Global Investment, Local Impact – Skills, Jobs, and Opportunity for Ward 109

Ward Councillor Peter Helfrich has welcomed the appointment of Mr. Maximilian Froch as the new Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), saying his arrival marks an important new chapter in a partnership that has already delivered significant benefits for the people of Ward 109, City of Cape Town.

Helfrich praised Rheinmetall AG for its sustained investment in Ward 109 – investment implemented locally through RDM – and emphasised that this partnership has become a model example of how socially responsible corporate engagement can uplift communities.

A Partnership Supporting a Ward That Faces Real Challenges

Ward 109 includes the communities of Macassar, Firgrove, Croydon, Faure, Sandvlei, Kramat, Macassar Beach, Marvin Park, Riverside, Clifton, Chris Hani Park, Deepfreeze, Brandwacht, Smartie Town, Macassar Village, Bell Glen, and Deaconville.

While the City of Cape Town continues to deliver essential services and community development across these areas, Helfrich noted that additional investment from committed partners like Rheinmetall has played a vital complementary role.

“The City does extraordinary work across Ward 109,” Helfrich said. “But partnerships like this give us the additional momentum we need to create more opportunities, more development, and more impact than government alone can deliver.”

From Vision to Reality – Delivered with Exceptional Commitment

The establishment of the community centre in 2022 – after discussions initiated by Councillor Helfrich – was met with strong support from the leadership of Rheinmetall Denel Munition.

“When I first approached RDM with the idea of creating this centre, they responded with remarkable speed, delivering a state-of-the-art facility in just three months,” Helfrich said.

The centre’s creation under the leadership of then-CEO Mr. Jan-Patrick Helmsen, and its later expansion in 2025 under then-CEO Dr. Frank Dirksen, reflects a sustained commitment by RDM’s management to investing meaningfully at a community level.

Helfrich also acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of the local RDM management team, who have consistently engaged with Ward 109 stakeholders and ensured that the facility continues to operate effectively.

“In all my engagements with RDM, I have encountered a leadership team that takes community investment seriously, responds constructively to local needs, and demonstrates real follow-through,” Helfrich said.

“Their responsiveness and willingness to act have contributed greatly to the success of this centre.”

Welcoming New CEO Maximilian Froch: A Strengthening Partnership

Councillor Helfrich warmly welcomed Mr. Maximilian Froch to his role at RDM.

“I look forward to building a constructive relationship with him, introducing him to our local partners, and continuing the deep-rooted collaboration that has already been established,” Helfrich said.

Helfrich highlighted that Rheinmetall’s work in Ward 109 – demonstrated through tangible results – reflects the company’s global commitment to responsible, community-focused corporate citizenship.

“This is a company that has already shown what responsible partnership looks like,” he said.

“They have listened, responded, invested, delivered, and maintained an ongoing presence. That consistency gives our community and our young people a real sense of stability and hope.”

What Makes This Partnership Effective

The Ward 109 partnership has been particularly impactful because it is built on:

• Consistent engagement and support within Ward 109
• Targeted skills and development opportunities accessible to residents
• Creation of employment opportunities – both within RDM and through placements at other businesses via the centre
• A long-term approach to community upliftment
• A partnership model built on respect, responsiveness, and collaboration

“These elements have had a visible impact,” Helfrich said, “and they contribute toward a stronger, more resilient community.”

A South African Story Worth Highlighting

“Rheinmetall’s investment is supporting real people in tangible ways,” Helfrich said.

“This partnership is helping to transform the lives of young people, jobseekers, and families. It is an example of what meaningful corporate engagement looks like in practice – not theory.”