"This process stems from our determination to expand our business with black-owned suppliers so that we continue to support the economic transformation in South Africa", said Thomas Schaefer, chairman and managing director of Volkswagen Group South Africa. Schaefer added: "VWSA views the issue of procurement from black-owned suppliers as a priority from both a moral and legislative compliance perspective".
Companies that supply manufactured components or services and non-automotive related products and services, including organisations in the defence/military, agricultural, mining, IT, services and other related manufacturing industries that would benefit from diversification have been invited to apply.
Successful organisations must have a minimum of 51% black ownership (includes Coloured, Indian and Chinese as per B-BBEE guidelines) and/or a minimum of 30% black female ownership.