Johannesburg – GWM South Africa has reinforced its commitment to community upliftment through the delivery of back-to-school support packs to foundation phase learners at four primary schools in Tembisa, as part of its Giving More corporate social investment (CSI) programme. The initiative forms part of GWM’s ongoing partnership with the Rally to Read Foundation, which supports literacy development and learning outcomes in under-resourced communities across the country.
The back-to-school support packs aimed to assist families during a financially demanding period. January is widely recognised as one of the most financially challenging months for households, particularly in communities where income is stretched across transport costs, uniforms, stationery, and basic household needs. By combining education and food support, GWM’s intervention acknowledges the critical relationship between the role that basic needs and stability play in supporting learner readiness and consistent school attendance.
In addition to the head office-led initiative in Tembisa, the Giving More programme adopts a collaborative approach to community upliftment. During December 2025, GWM dealerships across the country participated in Giving More activities, implementing locally driven CSI initiatives that respond directly to the needs of schools and communities in their respective regions. This nationwide participation reflects the brand’s commitment to creating impact at both a national and grassroot level.
“Supporting education goes beyond books and classrooms,” said Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing at GWM South Africa. “As GWM South Africa, we aim to respond to the real pressures that families face, providing practical support that helps learners arrive at school ready to engage and participate. Our Giving More Programme reflects our commitment to meaningful, evidence-led interventions that strengthen both children and the communities around them.”
Educators and school representatives welcomed the initiative, noting the value of GWM’s continued involvement and hands-on support at their schools. “GWM has been present in our school through Rally-to-Read, supporting literacy and learning in our classrooms,” said Gabsile Mabanga from Emmangweni Primary School. “This back-to school support shows that the commitment goes beyond reading materials and extends to helping our leaners start the year on a strong footing.
Echoing these sentiments, Sannie Khosa of Marhulana Primary School added, “We have seen the impact of GWM’s support through Rally-to-Read, and this additional assistance makes a real difference for our learners and their families. It reinforces that education is supported not only inside the classroom, but also through practical interventions that help children arrive at school ready to learn”.
Looking ahead, GWM plans to continue strengthening partnerships that address both immediate and long-term needs, ensuring that learners not only start the year prepared but also have sustained support throughout their educational journey. By combining practical interventions with literacy and community programmes, the brand seeks to contribute to systemic improvements in learner outcomes.
Saber-RED
Phuti Mahanyele – Former CEO of Shanduka Group, current Sigma Capital Executive Chair: At 17, she left South Africa to pursue her studies, and obtained a bachelor\’s degree in Economics and earned an MBA from De Montfort University. She would also later go on to complete Harvard University\’s Kennedy School of Government executive education programme. Determined to be a success, Mahanyele joined an international investment banking company specialising in infrastructural development in New York City called Fieldstone Private Capital Group. She later became Vice-President of the firm, then transferred to the company\’s office in South Africa. After returning to South Africa, she became the head of Project Finance South Africa at the Development Back of Southern Africa. She was headhunted, and advanced to the position of managing director of Shanduka Energy, later becoming the CEO of Shanduka Group. She would go on to hold this position for 10 years, securing major deals including those with Coca-Cola and McDonalds. In 2007, she was selected as a Global Young Leader by the World Economic Forum. In 2009, she won the Rutgers Visions of Excellence award and The Most Influential Woman in Government and Business award from Rutgers University. In 2011, she was named one of the 20 youngest power women in Africa by Forbes. In 2013, she won the Distinguished Achievement award by the Douglass Society.