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KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa – Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has strengthened its longstanding commitment to education, youth empowerment and community upliftment through its continued support of the Rally to Read initiative. TSAM’s contribution this year once again extended beyond classroom resources with a donation of more than 5 000 school shoes to all 13 participating schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The donation further ensures that learners have the essential tools they need to learn with dignity and confidence.
Since launching this school‑shoe initiative in 2023, Toyota has distributed a cumulative 24 000 pairs to learners in underserved communities. The eco‑friendly shoes are manufactured from recycled disposable hospital drips through Netcare’s MyWalk initiative, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and responsible innovation.
Commenting on the long-standing partnership, Andrew Kirby President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors said: “As a brand deeply rooted in South African communities, Toyota South Africa Motors is honoured to be part of an initiative that places literacy and ultimately opportunity within reach for thousands of young learners. Our continued participation in Rally to Read reflects our broader corporate citizenship philosophy. We believe that meaningful societal progress begins with accessible, high‑quality education and the basic resources that enable learners to thrive.”
Driving sustainable educational change in KZN
As one of the province’s economic contributors, Toyota understands that investing in KZN’s schools is an investment in the wellbeing and upliftment of the very communities that support its operations.
Rural schools across the province continue to face challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited learning materials and restricted access to structured literacy programmes. Through its support of Rally to Read, Toyota helps bridge these gaps by providing:
Essential learning materials: in partnership with the READ Educational Trust, TSAM donated foundation‑phase reading books, classroom libraries, educational supplies and soccer balls, resources that excite learners and equip teachers to strengthen literacy outcomes.
Teacher development support: Rally to Read funds professional trainers who work directly with educators to improve literacy instruction, helping create sustainable improvements in reading, writing and communication skills.
Long‑term impact across communities: to date, nearly 1 000 schools and 700 000 learners have benefited from Rally to Read nationally. The programme continues to demonstrate measurable improvements in literacy competency and reduced dropout rates in participating school clusters.
Expanding access: driving dignity and sustainability
In addition to educational resources, TSAM’s donation of more than 5 000 school shoes in 2026 offers practical support that directly impacts learner attendance and confidence.
Created from recycled PVC drips collected from hospitals, the school shoes represent a powerful intersection of corporate citizenship and environmental sustainability. Through Netcare’s MyWalk initiative, waste that would otherwise enter landfill sites is transformed into durable footwear for children in need.
This circular innovation aligns strongly with Toyota’s global commitment to sustainability and its ambition to reduce waste, conserve resources and support resilient communities.
“By supporting literacy, donating essential school shoes and championing sustainable solutions, Toyota remains committed to shaping a future where every child has the opportunity, tools and confidence to learn, grow and achieve,” concluded Kirby.
