Volkswagen, NUMSA launch bursary fund

The fund was named after John Gomomo, who worked as a machine tool setter at the Volkswagen manufacturing factory in Uitenhage. Gomomo also served as COSATU president and later a member of parliament until his death.

Company with meaning and impact

The bursary fund was launched last year and provides bursaries to deserving candidates. "Volkswagen has always been, is and will always be a people's company. It is therefore only fitting that one of the icons that worked for Volkswagen is recognised by having his name remembered through this bursary fund jointly set up with NUMSA in his memory," said Matt Gennrich, general manager of communications at Volkswagen.

"Uitenhage, the home of Volkswagen, grapples with high numbers of unemployment. As the largest auto-manufacturer in the province, Volkswagen has, as one of its objectives, to be a company with meaning and impact. Volkswagen along with NUMSA does this through initiatives like the John Gomomo Bursary Fund," added Gennrich.

The bursary fund is open to unemployed individuals studying or wanting to study full time towards a formal tertiary qualification related to the automotive industry. The Work Security Fund also provides production based training for unemployed, young and disabled people. The training, which last for a year, is conducted at Volkswagen's manufacturing plant in Uitenhage.

Majority become redundant

Simphiwe Sowazi, deputy chairperson of the Volkswagen's NUMSA said the majority of young people matriculate and some graduate from institutions of higher learning. "The reality however, is that most of them are not absorbed by the corporate world into formal employment. As a result, they become redundant and unproductive. The fund ensures that it prepares and educates them to understand the automotive industry in general."

The Work Security Fund has trained more than 1 000 people. The training simulates real work situations on Volkswagen's production line and upon completion all the participants receive a certificate which they can use for job applications.