Volkswagen South Africa
Established in 1951, Volkswagen South Africa is located in Uitenhage, an industrial town some 35 km from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Since the first Beetle rolled off the line on 31 August 1951, Volkswagen South Africa has become one of the major passenger car manufacturers in the country. Today, Volkswagen has more than doubled its market share since the mid-80’s – increasing to such an extent that now one in every five cars sold in South Africa is a Volkswagen. As one of the largest foreign employers in South Africa, Volkswagen employs 6 500 people, whilst the Volkswagen family encompasses over 1 000 suppliers and a national network of over 130 franchised dealerships.
In 2006, Volkswagen celebrated its 55th anniversary in South Africa and proudly recently watched as their 2,5 millionth vehicle – a fith generation Golf 1.6 – roll off the production line.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest academic exchange organisation in the world. It is a joint establishment of the German higher education institutions and promotes international academic cooperation. The DAAD acts as an intermediary organisation in the field of foreign cultural, science and education policy as well as in the field of education cooperation with developing countries. It supports the worldwide exchange of international students, graduates, academics and scientists within the framework of more than 200 different programmes. The DAAD has 14 regional offices and 46 information centres worldwide, where those interested in studying and doing research in Germany are provided with information and advice.
The DAAD's aims and objectives are:
- To advance international academic exchange
- To promote the German system of higher education through
- participation in higher education fairs
- print and electronic publications
- special events (alumni meetings etc.)
- To establish networks in Germany and abroad
- To grant organizational and (limited) financial support to universities
- To award scholarships and grants
- To provide information and counselling
In sub-Sahara Africa, the DAAD is represented in one regional office in Nairobi/Kenya, and three information centres in Accra/Ghana, Khartoum/Sudan and Johannesburg/South Africa
Enquiries should be directed to daad@wits.ac.za (Tel: 011 717 9334)