It took the pioneering spirit of the Trust team in 1988 to set in motion a project that has blossomed and grown into a successful and innovative programme of community development and civic pride. Its aim has always been to implement and support sustainable projects, first by identifying the needs of the community, and then following this up with programmes which address these community-specific needs.

The Trust does not only work within the community, but also works WITH the community, forming partnerships with various stakeholders ranging from government departments, schools, churches, non-governmental organisations, as well as various small and non-registered organisations who each perform a valuable role.

Effective programmes are developed through integration, not intervention and require partnerships in which all partners are committed to a common purpose.

The Trust’s Internal Partnerships are facilitated through the Board of Trustees and includes stakeholder integration with VWSA management, employees and their families, trade union representatives and community representatives.

External Partnerships are achieved in conjunction with VWSA’s Corporate & Government Affairs Division and includes alignment with stakeholders such as NGO’s, government, industry, foreign investors, and by means of formalized Public Private Partnerships.

Common sense of purpose, and individual focus areas combined, result in equal and optimum options and models for the growth and sustainability of community projects.

The VW Community Trust partners with best-practice organizations towards achieving these common goals.