The Trust emerged as a result of a reflection on the Core Values of the VWSA Mission Statement: “we are committed to equality of opportunity and the development of local industry and the community with a view to the upliftment of standards”, and was achieved after months of negotiations, investigations and deliberations with a broad cross-section of local entities, Black Communities and Labour Movements’ representatives, all with the interests of the community at heart.

As result of a joint effort by the VWSA employees, a savings of R7 million was achieved in 1987. This in turn was invested to create an income to support its community projects.

Since its inception, the Volkswagen Community Trust has aimed to serve the community by addressing its specific needs in the context of the socio-economic and political climate that has given rise to these needs. The main objective of the Trust has always been to work in partnership with the community in order to identify these needs, and then to create opportunities for development through the use of all available resources in order to enhance and improve the quality of life and pride within the community.