To deepen the purpose of the event, a charitable initiative formed an integral part of the programme. Dealers and customers were given the opportunity to donate towards the good cause of the CBPJ Players’ Fund. On 04 March 2026, R250 000 raised at the event was officially handed over to Annie Dobson, CEO of the CBPJ Player’s Fund and Jannie Louw, representing the Players’ Fund’s recipients. This donation is made in alignment with Daimler Truck’s global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Daimler Truck Cares. Under the Daimler Truck Cares programme, four strategic pillars defines the company’s CSR focus: “Health and Traffic Safety”, “Environment”, “Education” and “Disaster Relief”.

Rugby is deeply woven into South African culture, uniting communities and inspiring national pride across generations. Its deep roots in schools, sports clubs and provincial structures make it a powerful force for development, belonging and opportunity. Yet, alongside its impact, the sport carries the risk of serious head, neck or spinal injuries, which can affect players at school‑level and professional play. These catastrophic injuries, though relatively rare, have profound and long‑term consequences for affected players and their families, which is why organisations like the Chris Burger and Petro Jackson Players’ Fund exist, providing support to those whose lives are altered in an instant by such incidents.

The CBPJ Players’ Fund was established in 1980 following the tragic death of Western Province fullback Chris Burger, who sustained a fatal neck injury during a Currie Cup match, prompting his teammates, led by Morné du Plessis, to establish a support fund in his honour. A second tragedy in 1987, when young wing Petro Jackson died after a catastrophic on‑field injury, led to the creation of a similar fund in his name, and in 1992 the two funds were unified following rugby’s national unification. Today, the Players’ Fund — widely known as Rugby’s Caring Hands — stands as South Africa’s official support organisation for seriously injured rugby players, offering lifelong assistance, equipment, mobility solutions and care to those who sustain catastrophic head, neck or spinal injuries while playing the game.

DTSA’s commitment to diversity and transformation aligns strongly

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire team at the CBPJ Players’ Fund, we extend our deepest gratitude to DTSA for your incredible contribution toward our cause. A donation of this magnitude is more than just a financial gift; it is a powerful commitment to the lifelong care and support that our recipients require. It is through the support of industry leaders like DTSA that we are able to turn “hope” into a tangible reality for those we serve. DTSA’s commitment to diversity and transformation aligns strongly with our values of fairness, compassion, and equal access to lifelong care, where true transformation is seen in restored independence, renewed dignity, and the ability for each recipient to live meaningfully after life-changing injuries. Just as DTSA leads with a long‑view approach grounded in sustainability, so too does it mirror our own lifelong promise to stand by our recipients for as long as they need us — without compromise. We are honoured to have DTSA standing with us and look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to make a lasting difference.” Annie Dobson, CEO of the CBPJ Players’ Fund.

Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO concludes: “At Daimler Truck Southern Africa, our purpose is clear: “For all who keep Africa moving.” While our trucks and buses drive progress across the continent, the CBPJ Players’ Fund’s unwavering commitment to helping rugby players rebuild their lives after life‑altering injuries reflects the very essence of what we stand for — keeping people moving, even when their journeys take unexpected and challenging turns. CBJP Players’ Fund’s work ensures that injured players can continue to move forward in their daily lives, restoring dignity, independence and hope. The Fund’s lifelong dedication to its recipients resonates deeply with our own commitment to long‑term impact, transformation and service. DTSA is proud to support an organisation that embodies such exceptional care, resilience and humanity, and whose mission aligns so naturally with our own.”