Isuzu sponsors Southern Kings
I
suzu Motors South Africa has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Eastern Cape’s Southern Kings rugby team – the country’s first blackowned rugby franchise. The Port Elizabeth-based automotive company’s CEO, Michael Sacke, said the rugby franchise – which has been bought by a consortium of predominantly black entrepreneurs – represented an ideal partnership for Isuzu. “We both have our sights set on achieving sustainability, growth and success for the long run. We urge the residents of the Eastern Cape to join us in rallying behind the Kings, so that we can help build a strong rugby base in our region,” he said. The Kings are contesting the Guinness Pro14 Championship which features clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa. “As an innovative, solutions-orientated automotive company, we are proud of our Eastern Cape roots and, as such, are pleased to be partnering with our local rugby team.
Celebrating the sponsorship announcement: Charl Crous, Chief Operations Officer of the Isuzu Southern Kings, Loyiso Dotwana, chairman of the business consortium, Michael Sacke, CEO and MD of Isuzu Motors South Africa and Gary Markson, one of the consortium partners
“We hope our support will ultimately help boost the local economy through increased sports tourism and other spinoff opportunities,” Sacke said.
the local game. We want to build a professional and competitive team with the long-term aim of winning the Guinness Championship.”
Chairman of the Kings’ franchise owners, Loyiso Dotwana, said the Eastern Cape community deserved a rugby team of which it could be proud. “This is the home of black rugby, and our team will help to promote social cohesion in
He said the consortium was in discussion with Nelson Mandela University with a view to reviving a rugby academy on campus to provide incubation and training facilities for the team.
and Rural Economy Summit held in East London. The inaugural summit – which was hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Black Economic Empowerment Advisory Council and the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development – took place against a backdrop of renewed governmental efforts involving economic redistribution and a more inclusive economy.
AIDC sets transformation example
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he AIDC’s Enterprise Development Programme in the Eastern Cape – specifically the Buffalo City Municipality Automotive Aftermarket Incubator at Mdantsane – was spotlighted recently at a National B-BBEE Township
www.automobil.co.za
Hoosain Mahomed, the CEO of the AIDC in the Eastern Cape, said the incubator served as an example for progress. “It is a classic model of how
priorities of government with respect to inclusion and economic transformation can be achieved,”’ he said. “In an area where unemployment stands at 66%, nine new businesses in the incubator between them had a turnover of R7,2-million for the year. The project has created permanent employment for 71 people with an additional 300 members of the community supported.” The summit was preceded by provincial seminars which gave a voice to rural and township communities and highlighted the urgency to transform with a view to including the areas in the mainstream economy. For more information on the incubator view www.aidcecenterprisedevelopment.co.za
OCTOBER 2018
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