology in the motor manufacturing and service industry,” Stevens added.
Forming part of a project linked to the skills development unit of the Uitenhage/Despatch Development Initiative, the 16 cars were handed over to the school representatives on Wednesday.
The schools include Daniel Pienaar, Bergsig, Otto Du Plessis, Westview, Bethelsdorp Comprehensive, Itembelihle Comprehensive, McCarthy Comprehensive, Adelaide Gymnasium, and Newton Technical High School.
East Cape Midlands, PE and Dower colleges, as well as NMMU Technikon, also received cars at Wednesday’s handing-over ceremony.
Upon hearing of the donation, Justin Marupen, headmaster of McCarthy Comprehensive School in Uitenhage, said: “As a recipient of one of the Golfs, our school and learners will definitely benefit by being exposed to the latest technology in the design and manufacturing of new vehicles and will be motivated for further studies in engineering and new technology in the motoring industry.”
“It is also important to note that this gesture by Volkswagen of South Africa is an indication that the company is committed to plough back into the community,” Marupen added.