Over the past weekend, I had the the most thrilling experience of travelling 1 200KM with Ford South Africa on an all female led drive with a mission. We drove from East London and made our way to Johannesburg – such a great was to explore the beautiful South African landscape while taking the Ford baddies for a spin, and of course demonstrating the “Can’t Help But Help” ethos of Living the RangeHer life.
Over the three days, I had the opportunity of driving the Ford WildTrak, Ford Ranger Thunder and the Ford Raptor. One thing I can confidently say after taking these baddies both on and off-road is that the Ford Ranger laughs at the face of potholes!
This trip was magical in more ways than one. Not only did we get the opportunity to explore the beautiful Eastern Cape and all its scenic views, we also got to find out more about the Ford Wildlife Foundation and their contribution to the preservation of the fauna and flora in the Eastern Cape. With an involvement for over 30 years already under the Ford Wildlife Foundation, the Ford XLT in particular lends a helping hand with conservation projects that the WWF South Africa has undertaken in the Eastern Cape. Themba from WWF took us through some of the conservation and environmental work currently being done as they work towards establishing a new national park in the province. He also further highlighted just how critical it is that we protect the Drakensburg/Eastern Cape catchment area as they contribute to more than 50% of our country’s water supply.
We also made our way into communities within the Eastern Cape to give a helping hand with resources which would specifically assist them in effectively carrying out the work they do, while helping them stay safe during this pandemic we are facing.
1st Stop:
Our first stop was at a Port Elizabeth Technical High School; Otto du Plessis High School with the Department of Basic Educationas as part of Ford’s novel Socio-Economic Development Programme. Present on the day was Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule to conduct the official handover of the first donated engine by Ford Motor Company. The donation by Ford South Africa was one of two hundred and forty locally assembled engines and gearboxes to be distributed to Technical High Schools already offering Mechanical Technology ( Automotive ) to support teaching of the subject as well as those that have stopped offering the subject due to lack of resources.
2nd Stop:
Our next stop was at UMlamli Hospital in the Eastern Cape. Previously a missionary hospital and now owned by the Department of Health, UMlamli is currently in the process of establishing a where we delivered a 1000 Ford South Africa built face shields to the hospital These will assist the healthcare workers as they continue to fight the battle against COVID-19.
3rd Stop:
Our final stop was at Mbihli Senior Primary School in the Eastern Cape, where we received the warmest welcome and words of encouragement from the staff and learners who were so kind as to take time out of their Saturday to welcome us. We delivered a donation of 2 flow bin wash basins, 1000 face shields and 300 soaps. This will assist the school with the promotion of healthy hygiene and help contain the spread of COVID-19.
I’m ever so grateful for this eye opening and adventurous opportunity with Ford South Africa. I had the opportunity to be a part of an impactful initiative while exploring parts of my beautiful country I had never explored before, and of course in the most capable hands of the Ford Rangers. I also met such amazing women who are making strides in their respective fields. Brilliant!
