South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world and the youth unemployment rate is a staggering 66.5%. Commenting on this crisis, President Ramaphosa has noted that ‘no society can expect to grow or thrive when the vast majority of its young people are out of work’. Auto & General believes this to be true and for several years has been focused on enhancing the livelihoods of Diepsloot residents through skills development and job placement to reduce poverty.
In 2021, thanks to the support of Auto & General:
Why Diepsloot?
‘Charity begins at home’ is a well-known, often versed proverb. This adage was embraced during the construction of Auto & General’s head office, Auto & General Park, when 3000 Diepsloot residents were employed by the developers. This employment was estimated to have benefitted over 20 000 members of the Diepsloot community.
When Auto & General moved into the area, it was decided that its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) donations would focus on its neighbouring community of Diepsloot. Diepsloot is home to about 350 000 people – some say more. The community is plagued by poverty, high rates of crime and dire unemployment.
Beneficiaries
Auto & General supports a number of Diepsloot-based organisations including:
The Diepsloot Foundation
The Diepsloot Foundation is a Section 21 Company focusing on the empowerment and upliftment of the Diepsloot community through Formal Education, Artisanal Skills Development and Enterprise and Supplier Development. It is accredited by the Independent Examination Board.
Auto & General funds The Diepsloot Foundation’s ABET (Adult Basic Education & Training), computer, carpentry and sewing classes.
The Food Security Programme
Auto & General’s Food Security Programme in Diepsloot is a high impact, high growth, social enterprise that provides Diepsloot residents with the infrastructure, training and support they need to start and manage micro agri-businesses. It also provides them with food security for themselves and their family. Situated at creches in Diepsloot, the programme also aims to provide access to fresh vegetables to children, especially those in the vital stages of early development.
Auto & General’s grant contributes to:
• Training adults in crop production
• Building and activating grow zones with grower positions
• Pairing new centres as well as supporting and monitoring a total of 23
grow zones.
In 2021, the initiative provided 61 954 meals to 2 180 children in ECD centres within Diepsloot.
Leap Science and Maths Schools
LEAP provides student-centred, Maths and Science-focused education to economically disadvantaged students from grades 8 to 12. It focuses on enabling the self-awareness necessary for each student’s growth to healthy adulthood, and to ensuring optimal academic results which will allow for choices for lifelong learning and a fulfilling future. Auto & General’s grant goes towards grade 11 student camps, teachers workshops and purchasing study material.
In January 2022, LEAP celebrated brilliant Grade 12 results, with a 100% pass rate in the NSC examinations.
The OLICO Foundation
OLICO knows that understanding and passing maths in school is key to unlocking opportunities after school. Using tutoring and technology, it assists the Diepsloot youth unlock these opportunities.
Auto & General’s grant facilitates Maths Clubs that are designed to improve the core strands of maths proficiency: procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and disposition toward maths.
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day
Auto & General Insurance is also a proud and passionate supporter of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative. It has become an integral part of the employee volunteering culture at Auto & General, one we plan on supporting for many years to come. Launched by Carolyn Steyn, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is a “Knitting Revolution for Nelson Mandela.”
Stitch by stitch, we pledge to keep thousands upon thousands of people less fortunate than ourselves warmer in winter in the name of Nelson Mandela. His legacy lives on in each blanket we produce with our own two hands.
Employee Volunteer Programme
Auto & General’s Employee Volunteer Programme also supports organisations in the Diepsloot community. The EVP is housed online, connecting the people of Auto & General who want to make a difference, to causes in Diepsloot that need support.
Employees can volunteer their time and skills, donate goods or give back on their own terms.
