The SA boss of European carmaker major Stellantis Mike Whitfield has called on SA corporates to rethink philanthropy and use it as a means to help reduce youth unemployment.
Whitfield, who runs the company that produces brands such as Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Fiat and Peugeot, said corporate philanthropy should be active and deliberate to equip communities with necessary skills.
“Corporate philanthropy in SA must evolve beyond one-time donations or temporary community projects. To truly be effective, philanthropy must be integrated into the fabric of a company’s long-term strategy for economic development,” he said.
“Philanthropy, in this sense, is not just about charity; it is about making an investment in the people who will drive the economy forward. As we continue to invest in SA’s future, we recognise that the real work lies in enabling young people to build their futures.”
Whitfield, a longtime Nissan executive, took over the reins at Stellantis in 2023. His comments on youth unemployment come as the country’s corporate leaders increasingly voice their displeasure on the country’s jobless crisis.
According to official data, SA youth unemployment rate climbed to 62.4% in the first quarter of this year, the highest level since the first quarter of 2022.
Capitec Gerrie Fourie CEO set the cat among the pigeons a fortnight ago when he called for SA’s unemployment statistics to be re-examined, arguing that the current numbers do not adequately take into account the country’s vast informal sector.
Whitfield said as a key driver of SA’s economy, the automotive sector, which accounts for about 5% of GDP, is positioned to provide meaningful employment opportunities and is critical to the nation’s future prosperity.
“At Stellantis, we have seen that meaningful investments in education, skills development and entrepreneurial opportunities create pathways to long-term employment. This approach is integral to our corporate social responsibility initiatives and has been central to our recent efforts in SA,” he said.
The company has teamed up with Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber to provide young people with technical skills, with the programme focusing on hands-on training in advanced manufacturing systems.
“This targeted, industry-specific approach creates not just jobs, but sustainable careers, while preparing the next generation to contribute to SA’s industrial future,” Whitfield said.
Stellantis has targeted SA for growth in the region. In 2023, it signed an agreement with authorities to manufacture cars in SA.
The memorandum of understanding with the Industrial Development Corporation and the department of trade, industry & competition is to develop a manufacturing facility in SA.
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