- Following a rigorous external audit of its human resources practices and policies by the Top Employers Institute of South Africa, Ford has been confirmed for its excellence in various HR domains
- Certification as a Top Employer underscores Ford’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment and showcasing outstanding HR policies and practices, reflecting the company’s dedication to its employees’ growth and development
- Ford currently employs around 5 200 people in South Africa, and supports approximately 60 000 jobs in the value chain through local production of the Ford Ranger
Ford South Africa has been honoured with the esteemed Top Employer Certification for 2024 by the renowned Top Employers Institute®, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing exceptional employee conditions and fostering a conducive work environment. This marks the first time Ford has been recognised as a Top Employer, signifying a significant milestone in the company’s dedication to its workforce.
To attain this prestigious recognition, Ford South Africa’s human resources practices and policies underwent a comprehensive external audit conducted by the Top Employers Institute of South Africa. This audit, encompassing various HR domains including talent management, learning and development, as well as ethics and integrity, validated Ford’s commitment to excellence in these areas.
Ford’s journey towards the Top Employer certification involved a meticulous process that included participation in the HR Best Practice Survey, followed by validation and audit stages, ensuring alignment with international standards. The company’s dedication to HR excellence was reflected in its performance score, earning it the distinguished status of being certified as a Top Employer for 2024.
“We are honoured to receive the Top Employer Certification for 2024, an achievement that underscores our unwavering commitment to our employees’ well-being and professional development,” said Thabo Masete, HR Executive Director for Ford South Africa. “This recognition motivates us to continue our pursuit of excellence and to create an environment where all our employees can thrive and succeed.”
Ford South Africa currently employs around 5 200 people, having introduced a third shift with an additional 1 200 employees at the Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria as part of the company’s R15.8-billion investment in 2021 to modernise and expand local production for the Ford Ranger bakkie.
With an installed capacity for 200 000 vehicles per year, Ford’s local operations support an estimated 60 000 jobs in the total value chain, making it a major contributor to South Africa’s automotive industry and the country’s GDP.
The proudly South African-built Ranger was the country’s top-selling Double Cab in 2023, and is exported to more than 100 markets globally.
A further R5.2-billion investment was announced at Ford South Africa’s Centenary celebrations in November 2023 to produce the first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), commencing in late 2024.
Acknowledging the significant achievement, Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa, expressed gratitude to the company’s HR team and the entire Ford family in South Africa, emphasising their dedication and hard work. “Certification from the global Top Employers Institute is a testament to our commitment to prioritising our people and strengthening our HR practices,” Hill said. “As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we are more inspired and committed than ever to continue striving for excellence through the ongoing investment in our production facilities as well as our people, ensuring that our employees remain at the forefront of our organisational priorities.”
The Top Employers Institute certifies organisations based on their participation and results in the HR Best Practices Survey, covering six HR domains comprising 20 topics including, among others, People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being, Rewards and Recognition, Ethics and Integrity, Sustainability and Diversity and Inclusion. With over 2 300 organisations certified across 121 countries/regions, Top Employers positively impact the lives of approximately 12 million employees worldwide.
