South Africa: Mandela Bay Business Chamber and Stellantis partner to foster job creation in E.Cape
The programme aims to equip 50 young people with the valuable skills and market access needed to secure sustainable employment in the fast-evolving digital economy.
The province faces a massive unemployment challenge, which currently stands at 41.0% - significantly higher than the national rate of 33.5%.
It is also home to Stellantis' new assembly plant in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area and will contribute jobs to the province and the automotive industry.
Together with key business and financial partners, this new transformative initiative will provide critical opportunities in a sector primed for quality job creation and in need of new skills as the prospect of new energy vehicle production becomes a reality for the industry.
'Education is the biggest contributor to progress, and the more people we can provide education to, the more they will contribute to their lives and their communities,' says Stellantis SA managing director, Mike Whitfield.
'Our greenfields manufacturing facility will be establishing the very jobs these new skills will be trained to fulfil.'
Year-long technical training programme
Through the SA Youth online platform, 50 young Eastern Cape learners from disadvantaged backgrounds will be identified and selected to undergo a year-long programme focused on providing technical training in ODIN Checkpoint Shop floor Task Management Solutions.
This global automation technology is the type used in manufacturing facilities, including Stellantis SA's new plant. The training will be complemented by mentorship and hands-on experience in virtual systems maintenance.
The project will further provide the trainees with direct market access, allowing them to engage in various services, including system onboarding, implementation, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures content.
Additionally, the Chamber's Entrepreneurship Desk will support the young trainees in developing vital entrepreneurial skills, empowering them to launch their own business ventures and contribute to the economic upliftment of the region.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, a non-profit company representing approximately 700 members from commerce and industry, will play a key role in facilitating the success of this initiative.
In addition to Stellantis, the Chamber has partnered with Jendamark, Harambee, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and member companies in the manufacturing industry to deliver the necessary resources and connections to make this project a reality.
The initiative will also have a strong focus on entrepreneurial development, with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the area benefiting from the highly skilled youth workforce.
Driving meaningful change
The chamber has already placed over 100 interns with full stipends in local MSMEs and will continue to provide valuable opportunities for youth in the region.
'We believe in the power of partnerships to drive meaningful change. By equipping our youth with in-demand skills and providing direct market access, we are not only combating unemployment but fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that will last for generations,' said Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO, Denise van Huyssteen.
Stellantis SA aims to share its values, knowledge, and resources through philanthropic actions and is rooted in the belief that education is the cornerstone of progress and empowerment.
Stellantis Philanthropy is distinct from the company's business operations in that it is purely philanthropic, focusing on creating opportunities and fostering hope. By providing tools for transformation, Stellantis Philanthropy aims to help individuals dream big and achieve lasting change.
Stellantis SA is embarking on this effort, with its focus on education, to empower people and to build resilient communities with effects that can extend generations into the future. Additionally, Stellantis' philanthropy vision and strategy are built on the company's core pillars of Value, Care, and Tech.
All rights reserved. © 2022. Bizcommunity.com Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Stellantis to debut Leapmotor's EVs in South Africa this year
Stellantis plans to sell Chinese-branded electric vehicles developed by its partner Leapmotor in South Africa, starting with the C10 from September, the company said on Tuesday, 22 July. File photo: The logo of Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology, a Chinese electric vehicle maker, sits on its C10 electric vehicle at the opening of a company showroom in Hong Kong, China, on 11 June 2025. Reuters /Tyrone Siu/File Photo The C10 is an electric SUV with a petrol engine used purely to charge the battery. More Leapmotor models are expected to be launched next year, including fully electric models, Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, said in a statement. Leapmotor created waves with its recent rollout of the all-electric B10 SUV equipped with smart-driving features and lidar sensing technology for less than $18,000. In 2023, Stellantis bought a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6bn. The two automakers also formed the joint venture Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. Leapmotor will help the world's fourth-largest automaker widen its range of affordable EVs, as it presses ahead with electrification at a time when other Chinese automakers, including BYD and Chery Auto, are aggressively expanding into Africa. "South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis, and we are fully committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships," Whitfield said. Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, is building a new plant in the country, with a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles by 2030. It plans to become the number one player in the Middle East and Africa region with one million vehicles sold by 2030, with 35% expected to be electric. In 2024, it sold 500,000 cars in the Middle East and Africa. With over 60% of the South African market concentrated below the R400k ($22,755) price point, Stellantis' Citroën C3 range is gaining strong traction, with the upcoming C3 Basalt set to complete a competitive lineup in the accessible B-hatch and SUV segments early next year, Whitfield said. Stellantis will also launch the Citroën C3 Hola panel van, its entry into the growing commercial vehicle sector aimed at small business owners.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler among recalls due to dangerous airbag defect
Stellantis Middle East is recalling specific vehicles due to a potentially dangerous airbag defect involving components manufactured by Takata. Affected brands include Citroën, DS Automobiles, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Opel, it was announced on Wednesday. The automaker urged their customers in the region 'to act immediately and check if their vehicle is affected via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tool". 'Owners are strongly urged to check their VINs and contact an authorised service provider immediately to schedule a free-of-charge airbag replacement, Stellantis Middle East noted, adding 'the recall covers millions of vehicles globally and continues to be one of the largest automotive safety campaigns in history.' According to Stellantis, the airbag inflators – manufactured by Japanese supplier Takata – 'can degrade over time, especially in hot and humid climates like the Middle East". 'In the event of a collision, a ruptured inflator can project sharp metal fragments into the vehicle cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or even death. Many of the affected vehicles are over 10 years old, and current owners may not be aware they are driving a vehicle equipped with a faulty airbag,' Stellantis added in their statement sent to Khaleej Times. How to check vehicle? To assist customers in identifying whether their vehicle is affected, Stellantis has launched a VIN Check Tool, available online at All Middle East customers of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM can also check their status through Mopar Middle East at Mopar Middle East – Service & Parts. For further assistance, customers may contact:+971 600-565561, or email: customercare-me@ If the vehicle is confirmed to be affected, customers should contact their nearest authorised dealer to schedule a free airbag replacement. Owners of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicles may also book appointments through the Mopar Middle East website. Affected vehicles/ model year Stellantis, maker Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move, and Leasys, said the following vehicles are affected. Chrysler - Chrysler 300 (2005 – 2015) Dodge - Dodge Magnum (2005) - Dodge Durango (2004 – 2009) - Dodge Dakota (2006 – 2008) - Dodge Charger (2006 – 2015) - Dodge Challenger (2008 – 2014) Jeep - Jeep Wrangler (2007 – 2016) Ram - Ram 1500 (2004 – 2008) - Ram 2500 (2003 – 2008) - Ram 3500 (2003 – 2008) Citroën - Citroen C3 (2011 -2017) - Citroen C4 (2012-2017) - Citroen C -Zero (2015) - Citroën DS3 (2011 – 2016) - Citroën DS4 (2011 – 2017) - Citroën DS5 (2013 – 2017) Opel - Opel Astra H (2005 – 2013) - Opel Astra J (2010 – 2018) - Opel Cascada (2014 – 2018) - Opel Mokka (2013 – 2017) - Opel Vectra C (2006 – 2008) - Opel Zafira C (2013 – 2017) - Opel Meriva B (2013 – 2015) - Opel Signum (2007)
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Stellantis issues safety recall reminder: Takata airbags
Stellantis urges customers in the Middle East to act immediately and check if their vehicle is affected via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tool Repairs are free of charge Affected brands include Citroën, DS Automobiles, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Opel Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Stellantis Middle East is issuing a reminder recall campaign for specific vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators across its Citroën, DS Automobiles, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Opel brands. Owners of affected models are strongly urged to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and if affected, schedule a free-of-charge airbag replacement at an authorized service center. The airbag inflators, manufactured by the Japanese supplier Takata, can degrade over time, especially in hot and humid climates like the Middle East. In the event of a collision, a ruptured inflator can project sharp metal fragments into the vehicle cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or even death. Many of the affected vehicles are over 10 years old, and current owners may not be aware they are driving a vehicle equipped with a faulty airbag. The recall covers millions of vehicles globally and continues to be one of the largest automotive safety campaigns in history. To assist customers in identifying whether their vehicle is affected, Stellantis has launched a VIN Check Tool, available online at All Middle East customers of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM can also check their status through MOPAR Middle East at Mopar Middle East – Service & Parts. If the vehicle is confirmed to be affected, customers should contact their nearest authorized dealer to schedule a free airbag replacement. Owners of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicles may also book appointments through the Mopar Middle East website. Vehicles potentially affected (model years vary by market): Chrysler Chrysler 300 (2005 – 2015) Dodge Dodge Magnum (2005) Dodge Durango (2004 – 2009) Dodge Dakota (2006 – 2008) Dodge Charger (2006 – 2015) Dodge Challenger (2008 – 2014) Jeep Jeep Wrangler (2007 – 2016) RAM Ram 1500 (2004 – 2008) Ram 2500 (2003 – 2008) Ram 3500 (2003 – 2008) Citroën Citroen C3 (2011 2017) Citroen C4 (20122017) Citroen C Zero (2015) Citroën DS3 (2011 – 2016) Citroën DS4 (2011 – 2017) Citroën DS5 (2013 – 2017) Opel Opel Astra H (2005 – 2013) Opel Astra J (2010 – 2018) Opel Cascada (2014 – 2018) Opel Mokka (2013 – 2017) Opel Vectra C (2006 – 2008) Opel Zafira C (2013 – 2017) Opel Meriva B (2013 – 2015) Opel Signum (2007) This replacement is free-of-charge and should be completed as soon as possible. Middle East owners of these models are strongly urged to check their VINs and contact an authorized service provider immediately to schedule a free-of-charge airbag replacement. About Stellantis Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates.
