Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) employees and their loved ones recently came together at the Baakens Valley Nature Reserve to support ongoing efforts to restore and protect this ecologically significant area.
The reserve stretches along approximately 23 km of the Baakens River and spans around 500 hectares. It is a unique meeting point of five distinct biomes, making it an essential refuge for a wide variety of indigenous plant and animal species.
Around 150 employees and their families participated in the conservation activities, which included removing invasive alien plants, applying herbicide where required, stacking cleared trees, painting murals and refreshing storage units. Their efforts form part of the Show of Hands volunteer programme, which takes place twice a year and alternates between community upliftment and environmental conservation initiatives.
Martina Biene, VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director, said preserving natural spaces is a responsibility that extends beyond business operations. She highlighted the Baakens Valley Nature Reserve as a vital green lung for Gqeberha, supporting biodiversity, improving air quality and offering natural resilience within an urban environment. She added that VWGA is proud of the meaningful contribution made by employees and their families in strengthening the ecological health of the reserve.
