uLuntu Lwethu, “Our Community” in isiXhosa, is a docuseries celebrating the people behind the communities where Mercedes-Benz staff live, and focuses on human stories, impact and transformation while demonstrating how Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) funded initiatives have created a lasting social impact.
“The uLuntu Lwethu docuseries honours the individuals who daily strive to build the world’s most desirable cars,” MBSA’s chief executive and executive director: manufacturing, Andreas Brand, said.
“Through the portrayal of their stories, we celebrate the many who contribute to one of SA’s most productive sectors of the economy.
“uLuntu Lwethu honours the people shaping the brand from within.
“Often defined by its products and prestige, uLL changes the focus to the human stories behind the brand and their combined contribution to society and transformation during MBSA’s 67 years in the country.”
Brand said that without people there was no Mercedes-Benz.
He said their stories were a testament to the power of opportunity, transformation and the role business could play in fuelling possibilities through shaping an inclusive and equitable future.
Through five personal narratives, the docuseries reveals how initiatives funded by MBSA have created a lasting social impact.
Each episode offers an intimate portrayal of employees whose lives have been transformed, reflecting MBSA’s commitment to empowering communities and driving sustainable change.
“We have a saying that “we are the people, and without the people there wouldn’t be a Mercedes factory in East London”, quality team manager, assembly, Curtis Baaltjies, said.
Lou Billet, founder of African Angels, a rural school in the Chintsa area, funded mainly by MBSA, said: “Mercedes is more than the financial anchor of African Angels.
“It takes an active interest in our success and the success of our learners.”
David Diederichs of TMD mechanical maintenance, a service provider to MBSA, said: “For me, one of the things that I treasure is that I can employ people from the community and watch them grow.”
Luphelo Belu, a paint shop sealer applicator: said: “There is always encouragement to do the things you want to do which will drive productivity.”
Nqaleko Rubushe, paint shop co-ordinator, said: “For me, the turning point was when the C-Class became a real export success.”
Lwando Jack, training and apprentice development: “We develop essential shop floor skills and apprentice training. When people graduate they are ready to contribute to the success of Mercedes-Benz.”
Sinethemba Sakuba: chief executive of Electronic Quality Solution, a service provider to MBSA: “The company [MBSA] has been very good to us. I have travelled to the US and Germany, learning all the time.”
Customs outbound logistics specialist Telrita Fritz said: “I have had many special moments at Mercedes-Benz, but for me the pinnacle was building the car for the late president, Nelson Mandela.”
Rooted in East London for more than six decades, MBSA understands that meaningful transformation starts with people.
The docuseries underscores the company’s belief that progress is possible only when communities thrive.
Each narrative offers a personified portrayal of transformation, focusing on:
Enterprise and supplier development, corporate social responsibility and skills development, through the Mercedes-Benz Learning Academy.
“More than a reflection of the past, uLuntu Lwethu celebrates the present and reaffirms MBSA’s commitment to the future,” Brand said.
“By sharing these stories, MBSA aims to inspire continued innovation, inclusion and community upliftment.”
The series uncovers the human stories driving transformation at MBSA.
MBSA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG.
Established in 1948, it is one of the largest automotive groups in SA.
Its sales and marketing headquarters are in Pretoria.
It has about 3,300 employees at its East London manufacturing plant.
It is an important part of the global C-Class production network, producing left- and right-hand-drive vehicles for the local and export markets.
With sustainability as a guiding principle of the global Mercedes-Benz strategy, the goal is lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole.
Mercedes-Benz AG aspires to be the leader in the field of electric mobility.
It aims to go all-electric by the end of the decade, wherever market conditions allow.
Electric intelligence and sustainable modern luxury are what Mercedes-EQ stands for.
The carmaker anticipates that by 2026 EVs will contribute 50% of total sales.
Daily Dispatch
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