Empowering Women Together: Denso SA’s Sponsorship at IMESA’s Women’s Day Event

Denso SA was delighted to be a sponsor at the Women’s Day event hosted by IMESA on 8^th August, a celebration of women’s empowerment and excellence. Our representative, Sthe Dlamini, attended the event, which brought together inspiring women from various industries.

As a sponsor, Denso demonstrated its commitment to supporting gender equality and women’s advancement. The event featured thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and recognition of women’s achievements.

Sthe Dlamini, representing Denso, said, “It was an honor to be part of this uplifting event, celebrating the strength and resilience of women. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.”

Through our sponsorship, Denso reaffirmed its dedication to creating a more equitable society, where women can thrive and reach their full potential. We look forward to continuing our support for initiatives that promote women’s empowerment.”

IMESA KZN YP² Amazing Race – Engineer Edition

Denso SA were proud to have sponsored and supported the IMESA KZN YP2 Amazing Race – Engineer Edition. It was an incredible day of competition, determination and inspiring displays of teamwork and we were impressed by the participants efforts and commitment. Our team had a blast cheering on the participants as they tackled their challenges, which included the Denso puzzle, Denso pipe wrapping challenge, Flange encapsulation and ST 100 epoxy application.

Project Partnership between The F.B Coales Charitable Trust and Khanyisela (Northern Drakensberg Projects)

Amidst the majesty of the Drakensberg Mountains, a World Heritage Site in South Africa, are rural areas of incredible poverty. Parents having to work relatively far from home and including extensive travel times.

The Creche’s and Pre-schools are integral to the welfare, safety, and initial introduction to learning for many toddlers and young children.

The F.B Coales Trust through an already strong relationship by Winn and Coales (Denso) with Khanyisela looked to assist the dire needs and projects related to three of these Pre-Schools. These projects, now finalised, have changed the lives of the educators and children.

Mpumelelo Pre-school: Replacement of Toilet block

The destruction of the old unsafe pit toilets and building of new fit-for-purpose toilets, safely sized for the young children.

Listening to the educators and their thankfulness for this hugely impactful change, something many of us take for granted, was incredibly heartwarming.

Sivukile Pre-school: installation of classroom ceilings

The Northern Drakensberg has temperature ranges on between -5 degrees Celsius in winter to 35 degrees Celsius in summer. These ceilings, insulate in the winter, and maintain temperatures in summer. This allows children to be comfortable in their learning environment. The project completion has changed the look and feel of the classrooms, making it welcoming and a great place to spend the day as the children learn and play.

Little Flowers: New classroom

This Pre-school was started by an educator suffering from Polio, who in Covid, lost her income. She was determined to serve her community and opened Little Flowers Pre-school. This added classroom had a massive effect of her school as it allowed the youngest children to be separated from the older and thus allowing minimal disruption in the older learning classes. This school is base din an area called Hawaii in the Amazinzi district and is such a colourful beacon of hope.

Denso South Africa’s ongoing support of Royal Drakensberg Primary School

This school, originally built by the Cavern Hotel’s owners to school their own children, has grown substantially, and is supported by a number of organisations. Denso South Africa provides funds annually to pay for two learners to attend – both from the impoverished Amazinzi district, as are most of the other learners.  I had the privilege of meeting “our” two learners and had some wonderful conversations together with the school principal Thobani Ndlovu. They are so proud to be at this school and are progressing well.

The photo with its stunning mountain backdrop which has recently been given the status of a National Conservation reserve.

Travel Dairy: Northern Drakensberg

The visit to the school and pre-schools was soul invigorating, but true to South African standard a few guests had been be assisted along their way during the trip.

The first was a frog in the classroom, which for the young children was terrifying, and then we had to assist, very gently of course, a local Puff Adder to ensure it was not killed on the pathways. Fortunately, the Baboons behaved themselves this time, and did not get closer than 5 meters the one day! Another superb weekend in Africa.

The F. B. Coales Charitable Trust and Denso South Africa – Making a difference – Part 2

Further to the F.B Coales Charitable trust and Denso South Africa contributing to three projects mentioned in Part 1 in December 2023, we are delighted to show you the before and after pictures of two of the projects, whilst the third is underway, as well as some snippets from the beneficiaries.

“My name is Alina Hlongwane. I am from here in Zwelisha. I grew up at home with my mother and father. I grew as an only child because all my siblings passed on and I never met them. Growing with parents without ever attending creche is not something that I encourage. There were no creches around, we went to school when we were seven years old to start class 1 (Grade 1). Having never seen a teacher before or charts. Today, the children that attend creche, they are smart.

“We are so thankful to Denso and Khanyisela for building toilets and putting up ceilings. We did not know ceilings growing up because we lived in thatched houses or those with corrugated iron. When it rains the droplets make a loud sound and you cannot hear what the teacher says. …”

“We admire the work done (building of toilets and cleanup of the rubble/debris) because we are very comfortable at home knowing that we won’t get a report that the children were injured while playing because of the rubble. The environment they are in, is perfect.

The toilets have been very helpful, there are three different sizes, so even the two-year-old children are able to use them independently. We are very grateful to Denso and Khanyisela. They have helped us a lot!” – Nomusa Ndlovu

The F. B. Coales Charitable Trust and Denso South Africa – Making a difference – Part 1

We often take essentials such as space, toilets and the warmth and protective nature of shelter for granted but in the Northern Drakensberg a valuable contribution by the F. B. Coales Charitable Trust and Denso South Africa who have stepped in, is helping provide these essentials to the small pre-schools that serve the Amazizi community.

Denso South Africa currently supports the Khanyisela Projects in the far reaches of the Northern Drakensberg where work is being done to transform communities through quality education initiatives. The Khanyisela Project’s mission is to provide opportunities where children are stimulated, loved, and developed in their early years, building strong foundations for future learning. The Khanyisela Projects currently works to improve the lives of over 650 pre-school children across a wide, remote area in this area of the beautiful Northern Drakensberg. (References: www.khanyiselaprojects.co.za)

Three projects have been agreed upon relating to the buildings and enhancement of the learning environments of the young learners at three separate pre-schools. Over the course of the coming two months or so, these will be completed and, in the next edition we will present the completed projects and the impact they will have.

NEW APPOINTMENT AT DENSO SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Ismail Sheik as Managing Director of Denso South Africa (Pty) Ltd as of 1 July 2023. 

Please join us in congratulating Ismail every success in his new role.

Ismail joined Denso South Africa on 1 September 2011 and has held the following positions:

• Quality Controller September 2011 – June 2013
• Laboratory Technician July 2013 – June 2015
• Laboratory Manager July 2015 – June 2018
• Technical Manager July 2018 – December 2019
• Senior Technical Manager January 2020 – June 2021
• Technical Development Director July 2021 – April 2023
• Chief Operating Officer April 2023 – June 2023