BMW donates i3s to fight gender-based violence
BMW is lending a hand, where possible, in the fight against gender-based violence in South Africa by donating five cars to SABCOHA (SA Business Coalition on Health and AIDS). They were an integral part of the formation of SABCOHA, an organization of private companies who are using their resources to end violence against women and children, and creating safe spaces for them.
BMW supports this initiative as part of its long-term goal for the upliftment of South Africans. They have been building cars in Rosslyn, Tshwane, since 1973, and the company has long-standing commitments in the communities of Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa.
The five BMW i3s were donated to SABCOHA chairperson Dr Lesego Rametsi in the presence of the President, German Chancellor, ministers from various departments and BMW Group board members. These i3s will be used by SABCOHA to support the functions of community-based care workers in their eradication of gender-based violence.
Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said that “for us it’s about more than just producing vehicles for sheer driving pleasure. It’s about being an integral part of society and improving the livelihood of our employees, their families and their surrounding communities.”
Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources, commented at the handover that the participation of women and young people in the economy was critical to a healthy society: “We are here today to offer our support and promote the acceptance of all people no matter their background. We as a company, both as an employer and our employees, see it as our responsibility to promote and invest in the future of South Africa. ”
“Our commitments to education and health in our Rosslyn communities are well-known,” said Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. “However, we’re always looking for new ways we can improve life in South Africa. That’s why we’ve chosen to donate five cars to the Presidency’s specialised GBV unit. Gender-based violence is a scourge, and I’m pleased we can do something to help,” Mr Abbott concluded.
We’d like to applaud BMW for stepping up and doing what they can to help. We’re even more impressed that they’ve donated i3s, their electric hatch. Even when fitted with an additional range-extender (small fuel tank) the i3 only produces 14g/km of CO2 emissions. Fighting gender-based violence without contributing to climate change.
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Images: BMW SA