Isuzu Motors South Africa recently teamed up with the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Directorate as its official vehicle partner in efforts to stimulate tourism in the region. The goal of the partnership is to encourage domestic travel to the Bay and local travel within it, to create knowledge around the product offerings of the area with an aim to increase income for the region.
“It is important for us as a corporate resident of the Bay to be part of the revival of our local economy and our communities,” said Mandlakazi Sigcawu, Isuzu Executive, Corporate and Public Affairs. “Our range of bakkies and the mu-X SUV are built on a foundation of adventuring, so there’s a natural link between the Isuzu brand and the Tourism Directorate.
Isuzu kickstarted its partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism directorate with a number of initiatives that were hosted during Tourism and Heritage Month. This private and public partnership’s objectives include strategically driving initiatives that will revive the local economy in Gqeberha.
“Together we hope to give the region in which we operate the boost it so desperately needs. Isuzu is committed to supporting communities in Nelson Mandela Bay, and this initiative aligns perfectly with the many projects and partnerships we already have in place.”
Whether it’s a lunch with friends or family, or a lengthy holiday stay, Isuzu and the Tourism Directorate encourage the sharing of experiences, obviously while adhering to COVID-19 protocols, by using the #ShareTheBay hashtag on social media.
"We are thrilled to have the historic and locally-made Isuzu brand on board as a vehicle partner to some of our programmes, and we look forward to building a relationship with a brand that represents adventure, and in turn links with our tourism marketing objectives,” said Siphokazi Ngombane, acting Director of Tourism for the region. "The programmes that ran throughout Tourism Month were an ideal start to empower and educate communities on the economic spin-offs visitors have for their areas, as well as the potential for job creation that comes with redeveloping a conducive tourism strategy for the growth of the Metro."
Aside from its Tourism Directorate partnership, Isuzu is also involved in many initiatives to ensure the region is equipped adequately for post-pandemic visitors.
Some of the drought-stricken communities in the province receive support from Isuzu through trucks converted to tankers capable of providing 22,500 litres of clean water per day.
Education and skills upliftment in the Metro is another critical area where Isuzu is lending a helping hand. Through the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Programme in partnership with Isuzu and the Nelson Mandela Bay University, six schools in Nelson Mandela Bay are receiving ongoing support. Isuzu also supports the Nelson Mandela University’s Chair in Mechatronics, a donation was made by Isuzu toward mathematics tuitions at the Normoyle Primary School, while learners at the Qamani pre-school in close proximity to Isuzu’s Struandale plant are taught the importance of responsible waste disposal through a recycling project in partnership with the Waste Trade Company.
