General Motors Middle East & dealers present Nelson Mandela with USD200,000 for his Foundation

GM Middle East and its regional dealers contributed US$200,000 to the Foundation. In addition to the joint donation, GM South Africa made a cash contribution and will make five new Opel, Chevrolet or Isuzu vehicles available to support foundation projects for a year period.

Mandela, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who is considered the "father of the nation," retired from public life in 1999. The Nelson Mandela Foundation was established the same year to enable him to continue his work in the community, with particular focus on addressing the HIV/AIDS issue and improving conditions for children in rural schools.

"Mr. Mandela's commitment to peace, justice and community service is an inspiration to all of humanity," said Terry Johnsson, managing director of GM Middle East.

"The Foundation reflects his vision of helping people realise their potential and of creating a more just and humane society. I am very proud that so many dealers from so many different countries united to support the Foundation's initiatives so generously."

"GM believes in participating as a good corporate citizen in every market where we do business," said Maureen Kempston Darkes, GM group vice president and president of GM Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. "In 1977, GM was the first company to adopt the 'Sullivan Principles' that helped hasten the end of apartheid in South Africa. We were thrilled to return to South Africa in 2004 to help build the nation's auto industry and the promise it represents for the citizens of South Africa," said Darkes, who presented the donations to Mandela on behalf of GM and dealers.

The GM dealers from the Middle East were awarded a trip to South Africa in recognition of achieving high standards of customer service and satisfaction as well as strong sales results in GM's 2005 Chairman Challenge programme.