Led by the MEC of the DEDEAT, Mlungisi Mvoko, the delegation’s main purpose of the visit was to understand the challenges which the automotive industry faces as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and also how the sector is adapting to the new health regulations.
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) resumed its operations under lockdown Alert Level 4 early in June with 50% of its workforce in place as prescribed by the regulations set out in Alert Level 4. This included return-to-work medical examinations for every employee and on-site contractors, the provision of personal protective equipment including masks and physical distancing etiquette education.
According to Michael Sacke, CEO and Managing Director the company is now preparing to optimise its operations with its full workforce in place when Alert Level 3 regulations come into effect on 1 June.
“Since resuming operations under Alert Level 4 we have put strict health and safety measures in place at all our Isuzu sites. It is an absolute imperative that we protect the health and welfare of our employees, on-site contractors and those visiting our facilities and we are committed to the implementation, adherence and monitoring of the safety and health regulations which have been instituted by the government,“ said Sacke.
“During this very unprecedented period in the world and South Africa’s history, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our employees, dealers, customers, suppliers and the community,” he added.
Isuzu is well integrated into the community through its corporate social investment programmes and to this end has engaged in various projects which directly assist the healthcare sector in responding to Covid-19 related challenges. This has incorporated the undertaking of renovations to the Livingstone and Provincial Hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay, providing temporary storage and distribution for medical supplies to local hospitals, vehicle support to Gift of the Givers for Covid-19 testing around the country, food distribution to impoverished communities in Nelson Mandela Bay and vehicle support to The SA Pandemic Intervention and Relief Effort for community testing and the transportation of medical supplies in Gauteng.
Pictured:
Angus Clark, left, Isuzu General Manager Facilities and Maintenance, leads a plant tour during the visit from the Eastern Cape Department for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC, Mlungisi Mvoko.
