Ford SA employees sing for heritage month
Employees from a variety of departments, at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s Silverton assembly plant, came together to start a choir and share their talent and love for singing.
The group has made performances at a variety of Ford events including the Ford Professional Women’s Network in April 2018, the Ford Resource and Engagement Centre inaugural graduation ceremony on June 2018, the #WomenWithDrive celebration during Women’s Month 2019 and at the reveal of a hand-painted Ford Ranger for Heritage Month in September 2019. “We were initially asked to entertain the audience at an HIV/AIDS awareness event in support of Ford’s Wellness Programme,” Phuti Chabane, Product Development Administrator, and lead of the Ford Choir. “And on the back of that success, we’ve been invited to participate in just about every major internal Ford event since.”
The group that performs without and musical instruments include both male and female vocalist and are now made up of 17 members. Always adding some traditional flair to their outfits, the group also performs African songs in their native languages. “Singing is a universal language and a big part of our cultural heritage in South Africa. It helps integrate and promote social harmony amongst a range of diverse cultures. Mostly, it’s just a really fun way to connect, away from our desks or the assembly line! It provides a wonderful feeling of togetherness and sense of belonging.” continues Chabane.
While Ford Motor Company South Africa and its employees benefit from the uplifting songs from the group, the members enjoy better health and wellbeing as studies show that singing causes more oxygen to enter the bloodstream and improves posture, mental alertness, concentration, and memory. At the same time, it releases stored muscle tension, reduces stress, anxiety and depression whilst promoting better sleep-enhancing your immune system. “Teamwork requires sacrifice and commitment whether it’s a sports team or a cultural team; you have to show up for practice or rehearsals. But in the end, when it all comes together, and you know you have performed as a truly well-oiled machine, that shared sense of achievement is amazing,” concludes Chabane.
