Suzuki kicks off on grassroots rugby development

• Project to grow and nurture up and coming rugby talent
• Collaboration with Humanitarian Empowerment Fund
• Programme set to pilot at four West Rand schools
• Two Ertiga MPVs to aid with logistics

Suzuki Auto South Africa is embarking on a new corporate social responsibility project aimed at giving grassroots rugby development a sporting chance. Teaming up with the Humanitarian Empowerment Fund (HEF), the Japanese carmaker will provide support for a nine-month programme designed to train, develop and shape young talent into Rugby sevens players. It will run across a selection of schools in Gauteng’s West Rand. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the HEF on this new initiative,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “Sport has always been something close to the brand’s heart; a passion that last year saw us become the naming sponsor of the legendary Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU), home of the Griquas.”

“Though we are honoured to be part of such a celebrated top-tier rugby team, Suzuki understands the importance of getting behind the next generation of South African sports stars. This is why we jumped at the opportunity to get involved with this project.” 

Scheduled to run from April to December, the programme will initially pilot at four schools in the greater West Rand area. These include Newclare Primary, Everest Primary, Dowling Primary and Claremont Primary. If it proves successful then Suzuki Auto South Africa and the HEF will discuss ways to expand its reach across neighbouring faculties. 

“Aside from nurturing young talent, the project intends to promote healthy lifestyle choices and essential life skills,” says Carpenter. “And to give teams something to work towards, we together with the HEF will be hosting two annual competitions under the banner of the Suzuki Sevens Development Tournament. This will provide motivation and also give players a chance to demonstrate their newfound skills to a wider audience.”

The HEF will be in charge of employing coaches for the schools as well as making sure the children are fed before training. Suzuki will additionally supply a pair of seven-seater Ertiga multi-purpose vehicles to assist with the transportation of players and supplies.

One of the firm’s best-selling vehicles, it is powered by a 77kW/138Nm 1.5 litre petrol engine that can be paired to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

“With flexible seating configurations and ample luggage space – not to mention frugal running costs – we are sure the Ertigas will prove perfect teammates,” says Carpenter. 

“We are excited to have Suzuki Auto South Africa as a sponsor and partner,” says Clete Stevis, HEF Founder and Director. “I have faith in the programme we are developing and believe it will help uncover a new generation of future Springboks. Watch this space.”

This isn't the first time Suzuki Auto South Africa has signed up to support local sports development at a grassroots level. Since 2022 the brand has been collaborating with the Imvuselelo Sporting Organisation: a Thembisa-based NGO dedicated to getting youths onto the soccer pitch and away from the dangers of drugs and crime. Suzuki contributes towards prizes, pays referees and helps to maintain the organisation’s sole football pitch.