2010 Sustainability Report - Cummins.com

Cummins has been working with Ithemba since
Peters approached the Company at the outset of the
project in 1991. In 2009, The Cummins Foundation
pledged financial support of $325,000 to match other
fundraising to help the school become sustainable.
The Company also works with Ithemba through
its Every Employee, Every Community program
and on learning opportunities like apprenticeships,
“Take a Girl Child to Work Day,” motivational speeches
and job shadows.
Eighteen-year old Mmabatho Kekana spent three
years as an Ithemba student before she chose to
become a diesel mechanic (DM) learnership student
and get the practical knowledge required for an
apprenticeship. In just six months, she learned how
to strip and rebuild three diesel engines.
Kekana sees a world of career possibilities in her future.
“There’s a huge shortage of DMs in South Africa, and
South Africa is definitely where I want to be. I know I’m
lucky to know what I want so young. A lot of people in
my neighborhood are really confused, and it shows,”
Kekana said.
“Passion for your work is really important if you want
to be successful but you need to know what it is
you’re passionate about first – that’s the hard bit,”
Kekana added.
Pamela Carter, Vice President – President of the
Distribution Business, visited Soweto last year,
where she officially opened a mechanical workshop
for students. The workshop includes state-of-the-art
tools and equipment.
“I am both humbled and excited,” Carter said during
the opening.
“From a Company taking 20 years to make a profit to
Pamela Carter, Vice President – President of the Distribution
Business, helps officially open a new mechanical workshop for
Ithemba students in the fall of 2009.
a multi-national leader in power generation and related
fields, Cummins hopes to be in partnership with
Ithemba for a long, long time,” she said.
Ithemba Institute of Technology
Location: Soweto, South Africa
Mission: Educate students in impoverished Soweto
so they can get jobs in modern manufacturing.
History: Started by a former teacher, Uzendt Peters.
The school is now supported by several industries in
the area like Cummins.
Special features: By working closely with
manufacturers, Ithemba aligns its curriculum to include
classes on the skills most needed by the industry so its
graduates are ready.
Cummins involvement: Cummins contributes
money, expertise and employee volunteer time. Beyond
financial support, examples include apprenticeships,
job shadows, motivational speeches and more.