JAGUAR Land Rover (JLR) engineers, in partnership with The Washing Machine Project, have built ten manual washing machines for a community in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa. The initiative, called the Clean Clothes Campaign, aims to alleviate the burden of handwashing clothes for women and children, freeing up to 20,000 hours per week for them to focus on education, work, health, and leisure.
The Divya washing machines, engineered by The Washing Machine Project and enhanced by JLR engineers, were delivered to the community using a JLR Defender vehicle. The machines are designed to be sustainable, operating without electricity and reducing washing time by 75% and water consumption by 50%. They can also be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
JLR employees played a significant role in the project, raising over £4,900 in funding and volunteering their time and expertise. Mandisa Gordon, JLR’s Finance Business Change Manager, led the campaign and expressed pride in the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in communities.
The Washing Machine Project was founded by former JLR employee Navjot Sawhney, who was inspired to create the Divya washing machine after witnessing the time-consuming burden of handwashing clothes in India. He praised JLR’s support and highlighted the positive impact the project will have on the lives of thousands in South Africa.
Franí§ois Dossa, JLR’s Executive Director of Strategy and Sustainability, emphasized the project’s alignment with the company’s mission to achieve a net-zero sustainable future and positively impact stakeholders, partners, and communities.
In addition to the washing machines, JLR colleagues also delivered 100 food parcels to families in Diepsloot as part of the broader campaign. This initiative aligns with JLR’s “Engage for Good” program, which aims to create a positive, lasting impact on the world through community engagement.
