Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability by planting nearly 4,800 spekboom trees at two community schools in Gqeberha and Johannesburg. This initiative forms part of IMSAf’s celebration of Arbor Week and contributes directly to the ISUZU Environmental Vision 2050, which outlines five key aspirations for long-term sustainability.
Known as the South Africa’s “carbon sponge,” the spekboom plays a vital role in carbon sequestration. The new plantations are expected to offset approximately 793,000 tons of carbon emissions, equivalent of all employee air travel generated during the 2024/5 financial year. Beyond carbon reduction the project is also focused on enhancing green spaces for learners and fostering environmental awareness among employees and surrounding communities.
“Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond compliance but also to fostering education and awareness among our employees and in our surrounding communities,” says Celestin Ndhlovu, Executive Vice President Corporate Services at Isuzu Motors South Africa. “It is our responsibility to nurture the environment we live in to create a legacy for future generations.”
In partnership with Giving The Wings Foundation, The planting took place at Khulile Primary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha and Mikateka Primary School in Tembisa, Johannesburg where a combined 2,727 spekbooms were planted. The remaining trees were distributed to IMSAf employees, who committed to planting them at their homes and in local communities ensuring that the environmental impact extends beyond the workplace.
This approach contributes to greening urban areas, where space is often limited, while also encouraging employees to involve their families in raising awareness about the global challenge of climate change.
The Giving Them Wings Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating sustainable living solutions and empowering communities through environmental education, recycling initiatives, and food gardening projects. The foundation works with partners to promote a culture of sustainability and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Through this Arbor Week campaign, IMSAf demonstrates that corporate sustainability can be both impactful and inclusive, combining measurable carbon offsetting with community empowerment and long-term environmental stewardship.
Nandi Matomela, Department Executive: Corporate Affairs
Phone: Phone: +27 11 806 4815 | nandi.matomela@isuzu.co.za
Asanda Fongqo, External Communications, Stakeholder Relations and PR Coordinator
Contact details: +27 64 863 2644 | asanda.fongqo@isuzu.co.za
About Isuzu Motors South Africa
Isuzu Motors South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan. ISUZU has had a presence in South Africa since 1964, when the first commercial vehicles entered the market, which was soon followed by the introduction of light commercial vehicles in 1972. The brand’s popularity grew and resulted in local production of ISUZU branded light commercial vehicles in 1978. Today, ISUZU remains one of South Africa’s leading commercial vehicle brands and has become renowned for its durability and reliability. For more information on Isuzu products visit www.isuzu.co.za
