Taking another step on the Volkswagen Group Africa journey of environmental sustainability, 250 employees and loved-ones gathered on Saturday 23 November at the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve. At this 600-hectare reserve just outside Gqeberha, these volunteers gave their time to promote biodiversity as part of VWGA’s Show of Hands initiative.
The event, hosted by the Volkswagen Community Trust, brought together the team in support of biodiversity, one of the core priorities of VWGA’s environmental strategy.
The day's activities were diverse, with participants working collectively to remove invasive plant species that threaten the local ecosystem, plant indigenous plants to help restore the region’s natural flora, and create a beautiful new picnic area for future visitors. In addition, the company installed water tanks to improve water conservation in the area.
This Show of Hands – the 37th volunteer event hosted by the Community Trust - is one of the ways in which VWGA demonstrates its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement. Each year, employees and their loved ones are given the opportunity to connect with nature while actively contributing to the cause of preserving it for future generations.
Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of VWGA, expressed the company’s pride in such a collaborative event, stating: “Environmental sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at VWGA. Today’s event not only reflects our dedication to protecting the environment but also highlights the importance of community engagement. It’s encouraging to see so many employees and their loved-ones come together, working hand in hand to safeguard the future of our region’s biodiversity.”
The success of the Show of Hands event further reinforces VWGA’s commitment to sustainability and its ongoing role in fostering positive environmental change. As the company continues to pursue its environmental goals, VWGA remains dedicated to taking actionable steps toward protecting and preserving the planet’s most valuable natural resources.