In an ongoing effort to contribute to a sustainable future, ISUZU Motors South Africa has launched an initiative aimed at fostering environmental awareness among primary school learners in the Western and Eastern Cape.
The initiative carried out in collaboration with South African conservationist, social activist, and filmmaker Zandile Ndhlovu, will benefit thousands of young minds through her empowering and inspiring book, Zandi’s Song.
“With South Africa battling with low literacy levels at primary school level, it is an opportune moment to use a beautiful picture book to inspire reading as a hobby, and most importantly, expand narratives about the ocean, and raise awareness about ocean conservation. I’m incredibly honoured to partner with ISUZU on this mission, touching hearts and changing lives” said Zandile Ndhlovu.
As part of this initiative, ISUZU will donate 3,000 copies of Zandi’s Song to Grade 1 to 4 learners across five primary schools (Luleka Primary School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Sea Vista Primary School, and St Francis College located in St. Francis Bay.) The remainder of the schools will be completed early in 2025. The book shares a story about marine conservation and the importance of curbing plastic pollution. Zandile Ndhlovu, who is South Africa’s first Black female freediving instructor, engages with learners by sharing her life story and breaking the narratives about access to the ocean in the hope of creating a generation of ocean guardians.
In addition to the book donations, ISUZU will provide schools with recycling resources, including bins and refuse bags to help roll-out the in-school recycling programmes. The initiative also includes Grade 5 to 7 learners who will watch an educational video about ocean conservation thus enhancing their understanding of environmental stewardship. Additional educational resources such as workbooks, worksheets, and posters on recycling and pollution will be supplied to participating schools in collaboration with Pick n Pay School Club.
“Zandi’s Song speaks to what ISUZU stands for—making a positive impact in society, with a focus on education, community and conservation. Our Corporate Social Investment mandate, which is aligned to our business strategy, advocates for initiatives that drive value including awareness among young children to care for the environment. We are proud to be part of this important cause,” said Mr Lebogang Makoloi, ISUZU Department Executive Corporate Affairs.
The principal of Sea Vista Primary School, Mr. Charles Coenraad, expressed his appreciation for the initiative: “The impact of this initiative will go a long way in educating our young learners about environmental conservation. The combination of storytelling, resources, and hands-on activities will help instil values of environmental responsibility from an early age.”
This initiative is part of ISUZU’s broader commitment to sustainability and investing in community upliftment. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary of truck manufacturing and 45 years of bakkie production, it continues to build on its legacy of not just being a leader in the automotive industry but also a champion of community upliftment and environmental preservation.