''Celebrate South Africa - 10 years of South African democracy, 1994 - 2004'' – this is the motto of this year’s reception hosted by Honorary Consul General of the Republic of South Africa, Professor Jürgen E. Schrempp, which was held in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. The event was attended by some 600 guests, including the German Federal Chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, the First Lady of the Republic of South Africa, Zanele Mbeki, and twelve ambassadors of member states of the SADC (Southern African Development Community).

In the words of Chairman of DaimlerChrysler’s Bord of Management Professor Jürgen E. Schrempp, who is also Chairman of the Southern African Initiative of German Business (SAFRI), said in his Freedom Day address: ”The German business sector early believed in the potential in the southern Africa region. And through SAFRI we are making a contribution toward strengthening economic growth in the region.” Schrempp continued: ”I am convinced that it will be possible to continue this success story into the future.”

In his speech, the Federal Chancellor underscored that ''the end of Apartheid was a great victory for the freedom and equality of all people. A long awaited dream of countless people the world over became a reality. For this we can thank those who were brave and farsighted in this country, and particularly President Thabo Mbeki and his predecessor Nelson Mandela.''
This year marks the 50th anniversary of DaimlerChrysler’s presence in the Cape region. The company has operated a production plant for passenger cars in the country for 30 years.

The company manufactures over 50,000 vehicles a year, including 40,000 right-hand drive Mercedes-Benz C-Class models which are made in the East London factory for export worldwide. With a total staff of 4,500 employees, the company also has a clear commitment to meeting its social responsibilities. For example, in 2000 DaimlerChrysler developed and implemented an extensive workplace program as part of the battle against HIV/AIDS in South Africa in cooperation with the German Technical Cooperation Association (GTZ).

The program has gained worldwide recognition as an exemplary initiative of its kind, and has received numerous distinctions - including the Award of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC), presented by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and just a few weeks ago, the prestigious Stevie Award, which is considered to be the ”Oscar of the business world”.

DaimlerChrysler’s commitment to South Africa also extends to the cultural arena. At present there are some 200 highlights of the prestigious DaimlerChrysler Art Collection on loan to South Africa, where these masterpieces, featuring works by Andy Warhol and many others, are on display in the country’s leading museums in Johannesburg and Pretoria, and in October also in Cape Town. The exhibitions are backed up by the ambitious Art Educational Programme, which involves around 30,000 South African school pupils and university students.

DaimlerChrysler’s cultural commitment has also been reflected in the DaimlerChrysler Award program since 2000, when the Contemporary Art Award was presented to Johannesburg artist Kay Hassan. The 2001 winner of the DaimlerChrysler Award was the jazz musician Themba Mkhize. In 2002, the artist Jane Alexander received the DaimlerChrysler Award for South African Sculpture. Last year the DaimlerChrysler Award for South African Choreography went to (''Sbo'') Ndaba.