Thandi Majola is Volkswagen Group South Africa’s Bulk Deal Expert 

For National Key Accounts Manager, Thandi Majola, securing a large corporate or government order for new vehicles is as much about adding to the company’s bottom line as it is about seeing a fresh batch of proudly Volkswagen-built products hitting the road.

“Whether we’re selling to the CEO of a Blue-Chip Company, a corporate fleet manager or a government department, the goal is the same as when a member of the public walks into a dealership showroom,” says National Key Accounts Manager for Corporate and Government, Majola. “We aim to deliver the same customer service promise, no matter what the order form says. This, together with the prospect of purchasing locally produced vehicles like the modern Polo and SA’s best-selling Polo Vivo, is what keeps Volkswagen so strong in this space.”

While competition within the corporate space is a challenge that Majola and her team relish, Volkswagen Group Africa remains the largest player in terms of annual government sales, securing 47% of this segment in 2024. This includes municipalities and, of course, local law enforcement.

Whether these deals are finalised directly through Volkswagen Group Africa or, in some cases, overseen by the brand’s broad dealership network, the aim is to cultivate meaningful working relationships that, while aligning with respective budgets, offer peace of mind to the client.

Majola is grateful that her products bring a strong legacy and a reputation for quality, as well as safety, and a relatively low cost of ownership, to the bargaining table. “Vehicles like those used by law enforcement, for example, need to be both reliable and robust,” says Majola. “That said, they also rely on our brand’s reputation for efficient after-sales service and workshop excellence.”

“The largest single order that my team has secured to date was for 400 vehicles,” explains Majola proudly.

Including working closely with Volkswagen Commercial and Audi, Majola feels proud of her role as a brand ambassador, with the success of her department leading to significantly more Volkswagen products, including those assembled locally, being showcased on South African roads.