DaimlerChrysler: "Celebrate South Africa"

.January 28, 2004
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DaimlerChrysler: "Celebrate South Africa"

Joint Press Conference with Chancellor Schröder in Pretoria

Chairman of Board of Management Schrempp sees fine opportunities for company in South Africa

DaimlerChrysler cultural, social and educational programme in South Africa

Pretoria - On the 50th anniversary of its presence in South Africa, DaimlerChrysler will retain its position as one of the major vehicle manufacturers in the country. "South Africa is a superb example of how we at DaimlerChrysler understand and live by the principles of globalization. 'Made by Mercedes-Benz in South Africa' is a sure guarantee of quality", said Prof. Jürgen E. Schrempp, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler's Board of Management, at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Schröder in Pretoria.

DaimlerChrysler has been one of the major vehicle manufacturers in the country for more than 30 years, and its 4,500 employees construct around 55,000 vehicles each year. Of these, more than 40,000 are right-hand-drive C-Class Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Seventy-five per cent of the vehicles produced are exported to Great Britain, Japan, Australia and the Pacific region.

However, Schrempp, who spent more than 10 years of his professional life in executive positions in South Africa and belongs to President Thabo Mbeki's personal sphere of advisers, also acknowledges the challenges presented by the country.

The fight against HIV/AIDS

These include to no small degree the problem of HIV/AIDS, which poses a serious threat in South Africa. Since December 2000, in cooperation with the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), DaimlerChrysler has successfully developed and introduced a comprehensive workplace programme to combat HIV/AIDS in South Africa. The programme has received several awards and is held internationally to be exemplary. It offers all employees, and their families, extensive support through information, prevention, voluntary testing and medical care. Following the three-year start-up phase, which was completed at the end of 2003, it became clear that this had resulted in significant declines in sick leave and long-term inability to work as a result of HIV/AIDS infections.

DaimlerChrysler received the Business Excellence Award of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC) for its programme, which continues under the company's management. The GBC is an association of international companies dedicated to the combating of HIV/AIDS. Schrempp himself serves as Chairman of the GBC, and during the time he has held this office has been able to double the number of members to its present 130. Schrempp's opinion: "No individual institution can, on its own, win the fight against the terrible HIV/AIDS pandemic. All sectors, including politics, business, NGOs and civil society need to work together".

Strengthening the economy

The Southern Africa Initiative of German Business (SAFRI), created at the instigation of the German government and chaired by Professor Schrempp since its inception, remains active in strengthening the economies of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In addition to South Africa, this encompasses 13 other countries. The initiative is aimed at attracting to Southern Africa investment by German companies. It also provides training and know-how to emerging African businessmen and women.

Cultural and Educational Program

South Africa's slogan, "Celebrate South Africa" during 2004 truly reflects the spirit of the 10th anniversary of the end of apartheid. DaimlerChrysler will contribute its own unique exhibition to the festivities. The DaimlerChrysler Art Collection, one of the most significant corporate collections of modern art in the world, will be shown at South Africa's three most important museums in 2004. This will also be linked to an education programme intended to benefit around 30,000 schoolchildren and students. This represents a unique educational opportunity for the young to gain an overview of the major developments in 20th Century art. There will be 200 top-class exhibits in the collection, together with a "Children's Art Work Book" in four South African languages. Numerous teachers will have the opportunity to participate in workshops during the run-up to the exhibition. DaimlerChrysler's cultural contribution has been welcomed by the South African Department of Arts and Culture. The project is being incorporated in curriculum planning for the introduction of art teaching at state schools in South Africa during 2005.

DaimlerChrysler first demonstrated its commitment to culture in 2000, with the presentation of the DaimlerChrysler Award for Contemporary Art to Johannesburg artist Kay Hassan. In 2001, the Daimler Chrysler Award went to jazz musician Themba Mkhize. It was presented in 2002 as the DaimlerChrysler Award for South African Sculpture, and went to sculptress Jane Alexander. Last year the DaimlerChrysler Award was for South African Choreography. It was presented to Sbonakaliso ("Sbo") Ndaba. The winners were all invited to Germany, where they received their awards at special receptions hosted on the country's national holiday by Professor Schrempp, who is also Honorary Consul General of the Republic of South Africa. The 2004 DaimlerChrysler Award is for Creative Photography. It will go to South African photographer Guy Tillim.

(Jan 22, 2004)

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