Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has reinforced its support for seabird conservation in the Eastern Cape through an ongoing partnership with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), with recent infrastructure investments yielding significant operational savings and expanded educational outreach.
The collaboration, which began in 2024, has seen IMSAf refurbish SANCCOB’s home pen facility and oversee the commissioning of a solar power plant at the organisation’s Cape Recife centre in 2025. These upgrades have contributed to improved operational stability, enhanced care for permanent seabird residents, and reduced monthly electricity costs by more than 85%, according to figures provided by the foundation.
“Conservation is most effective when investment, education and partnerships work together,” says Nandi Matomela, Department Executive for Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa. “Our partnership with SANCCOB shows how business can contribute to lasting environmental outcomes. By supporting conservation infrastructure and environmental education, we are helping to safeguard natural heritage for future generations.”
The solar installation has allowed SANCCOB to redirect funds previously allocated to electricity towards rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary services. Seabirds are considered important indicators of ocean health, and their protection is regarded as integral to the resilience of coastal ecosystems.
Carl Havemann, Centre Manager at SANCCOB Gqeberha, said the investment had notably improved operations at the Cape Recife facility. “The refurbishment of the resident seabird enclosure restored a critical space for our permanent patients, while the solar power system has enabled us to maintain operations during periods of load-shedding and other power disruptions. The savings realised have been channelled directly into conservation interventions benefiting seabird populations along the coastline.”
Beyond infrastructure, IMSAf has broadened its focus to include environmental education, with activities aimed at fostering awareness among young people.
On July 1, 2026, 60 learners from De Vos Malan and Khulile Primary Schools took part in a programme at SANCCOB covering marine conservation, biodiversity protection and waste management. The session included a storytelling component led by 11-year-old author Unarine Phaswana, whose involvement encouraged learners to consider their own potential contributions to environmental stewardship.
A second event on July 4, 2026 involved the children of IMSAf employees at the company’s Marine Drive facility. The programme featured coastal clean-up activities and interactive sessions designed to illustrate the links between waste management, biodiversity and ecosystem health. Employees also handed over collected bottle caps to SANCCOB for recycling, with proceeds from the initiative supporting the foundation’s conservation and rehabilitation work.
Through a combination of infrastructure investment, partnership with conservation bodies and educational programming, Isuzu Motors South Africa continues to support efforts aimed at preserving coastal biodiversity while encouraging the next generation to take an active role in environmental protection.
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