MOTORING NEWS
On 6 September 2025, Willard Batteries joined hands with community members and partners to breathe new life into one of Bloemfontein’ s most treasured landmarks, Naval Hill. In a spirited tree planting initiative, Willard Batteries donated 50 indigenous trees to enrich the hill’ s ecosystem, restore balance to its natural environment, and ensure its vitality for generations to come.
The event drew between 50 and 60 enthusiastic participants, supported by Friends of Franklin, a dedicated conservation group, along with local partners Vrystaat Batterye, a Willard Xpress outlet, and Wiseman Midas, who generously sponsored the refreshments. Their support highlighted how businesses and communities can come together in practical, meaningful ways to safeguard the natural heritage of the Free State capital.
Naval Hill, perched in the heart of Bloemfontein, is far more than just a green space. It is home to the Franklin Game Reserve, the only game reserve in the world situated in the middle of a city and holds a special place in the cultural and environmental story of the city. From its panoramic views over Bloemfontein to its iconic statue of Nelson Mandela, Naval Hill is a place where history, nature and community converge.
The significance of this tree planting extends beyond shade and oxygen. Indigenous trees are vital sources of nutrition for wildlife, and this project carries with it the hope of one day reintroducing giraffes to Naval Hill. These gentle giants once roamed the slopes of the reserve and were beloved symbols of the city’ s unique wilderness. Their loss in recent years, from the tragic death of Masabatha, a giraffe cow that fell into a trench, to the passing of the iconic bull Bulperd, and most recently the sudden deaths of Kariba and Zuri from bacterial infection, left a profound void. By planting trees that giraffes love to browse on, Willard Batteries and its partners are helping to create the conditions for their eventual return and restoring an important part of Naval Hill’ s character.
The initiative forms part of AutoX’ s broader commitment to sustainability and community upliftment. By planting indigenous trees, the company is not only contributing to biodiversity and animal welfare but also creating opportunities for schools and local communities to engage with conservation in a hands-on way.
As the young trees take root, so too does a vision of a greener, healthier Naval Hill, one where future generations can continue to marvel at wildlife, learn from nature, and take pride in a restored urban sanctuary. AutoX is proud to play a role in nurturing that vision, proving once again that corporate citizenship can leave a lasting mark on both people and the planet.
Corne Strydom, Sales & Marketing Executive for AutoX, shared his thoughts:“ At AutoX, we believe our responsibility extends beyond our products. It’ s about powering communities and protecting the environment that sustains us all. Our involvement in the Naval Hill tree planting project is a tangible expression of that commitment. By planting indigenous trees, we’ re investing in biodiversity, supporting the return of giraffes, and creating a greener space for the people of Bloemfontein. Corporate citizenship, to us, means taking action today that leaves a positive legacy for tomorrow.”
OCTOBER 2025 39 WORDS IN ACTION