In a remarkable demonstration of partnership, purpose, and progress, BYD Auto South Africa has partnered with The Adopt-a-School Foundation, a partner entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation in their campaign to bolster mobility solutions for schools in under-served communities, at the Foundation’s 16th annual Back to School Party-themed gala.
The event, held on 1 November 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, brought together more than 700 industry leaders from over 70 companies to celebrate and strengthen access to education in South Africa. Hosted by the Foundation’s Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the evening’s theme, ‘Geography – A World in Union,’ paid tribute to global unity, progress, and the power of education to connect communities across borders.
Emceed by comedian Mpho Popps alongside junior MCs from Hlakaniphani Primary School in Soweto, the event featured show-stopping performances by Loyiso Bala, the Fukama Primary School Choir, and iconic Afro-pop duo, Mafikizolo.
The highlight of the evening came when BYD Auto South Africa took to the stage with a surprise donation to the Adopt-a-School Foundation. The gesture was hailed as one of the night’s most memorable moments, cementing BYD’s commitment to advocating for access to education.
The donation ensures that the Foundation’s vital field teams have the dependable, efficient mobility required to reach and service under-resourced schools in even the most remote communities. This is another way BYD is driving change and empowering communities through sustainable innovation.
“At BYD, we believe that progress is not only measured by the technology we create but by the impact we make. Education is the ultimate vehicle for transformation, and we are honoured to support the Adopt-a-School Foundation in their mission to unlock opportunity and inspire the next generation of leaders.” said Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director at BYD Auto South Africa. “As a brand built on innovation, sustainability, and mobility, we are proud to play a role in helping South Africa move forward, both literally and figuratively.” added Steve Chang, Managing Director at BYD South Africa.
Through table sales, auctions, and generous pledges, this year’s Back to School Party raised R6.6 million, which will directly support the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s Whole School Development mandate, improving infrastructure, leadership, curriculum delivery, and learner well-being in schools across South Africa.
Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has enabled more than 1.7 million learners, worked with over 690 schools, built 830 school structures, supported 2,600 small businesses, trained 36,000 educators, and conducted 111,000 eyesight tests, providing 5,600 learners with eyeglasses.
BYD’s donation embodies its vision of “Build Your Dreams”, where technology meets purpose and innovation fuels empowerment. Through initiatives like this, BYD continues to lead the charge in creating a better, more sustainable, and equitable future for all.