As part of its ongoing partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, Stellantis – one of the world’s leading automakers – is combatting youth unemployment in South Africa by equipping participants with practical, employable skills.
This week, the automakers welcomed 40 youth between the ages of 15 and 20 to their offices in Midrand, Johannesburg, for an educational session aimed at creating interest in STEM and the automotive industry and building important, future-ready skills.
The session offered participants the opportunity to learn more about how to build an effective CV, practical tips for the interview process, and even the pros and cons of using AI tools in the process. The Stellantis team also volunteered their time to take participants through some immersive training on vehicle safety features and the latest technology in South Africa’s automotive industry.
Talking about the experience, Deidre Du Plessis, Stellantis South Africa’s Head of Corporate Communication said: “This session was an opportunity for us to engage with and inspire the next generation of South Africans, and as much as the participants learn from us, our team gains so much from interacting with them! I was particularly inspired by their thinking and questions around new technology like electric vehicles, and hope that today’s session has inspired some interest in pursuing a career in South Africa’s automotive industry.”
“The visit to Stellantis gave our young people a window into the world of the South African automotive industry and the inspiring innovations to come. We are deeply grateful to Stellantis for opening their door and hearts, and for inspiring our young people to dream of an exciting future,” says Mandy Spies – Team Leader Corporate Services, SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa.
Stellantis Philanthropy is distinct from the company’s business operations in that it is purely philanthropic, focusing on creating opportunities and fostering hope. By providing tools for transformation, Stellantis Philanthropy aims to help individuals dream big and achieve lasting change.
Stellantis is embarking on this effort, with its focus on education, to empower people and to build resilient communities with effects that can extend generations into the future. Additionally, Stellantis’ philanthropy vision and strategy are built on the company’s core pillars: Value, Care, and Tech.

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Sol Kerzner – Sol Kerzner’s impact on South Africa has been massive. Most of the top luxury hotels and resorts in the country were built by him. Some notables include: Sun City, the Lost City, Sandton Sun, the Beverley Hills Hotel, the Elangeni and the Beacon Island Hotel. What is interesting about these hotels is not so much their success, but rather the impact they have had on the surrounding areas. Then there is of course Sun City. The resort, which was built by Sol Kerzner in 1979, set the benchmark for casino and golf resorts worldwide. The resort includes the spectacular Lost City, which was added in the 1990s. Since his success in South Africa, Sol Kerzner has built several successful hotels worldwide including: Atlantis Bahamas, Atlantis Dubai, the One & Only Mexico, the One & Only Australia, the One & Only Mauritius and the One & Only Bahamas.