The Jürgen Dormann Foundation was launched in 2007 and provides scholarships to engineering and science students worldwide. Named after ABB’s Chairman Juergen Dormann, the foundation is working in partnership with the University of Johannesburg. Lecturers from the University of Johannesburg are invited to encourage their top ten South African engineering students, who also have difficult financial needs, to apply. Shortlisted candidates are then interviewed, with final approval granted by the JDF board. The scholarship takes two students in South Africa every academic year.
On 14 October 2024, ABB welcomed two new students to the foundation, together with a visit to the ABB campus in Longmeadow, South Africa. The day kicked off with a warm welcome from ABB South Africa’sCountry Holding officer, Natalie Venter, Country HR Manager, Mervin Munsamy and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowement Manager & Country JDF Responsible Versha Rowjee who expressed ABB’s commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders. "It is an honor for us to reintroduce students from South Africa into the JDF program. It is an amazing opportunity since we do have students and youth in South Africa who have the potential to participate in the JDF and gain exposure to ABB on a global level,” said Versha. She added, "We have gone through an extensive process in identifying the participants for 2024 and look forward to maintaining the momentum going forward.”
Rudie Hattingh is showing Wandile and Sibulele around the factory, highlighting the PAPI products. 
Kabeer Sewpersad is leading students on a tour of the Digital Solutions Centre, showcasing its innovative solutions. 
Sibulele Ranguga and Wandile Moeti enjoy a friendly game of table tennis in the Longmeadow games room.
Following the introduction, students participated in a series of engaging activities, exploring ABB’s cutting- edge facilities such as the Digital Solutions Center and the High Power Rectifier Factory. They got a firsthand look at daily operations and the innovative projects shaping the industry, while discovering the diverse career opportunities available. A highlight was the mentoring match-making session, hosted by the Learning and Development colleagues. Students participated in a structured matching process. Armed with a list of questions and criteria, they engaged in brief one-on-one conversations with seasoned engineers. This format allowed students to learn about different career paths and identify mentors whose expertise aligned with their interests and goals.
They also dove into interactive team-building, led by PAPI Project Finance Controller Arleta Mukhesi, sharpening problem-solving skills and fostering innovation in a dynamic, fun environment.
As the students left ABB, they carried with them not just the promise of financial support but also a network of encouragement and inspiration that will guide them on their academic and professional journeys. The students expressed their gratitude and excitement about the scholarship. "This scholarship is going to ease and smoothen my transition into adulthood," said Wandile Moeti, one of the scholarship recipients. "I will be able to impact society from a more privileged perspective than I would be without such an opportunity."
