With a legacy that stretches over 60 years in South Africa, UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA) has woven itself into the fabric of communities across the region, positioning itself not only as a Japanese leader in providing sustainable transport solutions but as a trusted partner in creating a Better Life through impactful community upliftment initiatives.
UDTSA’s unwavering commitment to changing lives in communities it operates in is embodied in a myriad of purpose-driven initiatives focused on skills development, job creation, women empowerment, and safety. Since its founding, UDTSA has not only maintained its challenger spirit but also carved out a strong presence in the local market where its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives continue to be the blueprint in driving real impact.
Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director, UD Trucks Southern Africa: “I am proud to say that South Africa is a home where our roots as a brand run deep. As UDTSA, we are committed to making positive contribution to the societies we serve - driven by our commitment to Better Life purpose. Our role as a brand extends far more beyond manufacturing quality trucks and our CSR flagship projects are a testament to this. As we cast our eyes into a sustainable future, every initiative we invest in, is about paying it forward and making a lasting impact not only in the transport industry but in the lives of people for a better tomorrow for all.”
Industry partnerships with aligned values and united purpose
One of UDTSA’s flagship projects was born out of its partnership with SaferStops, in a true-shared vision of improving safety, wellness, and the working conditions of truck drivers at truck stops across South Africa. This collaboration reflects a triumphant journey marked by mutual purpose to move communities and the industry forward.
In 2024 SaferStops launched “Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium” - a platform used to celebrate and recognise truck drivers for their invaluable contribution to the economic success of South Africa – in addition to giving prominence to the important issues such as health, safety, and wellness faced by truck drivers daily.
This year was no different, UDTSA participated at the 2025 Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium as one of the major sponsors. The event had a strong attendance of 384 delegates, 191 truck drivers, with a total of 28 sponsors. The initiative was a resounding success and made a positive impact by ensuring driver wellbeing is prioritised through comprehensive health check-ups and vision tests to two days of workshop focused on driver physical, financial, and emotional wellness on the road.
Another standout initiative launched by SaferStops this year was the “Leaders in Motion” series at Stellenbosch University, in collaboration with the Department of Logistics. The primary objective of the initiative was to connect young people with the dynamic world of the logistics and transport industry, creating space for learning, development, and growth. UDTSA is proud to have been a part of this, where Filip Van den Heede shared industry insights, trends, operational, and strategic challenges as a Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer operating in South Africa to offering a hands-on product experience to young students pursuing their careers in the transport and logistics field.
Honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela
UDTSA pulled out all the stops this year to commemorate Mandela Month, following a series of life-changing initiatives that reinforced the brands’ commitment to building stronger communities and driving positive change. The initiatives further demonstrated how UDTSA’s purpose aligns with the values of Nelson Mandela’s legacy guided by the true spirit of Ubuntu and community upliftment.
The UDTSA team visited Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, where it donated brand-new school shoes, school socks, and fresh fruits to students with the aim to enhance their well-being and self-confidence, as they pursue their education.
Furthermore, the brand visited SOS Children’s Village Mamelodi, an organisation dedicated to providing vulnerable children with safe, stable, and nurturing homes. To make tangible difference in the children’s lives, UDTSA donated essentials to enhance both comfort and learning environments which included comforters and fitted sheets, oil heaters for warmth during winter, as well as pine desks and chairs.
These efforts stand as a testament to the company’s long-standing dedication of placing people at the heart of everything it does, with a sharper view to constantly drive change where it truly counts.
Shining the spotlight to road safety
In July 2025, UDTSA partnered with Fleetwatch as one of the leading sponsors at its 54th Brake & Tyre Watch initiative, held at Potchefstroom – Northwest. Brake & Tyre Watch is a renowned industry-led initiatives that drew together government, industry players, and key stakeholders to educate and empower traffic officials with knowledge and expertise in roadside safety inspections. UDTSA’s participation at this year’s event further deepened the brand’s commitment to creating safer roads, supporting the people who drive trucks every day, and positively impacting communities.
The event proudly boasted a 97% attendance of traffic officials, the best turnout in the last three years, marking an important milestone in highlighting the growing impact of this nationwide road safety initiative. During the event, a total of 82 traffic officials were successfully trained resulting in four vehicles being tested, one discontinued, and the remaining three having tyre faults.
By showcasing the advanced safety and technology features found in UD trucks provides an in-depth view of how these trucks are designed to keep roads safe for all. This initiative highlighted the value of industry collaborations to enhancing road safety by pooling resources, expertise, and influence to implement effective strategies to increase awareness, improved safety practices, and ultimately, a safer road environment for everyone.
Driving industry forward through skills development
At UDTSA skills development and job creation are central to driving business growth and long-term sustainability. Through advanced training programmes and upskilling people, the company not only strengthens the caliber of its workforce but also plays a crucial role in contributing to the broader development of the transport and logistics industry.
Through initiatives such as YES (Youth Employment Service), South Africa's most impactful private sector led youth employment programme aimed at addressing the country’s youth unemployment crisis by empowering businesses to create job opportunities. Through this programme, in this year alone, UDTSA is providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and training to over 40 young South Africans within the sales and manufacturing divisions. This marks a significant milestone for UDTSA in joining forces with other corporates and industry players in support of the national efforts to combat youth unemployment and shaping the future of the industry.
Furthermore, as an extension to its successful Ultimate Women Program in partnership with Commercial Transport Academy (CTA). UDTSA this year is training 10 students from the 40 YES candidates to become professional truck drivers. Through this program, UDTSA is proud to continue empowering young women with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the future.
The journey ahead
UDTSA, through its CSR initiatives and industry partnerships, pledges to continue transforming lives and ensuring that its success is shared with the communities that support the brand.
“As one of the leading brands in the region, we have been bolstering our Better Life purpose, putting the needs of people and communities into our core business structures and so doing ensuring a workplace and society where everyone can thrive. As our journey continues, we remain committed in investing and empowering individuals who can shape the future of our industry and country at large”, concludes, Janet Frost, HR Director: UD Trucks Southern Africa.
UDTSA is honored to contribute to the betterment of communities with a strong hope to uplifting communities and driving sustainable growth across Southern Africa.
