- Two awards at 2026 Exporter of the Year.
- SJM Flex Environmental Award won a 13th time.
- Seventh consecutive win in the environmental category.
- Community Chest CSI Award won a second time.
- Ceremony held on Friday 6 November.
Exporters Eastern Cape handed Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) two awards at the 2026 Exporter of the Year Awards, held on Friday 6 November. The carmaker received the SJM Flex Environmental Award and the Community Chest CSI Award (Large Companies).
This was the 32nd edition of the annual awards, which recognise exporting companies in the Eastern Cape for their contribution to economic participation, job creation, community investment and environmental sustainability. VWGA was recognised in the last two of those areas.
Volkswagen environmental award record
The SJM Flex Environmental Award has now gone to the company 13 times. This year’s result also marks its seventh consecutive win in the category, a run that stretches back several editions of the event.
Community Chest CSI Award for VWGA
On the community side, VWGA collected the CSI award for the second year running. The category was introduced in 2025, and the manufacturer was its first winner, so it has taken the title every time it has been presented.
Christiane Zorn on 75 years in South Africa
The recognition comes in the year Volkswagen marks 75 years in South Africa. Christiane Zorn, Chairperson and Managing Director at VWGA, said being honoured in these categories during the anniversary year “is testimony of the impact our company has made in the Eastern Cape and the wider South Africa.”
She credited staff for the result. “Behind these achievements are teams who work consistently to ensure our impact is a positive one,” Zorn said, adding that the awards reflect the part those teams have played in establishing what the brand stands for in the country and region.
Award presenters and VWGA representatives
Quintin Levey of Exporters Eastern Cape presented both awards. The environmental award was accepted by Kayleigh Bauer and Ntsapokazi Ningiza of VWGA alongside Rajes Padayachie of SJM Flex, while Vernon Naidoo and Christiane Zorn received the CSI award with Selwyn Willis and Deveda Bloem of Community Chest.
Supplied by QuickPic (Volkswagen)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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