HYUNDAI Automotive South Africa won four awards at the 2026 National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) Accelerator Awards.
The awards, presented at the Durban International Convention Centre during SA Auto Week, recognized Hyundai in four categories: Job Creation, Youth Empowerment, NextGen Workforce and Women Empowerment.
The achievement follows four awards secured by Hyundai at the 2025 edition, marking a second consecutive year of multiple-category recognition.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa said the industry recognition reflected a fundamental business commitment to turning ambition into tangible impact.
“At Hyundai Automotive South Africa, we believe in walking-the-talk. Empowering young people and women, developing future-ready talent and creating sustainable employment are not simply aspirations. They are key strategic priorities and commitments that must be reflected in what we do every day.”
“To us, mobility is about more than the vehicles we put on the road. It is also about creating pathways to opportunities, enabling economic participation and helping build a more inclusive South Africa. These awards serve as further motivation to continue making a positive difference,” added Anderson.
Behind the accolades are measurable efforts to broaden access to automotive careers.
Hyundai directly employs 2,500 people in South Africa, supporting 12,500 livelihoods. Beyond direct employment, Hyundai Automotive South Africa invested R10 million in bursaries for employees and their families, built 23 community libraries and provides workplace experience to 150 youth learners annually.
Hyundai’s current national apprenticeship programme has grown to 149 active apprentices, with 38 of the total being women, which represents a 26% ratio.
Operating across the company’s 100 national dealers, the programme provides practical technical training and mentorship.
Demand for opportunities is equally striking. Hyundai’s Youth Employment Service programme attracted 33,000 applications for just 150 positions, highlighting the interest of young people wishing to join Hyundai.
Christine Masinga, Human Resources Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa expressed gratitude to the NAAMSA for the recognition and said developing talent was essential to the future of the industry.
“Every young person deserves an opportunity to develop their potential and women equally deserve opportunities to grow, lead and succeed. This means investing in skills, creating work opportunities and ensuring people have room to progress is something we are proud of. This NAAMSA recognition reinforces the importance of making transformation an enduring business priority,” said Masinga.
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