- Bidvest
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BidVOICE 37 QUARTERLY magazine for BIDVEST people th issue 2009 CE’s message Hijack hotspot Everyone’s going green Profiles Warren Buffett’s investment secret Competition CONTENTS AND EDITORIAl features 02 World best Welcome readers With all the awards featured in this, the final edition of Bidvoice for 2009, I am so grateful to be part of our talented Proudly Bidvest team. Internal accolades and awards are wonderful to celebrate our people. However, the external recognition we have received as a Group should make us all very proud indeed. We have been acknowledged among our peers as being the 12 37th most successful company worldwide! Not bad for a company which was ‘birthed’ in an emerging market. Our Namibian division listed with much fanfare and excitement and we eagerly await news from this, our newest division. We are hoping to feature our new businesses in eastern and central Europe in Confed Cup Bidvoice edition 1 2010 and to be able to meet the faces and learn about the new brands which have joined the Proudly Bidvest family. 18 Bidvest Academy VIII There are so many wonderful initiatives out there where Group businesses are making a huge impact in their communities. Not only with the donation of money or products but also through the personal contribution and the time of their people. You make us proud! With the annual reporting process behind us and with a successful sustainability data collation process completed for 2009, it remains for us to thank each and every one of you involved in putting all the information together. This is no mean feat and we applaud you for your efforts. Please remember to participate in Bidvoice by forwarding us news of your 35 people and your businesses. On behalf of Jack, Kate and Lindsay; we wish you all an extremely happy and peaceful holiday season. To those members of the Bidvest family who will be travelling, we wish you a safe return; and to each and every one of you, our best Staying focused wishes for a happy and healthy 2010. 52 Rally to Read regulars 01 02 03 04 08 10 36 Highlights Global standing Greetings from Brian Joffe Our group Generating value Junette Communications: Jack Hochfeld – Group communications executive; Junette Davidson – Bidvoice editor and Bidvest communications manager; Kate Cunningham and Lindsay Wallis – Communications specialists Send contributions to: Junette Davidson, The editor, Bidvoice, The Bidvest Group Limited PO Box 87274, Houghton, 2041, South Africa Tel: +27 (11) 731 7600 } Fax: +27 (11) 880 3254 E-mail: [email protected] 2010 deadline dates for copy to editor } Issue 1: end November } Issue 2: end February } Issue 3: end June } Issue 4: end September 38 44 46 50 54 57 Spotlight Generating value Our people Reaching out Rest and relaxation Bidvoice is published quarterly by The Bidvest Group Limited for the people of Bidvest companies, worldwide. Its mission is to communicate the news and growth of the Group, to inform about Bidvest companies, their services and products and to encourage mutual understanding and the will to succeed. No responsibility will be accepted for any statement made or opinion expressed in the publication. Consequently, nobody connected with the publication including directors, employees or editorial team will be held liable for any opinion, loss or damage sustained by a reader as a result of an action or reliance upon any statement or opinion expressed. Generating value © Bidvest 2009 This magazine is copyright under the Berne Convention. In terms of the South African Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978, no part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission of the publisher and, if applicable, the author. bidvoice issue 4 2009 Design and layout: Bastion Graphics } Printers: Blesston Printers, a Proudly Bidvest company Group panorama Winning streak HIGHLIGHTS highlights Bidvest Namibia Bidvest Namibia listed on the Namibian stock exchange on Monday, October 26. This listing caused unprecedented interest. Namibian president Hifikepunye Pohamba described the listing as “a very positive development for the Namibian economy”. Acquisition cleared The European Commission has cleared the R250 million acquisition of the Nowaco group by Bidvest. Nowaco operates in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. Bidvest Wanderers Bidvest has secured the naming rights to the Wanderers cricket stadium, South Africa’s premier cricket venue, for the next five years. Carbon disclosure project Bidvest was ranked joint second in the Carbon Disclosure Project 2008 in an assessment of the JSE’s top 100 companies. An underlying objective of the CDP is to review and assess best practice in response to the challenges of climate change. The project was backed by 475 institutional investors, representing more than US$ 55 trillion of funds. Top 40 company Bidvest was ranked 37th on the BusinessWeek’s list of the world’s top 40 companies and one of only three South African based companies to feature on the list. Our cover Bidvest’s vision lies in the realm of possibility. In this context the Bidvest arrow points the way forward. It is an equilateral triangle, a statement of balance and confidence behind which the organisation can rally. The people of Bidvest are the force. The collective energy of their forward thrust is concentrated at the arrow’s very tip. Excellent rating – E&Y Bidvest received an ‘excellent’ rating in the Ernst & Young “excellence in sustainability reporting” awards and a merit at the ACCA/JSE awards. The arrow proudly faces the future. Inspirational leadership becomes the vanguard pointing the way, while the combined passion and commitment to a shared vision by all our people provides the impetus that drives Bidvest forward with ever-increasing momentum. bidvoice issue 4 2009 1 OUR GROUP Graham Kenny used Bidvest as an example of an exceptional performer in his book, “Diversification Blueprint – Managing in a Diversified Corporation”. Bidvest was one of seven companies selected on the basis of the Marakon performance (top performer of a diversified industrial over a 10-year period in USD) as well as additional criteria. Our success was attributed to a supportive corporate centre; a careful selection of highly capable divisional managers; installation of appropriate performance measures; adoption of effective incentive systems; aligned corporate culture; emphasis on competitive advantage and wise and careful acquisition of new businesses. (Bidvoice issue 2 2009, page 42). With the best in the world Bidvest and its people are up there with the best in the world – even independent experts say so. a close look at 2 500 of the world’s largest publicly an emerging-market company poised to become a listed companies, including high-profile players such global player and noted that the Group had made as Nintendo, Google and Apple. acquisitions around the world, most recently in The survey covered 18 countries and a wide range of industries, from shipbuilding to chemicals to information technology. The Group has been named one of the world’s top To qualify for inclusion, companies had to eastern Europe. Brian Joffe, our founder and chief executive, immediately gave the credit to the people of Bidvest. He noted in a press release on the achievement: 40 companies; up at No. 37 to be exact, just one produce at least US$10 billion in sales in 2008, of “Recognition such as this is satisfying at this spot above global oil giant, ExxonMobil. which at least 25% had to be derived from outside particular time as our people have performed the company’s home region. Shortlisted companies exceptionally well in the face of extremely trying management consulting firm A T Kearney and were then ranked on their five-year track record for trading conditions in many of our key markets. BusinessWeek in an annual survey regarded as sales growth and value creation, including market “This accolade reflects their resilience in tough one of the most authoritative in the world. capitalisation growth after adjustments for any rise times, their spirit of innovation and their ability to in capital. spot opportunity in adversity. The survey salutes The global rankings were recently published by Being recognised as one of the Top 40 is a considerable achievement as the survey takes 2 bidvoice issue 4 2009 The survey spotlighted Bidvest as an example of the Group. I prefer to salute our people.” CE’S MESSAGE A magnificent effort that does you proud Bidvest is a forward-looking business. We’re not known for taking time out to look back. We would rather anticipate and move forward. It’s been the toughest in Bidvest history, but we won through. There’s some value in reflecting on what we did, what worked and how to do better next time. T he first thing to consider is attitude. of new foodservice businesses in central and eastern Europe. We continue Early in the year we embraced the slogan ‘we refuse to participate in to pursue growth opportunities – when the strategic fit and price are right. recession’. There was no arrogance in that; simply recognition that you get the worst by waiting for the worst. Expect better and you’ll strive to be better. We didn’t hold thumbs for a turn-around. We worked for one. This attitude helped our teams adjust to fundamental market shifts. We saw faster than some that the economy’s sudden Your efforts ensured we stayed strongly cash-generative, that revenue grew and respectable profit levels were achieved. In the context of unprecedented business pressures this was a magnificent effort. You can be proud of yourselves. I know I’m proud of you. Major milestones were achieved in all regions. One example was the listing of Bidvest Namibia on the Namibian Stock about-turn wasn’t a temporary aberration. Tougher, more Exchange in October, becoming the second largest company volatile trading conditions were the new ‘normal’. We had on the Windhoek exchange. to adapt to it; and we did. Our teams took energetic action to improve the management of stock and debtors. Borrowings were reduced sharply, yet we continued to invest in the future. In 2009, we invested a net R1,9 billion, a big expression of Group performance was highlighted in the A T KearneyBusinessWeek company rankings. The survey placed us 37th in the World Top 40 and quoted Bidvest as an example of an emerging-market company poised to become a global player. This was one of several examples of increased confidence in our ability to manage the international noting for brand Bidvest. The one crisis and achieve sustained growth. closest to home involves South Africa’s premier Our working capital was better cricket venue, now branded as Bidvest deployed. We concentrated on the Wanderers. Association with a South African basics. Our business model was sports icon is a source of local pride while stress-tested by recession and proved assuring international name recognition every fit for purpose. time top teams meet at this world-renowned Where necessary we restructured, creating nimble, responsive business stadium. On the subject of recognition, let me units. Thankfully, major job losses were conclude by congratulating everyone who avoided. took honours at the 2009 awards evening. New business dynamics emerged It is humbling to see the wealth of talent and we aligned our operations with across our Group. That same talent is these realities at pace. Autonomous, also an assurance of Bidvest’s continued highly motivated teams showed that success. reaction times improve (so do results) by We have come through an exceptionally staying close to customers. Decentralisation difficult year and emerged stronger for it. and local decision-making paid off. I thank all team members for their efforts. Though we had to react quickly to pressure, There are plenty of challenges ahead, but we never took a purely defensive stance. I’ve got a strong feeling we’re ready for Adversity brings opportunity and we remained them. alert for prospects of new growth. Patience was rewarded with the acquisition Brian Joffe bidvoice issue 4 2009 3 COVER STORY A Classic Affair It took chief executive Brian Joffe to say how much he loved the violin to spark off the team’s creative juices which culminated in the theme, Hooked on Bidvest – A Classic Affair, for the 2009 awards evening. A sparkling event, hosted by the urbane and extremely funny Trevor Noah, Hooked on Bidvest – A Classic Affair took place over three evenings and was enjoyed by Bidvest people, Hospice supporters and Bidvest suppliers and customers alike. The charity evening is one of Hospice’s main fund-raisers for the year and a major donation to this extremely worthy cause by Bidvest. The talent on display – all ably orchestrated by musical director Bryan Schimmel – took the form of a dazzling evening encompassed within elegantly themed classical music with a modern twist in the style of the 80s Mike Oldman Hooked on Classics genre. Musical prowess from the piano with the breathtaking ‘a handful of keys’ performing alongside the operatic talents of award-winning Loyiso and Angela Kilian; clarinet solos from the Israeli twin brothers Aleksander and Daniel Gurfinkel; Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and, from America’s Got Talent, ‘Nuttin but Stringz’ … the list is endless. The event was once again created and produced for Bidvest by the dynamic duo of David Bloch and Debbie Rakusin. 4 bidvoice issue 4 2009 our group Non-stop planning Group services management team, Dave Koff and Karen Snowiete, allow themselves ‘a bit of a party’ after the last evening of the Bidvest chief executive’s awards. They’re entitled to it. Just a day or two later, they begin the long and painstaking process of planning the next year’s event. As you read this, arrangements are well in hand for the 2010 awards evenings to be held, as always, at the Sandton Convention Centre in the last week of August. It’s a mammoth task, they admit, to make the arrangements for the awards events celebrated annually over four nights. On the Thursday evening, around 100 award nominees – chosen by the divisional chief executives – are flown in for a pre-awards dinner at the Sandton Sun’s Maroela Room and presented with certificates. On Saturday evening, at a gala dinner for 1 000 Bidvest employees, chief executive Brian Joffe announces the winners Chief executive’s award Kobus Ehlers, IVS from each division and makes some special awards of his own. “Obviously, it’s impossible to invite every employee,” Dave points out, “so it’s really a privilege to be there.” On Sunday evening, Bidvest donates a similar dinner for 1 000 people to Hospice, and the Group services team assists Hospice with ticket sales and (with valued support from Bidprocure) other arrangements. Finally, on Monday, the Group invites its customers and suppliers to an event specifically for them. Planning, Dave and Karen explain, begins with a presentation to Brian Joffe of a potential theme for the year’s events. Thereafter come the finer details: from décor and menu for the Bidvest division of the year: Asia Pacific evenings, to flight arrangements and accommodation for guests. Special award winners “Carlson Wagonlit Travel do a great job handling all that for us,” Dave adds. About five months before the big night, a committee of Dave, Karen and Brian select the meal and wines for the evening, tasting six different possibilities and remembering the people who have special dietary needs. As the event draws nearer, Karen works almost full time on finer details like invitations, name tags, table settings and any individual’s specific travel or accommodation needs. The invitations, menus and even special frames for personal Stephen Koseff, Investec Bank David Cleasby, Corporate office pictures for every guest all fit the evening’s theme. Brian himself keeps a close eye on the details and begins attending rehearsals six weeks before the evening. “When you have that sort of commitment from the CE, you know its going to be a success,” says Dave. The awards, which recognise performance excellence by Bidvest employees, have been made for the past 21 years, each awards evening becoming bigger and better than the one before. “At the end of it all, we have a bit of a party,” says Dave, Paul Roberts, Bid Corporate Services Yolind Strydom, Bid Corporate Services “Which is really worth it.” bidvoice issue 4 2009 5 our group From left: Brian Joffe, Colin Miller and Bernard Berson. From left: Brian Joffe, Neil Calder and Brand Pretorius. From left: Sebby Kankondi, Pieter Greeff and Brian Joffe. Bidvest Asia Pacific winner: Colin Miller, Bidvest Auto winner: Neil Calder, McCarthy Bidvest Namibia winner: Pieter Greeff, Namsov Bidvest Foodservice Perth Australia Mitsubishi/Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership Walvis Bay Nominees: Nominees: Nominees: Mike Bowditch, Bidvest Asia Pacific Einrich Dean, Budget Rent a Car BRAC Free State and Namibia Bertie Kotze, CN Business Windhoek Ken Buckthought, Bidvest Foodservice Rotorua New Zealand Abdool Essopp, Burchmore’s Harald Lingner, Voltex Windhoek Greg McGale, Bidvest Foodservice Christchurch New Zealand Danny Govender, McCarthy Toyota Bruma Ivan Berezhnoy, Bidvest Commercial Holdings Isobel Kleb, McCarthy Nissan Woodmead Herman Smidt, Bidvest Commercial Holdings Barry Plit, Bidvest Australia Michael West, Bidvest Foodservice Brisbane Australia Christina Wong, Pastry Global Foodservice, Angliss Hong Kong Peter Leballo, McCarthy Audi Arcadia Reinette Nel, McCarthy Toyota Gauteng South Devan Pillay, McCarthy Insurance From left: Fred Barnes, Virginie Dambly, Andrew Roberts and Brian Joffe. Bidfood Europe winners: Virginie Dambly, Deli XL Belgium and Andrew Roberts, 3663 First for From left: Neil Birch, Wicus Maritz, Hennie Mentz and Brian Joffe. From left: Masly Notrica, Brent Varcoe, Abner Boschoff and Brian Joffe. Bidpaper Plus winners: Wicus Maritz, Rotolabel Bidfood winner: Abner Bischoff, Caterplus Johannesburg and Hennie Mentz, Lithotech Afric Johannesburg Mail Cape Cape Town Nominees: Take Buiter, Deli XL Holland Nominees: Ebrahim Hasrod, Caterplus Johannesburg Geoffrey De Riemacker, Deli XL Belgium Louis Avenant, Lithotech Sales Johannesburg Richard Lyon, Chipkins Catering Supplies Johannesburg Aad Heemskerk, Deli XL Holland Jimmy Millinger, Silveray Statmark Company Johannesburg Mario Manca, Seaworld Cape Town Bart Nagel Soepenberg, Deli XL Holland Howard Rabinowitz, E-Mail Connection Johannesburg Pumeza Ngxiki, Patley’s Johannesburg Joanna Pegg, 3663 First for Foodservice UK Hans Servas, Silveray Statmark Company Johannesburg Bennie Pieterse, Caterplus Botswana Gaborone Steven Pitts, 3663 First for Foodservice UK Roy Seaward, Caterplus Gauteng and outlying regions Shelley Russell, 3663 First for Foodservice UK Foodservice UK Nominees: Bob Brown, 3663 First for Foodservice UK Nathan Wildbore, 3663 First for Foodservice UK Mark Wood, 3663 First for Foodservice UK From left: David Cleasby, Colleen Krige and Brian Joffe. From left: Charles Singer, John Morris and Brian Joffe. Bidvest Corporate winner: Colleen Krige, Bidfood Ingredients winner: John Morris, Bid Corporate Services Johannesburg Bidfood Technologies Johannesburg Nominees: Nominees: Neil Goodwin, Bid Corporate Services Johannesburg Tony Aspeling, Chipkins trading branches Polokwane Werner Hugo, Bid Corporate Services Johannesburg Lorraine Heislitz, Chipkins Bakery Supplies Johannesburg Gerda Labuschagne, Bid Corporate Services Johannesburg Peter Nordejee, Crown National trading branches Mpumalanga Gillian McMahon, Bid Corporate Services Johannesburg Nigel Phillips, Chipkins Bakery Supplies Johannesburg Martin van Staden, Bidfood Ingredients Johannesburg 6 bidvoice issue 4 2009 our group From left: Myron Berzack, Allan Thompson, Jannie Louw and Brian Joffe. From left: Anthony Dawe, Mark Gunther and Brian Joffe. Bid Industrial and Commercial Products Bidfreight winner: Mark Gunther, Manica Africa winners: Jannie Louw, Cabstrut Johannesburg Johannesburg and Allan Thompson, Kolok Johannesburg Nominees: Nominees: Rainer Breckwoldt, Rennie Murray Cape Town Colin Alley, Voltex; Keens; Globe & Electric Centre North West Rob Carson, BPO Durban Brian Bateman, Vulcan Catering Equipment Eastern Cape Hampie Lourens, SABT Durban Anton de Beer, Afcom Nelspruit Shivani Nunan, Bulk Connections Durban Michael Frizelle, Waltons KwaZulu-Natal Gavin Schafer, IVS Durban Julian Lipson, Waco Industries Johannesburg Stephen Smith, RDS Durban Richard Lowe, Bellco Electrical Cape Town Charles Speed-Andrews, Safcor Panalpina Johannesburg Lorraine Nauschutz, Bloch & Levitan Cape Town Deon van Staden, Bidfreight Johannesburg Bongi Thwala, BICP Johannesburg From left: Lindsay Ralphs, Trevor Chamberlain and Brian Joffe. Bidserv winner: Trevor Chamberlain, Global Payment Technologies Johannesburg Nominees: Dave Crichton, Magnum Shield Johannesburg Carl Gibbins, First Garment Johannesburg Erica Gibbons, Bidserv head ofice Ivan Keshwar, Konica Minolta Johannesburg Craig MacFarlane, Rennies Foreign Exchange SA Johannesburg Wayne Muirhead, mymarket.com Johannesburg Louis Roux, Steiner Group Johannesburg Henry Stopforth, TMS Group Johannesburg Harold Zinman, Bidserv Johannesburg bidvoice issue 4 2009 7 GENERATING VALUE Domain names – hijack hotspot Safeguarding a good name used to be straightforward enough. You created a reputation for quality, ethical dealing, innovation and sustained value creation and then made sure your standards didn’t slip. Lynden Wright B idvest has been doing it for over 20 years – but world. This unlawful activity is called “cyber- and/or individual’s names with the sole intent of the process of protecting your good name and squatting” and the perpetrators are known as selling for profit the domain name’s rights to a brand has become more complex with the “cybersquatters”, with valuable brands such as trademark holder and/or individual. development of the internet and the creation of Bidvest becoming a target. domain names. Registering domain names that are identical to These opportunists also traffic in or use a domain But what do these interlopers do exactly? name in bad faith while making a profit from the In the USA, the Anticybersquatting Consumer goodwill of another’s trademark. brands or trademarks has become an industry, Protection Act makes cybersquatters liable to civil creating a new area of risk for major companies like action and defines their modus operandi as the Intellectual Property Organisation reported that Bidvest that are well-known in markets around the registration of domain names that are trademarks domain name disputes were at an all-time high. 8 bidvoice issue 4 2009 The problem is growing. Recently the World GENERATING VALUE to these pirates – a shock for those with special but not all encompassing. These brands, where There are reports of cyber-squatters posting expertise or the celebrity who wants to launch a possible, have been registered in all generic top comments on the hijacked domain to ridicule or blog under his or her own name. level domains (com, net, org, info, biz, eu, asia, tel, The situation can become extremely messy. rubbish a trademark owner, a handy way of A procedure exists to get your name or brand mobi, name, jobs) as well as country code top level speeding up the sale of the name to the targeted back; the ICANN uniform domain dispute resolution domains in jurisdictions where the brand is company. policy or UDRP. However, a lot of damage can be protected as a trademark or where business is done to a brand while procedures play out and the conducted. In addition to simply selling names, squatters can turn a profit by going into business under the pirates capitalise on their window of opportunity. hijacked identity. Pharmaceutical companies have A procedure, under the .ZA Alternate Dispute “This domain name registration strategy is intended been under attack recently and are concerned that Resolution Regulations or ADR, also exists to to prevent cybersquatters from registering domain squatters can peddle cheap drugs of dubious recover co.za domain names that have been names that are identical to core brands while quality through hijacked domains. squatted on. extending online trademark protection to key Unsuspecting consumers out shopping on There is a lot to be said for heading off problems Daniel Greenberg of Lexsynergy points out: markets.” the internet would assume they were dealing with before they start by registering your own domain a quality brand backed by all the usual quality names to forestall attack by squatters, pirates and protection, but a coordinated strategy can limit the assurance protection, putting consumer health at hijackers. exposure to online risk.” risk, not to mention brand equity and goodwill. Bidvest recently called in domain name “It is difficult, if not impossible to obtain absolute “A strategy such as this should be considered management provider, Lexsynergy, and for all key trademarks and brands throughout the only risk as another variation on the theme is commissioned a domain name audit of its Bidvest Group. Monitoring is essential.” typosquatting, which occurs when cybersquatters key Bidvest trademark. Based on the results register variations of trademarked names. of the audit, proactive steps were taken to start to develop a morbid fear of pirates, squatters When a company’s exact name is protected, identify core marks/brands for protection on the and hijackers. It’s quite reasonable. Thankfully, early pirates can still look to derive advantage through internet as domain names and fraudulent sites treatment of the domain-name jitters leads to quite similar spellings or renderings. were shut down. positive results. The murky practice of cybersquatting is not the Name-jacking is another growing problem as individuals discover you can even lose your identity Domain name variations are endless so the choice of marks to be protected is hugely important In other words, paranoia is not setting in if you For more information contact Jack Hochfeld at [email protected] bidvoice issue 4 2009 9 GROUP PANORAMA Developing soccer from its roots Youth development will bring benefits not just to Bidvest Wits but South African soccer generally, says Eric Tinkler. Wherever ‘the Clever Boys’ sit nurtured. While Eric heads on the Premier Soccer League overall development, Ashley table, you can be confident that Makhanya is the coach of the the best is yet to come. under 17s; Wendell Robinson The Bidvest Wits youth is the first team’s reserve development programme is goalkeeper and the under well set to secure a successful 17s goalkeeping coach; future for Africa’s largest football Charles Yohane is the under club*. 17s assistant coach and coaches the Bid Boys; and Head coach Roger de Sa has already begun by Simon Moeketse is the head promoting players from the coach to the reserves. youth programme instead of All are former top-flight trying to buy success in the players. With sponsorship, transfer market. the programme has also opened doors for players to De Sa made only one major play in youth tournaments signing in the off-season: in Europe. midfielder Mark Haskins from Moroka Swallows. “It worked well for us when rooms and offices, and what was once a tennis club we promoted youngsters into the senior side last is destined to become a recreation centre. season and we finished sixth. “I believe we can do even better as we have a tremendous youth set up,” he says. Since the football centre really got started at the beginning of the year, nine players have risen from the youth ranks to top-flight football. “That would be regarded as remarkable anywhere”, says head of the programme, former Bafana Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler. “Youth development is not a luxury,” he emphasises. “It’s a necessity in South Africa. “We have football talent and a lot of it is on our doorstep, but we have to find it and nurture it.” The club’s youth academy is in the south-west corner The heart of the complex, however, is the squash Mothusi Gopne (17) and Brandon Barkhuizen (19) spent time in Denmark with Brondby IF, winners of 10 national Danish football championship titles and complex creatively renovated into bright and airy five national Danish Cups, and both were highly classrooms and bathrooms downstairs, and com- rated. fortable upstairs bedrooms. It’s now home from home for 19 under-17 players Says Roger: “There is no point in having a development programme if I am not prepared to who split their days between lessons and soccer give those promising youngsters a chance.” training. This season he used teenage goalkeeper Darren The boys were scouted from various social foot- Keet and midfielders Sam Ramosoeu, Tebogo ball teams playing in and around Johannesburg and Langerman, Sandile Sibande and promoted chosen after a tournament involving 160 players. 24-year-old defender Junaid Mashamaite as his The boys, aged 14 to 17, are taking Grades 10, 11 and 12 of the Cambridge Education System and will write O- and A-level exams in November. “They’re all doing well,” Eric says. Lessons start captain during last season. “I have always believed in a strong youth policy and at Wits we have the opportunity of doing some real development and grooming players for a career of the Witwatersrand University campus, once the at 08:00 daily. From 10:00 until lunch is soccer in professional soccer,” he says. “I will be promoting Sturrock Park sports grounds. practice. Classes resume until 15:40 and then the more players like Sibande, Langerman and Keet boys go back to training. during the season.” Facilities encompass three soccer fields, but plans are under way to convert two former bowling greens into a synthetic pitch, create a soccer ‘beach’ on a disused tennis court and sink a rehab pool. The old bowling clubhouse has been neatly converted into lecture rooms, a dining hall, change 10 bidvoice issue 4 2009 “They eat six times a day,” Eric says, “and we watch their diets carefully.” “To promote from within” Eric adds, “creates a loyalty and a legacy for the club.” From the school, the boys move into the Bid Boys reserve side and then to the PSL team. As much as the boys’ education is carefully guided, their progress on the field is expertly * With a total membership of more than 1500 players, Bidvest Wits is the largest football club in Africa and one of the largest in the world (www.bidvestwits.co.za). GROUP PANORAMA Taking soccer to Hillbrow Sport is often the way out of the ghetto, it’s said. For the youngsters of Hillbrow, it could prove true. Bidvest Wits Football Club is working closely with Dutch government, in partnership with Bidvest Wits, the Hillbrow Police and former SA soccer legends the University of the Witwatersrand and the Hillbrow on a programme to take soccer into the suburb – SAPS, in a contract running until 2010. if not to discover soccer stars of the future then at least to keep the kids off the streets. The driving force behind the Hillbrow youth Also involved in the project is the nongovernmental organisation, Score, which is teaching ex soccer legends how to help the development project is Bidvest Wits chief executive, kids with issues of life skills, the risks of HIV/Aids, Stan Whitting. crime, drugs and respect for women. “We will reach up to 500 kids with this project,” he says “from the age of 11 upwards. “It’s also about reducing crime in Hillbrow, The legends coach at seven schools and six shelters in Hillbrow. A former Dutch international, Frank Rijkaard, the ability to awaken hope where previously there was only despair,” says Rijkaard. building a trusting relationship between the youth together with a coaching instructor, Jan Derks, and the police and getting the youth actively representing the Dutch soccer association, KNVB, Bidvest Wits in Hillbrow, looking for talented involved in sports and keeping them away from the have been instrumental in providing the legends youngsters who can become part of the team’s streets,” Stan says. with coaching expertise. development structures, headed by former Bafana Sponsorship for the project comes from the “Sport has the power to change the world and The soccer legends will also work as ‘scouts’ for Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler. bidvoice issue 4 2009 11 GROUP PANORAMA Confederations Cup opens our eyes The FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 generated more than R50-million in business for Bidvest and the 2010 FIFA World Cup could bring in more than R200-million. Group commercial executive Sabelo Mahlalela says “The real quantum and scope of work will conclusion of a preferential procurement agreement expected revenue from the World Cup is largely become much clearer in December when FIFA between MATCH and Bidvest, special efforts were from MATCH Hospitality and MATCH Services announces the final draw. made to implement the dictates of the agreement including the Local Organising Committee, host cities and government. “The general feedback I have received from management of various operating companies, especially those contracted to supply products and “Sales of tickets will pick up, the number of ticket holders will be confirmed some time in February 2010 and detailed requirements of the event will then be much clearer. “Bidvest companies”, he adds, “will be giving services to the Confederations Cup, is that the special consideration to business opportunities operation and logistics of delivering the event was created in host cities, the LOC and government.” an eye opener. “It created a good opportunity to assess possible Sabelo says the 2008/2009 financial year and maximise commercial benefits for Bidvest and its operating companies. “Bidvest and its operating companies deserve congratulations for their part and contribution to the Confederations Cup success,” Sabelo says. More than 17 000 packages worth US$8,3-million were sold for the Confederations Cup. Sabelo says the Cup generated significant presented exciting opportunities for Bidvest to use business with Match Hospitality for Prestige, First challenges our companies are likely to confront its financial strength and diversity to position itself to in Staffing, Vericon, Steiner, Topturf, Execuflora, when dealing with the 2010 FIFA World Cup. take advantage of the unfolding opportunities Lithotech, Waltons, Voltex, McCarthy and created by the World Cup. Caterplus. The major challenge for Group companies is a lack of clarity and information about detailed requirements for products and services from clients. 12 bidvoice issue 4 2009 “Following Bidvest’s strategic acquisition of a minority interest in MATCH Hospitality AG and the Business with MATCH Services was mainly with Bidtravel. GROUP PANORAMA Seeking competitive advantage at Caterplus You’d think fish and chips was a simple meal. It’s less so than you may think. For many South Africans, fish is popular, nutritious and affordable. Others see fish as a vital food resource that warrants careful monitoring to ensure its sustainability. That’s why it’s a tricky issue for a company like Caterplus: it needs to find the balance between an adequate and affordable food supply and sustaining the oceans’ fishing grounds. Caterplus is working on a procurement policy incorporating responsible fishing practices that it expects to finish by the end of the year. The process is being guided by research by a Dutch researcher, Suze van der Horst. The wider perspective is that commercial fishing – the formal fishing sector ranging from relatively Inevitably, accreditation comes with a cost. In small-scale oyster fisheries to the highly industrialised management practices to safeguard jobs, secure fish multi-million Rand deep-water trawl industry primarily stocks for the future and protect the marine Europe and the USA, buyers and consumers have the fishing for hake – is feeling increasing pressure. environment. wherewithal to pay and are willing to do so. The future of SA’s fishing industry itself appears uncertain. The challenge: how to maintain the fish stock sufficiently strongly not only to supply the present The certification gives buyers and consumers an Europe and the USA and fisheries send them their managed, sustainable source. first-choice products. In addition, the Marine Stewardship Council demand, but the demand of future generations, monitors catches and vessels and enforces strict while preserving the environment and the social and rules to safeguard the eco-system. economic welfare of people reliant on the fishing industry? The demand for MSC-accredited fish is greater in assurance that their seafood comes from a well- However, Caterplus sources most of its hake fillets from Walvis Bay. South Africans, however, are sensitive to fish prices and get the second choice. SA’s hake industry also has a by-catch of angel fish, kingklip, alfonsina, monkfish, jacopever, cob, snoek and ribbonfish; with most of it being exported. Namibia’s Ministry of Fisheries controls Namibian Vessels are approved by the European Union but of South Africa for a safe food supply at prices waters relatively well, monitoring stocks closely and the fish is not MSC accredited. Demand is smaller in consumers can afford. It certainly understands the enforcing strict quotas for hake catch. SA than abroad, where foreign buyers want the Caterplus recognises its responsibility to the people need for prosperity in its own business. Worldwide more than 75% of commercial fish stocks is exploited at (or beyond) acceptable levels. While there is pressure on the fishing industry to maintain the quality of catches, the species they target are increasingly over-fished. The fishing industry puts more and more effort into catching fish, yet the average total catch is decreasing by around 0,4 million tons a year. In South Africa, fish – predominantly hake – is seen as a crucial source of nourishment. The Marine Stewardship Council has accredited some companies with its environmental standard: a certification that confirms the industry uses good Because of decreases in the catch, it even closes the hake fishing grounds every October to enable fish to recover. accreditation. Following the research and wanting to offer customers high quality food at a reasonable price, But the industry in this country is not MSC certified. Caterplus is considering whether a secure fish supply Caterplus imports other varieties of fish through for the future will require investment in, among other suppliers from countries like New Zealand, Peru, China, India, Thailand and Spain. The imports are all HACCP and BRC certified for their safety and sustainability. Most of SA’s prawns are from fish farms in India, things, fish farms. Research is needed on how much consumers are conscious of the problem and are willing to pay extra for their fish. The company is, however, confident it can Thailand and Malaysia. Though quality is strictly substantially improve fish sustainability and, in time, controlled and the fish is traceable, their industries become a champion of sustainability in the SA market, lack MSC accreditation. a status that holds immeasurable commercial 3663 in the UK uses MSC certified product. advantages. bidvoice issue 4 2009 13 GROUP PANORAMA Safe and secure Magnum Shield Security has honoured Johannesburg’s Melrose Arch precinct as its site of the year. The award was announced at the company’s ‘Night of the Stars’ celebration. The prestigious complex of shops, restaurants, hotels and residential apartments, under contracts manager Ian Janse van Rensburg, was recognised for the safety, security, cleanliness and general helpfulness it extends to shoppers, workers, residents and visitors. The Magnum Shield team of 185 guards Melrose Arch’s three entrance/exit points and retail outlets, marshals its traffic and patrols its streets. Magnum “The Melrose Arch approach,” he says, “demands Shield also mans a 24-hours-a-day control room 5 000 square metres more of retail space. Some monitoring 440 CCTV cameras in the precinct and 4 000 people live and work at Melrose Arch. It’s not more visibility; more active and interactive understand- runs a call centre to handle anything from a complex of heavy pedestrian traffic, Vic says. But ing of the philosophy of Melrose Arch and a zero maintenance issues to complaints. it is intended to offer a lifestyle environment of tolerance of incompetence. “Melrose Arch is more of a small town than a shopping complex,” says Vic de Stadler, director of Rennie Property, the managing agents of Melrose comfort and safety. “We make it safe to sit outside at a pavement restaurant at 10 in the evening,” says Vic. “The convenience, safety, and easy flow of Arch. “You either have the Melrose Arch mentality or you don’t fit. It’s a tough niche and I applaud the tenacity and resilience everyone has shown. We always try new and better ways of doing things and the staff have transport call for new levels of expertise and coped well with changes in procedures and philoso- metres of developed bulk space (eventually to experience,” he says, “and in most areas a much phies. They are open to change and new challenges. increase to double that) that accommodates shops more hands-on approach.” The precinct spreads across 150 000 square and offices, restaurants, two hotels and residential apartments. Its new piazza development will add “The attitude and focus of the management team make it worthy of its recognition.” “In my time in property management, I have never experienced the control security such as Magnum provides at Melrose Arch,” he says. Waltons welcomes Optiplan The established Optiplan brand has been incorporated into Waltons as their Specialised Filing Division. The addition of specialised filing Optiplan’s operations have was a logical next step for been integrated into the Waltons and the 30-year-old Walton infrastructure with pioneer and leader in the sales forces incorporated into business of ‘top retrieval the distribution centres and containerised filing’ was acquired stock into the various branches in February. Waltons now offers and ware-houses. their customers the convenience of office furniture, stationery, A new divisional logo was launched to assist in marrying scholastic and IT supplies, promotional gifts the brands. Waltons has also co-branded and specialised filing solutions, all from one some promotional items in order to further convenient source. cement the new partnership. Optiplan also offers ‘intelligent filing solutions’ to all Bidvest businesses. 14 bidvoice issue 4 2009 Waltons now offers their clients a total solution through their national footprint. GROUP PANORAMA Incubating future leaders Magnum Shield launched its protégé/mentor programme in 2008. The programme has gathered momentum with the second intake of participants from Gauteng. The third group is set to begin. Out of a group of six participants in the Western Cape, two have already been promoted while still on the programme. Congratulations to Mziwenkosi Golela who was promoted from training to area manager and Abrahams David who was a security officer and was promoted to site manager. Potential protégés for the programme are nominated by the regions and a rigorous selection process then takes place. The final group ideally includes individuals from different departments and levels within the organisation and is selected mainly for their potential leadership abilities. Yolanda Oswin co-ordinates, facilitates and manages the programme. Her passion and commitment rub off on the protégés and the programme quickly turns into a life-changing experience. Proud “protégés”. Each protégé is assigned a trained mentor who guides, coaches and supports the protégés The content is wide ranging and includes: solving throughout the programme that lasts for a period of approximately 12 months. make a fundamental difference to the way the problems analytically and creatively, managing company operates. He says that untapped talent conflict, leading positive change, planning, basic abounds and he anticipates that their planning and the comprehensive programme which includes finance, risk analysis and manpower planning. recruitment processes will be positively affected and formal training, experiential learning, shadowing, The programme ends with a graduation Continual assessments take place during investigations, proposals and a presentation to ceremony that takes place soon after the protégés management. present a proposal to the Magnum Shield board The formal training component consists of four courses: manager development, fundamentals of Microsoft Office, supervision and management and security industry skills. their employee motivation levels will improve as a result of the programme. The programme forms part of their actions to on an aspect of the business that they have achieve their employment equity objectives but, investigated. more importantly, it is part of their commitment to Chris Laubscher, human resources director at Magnum Shield, believes that the programme will creating a career path for their employees and developing their own future leaders. Bidvest Australia update Bidvest is a platinum sponsor of the Restaurant and Caterers Associations in both Queensland and more recently in New South Wales. The Queensland State Awards for excellence were recently held at the magnificent Hillstone Reception Centre at St Lucia. We are proud to announce that Bidvest was awarded the “Best Food Supplier” for Queensland for 2009. Given the competitive pressure the market places on distributors, this award is significant recognition for the hard work and effort put in by all branches in the state. “Well done” to everyone in the team. We are looking forward to hearing the outcome from the nationals scheduled to be held in Canberra. bidvoice issue 4 2009 15 group panorama A show of support Two years ago McCarthy Heavy Equipment aligned itself with global earthmoving equipment manufacturer, Sany. The interim period has been an exciting time for both companies, with new product lines increasing market penetration and credibility. In a show of support for McCarthy Heavy hoisting machinery, port machinery and coal- Equipment, Sany’s founder and chairman of mining machinery. Sany’s products are the board, Liang Wengen, visited McCarthy exported to more than 110 countries Heavy Equipment’s facilities. He was worldwide and they continue to reinvest in accompanied by Xiang Wenbo, chief executive research and development. for Sany Heavy Industry and group deputy During a tree-planting ceremony at president; Huang Jianlong, chief executive for McCarthy Heavy Equipment’s Boksburg Sany International and group deputy president; facilities which was attended by Brand Zhang Hongbo, managing director of Sany Pretorius, executive chairman, McCarthy, Southern Africa and Xiao Jiang, sales manager Wengen commented that the tree was for Sany Southern Africa. symbolic of the cooperation between the two Wengen has received numerous titles companies and represents the intention for a including CCTV Economic Annual Figure, Best long-term relationship that will grow and Employer of Chinese Listed Companies by mature with time. “Like our partnership, it will Forbes, the World Executive Award for offer shade and protection while enduring Achievement in Business and Economy and different seasons,” Wengen says. ‘Best Entrepreneur’ award for ‘Top 10 Dylan Chicken, managing director of Entrepreneurs for 2008’. McCarthy Heavy Equipment, concludes that Founded in 1989, the Sany Group engages the choice of a partnership with a globally mainly in manufacturing construction represented company with the stature of Sany machinery with a product range covering concrete machinery, road machinery, excavating machinery, piling machinery, has been highly beneficial and will take From left: Liang Wengen, Sany’s founder and chairman of the board, and Brand Pretorius, executive chairman of McCarthy Ltd, at the tree-planting ceremony. McCarthy Heavy Equipment confidently into the future. Nissan forklift makes life easy Masterbatch South Africa has purchased a Nissan 3 ton petrol/LPG-driven forklift from McCarthy Heavy Equipment Materials Handling for use in the company’s finished goods warehouse. Anthony van Niekerk, managing director of “Do not mess around with old forklifts. Masterbatch South Africa, says, “Masterbatch is Because this is a critical piece of equipment a newcomer in its industry segment and you need to invest in new forklifts from the McCarthy Heavy Equipment Materials Handling is outset,” van Niekerk adds. also the youngest in the materials handling “This is undoubtedly the best forklift we sector. Both companies pride themselves on have ever owned. We have taken out a quality of product and service levels. maintenance contract as the machine “A number of factors have made our company operates 24/7 and it is an integral part of our successful, but if I ever wrote a business book, core business. Having a maintenance the first line would be ‘buy a new forklift’. A forklift contract is a bit like having insurance. We is not just a piece of machinery; it affects your need to know that our costs are constant lead time and is therefore a critical piece of and precisely what our expenses will be on equipment in servicing your customers,” van an hourly basis. In this way our risks are Niekerk says. covered,” van Niekerk concludes. 16 bidvoice issue 4 2009 GROUP PANORAMA Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith head to war at the RAM Captains Breakfast held earlier this year. Bidsport – sports marketing champion Sport knows no recession – especially not in South Africa – and Bidsport is enjoying the benefits. As companies seek to market their business through Josephs just to name a few. sport, MSCSPORTS is securing its status as one of One way in which MSCSPORTS and Stellar Africa Africa’s premier sports marketing enterprises. work hand in hand, is using sporting celebrities to “Sport has become one of the most effective add value to events. vehicles for brand marketing,” says joint MD Barney Says joint MD Steven: “Having worked in the same Girnun. “We have come to understand this better offices for the last seven years, Stellar Africa and than most.” MSCSPORTS have established a formidable team.” The company was established as Momentous Bidvest acquired half of the sports marketing Sport Corporation in 1999 essentially to offer sports company in October last year, with Neil and Barney memorabilia for auction at golf days and charity securing brought in Steven as the third partner. The fund-raisers. Barney and Neil Jankelowitz have Bidvest Group also acquired 24,5% of Stellar Africa. been partners ever since, striving to make sport With the purchases came the formation of BidSport, count for South African businesses. a Bidvest subsidiary, which the trio intends to extend MSCSPORTS has three core competencies: sports marketing, event management and sports memorabilia. Barney says: “We have the skills to align a corporate brand successfully with sports marketing opportunities by developing clear sports marketing goals and sourcing value-driven sports opportunities.” MSCSPORTS’ current clients include Toyota, Samsung, Hyundai, Bidvest Bank, Ram Hand-to- into the arenas of hospitality and TV production. Neil says: “Being part of a powerful brand will un- Soccer celebrities join forces to launch the new EA Sports Tiger 10 game of which MSCsports managed the PR for the launch. doubtedly open new doors across all of our business for various charities over the last eight years. of people like Brian Joffe and Colin Kretzmann.” A sister company, Stellar Africa, formed in 2002 with Steven Kapeluschnik appointed MD of the player-management business. Clients include rugby players Schalk Brits, Peter platforms. We have benefited greatly from the advice Barney attributes the success of both companies to a youthful team who strive for ‘a podium finish’. “I have no doubt the underlying ingredient required in sports marketing is passion. I believe we continue Hand Couriers, Outsurance, Konica Minolta and Grant and Ernst Joubert; cricketers Paul Harris, to grow because of our devoted workforce and rock- Lexus. Through the auctioning of sports memora- Faff du Plessis and Rilee Rossouw; and footballers solid teamwork. As a team, we are chomping at the bilia, the company has raised close to R20 million Bevan Fransman, Siyabonga Nkosi and Moeneeb bit to show the Group what we can do,” he says. bidvoice issue 4 2009 17 GROUP PANORAMA Bidvest Academy VIII A worthwhile and life-changing experience is how the Academy graduates describe their experience at Bidvest Academy VIII. The opportunity to meet people from a wide range of businesses and backgrounds as well as being exposed to the vast spectrum of businesses and possibilities making up Bidvest also proved to be a huge eye-opener for those involved. Lectures were arranged throughout the values which are essential for well-being; year and took place over four days in vision values being associated with one’s each of the major centres, Johannesburg, view of how one would like the world to Cape Town and Durban, during May, July be and focus values which help one Dr Alta van As, music lecturer at Wits university, to write words and and August respectively. create the life experiences one desires. music for a Bidvest song – copyright Dr Alta van As) Sue Haynes, who in her inimitable and The extract below is from the Bidvest Academy VIII song. (Peter Nordejee, managing director of Crown National Mpumalanga, inspired Some of the comments after complet- calm way ensured that all arrangements ing the individual projects were, “this has From Table Mountain to Asia, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, were well taken care of and that nothing been an intense journey of self-discovery; Sounds a stirring victorious hymn, The song of a peculiar team was left to chance, is an integral part of a huge change has taken place in my life; The Big Ben’s arms ticking the beat the Academy management team. a transforming experience; a total change The Great Wall’s dreaming of dancing feet! of perspective; a phenomenal time of The air is filled with pure delight!, The future smiling on a vision Academy, said, “once again it is remark- self-development; I have gained insights so bright able to see how people grow and develop about myself and what I am capable of while on the Academy. Once they are achieving in both my personal and my Chorus exposed to the wealth of possibility that professional life.” We are Bidvest our focus is clear, Our values inspiring banishing fear! Jack Hochfeld, who heads up the exists within the Group the excitement is Nicolette Brand from Rotolabel Passion awakened now hope is my friend palpable! I was very proud to be part of summed up how the graduates viewed I’m part of a ground-breaking TREND! I’m part of a ground-breaking the team when I saw the hard work and their experience of the Academy; “it TREND! creativity that went into the presentations; was a wonderful journey and we became ‘well done’ to everyone involved”. one big family that shared one another’s Cheered on by the spirit of our CEO, Following his footprints Group projects included potential vision of growth, partnerships and we’re on the go acquisitions, the future of the motor car, success. We inspired one another A force much bigger than the sum of its parts airports services and enhancing current and have built a network bound for We’re carrying destiny in thousands of hearts possibilities, how to leverage inter-Group triumph!” Neille Vorster from Lithotech buying and even branding within the concurred, saying that it was truly a Oh Bidvest, Trots dra ons jou naam Group. life-changing experience which was Oh Bidvest Siqhenye Bidvest, Bidvest Proudly Bidvest over far too soon. We feel chosen, so blessed and grateful to be Bidvest The individual project was based on 18 bidvoice issue 4 2009 GROUP PANORAMA Bidvest Namibia advertising campaign The listing of Bidvest Namibia on the Namibia stock exchange was accompanied by an innovative print ad campaign. The African flavour of the campaign together with the simple but effective imagery has been enjoyed by internal and external stakeholders alike! Proudly Bidvest branding In order to build our ‘Proudly Bidvest’ brand, Bidvest media corner it is essential that we strive for consistency and congruency in terms of the Bidvest logo (what’s available on www.bidvest.com) and member company advertising out in the market place. We believe that we are missing Annual report (including sustainable development a wonderful opportunity if our divisions do and BEE development) not include the Bidvest logo whenever they Our businesses and products 2009 are communicating (radio, television and print Bidvoice (quarterly) ads, building signage, branding on trucks, Report to our people emails, letterheads and all promotional Transformation and empowerment at Bidvest Corporate video – Young at heart material). Each and every communication from Group companies should carry the Bidvest available on employee plus on the Bidvest website, (member of Bidvest or Proudly Bidvest) logo. www.bidvest.com. Please call Jack Hochfeld on The corporate ID is being updated and will be available soon. The existing corporate ID is +27 (11) 772 8705 if you have any queries regarding Bidvest branding. Bidvest television and print advertisements A practical guide to sustainable development Green office guide All aboard (Welcome to Bidvest) bidvoice issue 4 2009 19 GROUP PANORAMA Prestigious contract Prestige are the only service provider in South Africa to have been awarded the prestigious contract by MATCH Hospitality to provide cleaning services for VIP and Hospitality areas at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup. Stadiums included Ellis Park, Loftus, Royal Bafokeng and Bloemfontein. The opening and closing ceremonies at Ellis Park were spectacular and, with a remarkable performance by Bafana Bafana, Prestige, too, were “World Class” in their performance. Prestige partnered with German events specialists, Interclean, and according to Rob White, Prestige sales and marketing director, “the passion and dedication of our team, coupled with the international expertise, ensured a ‘winning formula’. MATCH Hospitality gave us a lot of support and Matthias Roth (MATCH), was superb in his approach to ensure a successful event. Prestige and South Africa are ready to host the World Cup in 2010 and make Bidvest and the world proud!” New business venture Prestige has, as a result of being awarded the contract for 2010 FIFA World Cup, embarked on a new business venture in toilet hire. MATCH Hospitality, Mattias Roth, was instrumental in the introduction of Prestige to ADCO – Norbert Steigerwald, a German-based company which was awarded the contract for the 2006 World Cup. The new executive toilet range will be imported from Frankfurt for supply to the major stadiums at the 2010 World Cup. According to Rob White, “These executive toilets are state-of-theart. They include hands-free flushing, wash basins and dispensers. They have music played through an ipod system and ladies will be pleased to know that they will have lit vanity mirrors!” The contract with MATCH is to supply 30 imported units as well as a further number of locally manufactured mobile units. Prestige will also supply staff toilets at the stadiums. Prestige is excited about the project as 2010 is only the beginning of what they anticipate will become a great new business opportunity. 20 bidvoice issue 4 2009 GROUP PANORAMA 40 years of “cleaning up” 2009 marks the 40th anniversary for Prestige Cleaning Services. In 1969, when Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon, Prestige took its first step with less than 50 employees. Prestige now boasts a staff complement of 35 000 employees and is still growing. The largest cleaning company in South Africa, and marketing), Johan du Toit (operations), Paul Roux are ‘old friends’ by now. I would also like to thank our possibly the southern hemisphere, Prestige has (HR) and Mpumi Madisa (corporate affairs) who work suppliers who have, over the years, helped us to build created a business through its people that is definitely closely with the divisional managing directors, Abrie a great brand. something to celebrate. Pretorius, Clint Labuschagne, Craig Maguire, Shawn Voted as the Number 1 Company in its sector by the Top 500 Companies, it’s no wonder that MD Danie Fulton and Sue Bell. Danie adds, “while we are extremely grateful for the “We hope that the next 40 years will be as fun and rewarding Otto speaks with pride: “Cleaning is our business, but dedication of our people, we would not be around if it as the last 40 have people are our passion. Without good people, we weren’t for the support of our clients; many of whom been!” wouldn’t have a business and I am proud to say, we have the best!” There is a lot of merit to this statement and the Prestige team is led by a dedicated and passionate board; Danie Otto (MD), Bina Gosai (FD), Rob White (sales and Prestige development programme Prestige management development programme successfully completed for the third year. how to deliver a speech. Ntsako attended the highly successful management development programme for seven months and has made everyone proud. His diligence and commitment meant he was one of the top students and he continues to be an Sharon-Lee Barr (centre), training and development inspiration to all. manager, is flanked by the proud Denise van During his first months in the Prestige quality Rooyen (left), business development manager: Vaal department, Ntsako was trained and coached by region, and Stefan van Rooyen (right), business Petro Hensberg. This solid foundation proved development manager: Rustenburg region, after the MDP 2008 programme extremely useful for Ntsako’s next step, completing their MDP. Denise and Stefan are both as well as also coaching the MDP 2008. members of the Prestige sales team. They found Denise and Stefan. the MDP most valuable within the sales environ- Ntsako Mabaso (right), Prestige now offers this programme to all Bidvest companies and interested parties can ment and have acquired a range of new skills while Prestige ISO/safety contact Leon Steyn: divisional executive HR at honing their existing skills. Sharon-Lee managed auditor, shows his peers +27 (11) 796 0000 or [email protected]. bidvoice issue 4 2009 21 GROUP PANORAMA Sitting comfortably Dauphin’s ‘chair lady’, Isla Galloway, has reasons to be satisfied with life and business. Isla Galloway is sitting brand, what they stand for, the comfortably. Not complacently, promise they make and the of course, but comfortably. promise they deliver. Isla is not just chief executive “When things are good, it’s officer but ‘chair lady’ of Dauphin easy. It’s when things are bad Human Design, one of the most that you search deeply for your respected marketing and entrepreneurial sprit and ability manufacturing companies in the to manage costs and motivate South African office furniture people.” industry. Isla does, though, derive a At her office in Dunkeld, sense of security from the Johannesburg she works from recognition the business world a very feminine, white leather gives to Bidvest and its people, chair called a Dauphin (pro- and she finds it encouraging to nounced Dorfahn) Take-Over remain decentralised and ‘able to automatic, a trendsetter in office do what you think is best for your chair ergonomics. company’. “It’s what we call a synchro- She is also relaxed about nous chair. It gives you her place as a woman in what continuous support in the seated is largely an industrial manu- position,” Isla says. “You can stay facturing enterprise. seated and move through the “Manufacturing is primarily many functions you would have male-orientated but I have, at your workplace.” over the years, had valuable The company, owned by experiences working with Dauphin Germany (24%), Bidvest incredible men who have shared (71%) and Isla herself, specialises their knowledge and allowed me in seating recognised as being to add my stamp. the centre of a workstation and “The technical understanding its most important furniture. I have gained has been “You’re in touch with your fundamental. chair more than anything else “I have learned a great deal you use at work,” Isla points out. and I hope I have been able to “You spend a long part of each share my experiences and my day working. There’s a certain knowledge.” level of lifestyle you can create at Six out of the original work. And that environment can foster a positive offices of major banks, Ogilvie and Mather in Cape 10 people at the Dauphin factory in Industria are influence on productivity.” Town, Pfizer’s head office in Johannesburg, IBM, still with the company. Having gone through good and government departments like the Department and bad times with them, at a business level and of Science and Technology and of Foreign Affairs. personally, Isla is careful to sustain ‘that feeling Experience, research and development have enabled the company to evolve locally and internationally into the Human Design, offering seating for reception and leisure areas. With support from the architectural and interior design communities who are Dauphin’s client base, the company is increasingly stamping ergonomics as essential to effective office environments. That’s why you’ll find Dauphin seating in the 22 bidvoice issue 4 2009 Notwithstanding the current tough economy, Isla says, “I have been in the office furniture industry for of family’. Dauphin now employs more than 100 people. It well over 20 years and I have been through the very won’t ever be the largest chair manufacturer and best of times and some of the hardest times. doesn’t want to be. That would move it out of its “But, when you’re passionate about your cause and believe in your brand, you give it a lot extra. “Dauphin’s people understand the values of the niche and compromise its commitment and relationships. Isla is comfortable with it as it is. GROUP PANORAMA Improving efficiencies at IVS Durban The rebuild of the fire-damaged Bay 3 facility has allowed IVS to equip the newly built tanks with overfill protection and ullage-gauging equipment. This enables more effective tank management and is an additional safety mechanism. The system is being rolled out to other tanks containing more hazardous substances at the different low-flash sites. Experience gained from the Bay 3 fire also led IVS to redesign the fire fighting system at Bay 3, enabling any potential fire to be addressed more remotely and rapidly. This has proved successful and IVS is currently rolling out this system to the other low-flash sites. Bay 4 has been completed and the quarry sites will be completed shortly. IVS embarked upon a programme of upgrading the hose exchanges a few years ago in order to raise their standards in accordance with environmental requirements. These upgrades have ensured that the hose exchange areas are 100% concrete; the addition of first flush spill collection pits; areas are covered with roofs to assist the operator and prevent additional effluent in these areas. Bays 2,4,5,6 as well as quarry 1 are now complete. In order to reduce their carbon footprint and conserve energy, IVS has also embarked on a programme involving the lagging of tanks. Lagging allows for tank insulation and prevents the loss of heat. This programme is being applied to their hard oil tanks. IVS has installed a single weighbridge at our Bay 2 site, complying 100% with the new requirements of the RTA (Road Traffic Act) which will allow certain products to be directed to this facility as well as a muchneeded back-stop in the event of problems with the main weighbridge at Bay 6. IVS is still negotiating to use the additional land adjacent to their main Bay 2 site to install additional weighbridges which will allow for high-speed loading. IVS has also installed a temporary weighbridge at Maydon Wharf enabling the servicing of longer vehicles (24m) due to the limitations of the existing weighbridge at this facility. Various options are currently being explored to install a permanent facility, however, the space limitations at this cramped site have made the decision very challenging. Richards Bay IVS is again in the process of increasing the capacity of their Richards Bay facility. Apart from an additional 60 000 square metres in capacity, there will be significant rail infrastructure changes to cope with the increased throughputs and longer trains. It is anticipated that this expansion will be completed by April 2010 with the team already making significant progress. The efficiency of this facility will be greatly enhanced by the construction of berth 208 (a second liquid berth being built by the National Ports Authority), completion of which will coincide with that of the new facility. bidvoice issue 4 2009 23 GROUP PANORAMA What do buyers want? Burchmore’s sells thousands upon thousands of vehicles off its floor and on auction each year, and so it has a thorough understanding of the needs of buyers of used cars. Volvo XC90s,” he notes. The most sought-after accessory is a sunroof. “It is interesting to note that buyers generally rate a sunroof above safety features. We seldom come across buyers who demand specific safety features, which is surprising given the huge number accidents on South African roads.” According to MD Darryl Jacobson, the When it comes to specific brands, first requirement is a reasonable price tag. Jacobson says Toyota continues to rule “Cars between R90 000 and R120 000 the roost. “Any Toyota product will sell are in extremely high demand; we are instantly. This remains the most seeing the most trading within this sector sought-after brand – irrespective of the of the market,” he reveals. specific vehicles, they are all popular… “We are selling any brand within this price range. When we receive stock, it generally sells from a Tazz to a Land Cruiser. The condition and represent good value for money.” brand has the credibility and track record.” Moving slightly upwards in terms of pricing, Whereas a low-mileage car used to be important, the floor could be full of any brand and, if priced in Jacobson says buyers with around R160 000 to this isn’t a factor any longer. “Kilometres are irrelevant. this range, it would sell,” says Jacobson. spend are looking for the smaller Mercedes-Benz, A car with extremely low kilometres on the clock will Audi, Volvo and BMW models. “But, what differenti- sell faster but buyers are generally not bothered about of type of vehicle. “The demand is widespread – ates these buyers is that they generally want a the mileage today,” Jacobson reveals. buyers want sedans, hatches, 4x4s and mom’s vehicle with some sort of motorplan,” he comments. within days. Buyers are concerned purely with price; Buyers also have no specific preference in terms taxis,” he comments. When it comes to buyers with over R200 000 to Finally, buyers have not been scared away from brands that have experienced tumultuous times of spend, the German luxury brands are still firm late. “We have not seen any resistance to buying second-hand BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz, with favourites. “However, we are also seeing massive Chrysler or General Motors products,” Jacobson every imaginable feature. The vehicle will be in great demand for Jaguar products, Range Rovers and concludes. “For this price, you can buy an extremely good Visit to new Waltons premises The Waltons Promotional Gifts team was delighted to host Brian Joffe during his visit to their new offices. With special Bidvest offers available on all merchandise, they look forward to introducing Group businesses to their unique range of promotional gifts and clothing. Visit the showroom at Pencil Park Office Park, Entrance 4 Croxley Close, Heriotdale Ext 15, Germiston or call +27 (11) 620 4600 to arrange for a copy of the latest catalogue or for a gift specialist to visit your office. 24 bidvoice issue 4 2009 GROUP PANORAMA Specialist attention Change is afoot at Konica Minolta South Africa, as it gears up to meet the changing demands of the document production and management sector. The company has reorganised its product division in order to segment the marketplace into office products and light production printing systems. “With the convergence of digital black and white and colour devices into very similar markets, we felt that it was time to combine these products into one division, called Office Products,” explains Konica Minolta South Africa MD, Alan Griffith. “In keeping with Konica Minolta Japan’s strategic vision of a greater presence in light production printing, it was decided that this division should now have specialist attention and we believe that we have made use of the best resources in our company to achieve these aims.” Marianna Gdanis will head the business unit as business unit manager, while Leon Minnie has been named as Konica Minolta production systems product specialist and Andrew Griffith as Konica Minolta Office Products product manager. Paul Symonds has been appointed as branch Alan Griffith, MD Konica Minolta South Africa. manager of the company’s Johannesburg office. Intensifying ‘green’ activities well as during product distribution, the sales stage and product As part of its policy to promote sustainable development and use. We have a zero waste goal trying to reduce waste in profitable growth, Konica Minolta South Africa is integrat- both resources and costs. We have appointed an electronic ing environmental, economic and social perspectives into its business strategies. Paul Symons, product manager, recycling company, Desco, to provide us with a one-stop explains; “we are committed to preventing global warming service for the recycling of ‘e-scrap’ with the assurance of technology protection and environmentally conscious from an overall product lifecycle perspective by reducing CO2 emissions from business sites during product manufacture as recycling methods”. Growth brings change Bizhub line strengthened New warehouse and “centre for technical excellence” for Konica Kinolta South Africa. receiving area occupies one third of the building while the remaining 1 000 square metres is utilised for high rise storage, up to a height of 7,5 metres. Where previously one dock leveler was available to offload containers In response to the exceptional growth that at a time, two containers can now be moved Konica Minolta South Africa has experienced simultaneously. Good are only released into over the past few years, the company has the warehouse once the total receiving constructed a new 1 500 square metre process has been completed which means warehouse at its head office in Johannesburg more streamlined customer service. A portion to accommodate the rise in machine orders. of the warehouse has also been allocated to speedy colour printers, the C20P and the C31P. Perfect for the Shortly after occupying the new warehouse, house the stock of DEVELOP South Africa. needs of small business teams, the printers are fast, flexibly the company also opened its new “centre for connected and highly economical. Brilliant print quality at out- technical excellence” which is serving as a successes and the need to train more put speeds of 24ppm and 35ppm respectively in both colour training centre and housing the company’s technicians, the centre for technical excellence and black and white. Marianna Gdanis, digital colour product specialised repair workshop. boasts three modern and well-equipped Konica Minolta South Africa has strengthened its existing bizhub line-up with the introduction of two economical and “As a result of the business’s recent manager confirms; “these printers are ideal for environments According to national logistics manager, where space is at a premium and more importantly, they have Jaenne van der Westhuizen, “the new ware- area, where machines can be demonstrated the ability to integrate into almost any IT environment”. house provides ample storage space. The to customers”. training rooms as well as a demonstration bidvoice issue 4 2009 25 GROUP PANORAMA Provicom at Royal Agricultural Show Provicom Risk Solutions and Safe City – Equipment and technology used to relay the live Pietermaritzburg, together with other law images included five kilometres of 12-core optic enforcement agencies such as the SAPS, National fibre between the control room and the show, a Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Motorola Canopy communication system for the Justice, decided to occupy a display hall at the Royal mobile camera, eight Teleste fibre convertors with Agricultural Show in Pietermaritzburg with the theme four receivers and four transmitters, a Synectics “our country, our family, our life”. The emphasis keyboard networked back to the control room for was on community involvement in the prevention of the remote use of any camera and a PTZ camera crime in our communities. with housing top removed to show the size of lens Safe City decided to relay live images from the and camera used in some of the city cameras. control room, about five kilometres from the Safe City and Provicom Risk Solutions received showgrounds to demonstrate to the public the quality a gold medal and a certificate for their individual of images produced as well as the area covered by report crime. Images were also linked to the efforts. Safe City and the other exhibitors in the the 70 CCTV cameras currently positioned in the National Prosecuting Authority stand which had a same hall were jointly awarded the Royal Pietermaritzburg area. Three Sony VGA monitors and plasma screen where prosecutors explained to Agricultural special endeavour merit award. one Panasonic plasma screen provided optimal visitors the value of CCTV footage in criminal viewing. A CCTV operator at the show was able to proceedings. The mobile camera was also placed clearly displayed on all the equipment and a number select any of the 70 cameras and manually operate it near the parking area and images relayed via the of business cards were handed out to visitors. All from the remote display. A Panasonic speed dome main control room to the show. visitors to the Safe City stand were most impressed was installed at the show and visitors could see themselves on any of the three screens. This facility was very popular with children and served a purpose in encouraging youngsters to The Provicom Risk Solutions brand name was Riaan Holtzhausen from Provicom Risk Solutions with the quality of images displayed as well as the who maintains and repairs all 70 Safe City cameras effort by Safe City to keep Pietermaritzburg a safe in Pietermaritzburg started preparations for this city. It was estimated that 130 000 people visited exhibition about 10 days before the show. the RAS this year. New catalogue from Lithotech Lithotech has released a new product catalogue to introduce its vast range of stock products to customers, many of which are ready-to-use for typical office applications. The catalogue is organised into the following presentment, full-colour digital printing and areas: office stationery, computer paper, rubber stamps. presets/standard generic forms, roll CD format from the Lithotech sales divisions, systems, thermal and thermal transfer or can be viewed on www.lithotech.co.za. labelling systems, scale labels, tagging systems and pressure seal machines. Complementing its range of stock bidvoice issue 4 2009 Lithotech marketing services manager, Gillian O’Carroll, says “we hope that this new product catalogue will open our products, the catalogue also highlights customers’ eyes to the comprehensive key customised products and services range of products that Lithotech supplies – that are available through Lithotech and products that will enhance the effectiveness other businesses in Bidpaper Plus, of their business communications.” including print-to-post, fulfilment 26 The catalogue is available in printed or products, computer labels, price-marking Please contact David Macfarlane services, on-line business card on [email protected] if you procurement, electronic bill have any queries. GROUP PANORAMA What germs are lurking in your cooler? The International Bottled Water Association of America recommends that coolers be sanitised at least every six months. European health regulations require bottled water companies to sanitise coolers every three months. operation takes minutes and can be carried out at the customer’s premises – true innovation and ultimately hygienic. Unlike the competitors in the bottled water field, this system does not require the use of any chemicals and there is no need to take the reservoir Many coolers are seldom or ever cleansed and back to base for a full sanitisation programme. The sanitised. This raises the question “How clean is your water when dispensed from your cooler?” Puréau Fresh Water Company has the solution and has introduced a range of water coolers with the unique patented “WaterTrail” system. The Puréau system takes all the hard work out of replaceable WaterTrail system ensures a high system from the water bottle to the dispensing standard of sanitisation every time. Ultimately saving levers, ensuring a continuously high quality supply valuable time and resources, it also eliminates the of water. need to take sanitised replacement parts to back to The WaterTrail, including the spike onto which the bottle fits, is made from carefully selected plastics customers. The WaterTrail ensures a 100 percent method of approved for food contact. The WaterTrail is chemical-free sanitisation of coolers on site. water cooler sanitisation. Their system uses the completely replaceable and, instead of sanitising the Everything that comes into contact with your water patented and disposable WaterTrail, which, with its cooler with cleaning fluids, one simply removes the is removed and replaced with a hygienic WaterTrail, unique and advanced design, provides a sealed WaterTrail and replaces it with a new one. This leaving your cooler totally sanitised. Buffalo’s new website Buffalo Executape, the leading “convertor” and distributor of self-adhesive tape, have recently launched their catalogue website www.amastikkistikki.co.za “Of the 3 000 tape products we supply to a range of industries, amaStikki-Stikki is the very first Buffalo tape product with a local flavour and which is also designed with local needs in mind,” said Trevor Girnun, Buffalo Executape managing director. This revolutionary catalogue website has automated the company’s sales process which allows its customers convenient access to 24-hour product information and online quotations, while also geared to maximise sales. “The website is fun, fresh and humorous and has been designed with our customers’ needs in mind”, says Trevor. Marketing consultant Nadia Lang says that companies large and small are devoting more of their marketing budgets to online channels especially in the current economic times. Buffalo Executape is making full use of internet technology. Visit Buffalo Executape at www.amastikkistikki.co.za and stand a chance of winning a weekend for two at Sun City. The 100th employee of a Bidvest company who successfully registers on line and receives a user name and password will be announced the winner. Only one entry per person. NB: You can access all Group companies’ websites from the divisional pages on the Bidvest website, www.bidvest.com bidvoice issue 4 2009 27 GROUP PANORAMA Océ excellence campaign The “creating excellence campaign” is about exceeding the expectations of those you interact with – surprising them and amazing them; “it’s about the attention to the small things, about running the extra mile and about striving for perfection” says Peter Enslin, Océ South Africa’s marketing general manager. Peter recently had the opportunity to present advertising agents, the brand council was able Océ’s “creating excellence campaign” at the to create the byline: “supreme quality that is Océ world distributor conference at the matchless and makes printing simple and company’s head office in Venlo, Holland. easy to use.” This was further distilled to Launched in September, the campaign’s “simply superior”. mission was to develop a brand promise to The brand council then went about the marketplace that would be totally establishing those drivers of ‘pride’ within their supported by the entire staff (the marketing organisation. message and customer experience had to be The “creating excellence campaign” was in alignment). launched to the staff in September based on This project was then handled in two the theme that business is a very competitive phases; developing a brand identity that would game just like any sport. form a special connection with both Océ clients In his presentation, Peter said that team Océ was and Océ staff as well as establishing a training who represented their specific departments or areas very much like the Springboks. Océ has a well- programme to continually drive the staff’s ongoing of expertise. The brand council’s mandate was to recognised brand name with coaches and players commitment to supporting the brand identity. develop the brand identity and investigate ways in and with each department occupying a strategic The team initially identified the need to build a which this could be translated into providing real position on the “field”. To win the game there must powerful perception of quality in the mind of the value for the customer, while ensuring that what be a game plan, a secret formula designed to audience, both internally and externally. was promised and what was experienced was in outsmart the competitors. Simply Superior is the complete alignment. formula the team will adopt to differentiate them in the The first step was to create a cross-functional “brand council” made up of “branch champions” By working with the marketing team and marketplace and outmanoeuvre their competitors. The best of both from Océ Océ South Africa recently demonstrated the Océ ColorWave 600 to the mining fraternity in Rustenburg, at a meeting of the Institute of Mine Surveyors of South Africa. The ColorWave printing system allows users to print both colour and black and white on lower cost uncoated and recycled paper. What makes it unique is that it combines the best of toner and inkjet printing in one clean and sustainable system that uses a toner gel. The Océ ColorWave 600 also prints an E-size sheet (one square metre) in half a minute, which enables wide-format customers to print at least twice as fast as conventional inkjet systems used by competitors. Prints dry instantly so they can be handled immediately. There is also no longer a significant difference between colour and black and white output with regard to productivity and print quality. Targeted primarily at the architectural, engineering and construction market, the Océ ColorWave was well received by members of the Institute, who represented mines in the North West Province, including Anglo, BHP Billiton and Impala Plats. 28 bidvoice issue 4 2009 GROUP PANORAMA Two exciting new products Safcor Panalpina’s special projects division in KZN is involved in moving some exciting projects, says Mark te Brugge, assistant projects manager, KZN. storage and pre-assembly will take place at Richards Bay port so as not to delay vessel loading. It will also help to avoid the abnormal road embargo dates that commence when schools break up for the December holidays as the units will hamper traffic on the roads in Richards Bay.” Another exciting project is an elevator for the “We have two very exciting projects at the moment. The first is a wax filtration plant, the second largest Moses Mabhida stadium in Ethekwini. Safcor in the world, which we are delivering from Richards Panalpina was involved in bringing the elevator from Bay to Escravos, Nigeria. This gas-to-liquid Germany. The elevator goes up the archway to a production plant has two units that will be broken lookout point. It was recently tested by Michael down into 18 modules. Each module is approximate- Sutcliffe, municipality manager for Ethekwini and ly 13 metres in length x 6 metres wide x 7,1 metres Mayor Obed Mlaba. According to the Mercury high and weighs about 50 tons. Shipment will take newspaper, from the lookout point you can see as place in November to arrive on site during December Moses Mabhida Stadium elevator. 2009 to meet the project deadline. Oil and Gas/HOU to accept all units in single lots available to locals for a ride to the lookout point plus a few containers of accessories. Interim once the stadium has been completed. “A special vessel will be chartered by Panalpina far as the Drakensberg. The elevator may be made Kudos to Budget O R Tambo Mary Ann Naidoo, Budget Rent a Car client, described her experience of the service received from the O R Tambo team as ‘exceptional’! Emmanuel, Dewet and Selven went the extra mile in ensuring that a ‘lady in distress’ was well cared for. Mary Ann was stranded in Johannesburg, having missed her flight and not being able to get another flight home to Cape Town until the next day. Her husband had called the Budget offices to alert them to the fact that his wife might need help. The terminal building was shutting down for the evening when Emmanuel arrived, carried Mary’s bags back to the car and accompanied her to the Budget offices. The Budget ‘knights in shining armour’ not only called around to assist in finding reasonable and convenient accommodation, they even found a local B & B which came to collect Mary from the office and drop her off at the airport the next morning. Mary Ann says, “your team restored my somewhat jaded opinion of customer service. We own a restaurant and I know how hard it can be to be nice when you are tired and at the end of your shift.” “Well done”, guys, you did us proud! Selvan Pillay, Emmanual (Bonginkosi) Soko and Dewet Strydom. bidvoice issue 4 2009 29 GROUP PANORAMA Safcor Panalpina accelerates The second South African Automotive Week in Port Elizabeth was a resounding success. Attended by members of the automotive industry from all over the world, including Brazil, China, India, UK, Germany and Italy, the theme, “Navigating the storm: A roadmap to vision 2020” was extremely apt in addressing an industry in crisis. Brand Pretorius, Bid Auto chief executive, was a speaker and a panel member for two discussions entitled: “Vision 2020 – is it a fantasy or reality?” and an interactive Q & A session. The main benefit of the conference was for South Africa to showcase its ability to provide not only fully manufactured vehicles but also components and parts to the rest of the world. The suppliers ranged from tyre manufacturers, to providers of catalytic convertors, windscreens and braking systems amongst others. There was an opportunity for The automotive week was not only hard work but included a gala dinner and golf day. Networking island style, from left: Safcor Panalpina’s Richard Jesson; client service manager, Tseko Shibambu; marketing manager, Alfred da Costa; non-executive director, Bidvest and chairman, Ukuvula, Debbie Golding, regional sales manager and Muzi Nkosi, marketing and sales director. manufacturers and component suppliers to network and source more business as well as to showcase South African designs in terms of manufacturing, such as the five-seater lithium-ion battery car developed in South Africa by Optimal Energy. For Safcor Panalpina the benefits were to network with key decision makers in the industry and to acquire the latest knowledge in terms of trends, as well as to create brand awareness. Safcor Panalpina is well positioned to take advantage of future opportunities as its strategic locations allow the company to offer a quick turnaround in this fast-paced industry. Safcor Panalpina’s Bruce Thoresson, regional director, eastern Cape, announcing the winner of the business card draw. Safcor Panalpina’s marketing manager, Tseko Shibambu and business development consultant, Bernadine Willis, with Brand Pretorius, CEO, Bid Auto. Safe handling from SACD SACD Durban had the great pleasure of being the appointed facility to handle the unique and valuable Silver Ghost Rolls Royces on their “2009 Rolls Royce Wholly Ghost Tour of South Africa”. SACD Durban has previously been privileged to play their part with regards to the safe handling and unpacking of the Bentley S.A. Tours and, as a result of the impeccable service provided in conjunction with their sister company, Safcor, they now have the privilege of ensuring the safe handling of these very valuable and nostalgic vehicles of yesteryear. The Silver Ghost was built by Rolls Royce from 1903 – 1927 in England and, on this particular tour, there are cars manufactured from 1909 to 1926. The owners are from England, Switzerland, Portugal, USA, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The route starts in Ballito Bay north of Durban and goes north to Mkuze, then into Swaziland and back to Dundee, Champagne Castle, Clarens, Bloemfontein, Gariep Dam, Graaff Reinet, Cradock, Shamwari, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Arniston, Franschhoek and finally Cape Town. 30 bidvoice issue 4 2009 GROUP PANORAMA Transforming office design CN lands over R15 million in new ACTA partitioning contracts. ACTA Partitioning Systems South Africa, a division of CN Business Furniture, has secured new contracts valued in excess of R18-million over the past 12 months. The popularity of the Italian-designed versatile wall partitioning system – which has the ability to revolutionise office design and layout – has extended beyond the borders of South Africa, with the most significant of the recent deals being a R10-million transaction, signed with the international airport of Botswana. Despite the state of the economy the other agreements, which are providing a steady flow of business Partitioning systems that transform office design and layout. for ACTA, include Tullow Oil, DDB Advertising, Deloittes, and the Italian Trade Commis- pressure and the price of corporate office space sion. With the Botswana airport terminal deal, a continues to climb, the need for strategies that reduce combined set up, expansion or any other associated office floor 3 000 linear metres of partitioning will be installed by plan and layout costs is greater than ever before. The facilitated through comprehensive site surveys and the ACTA over the next year on these jobs alone. beauty of the ACTA system is that it is truly demount- pre-fabrication of all modules; another plus for able and can grow with and accommodate the space companies that can ill afford to close their offices during director, says that the wall system is designed to needs of a business. Instead of having to move renovations. provide a solution for most environments within the premises, floor space can be reconfigured to become workplace, adding that the fully integrated partitioning more optimal and efficient while still maintaining an with the ACTA system and the proof is in our many system provides not only functionality but incorporates appearance of implicit quality,” says Bergh. “Another recent appointments; even when competing and up modern aesthetics, too. economic consideration in favour of the system is its against the most exacting of international competitors for rapid installation which minimises downtime and is the business,” says Bergh. Robbie Bergh, CN Business Furniture managing “In an environment when the bottom-line is under “Transforming office space really has been simplified Kolok Polokwane Kolok Unlimited has opened another branch in Polokwane. Given Diale, originally from Kolok Johannesburg, has been appointed as branch manager. The branch address is: Unit 3 Bonanza Industrial Park, Kalsiet Street, Magnavia, Polokwane, Telephone +27 (15) 298 8795, Facsimile +27 (15) 298 8315, Email [email protected]. The Polokwane team. bidvoice issue 4 2009 31 GROUP PANORAMA Good returns for Volvo One could easily adapt Winston Churchill’s quote: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man,” to “There is something about a Volvo that is good for a man (and his horse).” Combine the two subjects in discussion and you have a sure-fire winner! This is exactly what Marius Prinsloo, failed to go through after Glendon, dealer principal at McCarthy Volvo the horse of one of his competitors, Midrand, did when he put up a knocked the last pole! Volvo C30 as a bonus prize for a Marius believes the dealership’s competition at the recent SA horse involvement with the Gauteng Horse riders championships. Society (GHS) yields great returns. His The competition is unique in that capital outlay was minimal – he had four top qualifying riders had to jump the Volvo C30 insured at a fraction of a testing track on their own horse, the cost of a new vehicle – and and then, as an extra challenge, had gained extensive television coverage. to take to the track on the horse Marius believes that personal belonging to each of the other finalists – a true test of riding skill. Only if a rider succeeded in clearing the track on all four horses were they eligible to win the car. It was a nail-biting competition … Barry Taylor was the last finalist left, but participation is also important. He regularly attends the GHS events and has had a number of vehicle sales as a result. “All members need vehicles to tow their horse boxes and Volvo and Land Rover have the ideal vehicles for that purpose,” notes Marius. Top awards for Konica Konica Minolta wins “BERTL’s best” and BLI “pick of the year” awards. No fewer than five Konica Minolta devices recently won BERTL awards for 2009. Available locally through Konica Minolta South Africa, the bizhub 601, Voltex solution bizhub 751, bizhub C552 and bizhub C652 office Did you know that every kW reduced equates to R2 200 per annum saved? awards for its bizhub 601 and its revolutionary MyTab This is the type of saving being achieved by Voltex Lighting based on the average returns from their energy-saving projects, accumulated over the past few years and brought up to current kW/hour charges. If one considers energy charges in the future, Voltex Lighting expects this return systems and the bizhub PRO 950 production system were recognised for exceptional performance in their respective segments. At the same time, the company won two coveted Buyers Lab Inc (BLI) pick-of-the-year printer driver tab. The independent office equipment testing labs, BERTL and BLI, evaluated digital imaging devices, software and management utilities from across the to increase to R2 900 by 2010 and it will reach R3 900 by 2011, assuming that globe in order to identify the select few that stand apart the rate of increase is in line with the current year’s 31,3% introduced in July 2009. from the others. Over the last four years, Voltex Lighting has helped reduce over “Receiving these independent third-party awards from two renowned testing 65 Megawatts in customers’ electricity consumption, which at today’s rates labs once again confirms our leadership in offering innovative imaging and translates into a saving of R143 million. communication systems – from smart desktop printing to powerful production Voltex Lighting energy services division offers free lighting audits, resulting printing,” says Marianna Gdanis, Konica Minolta South Africa Business unit in a quick analysis as to what level of kW savings can be achieved. Please manager. “As the tests validate, our devices perfectly suit our customers’ contact [email protected] for further information. demands in every different office or production environment, a true reflection 32 of Konica Minolta’s constant investment in research and development.” bidvoice issue 4 2009 GROUP PANORAMA Worldwide in 10 minutes MoneyGram is an international money transfer product that’s offered by Bidvest Bank. It is the safe and fast way to send or receive cash across the world instantly. Whether it’s a last-minute gift, school fees, extra travel money or unexpected expenses for your loved ones, the money will go from your hand to theirs within 10 minutes*. Why use MoneyGram? It’s quick – money is transferred internationally within 10 minutes* It’s convenient – over 180 000 agent locations across 190 000 countries and territories It’s available to everyone – you don’t even need a bank account or credit card Bidvest Bank has begun an extensive MoneyGram advertising campaign which is It’s easy – visit any Bidvest Bank/Rennies Foreign Exchange branch and set to run until the end of the year. The campaign, aimed at promoting awareness complete a simple form, whether you are sending or receiving money and understanding of MoneyGram’s cash-to-cash money transfer, comprises print It’s personal – a complimentary 10-word message accompanies your as well as some innovative out-of-home media, including billboards in strategic money transfer. locations and branded taxis. Branded taxis, the highlight of the campaign, are turning heads and have become a topic of conversation as they operate along strategic routes in all major South African cities. *Subject to receive agents’ operation hours and local regulations. Sustainability on track Accolades show we‘re on track with sustainability strategy. scrutiny of South African business, especially in relatively new focus areas such as sustainability. Our “outstanding disclosure practices” also Bidvest focuses on value- and job-creation rather than award-winning, but accolades are a won Bidvest a place near the top of the Carbon handy yardstick for gauging the progress of key Disclosure Project Leadership Index. Good strategies. reporting and improved measurement are essential steps along the road to proper target- The good news is that the ‘accolade indicator’ suggests our sustainability strategy setting and measurement of performance is developing added momentum. against targets. This is work in progress, but a place among Bidvest was honoured at the Ernest & Young Excellence in Sustainability Reporting Awards the carbon disclosure leaders is a signal that we for achieving an ‘excellent’ rating, while we have established a good base. The international Carbon Disclosure Project were placed second in the South African Carbon Disclosure Project’s new leadership represents 475 institutional investors with more index. We also received a merit award in the than US$55 trillion in funds under management. ACCA/JSE awards. Its survey interrogates more than 3 700 of the world’s largest corporations about their green- The E&Y sustainability reporting initiative assesses the quality of sustainability reports could compete with the best reports published house gas emissions. The reporting exercise is an by the five biggest state agencies and the internationally.” opportunity to assess climate-related opportunities 60 companies listed in the JSE Socially This is encouraging as the integration of sustain- Responsible Investment Index (of which Bidvest ability reporting into corporate strategy and risk is a founder member). mitigation is a key theme of the 2009 King Report The assessors note: “Reports classified as ‘excellent’ are considered sustainability reports that and risks while benchmarking progress against corporate peers. The South African survey achieved a response on Corporate Governance. King III becomes rate of 87%, up from 59% and the fifth highest effective next March and will lead to increased worldwide. bidvoice issue 4 2009 33 Bidvest gave a donation to three schools which presented their school bells to Bidvest Namibia for the official bell ringing ceremony. Prime Minister, Honorable Nahas Angula (far left) and Brian Joffe handing over a cheque to one of the school’s headmasters. A vote of confidence The listing of our Namibia business has been successfully concluded to congratulations all round. Among well-wishers at the birth of the new listed entity were President Hifikepunye Pohamba and Prime Minister Nahas Angula. The offer of 50,7 million shares was over-subscribed and raised N$313,6 million – all earmarked for further local investment. The Prime Minister and ministerial colleagues were on hand to ‘ring in’ Bidvest Namibia as the share made its debut on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) at 720 cents. Unprecedented interest was confirmed when NSX chairman Primus Hango revealed that 675 individual investors had taken shares, a major endorsement in Namibian terms. An awardwinning song Congratulations to 3663 Bristol catering equipment who rose to the challenge and produced the award-winning video of their original song for the World Environment Day competition. And the words went something like this! Who works in a depot like this? Who works in a depot like this? In goods-in gang there is a man named Mark He comes to work early across the green green park He is on his bike come rain or shine It’s always okay cause he’s always on time Ohhh, if you find the time please come and stay a while In my beautiful neighbourhood Another way of helping would be to care share Let’s get Laura to come in with Clare Not using your care so much should raise a cheer With money we saved we all have a beer! Chorus Ohhh, if you find the time please come and stay a while In my beautiful neighbourhood, my neighbourhood Bidvest Namibia is the second-largest company on the NSX by market capitalisation with the third largest My, my, my beautiful neighbourhood, my neighbourhood free float of shares (32,4%). My, my, my, beautiful neighbourhood Celebrations continued on the evening of the listing Who works in a depot like this? at a banquet in Windhoek at which President Pohamba Who works in a depot like this? was keynote speaker. Local political and business leaders turned out in force. The DGM proves he is not all talk The listing and its timing were toasted as a vote of For environment day he chose to take a walk confidence in Namibia’s future while the process was It’s not just the paper that is put out hailed for giving an exciting empowerment lead in a If you have a bag to recycle give young Rossy a shout nation that has yet to enact BEE legislation, but is Chorus eager to foster wider Namibian ownership and executive control while building the national skills This is not all about a silly song base and promoting community upliftment. To ignore the planet’s battle well it would be wrong Our process put a tick in all of these boxes and was There’s plenty more that all can do seen as a major boost to the economy. The extent to There is only one way and it’s down to you which Namibians have taken the company to heart Chorus was summed up by NXS chairman Primus Hango who commented ‘We’re all Proudly Bidvest now!’ 34 bidvoice issue 4 2009 Windhoek, Namibia Sung to the tune of “Our neighbourhood” by Space GROUP PANORAMA Staying focused Evening lights in Dubai. Update on trading in the UAE with Horeca Trade’s Hisham Al Jamil. “We’re staying focused,” says Hisham Al Jamil, managing director of Horeca Trade in the UAE. “There is no doubt that the challenges are tough and it’s the survival of the fittest out there. However, I’m confident that although our business has been partly affected with the downturn of the foodservice market, we have held our heads up high and kept the momentum going. “Our strategy is simple: remain focused on what we do best. We will challenge ourselves; we will keep investing in our people and, most importantly, maintain our support of the brands we represent. But Above: Sheikh Zayed Mosque – Abu Dhabi. Left: MD of Horeco Trade, Hisham Al Jamil. Above: Al Qasr resort, Jumeirah. Below: Camels on the beach. above all, we will work harder to We are looking for ways to understand the changing needs experience healthy growth of our customers to ensure we by expanding our basket remain “First for Foodservice”. “I am proud to say we have of brands with products managed to keep our standards which are complementary to high in this challenging environment. While we have sacrificed our margins in some cases – because it was a pricing strategy – we have our current range and fit the nature of our business. “Expansion is a challenging task in such a done this without compromising on our service level dynamic environment and we are cautious in this or quality. regard. We have established a new foodservice United group. The company name is “Al Diyafa Co” company in Saudi Arabia through a joint-venture and it is targeted towards the foodservice channel with a major renowned Saudi establishment – of Saudi Arabia. “Our plan is to remain focused, stick to the basics and look optimistically towards the future. bidvoice issue 4 2009 35 GENERATING VALUE Everyone’s going green …what about suppliers? Lynden Wright move toward a green supply chain with the Walmart preference programmes. Even the Department of initiative is simply the tip of the iceberg. Defence has one. The greening of the organisation For years, green value chains have been fostered “E xcuse me, does anyone see a pattern here?” Obscure US professor Elinor Ostrom becomes by governments around the world. The 2002 World Sustainable Development Summit that once gave the world Agent Orange has to represent some sort of tipping point. Unsurprisingly, the private sector increasingly falls the first woman to win the Nobel prize for economic proclaimed “government in the world shall encourage, into line. Businesses in Europe, Canada and Australia science for work that confirms the links between develop and promote through public procurement are among the pacesetters. the economy and environment. Free-market, super- policy the products and services that pose no harm hero Milton Friedman got his prize in a different age, to the environment.” way back in 1976. Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer, receives an environmental award for green initiatives that include a drive to get suppliers to cut packaging. This is the same Walmart that until recently was The summit was staged in South Africa, so we can be sure our government got the message. Since then, environmental and social assessment of suppliers has been on a roll. In 2005, the British government promised to A sidelight on how much progress has been made came in June when the Supply Chain Management Institute of the European Business School published research covering 49 European companies with a combined procurement spend of more than €137 billion. The survey did not probe anything as rudimentary labelled a ‘corporate bogeyman’ and was a regular become a performance-leader in sustainable as whether European big business had green target for activists. procurement and commissioned the business-led procurement programmes in place, but how well sustainable procurement task force to move the their programmes were holding up in the teeth of agenda forward. recession. The study split the companies into best Eskom stops counting profits from its South African energy supply monopoly and focuses instead on the bill it can expect when a carbon Subsequently, the sustainable procurement tax comes in. Estimates are a little woolly – this national action plan pointed out that with govern- performers, average performers and stragglers, and reported that 63% of respondents said ‘No’ when is Eskom we’re talking about – and reportedly run ment purchasing power running at £150 billion, asked if the financial crisis threatens their green from R22 billion to R56 billion. British business would increasingly see a “persuasive procurement programmes. Sasol, fresh from a record 2008 year and profits case” for embracing sustainable procurement. Back in the United States – often seen as a of R34 billion, starts to fret in public about its share There’s nothing like British understatement for reluctant bunny-hugger – the National Association of the estimated R40 billion that local refiners may getting a point across. of Educational Procurement and a procurement have to spend on upgrades to meet Euro4 fuel compliance standards. Looks like everyone’s going green, from the Nobel Policy leverage through the supply chain soon extended to city councils and the Greater London Authority gave a 2006 lead by publishing its sustainable automation firm recently surveyed green procurement trends at American colleges and universities. More than 62% of the sample had adopted a committee in Stockholm to the tax-take strategists at procurement policy while promising “distinct sustainability plan, though only 24% back them up SARS head office in Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria. competitive advantage” to likeminded business. with green procurement. However, nearly half of Tighten the focus and sub-trends emerge within the mega-trend to a greener world; for example, the 36 bidvoice issue 4 2009 On the other side of the Atlantic, the US federal government runs several green procurement respondents plan to introduce a green purchasing policy within a year. GENERATING VALUE polluter-supplier who employs child labour has to be every dean’s reputational nightmare). The starting point for green procurement almost everywhere appears to be the formulation of environmental policy within an organisation that then encourages suppliers to do likewise. As experience at US colleges shows, progress can be patchy, but direction is clear. This is interesting for Bidvest because many Group businesses are now embarking on this journey while other Bidvest companies – primarily those in the UK and Australia – are early-movers. To foster the process A practical guide to sustainable development was distributed electronically to 30 000 employees. Another 3 000 printed versions went to senior executives and managers. The guide encourages businesses to work with customers and suppliers to reduce environmental impacts throughout the value chain. Supplier engagement on green issues goes much further at operations like Bidvest Australia and the UK’s 3663 First for Foodservice. Bidvest Australia’s suppliers are asked about their environmental policy and for supporting documentation and certificates. Information is also requested on local sourcing (a way of reducing ‘food miles’ and the carbon footprint). 3663 suppliers are presented with similar questionnaires. It is common practice in countries committed to improved environmental performance for suppliers to provide details like this along with information on employment practices, food safety, quality assurance and occupational health and safety. Bidvest companies are working towards identifying targets and benchmarks for sustainable business practices. “In the 2009 Bidvest annual report it is mentioned that Bidvest is an innovative leader, not a reluctant follower and will not wait for legal compulsion before taking action on sustainability and environmental challenges ... “Brand Bidvest will increasingly take the role of catalyst for wider ‘greening’ of the supply chain and the industries in which we are active. We will encourage our suppliers to join our efforts to instil better environmental practice.” The primary job is awareness-raising and perhaps a wake-up call at the same time. Certainly, some of the background data on Many institutions did not have the e-procurement technology needed for successful green procurement – you need a good technology platform to go products. Nearly two-thirds could not identify green environmental impacts and resource depletion vendors and most could not identify green products. make for scary reading. But the vast majority believe sustainability Green procurement is a process and getting green and prove it. Only 30% of the sample had the programmes have to be pursued as ‘the right thing from early implementation of policy to thorough ability to promote green-certified suppliers and more to do’ while 43% see cost savings. Some have to appraisals of a supplier’s green accreditation won’t than 60% could not yet determine how much was respond to legislation; others worry about possible happen overnight. But by now the pattern should spent with them or on environmentally friendly litigation (poisoning a freshman with a product from a be plain enough … bidvoice issue 4 2009 37 SPOTLIGHT Trust your instincts Self-belief enabled Cyril to bounce back twice from losing everything. C yril Khambula believes it’s important to trust your instincts and believe in yourself. It’s easy to see why: twice in his life he has quit went through a second round of repossessions. After eight months of unemployment, he joined an executive placement company, headed PR/ what he was doing, lost almost everything he Marketing and realised he had a real flair for owned and then climbed back to the top. marketing. It’s a philosophy that enabled him to emerge from While completing a marketing diploma, he met the shanties of Alexandra, gather experience and life George Austin, a senior manager at Toyota, who skills across a spectrum of activities and emerge as invited him to join the company. He did so in 1997 human resources director at McCarthy with as after-sales training consultant. In 1999 he diplomas and certificates enough to paper a wall. acquired a Masters diploma in training and “What you learn in life never leaves you,” Cyril says. “I’m glad I learned and did all the things I have development management from RAU. opportunities for the company and its staff. “I have a great team assisting McCarthy with its human capital best practice initiatives,” he says. Today, Cyril and Totsie have five children. She has two sons, Lebogang (26) and Lesedi (19), and he has two daughters Busisiwe (24) and Candice (13) and a son, Linda (18). “We are also adopting an orphaned six-year old,” he says. Cyril says he is very much a family man, spending most of his time at home where that boilermaker As Black Empowerment became increasingly training encourages him to tinker with his tools. “The done. It has all helped my emotional maturity and important to corporates, he took responsibility for children call me Mr. Fixit,” he says. He is a black belt made me more versatile.” Toyota’s overall CSI and employment equity graduate and former instructor in karate, and has a framework and, after a short time doing the same gym at home. Much inspiration, he adds, has come from his wife, Totsie Mamela-Khambula, who is MD at for Anglo Platinum, returned to Toyota to assist in Postbank: “She encouraged me to keep learning.” aligning South African training with Japan’s. He also learned a lot of values and patience from his late mother, Sibongile. Cyril (49) was born in Alexandra and spent much of his boyhood there, but completed his high schooling in Thembisa. He left school hoping to become a doctor, but He headed the creation of Toyota’s in-house university, the Toyota academy, and championed construction of its facility. He became executive director for group training and then vice president of Toyota’s HR, completing a his parents lacked the money for his studies and leadership programme in suggested he get a “real” job. Japan and gaining So instead, Cyril joined Siemens in 1981 and executive leadership began an apprenticeship as a boilermaker. He qualifications from Wits completed an NTC 4 in 1983 and qualified as a and Stellenbosch in the boilermaker in 1984. meantime. Cyril was Unfortunately, he broke his hand in a work named the BMF accident, spent three months in hospital and was Gauteng manager of the moved into production planning, where job year in 2004/5. dissatisfaction provoked his resignation in 1991. Then Brand Pretorius It was a bad decision, he recalls. He was married approached him to move with a child, lost his house and car to repossession to McCarthy as its group and took a year to find work again. executive for human When he did, it was as an insurance marketing consultant before a UK-based courier company resources. ‘Excited’ about this head-hunted him and made him marketing opportunity with the leading consultant. retail giant in the motor industry Cyril did not like their style and again resigned without another job. By then he had two children and a house and 38 bidvoice issue 4 2009 and equally inspired by Brand’s leadership, he views current challenges as presenting growth “My passion,” he says, “is to see people motivated, develop and grow. I’m a great believer in upliftment.” It’s easy to understand why. SPOTLIGHT Do the job well and make a difference Don’t obsess about personal glories, Mojaki advises. N o job is ever less than your position, Mojaki Finger believes. If you have to do it, then do it, do it well and make a difference. It’s an enduring philosophy he learned from his mother (Masetjhaba) and from former boss at Alexander Forbes, Lungi Mazibuko. “Like many families where the father is busy struggling for, let alone winning, bread, it naturally becomes the mother’s responsibility to raise the kids. My mother propelled herself from being a domestic worker to a supermarket cashier, got herself through night school and became a dressmaker, something she does do this day. “I always admired her ‘can do’ attitude, self drive and sheer optimism about life,” he says. Former boss Lungi was similarly diligent and meticulous, Mojaki remembers. “She was passionate about grooming people and encouraging them to succeed in what they were doing. She instilled in all of us the importance of working together as a team and that one should not obsess about personal glories.” She was the greatest influence on his career, he says. Business life began in 1995 when Mojaki (38) was a portfolio administrator in the HomePlan division at Alexander Forbes. Born in Welkom, he had grown up there and been educated in Welkom and at Botshabelo in the Free State. He completed a BA in Education at Wits University, and a higher diploma in development planning, and then obtained a Masters in Business Administration from De Montfort University in the UK. After becoming business development officer and then assistant manager at Alexander Forbes, Mojaki was appointed a sales consultant at Nedcor (electronic banking), moved into sales management and became a product specialist for overnight loans and cash management. In 2002 he joined State Information Technology Agency (SITA) as contracts manager and came to Bidvest in 2004 as commercial director for Bidoffice and now Bidpaper Plus. “My appointment as commercial director at Bidvest has got to be the major achievement,” he says. “I was only 33 then and it was completely beyond my wildest dreams.” Mojaki was also recently appointed chairman of the board of the Stationery and Home Products Association of South Africa (SHOPSA). He also headed an accreditation committee for SHOPSA and helped it to develop an accreditation model it is implementing for its members. Mojaki is married to Zola and they have two sons, Thato (11) and Potlaki (six months) and a daughter, Malebo (2). The family is his main interest outside of Bidvest and he enjoys golf when the family allows him to play. He is also interested in current affairs and wildlife. bidvoice issue 4 2009 39 Vasbytand think clearly SPOTLIGHT It’s important to know the value of setting goals, teamwork and the determination to see something through, says Wicus Maritz. W icus Maritz prefers to read books from which he can learn. It seems clear, people, providing training and developmental opportunities and creating a though, that he could just as easily write them. working environment that is safe and supportive, rather than punitive. His philosophies and approaches to business are nothing if not clear-cut and, over the years, have proved successful for him. Wicus (45) is the managing director of Rotolabel (part of Bidpaper Plus), one of Africa’s leading producers of self-adhesive labels. The company’s expertise in high-quality, rotary letterpress printing, hot foil stamping, rotary silk screening and digital printing has established it as a major supplier to the food, wine, personal hygiene and pharmaceutical industries. “Although it is still early days,” says Wicus, who was appointed MD in April 2009, “it is extremely rewarding getting involved in the ‘real’ business side of a company and trying out different management and leadership ideas”. Born in Cape Town, he grew up in Britstown in the Karoo, the “This does not mean one can accept poor performance and unacceptable behaviour. The expectation is for everybody to show a high degree of selfdiscipline and one must be ruthless in weeding out the individuals who do not subscribe to this in an organisation.” He also feels strongly about exemplary leadership. “The leadership team must set the example by living the organisation’s values. We must behave in the way that we expect others to behave. Our daily interaction with employees, suppliers and customers must be professional and must withstand the highest level of scrutiny. Leaders are judged by how they behave in good times and in difficult times. “I see my job as creating a work environment (physical and eldest of five sons, and obtained a degree in chemical engineering emotional) where employees experience job satisfaction and can be (BEng Chem) from Stellenbosch University. as productive as possible.” He also completed an MBA cum laude at USB in 2003. A career in which he was a process engineer, plant engineer, factory manager and operations manager in industries as diverse as detergents, fertilisers, plastics and Major achievements in business, he feels, were successfully managing a multi-million rand project at Somchem spanning over three continents, that ‘pushed my stress tolerance boundaries’; being involved in the management of fibreglass, led him to Rotolabel in November 2002, Rotolabel and part of the team to put the when he started as manufacturing manager and company on the road to becoming a world-class became manufacturing director before his latest appointment. Rotolabel has been part of Bidvest since January 2008. It is crucial, Wicus believes, to understand the requirements and organisation; and receiving his MBA. “It taught me the value of setting goals, teamwork and the determination to see something through. “I was never a good athlete but completing 15 or so half-marathons over expectations of different the last seven years also taught me stakeholders of the business and ‘vasbyt’ and to believe in myself,” he how they are linked. “I believe in the ‘people-productsprofits’ approach: satisfied and happy employees will produce says. Wicus is married to Carla, a biology, maths and science teacher who he met at university, products and deliver services and they have two sons, that will keep customers Ruan (19) studying industrial satisfied, and satisfied engineering at Maties, and customers will pay and Stefan (17) at Durbanville continue doing business with High School. you, which will in turn ensure a profitable business that will satisfy shareholders. “My motto is therefore ‘employees first’. “It means recruiting the right 40 bidvoice issue 4 2009 He enjoys snorkelling, photography, surfing the web, online share trading and reading (mostly businessrelated but also fiction). SPOTLIGHT A man with drive Craig admits to a passion for modern motor cars N ew Group company secretary Craig Brighten is driving a new Land Rover Freelander. It’s important to know. Meet him and he’ll probably ask you about your car. That’s where the conversation will start. He has a passion for modern motor cars, he confesses. “I enjoy seeing them, visiting showroom floors to look at them and reading about them,” he says. They need not be the latest sports cars. His interest is in all the normal cars on the road. “I’ve always just enjoyed modern motor cars,” Craig says. “My parents tell me that from the age of two, I could name every car on the road and knew everything about them. It must have been born in me.” Not surprisingly, he buys a new one every two years. Craig (42), who came to Bidvest earlier this year, was born in Harare, Zimbabwe but grew up and went to school in Kempton Park. He has a national diploma in accountancy from Witwatersrand Technikon and a CIS, and is an Associate Chartered Secretary (ACIS) and member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). His career has taken him through various accountancy and company secretarial positions in such companies as Early Bird Services, Lubners Furnishers, Relyant Retail, Ellerine Holdings and African Bank Investments. Being appointed as a company secretary of one of the JSE’s largest companies rates as his single biggest achievement yet, he says. Craig says he believes firmly in hard work, openness, honesty and transparency to all stakeholders. Taking advice from superiors and colleagues with whom he has worked over the years has guided his career and provided him with a broader picture of business in general. “Some advice proved incorrect but made me realise that one learns from mistakes and should never make the same mistake twice,” he says. Craig is married to Ronel, an accounts administrator at PG Glass. They have no children. “She always portrays a positive attitude to life and inspires and encourages me to take all opportunities to improve our life and standards. “She is always ready to offer advice when asked and in most cases it proves correct,” he says. Craig enjoys swimming and watching sport and is keen on wildlife and game watching. And, of course, the cars that let him do so. bidvoice issue 4 2009 41 SPOTLIGHT Resigned to staying put Bidvest Bank’s Craig MacFarlane has moved upwards through the group for 31 years. I t’s been more than 31 years now and Craig MacFarlane has yet to sign a letter of resignation. The head of the Retail Operations Bidvest Bank, Craig (56) has been with the group since 1979, working his way up from an assistant branch manger at Thomas Cook. He was manager at the Sandton City branch at the time of the Thomas Cook Rennies merger and thereafter filled a number of roles throughout the organisation. “I worked initially in the travel side of the business but over the years became more and more involved in foreign exchange and finally moved to the bank. “I survived all the mergers and acquisitions and worked my way through them all to where I am today. I always say I have not resigned in 31 years,” he quips. Born in Johannesburg, Craig has lived all his life in the city. He was educated at St John’s College and completed a management advancement programme at Wits Business School and a programme for management development at the UCT Business School. He is also a graduate of the Institute of Marketing Management. There is no substitute for hard work, Craig believes. “But, since we work in a bank, we also have to make sure our teams are staffed by people with impeccable business ethics and who are well trained to meet the needs of all our customers from within Bidvest and the wider community. “My father taught me the importance of living life with principles that involve work, family and personal interests and keeping them in a proper balance. “He showed me that only if you roll up your sleeves and get involved, can you participate and have a positive impact on people and things around you.” The most memorable experience of his career, he feels, was being part of the team that dreamt up and then brought Bidvest Bank to reality as a registered commercial bank. “Starting a bank from scratch is not something done easily. It is a challenge and privilege to be part of the development from conception to reality and successful trading.” Alan Salomon had a major influence on his working life, he says. “In the 4½ years since he joined the bank, he has helped us develop and drive a vision for the bank. Until he came, we never even thought it was possible.” Craig is also proud of his role in building a retail network from fewer than 15 branches in the Thomas Cook days to almost 90 branches countrywide. “I also assisted in starting the operations in Namibia, Botswana and Malawi. Hopefully we will soon be back in Zimbabwe after closing some years ago amid the currency crisis. Craig is married to Shirley and they have two children Matthew (19) and Amy (16). Warren (30) and Wendy (29) are from a previous marriage. Away from the office, he is a keen birdwatcher. “I really love getting into the bush as often as possible.” Craig recently became the chairman of the Old Johannian Association and is a member of the St John’s College council. “I became involved because I felt that education is such a vital foundation in life. The school has a vital role to play in the development of young people,” he says. 42 bidvoice issue 4 2009 Success is the name of SPOTLIGHT the game Neil proves he’s a businessman and a good sport. N eil Jankelowitz has a business philosophy of leading by inspiring others. “It’s much like being a captain of a sports brought it to a premature end and he joined a feed-grain company in a financial management capacity. team. That’s probably how it should be.” Sport has, does and almost surely will continue to play a major role in Neil’s life. In 2000, he moved into corporate finance for a listed entity gaining invaluable experience in growing the business and making As chairman of Bidsport and joint managing director of acquisitions. This was also where he met MSCsports, his career is all about building a successful one of his partners and MD of Stellar Africa, company through sports marketing, event management, Steven Kapeluschnik. sports memorabilia and player management. “Being close to the market was very Similarly, much of his time away from the office is devoted to exciting. It gave me an excellent under- football, road running and the occasional game of golf. standing of valuing a business and knowing “Sport has always been a major influence,” Neil says, “even from the earliest school days.” Born and raised in Johannesburg, Neil (33) was head boy at what’s important on a balance sheet. “I also encountered businesses that were not successful and took a lot from that experience.” both Fairmount Primary School and King David’s in Linksfield. While there, he and a friend, needing to raise money Though he played first team rugby and cricket, soccer was for a sports tour, got hold of Ollie le Roux’s Springbok his primary passion. In later years, he has been in the South African side at the Maccabi Games four times, captaining it twice. After school he spent a year at Ithaca near New York on a Rotary Exchange programme and attended lectures (outside any formal programme) for six months at Cornell University. “It was quite an experience to see how an Ivy League school operates,” he recalls. He was travelling in the US during the 1994 South African elections, and found it “exhilarating to be something of an ambassador in the country at a time when there was lots of interest in developments in South Africa”. “Watching the Mandela inauguration from a distance was a very ‘proudly South African’ moment for me.” On his return, he spent three years at the University of the Witwatersrand, emerging with a BCom with majors in marketing and law. During the university years – not surprisingly – he played a lot of soccer, training with the professional jersey and auctioned it. “We thought that was easy and quite clever and realised we could help other charities to raise money. So we acquired a few more Bok rugby jerseys and it all grew from there.” Barney Girnun (now the other joint MD) joined the enterprise from one of their suppliers. “When Barney was hurt in a car accident and we had nobody to run the business, I joined full time. Thankfully we have never looked back. It’s been quite a journey.” Neil is married to Kerry and they have two daughters, Leilah (3½) and Naomi (3 months). He reads business books voraciously and has learned much from Mark McCormack (founder of the world’s most successful sports marketing business) and Jack Canfield (motivational speaker and Chicken Soup for the Soul author). Equally, however, Neil values the input given to the business not only by Brian Joffe and Colin Kretzmann but his friends and partners, Barney and Steven. Wits side and working for the team as a PRO. “It was also something of an intro to the world of sports marketing in which I have now ended up.” Neil also did six months of a law degree but an overwhelming need to start generating an income bidvoice issue 4 2009 43 GENERATING VALUE Warren Buffet’s investment secret Several weeks ago Warren Buffet, global investment guru and chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, was asked in a live CNN interview: “Given the current global financial crisis, what is the best investment in your opinion, right now?” John Raddall CEO Quanta Consulting W ithout hesitation, and in a clear and con- feedback, dedication, talent, coaching and once a week. This is the simple ‘fractal’ step upon fident voice, he gave a simple two-word continual practice in every specialised field from which all incremental progress is built. This is the answer, which he said was the secret to athletics and rugby to art and music. But, for cornerstone of future growth and is non-negotiable. some unknown reason, we do not practise This forms the bridge between insight and action. leadership. Instead we adopt a now outdated The student is one hundred percent responsible and rather primitive and totally unscientific approach for the success of the relationship. If the Energy of ‘sink or swim’. Coach does not deliver, the student may fire the organisational survival and growth. Generating leadership energy on the Bidvest Academy During a very recent visit to Prague I was privileged to work on a change management programme for one of the Czech banks with Professor Horst The Bidvest Academy has introduced the concept of the Energy Coach for every participant. Further evidence has shown that less than one Energy Coach and appoint another. The relationship is based on the Ed Moses principles of insight and action, and creating new Abraham from the Michigan State University. His percent of the population can take a concept leadership muscle memory in the leader. background includes coaching and working with learned in the classroom and convert it into action, The purpose of the relationship is to improve high-performance athletes, including the world and just as Ed Moses could not convert the video leadership behaviour in the workplace. The Olympic champion, Ed Moses. insight into track action without dedicated practice. students use their 360-degree energy assess- The Energy Coach therefore is designed to be the ments as a starting point for the exercise. The leader’s video, analyst and practice coach. Energy Coach and the student agree on what In the build-up to the Olympic games, the coaching team examined extensive footage of the athlete’s every motion, every metre, and every A further essential change component is the may need to be improved; they evolve ‘fractal’ hurdle. They discovered a slight loss of time through understanding that change in human behaviour is actions to be practised, and they review each the first curve approaching the fourth hurdle. always of an incremental or ‘fractal’ nature, whereby week the success of the newly evolved Intensive analysis revealed that Moses’ right hand complexity emerges from the high iteration of simple behaviours. was moving out of alignment by four degrees as he steps, just as Ed Moses corrected his four-degree approached this hurdle. alignment problem. Of course this insight was insufficient to The beauty and power of the Energy Coaching method is that it is extraordinarily simple and it works. Analysis of all students on this 2009 acade- only be done with practice. Moses, being the All of these principles are built into the Academy’s Energy Coaching method as follows. professional that he was, drove himself to the limit, Each student must choose an Energy Coach of the Energy Coaching relationship. day after day, even into dusk when the coaches at work. feared for his safety. The Energy Coach must be someone the student Buffet said was the very best investment today? correct the problem. Moses had to re-engineer his muscle-memory to correct this. And it could History shows the reward for this dedication my has shown a highly positive correlation between increased growth and performance with the efficacy Perhaps you are still wondering what Warren trusts and someone who sees the student in Perhaps you have already guessed? “Human and the seeds for self-similar success for leaders. action on a regular basis. potential”, he said. Interestingly we recognise the need for insight, The student and the Energy Coach must meet 44 bidvoice issue 4 2009 And Warren Buffet should know. GENERATING VALUE bidvoice issue 4 2009 45 OUR PEOPLE Magnum salutes its stars Salute Kevin Moodley, Madie Leonard, Ian Janse van Rensburg, Pieter Haasbroek, Hylton Edwards, Lisa Steenberg and Nenzhelele Tshifhiwa. They’re the official stellar staff of Magnum needs to do and, seemingly, without any Shield, honoured by the company in its second effort. By keeping his finger on the pulse, annual Night of the Stars awards evening in being proactive and committed, he controlled Johannesburg. all costs for which his department is In the motivation for Kevin’s award, Magnum responsible with huge success. He believes Shield’s managing director, Dave Crichton, said: strongly in honesty, hard work and dedication “just before and after we recruited a replacement and colleagues say they can’t remember him financial director, Kevin stepped into the role and ever complaining. not only guided and trained the new FD through Hylton, who has been in the security his tasks, but was my support mechanism in the business for 15 years, ascribes his success day-to-day financial running of the business. to hard work, commitment, a positive attitude, Kevin was the reliable support any MD could honesty and objectivity. “Rewards are not just depend on!” what my employers give me, but my personal Under the leadership of Madie Leonard, enjoyment, growth and new experiences,” Gauteng Central won three out of the seven he says. awards: “region of the year”, “support service Lisa says she has always been career- employee of the year” and “site of the year”. driven. “To have passion for the company and “Awards should never be seen as a one-man the example of service you set are of utmost effort,” says Madie. “They’re always really won by importance … the ultimate recipe is a team.” Madie’s team agreed that the “region of perseverance and determination and, in the the year” prize money will be donated to a end, hard works pays off,” she says. Lisa charity. joined Magnum Shield in 2006 and became Ian, who heads a security team of 185 at the regional sales manager in January 2008. Melrose Arch complex in Johannesburg, says he is particularly proud that they were able to meet the high standards demanded by their client and Nenzhelele, who has been with the Back from left: Hylton Edwards, Kevin Moodley and Ian Janse van Rensburg. Front: Nenzhelele Tshifhiwa and Lisa Steenberg. to meet the challenge posed by a precinct unlike any other in the country. Said Rennie Property director, Vic de Stadler: “Melrose Arch is virtually a small company since 1990, is a camera room operator. On his own initiative, Nenzhelele uncovered weaknesses in the security system on his site. His investigation resulted in an attempted break-in by 12 robbers earlier this year being thwarted. Before their getaway, Nenzhelele was town and a tough niche, so I applaud the tenacity and compliment the resilience assaulted. His regional director, Vicky Bernard describes him as a security everyone has shown in keeping it secure.” officer who is always prepared to go the extra mile and one who represents Pieter is described as one of those employees who gets on with what he Magnum Shield with pride. Bidvest Australia bids farewell to Andy Fechner As part of a long-planned and discussed process, Andy Fechner has announced his retirement. Andy currently has the senior role of director, purchasing and marketing of Bidvest Australia and is a member of the executive committee. Andy has been with Bidvest since we first entered into the Australian market in 1995. He has filled numerous senior and strategic roles within our business and has been instrumental in our achievements and successes to date. Andy has discussed his retirement plans with us for a few years and the necessary succession planning has been undertaken. Andy retired at the end of August and will be involved with Bidvest Australia on a project basis. We take this opportunity to thank Andy for his fantastic input, dedication and commitment to the business and wish him and Laurel every happiness and good health for the future. 46 bidvoice issue 4 2009 OUR PEOPLE Puréau awards Kolok people on the move The annual awards evening was held in July at Pappardelle’s and the following people were recognised and presented with their awards by Ron Tyack, managing director, Puréau Fresh Water Company. Kolok Unlimited is delighted to announce that Martina Gerber has joined the Johannesburg marketing department as a graphic designer. With her passion and expertise in designing, Martina is a sure asset to Kolok. Eliezer van Rheede has been appointed as an IT assistant for Kolok. With his extensive IT background they believe he will definitely add value to this function. Angelo Collison has been appointed as sales and marketing manager for Kolok Cape Town. Most improved branch: East Rand – Coral Murray. He was previously responsible for marketing activities and successfully grew his customer service portfolio. Angelo will also be looking after the Waltons’ account. Johanna’s 25 years Branch of the year: Port Elizabeth. In 1984, as an 18-year old, Johanna Rodgers began her career at Crown Mills as a receiving clerk at the Bloemfontein branch. Crown Mills became Crown National and part of the Bidvest family while Johanna continued her career in various roles within the business. Positions included invoicing clerk, cash-and-carry salesperson and telesales. For the last eight years Johanna has been involved in the buying. The friendly voice on the switchboard also belongs to her, while ably assisting in various administrative functions. “Diligent, accurate, strict, resourceful and Managing director’s award: Coral Murray. friendly” is how her colleagues would describe her. Msizi Maxwell Msoni retires One of SACD Freight’s stalwarts and one of the remaining few who were employed the first day SACD Durban facility officially opened on July 1 1977, Maxwell Msomi, has opted to retire after 32 years. Maxwell has contributed to the company in many different ways. He was a competent operator of big equipment, he served time in the empty yard before moving on to the heavier capacity machines in the full operation. He also served as the senior shop steward for a number of years and his wise and conciliatory approach served his members, the company’s employees and the business well. We wish Maxwell every success with his retirement. May he enjoy much good health and happiness. bidvoice issue 4 2009 47 OUR PEOPLE Directors cycle for ‘Change a Life’ Group FD David Cleasby and non-executive director Nigel Payne recently participated in the “Computershare Change a Life Mystery Cycle Tour”. in adverse social and economic circumstances to become role models in their communities. Rovos Rail transported the 72 executives and professional cyclists to mystery destinations where they were dropped off and had to cycle predetermined routes before reboarding the train and moving to the next stop. Computershare South Africa established the Mike The tour took place over five days, including four days Thomson Change a Life Trust to sponsor anti-crime and of cycling. The routes took them through the northern Cape, the crime victim support initiatives following the brutal murder of senior manager Mike Thomson at his Free State, Lesotho and the Karoo visiting places such as Johannesburg home on September 27 2007. The Moerengon, Eishdisnice, Sumbigriver and VerdeFakaWie Mike Thomson Trust is dedicated to a peaceful future – where the roads were in good condition and the traffic for all South Africans. It supports effective, grassroots minimal. Cycling in Lesotho on the third day proved programmes that aim to address the causes and the most challenging and involved some tough climbs, symptoms of crime. The Trust currently supports three ascending 2 300 metres over 95 gruelling kilometres. Living on a train in such a confined space with the projects, the DNA Project, I Choose to Change a Life, and the Martin Dreyer Change a Life Academy. The other participants also proved to be an interesting DNA Project is helping to boost the use of DNA evi- experience. Camaraderie thrived and new friends were dence in crime detection and conviction, whilst the made as the cyclists traversed the countryside. Congratulations to David and Nigel for completing the I Choose to Change a Life and the Martin Dreyer tour; 465 kilometres of cycling later. Change a Life Academy empower talented youngsters Latest adventure Following the huge successes of both his Great Wall challenge and his trek to Machu Picchu, Mark Page has decided to embark on a challenge that will impact on a small community in South Africa. As always, funds raised will go towards cancer research in the UK. The challenge will be a strenuous 11 days Back from left: Janique Vermuelen, Minal Narsey, Vinod Bhana, Kevin Naidoo, Logan Govender, Avi Maharaj and Pamela Robinson. Front from left: Mark Pillay, Monica Armuga – chairman, Rikesh Budhram, Lizzie Ntinca and Wilson Langa. during which around 30 volunteers – including Mark – will repair and rebuild a primary school in a village called Sandberg, near A positive attitude Leipoldtsville in South Africa. The SACD change committee was started in 2002 with the idea of for the children. All of this depends on time available and budget. giving employees a medium through which they could make suggestions regarding changes that could be implemented within the company. A suggestion box was introduced so that all staff had the opportunity to participate. The rationale behind this idea was to create a positive attitude amongst employees working towards a more productive and contented workforce. The change committee is planning to initiate involvement in some community projects which will give staff and management an opportunity to be involved in uplifting the lives of those who are less fortunate as well as taking care of the environment. Social events also form part of the change committee’s portfolio, including 7-a-side soccer tournaments, a Christmas party as well as special functions for Easter and St Valentine’s day. 48 bidvoice issue 4 2009 The school currently includes a computer room, small office, store room and a toilet block which are all in need of major repair. In addition to these renovations, the team will be building a new library, football pitch, playground area and sports facilities The team will literally be roughing it without formal facilities such as flushing toilets and showers. Lots of luck, Mark, for this worthy enterprise. OUR PEOPLE Océ South Africa dives deep Inspired by Martijn van Dam (featured during a skydive on the cover of Bidvoice 3 2009, the Océ South Africa team decided to do something unique; as they describe it, “We decided to go down and go down we did!” It took a lot of preparation to do this dive as safely as possible in the depths of Miracle Waters near Brits in the North West Province. The water temperature was around 16 degrees Celsius and the depth was 32.6 metres. Visibility was about 5 metres. There are quite a few wrecks to explore in Miracle which are fun to swim through and, while the team was doing the dive, they discovered what resembled a “not very airworthy” plane. The team sends a huge “thank you” to all the people and family members who were involved in making this momentous diving occasion so special, and survived the experience, to say: “Being a top competitor in our field, we always strive to give our clients the best service. We are really proud of our company and proudly Bidvest!” From left: Wayne Scott (Océ SA technical specialist); Dive Master; Ettiene Viljoen (Océ SA field engineer); open water diver, Sheralee Scott (Océ SA service administration controller), EFR Instructor, advanced diver. Kolok Namibia sponsors Khomas fair Kolok Namibia sponsored medals, t-shirts and gifts for the 250 participants of the Khomas Regional Science Fair, as well as 50 t-shirts for the judges and organisers of the fair, to the value of N$27 000. The fair took place at the Polytechnic of Namibia. From left: Monique Roets-Malan, director Kolok Namibia; Rene Linno, science fair organiser; Ivonne Hansen, science fair organiser and Rowan Erasmus, sales and marketing manager, Kolok Namibia. Konica Minolta South Africa’s ‘Key into Colour’ initiative An ecstatic Elisma Swart from Konica Minolta South Africa’s Pretoria branch (pictured here with cricket legend Fanie de Villiers) poses in front of her new VW Golf GTI. Elisma was the lucky winner of the main prize in Konica Minolta South Africa’s annual “Key into Colour” initiative. The incentive ran from January to June 2009, with all active sales consultants from Konica Minolta South Africa and authorised distributors taking part. Points were earned through new machine sales, based on region and business potential, with a certain number of points earning competitors a certain number of keys. The luck, however, is always in the draw and Elisma beat more than 100 competitors to take home the prize. bidvoice issue 4 2009 49 REACHING OUT First prize: H.A. Jack Primary in Highlands North. Second prize: Moshoeshoe Primary School in Daveyton. Third prize: Esithebeni Primary School in Mofolo North. Putting health into their hands Using a cast of colourful characters, the educational roadshow with Steiner HyGienie and Kim McClean teaches children the importance of hand washing and personal hygiene, explains where germs come from and demonstrates the correct way to wash their hands. The educational roadshow was taken one step further substantial prizes up for grabs, schools had to improvements sponsored by Steiner Hygiene and with a joint initiative between Steiner Hygiene, Steiner maintain their toilet facilities, keeping them clean, Kimberly-Clark Professional. Environmental Solutions and Kimberly Clark hygienic and undamaged. Second place was awarded to Moshoeshoe Professional. Operation Deep Clean has assisted At a prize-giving ceremony, Operation Deep 60 Gauteng schools to clean their bathrooms by Clean presented H.A. Jack Primary in Highlands makeover), and Esithebeni Primary School in rejuvenating their below-standard toilet facilities. North with the top honours. “The children loved the Mofolo North, Soweto won a bathroom makeover Selected schools had their bathrooms deep cleaned interactive teaching approach Operation Deep to the value of R15 000. and were provided with starter packs of cleaning Clean took and immediately took ownership of chemicals, paper products and hand soap. improving their bathrooms,” said acting principal, lated on being amongst the Top 10 cleanest in With the fundamentals for good hygiene in place, Primary School in Daveyton (R20 000 bathroom A further seven primary schools were congratu- Rosemary Maluleke. “Regular follow-up visits from Gauteng. They were Bafo Chiko, Bree, Eastgate, Operation Deep Clean challenged participating the Operation Deep Clean team ensured that the Gazankulu, Liberty Community, Midrand and schools to stay on the straight and narrow, fighting project never lost momentum.” Norwood Primary Schools. They each won a for a place in its hygiene competition. With The school won R30 000 worth of bathroom hamper of cleaning supplies for their bathrooms. Steiner sponsorships Steiner Hygiene sponsored Entertaining clients various paper products, chemicals and clothing to some institutions in need. HyGienie and Kim McClean also Steiner Hygiene invited 100 of their top clients to a day of fun at the entertained and delivered their Pinotage restaurant in Centurion. message at the handovers. 50 bidvoice issue 4 2009 REACHING OUT TMS reaches out For the past three years, TMS has supported the K.I. Twala Secondary School near Secunda as part of their CSI programme, as many of their employees’ children attend the school. Six new classrooms were built for the school, providing them with additional facilities as well as new furniture. TMS also services the buildings and grounds on a regular basis and funds the further education of some of the grade 12 achievers. In July, as part of the TMS “winter warmers” campaign, each pupil was presented with a branded TMS shopping bag that they could re-use, together with a chocolate and a branded TMS scarf to help keep them warm during the cold, winter mornings. Each teacher was presented with a TMS fleece jacket as a ‘thank you’ for their commitment and hard work. Siyaphila project The official handover of a Wendy house built by the Gauteng brand advocates for the Siyaphila home in Rondebult, took place in September. The commitment by Safcor Panalpina to sufficiency” support to non-profit assist Siyaphila began in 2008 when the organisations operating in and around aftercare shelter for orphans and counselling disadvantaged communities in Gauteng). centre asked for help with amenities. Maria du Preez, Gauteng regional director, Heather Cannan, KZN BA leader, Safcor Panalpina, hands over blankets to Izenzo community centre. Safcor Panalpina initiative As part of their external CSI initiative, Safcor Panalpina brand approached the brand advocates after a request for help from Hennie Riekert, an airfreight export supervisor with the company. As well as building the Wendy house, the brand advocates help on a monthly basis with monetary donations, foodstuffs, toys and clothes. (The Siyaphila home falls under the Siyaphila Support Group (SSG), a non-profit organisation aimed at rendering “self- Siyaphila home, Rondebult. advocates (BAs) in KwaZulu-Natal decided to “adopt” a granny. “With no family to support her, we decided to “adopt” Gay Brown, who lives at the Ray Hulett home for the aged in Durban central,” says BA leader – KZN, Heather Cannan. “Every month we buy her groceries and toiletries and we also helped with furniture when she moved into her new room.” Heather reports that Gay’s health is a lot better and she is generally looking rather chirpy. Gay still works three times a week in order to supplement her income and is always extremely grateful for the contribution by Safcor Panalpina. The Durban and Richards Bay staff also donated 40 blankets to the Izenzo community centre in KwaMashu at a small party held at the centre. The blankets were distributed to the homeless, AIDS victims and the elderly in the area. Pete Williams, managing director; Maria du Preez, regional director, Gauteng and Muzi Nkosi, marketing and sales director, Safcor Panalpina, watching the gogos (old ladies) dancing and singing. bidvoice issue 4 2009 51 REACHING OUT Experiencing Rally to Read For the second consecutive year, Safcor Panalpina joined the Rally to Read programme in June 2009. Pete and Gail Williams and Muzi Nkosi were part of the convoy that visited three schools in the Free State (Bethlehem/Phuthaditjhaba area). “For companies who are serious about social corporate investment, this project is invaluable,” says Muzi Nkosi, marketing and sales director, Safcor Panalpina. “You are able to get firsthand knowledge of the poverty and make a difference. We went to very poor and remote farm schools where, in one of the schools, the teacher is also the principal, the clerk and the messenger. She has about 20 pupils and the nearest town is 50 kilometres away. The last school we visited was in a semi-rural area with about 1 000 pupils. Sixty percent of these children were from single parent families or under the care of the community. “It’s easy to drop off a donation or write a cheque and forget about it. Rally to Read is about long-term sustainability. At each visit you can see that progress that has been made. We were accompanied by the Department of Education representatives, which is an additional guarantee of assisting these kids to get a good education. The response from the kids and their parents was overwhelming.” “Thanks” to Pete Williams, managing director, Safcor Panalpina, for donating the use of his 4 x 4 for this experience as you cannot get to these areas by car and “thanks and well done” to McCarthy for an excellent programme.” CWT supplies blankets Eagle Excellence Hospice receiving their mattresses. Madiba Magic TMS group Industrial Services embarked on a CSI project in July 2009, donating 40 beds and mattresses to two welfare organisations in Carlson Wagonlit Travel South Africa (CWT SA), believes it is an important Johannesburg. The event coincided with the part of their corporate social responsibility to foster the development and birthday of Nelson Mandela and the national well-being of their employees, ensure productive relationships with all of their campaign to dedicate 67 minutes to serving stakeholders, practise environmentally friendly policies and be good citizens the community. in the communities in which they operate. They view accountability and transparency as key to conducting our Ten beds were donated to Cotlands, an organisation offering shelter to abused, business in a responsible manner and establishing a positive company abandoned, HIV-positive, orphaned and reputation and brand image. terminally-ill children. Thirty beds were donated to Eagle Excellence Hospice which offers care to people with HIV/Aids, The TMS marketing team at Cotlands. cancer and heart failure conditions. They also take care of orphans whose As part of their community involvement, CWT SA embarked on a winter project, engaging with Khulisa crime prevention initiative, to identify organisations that were in desperate need of assistance. Their aim was to protect communities from the effects of a harsh winter parents passed away during care at the hospice and mentally and/or physically and they were able to assist by distributing over 1 000 blankets to disabled children. underprivileged shelters in and around Johannesburg. 52 bidvoice issue 4 2009 REACHING OUT Wheelchair initiative Budget Rent a Car’s round-the-clock transfer service Door2Door now caters for wheelchair users and the organisations and charities that cater for them through specially equipped passenger vehicles. Known as Budget Wheelchair Accessible Transport, transported. An electronic lift at the rear of the service works on a zone system, meaning that the vehicle ensures safe and easy loading of these costs are determined at the time of reservation and all passengers. Once they are in position, the chair is arrangements can be made through a single phone clamped safely into place, ensuring further peace call to Budget’s central reservations. of mind. The vehicles have been adapted to accommodate The drivers are aware of elements of disability and two passengers using wheelchairs and up to four mobility impairment and have been fully trained on accompanying passengers. operating the lift system. The modifications to certain vehicles in the fleet Budget Wheelchair Accessible Transport is available have been made so that people in wheelchairs do not in Johannesburg and Cape Town with plans to expand need to leave the comfort of their chair while being the service to South Africa’s other major city centres. Budget joins forces with TCD Trust Budget Car Hire has joined the Tourism Community Development Trust (TCD Trust). Budget signed up as a ‘Friend of the TCD Trust’ at Indaba in Durban following a presentation by the trust. Ray Booth, managing director of Budget Car Hire, and Kirsten van der Hoven, sales manager inbound, were excited about the achievements and its current project of building a multi-purpose community centre at Blomvlei Primary School in Hanover Park. The children in this area are affected by drugs and gangsterism from a very early age and the community centre aims to instil a sense of pride and give a chance of a better life. Ray also commended the TCD Trust on the idea of uniting members of the tourism industry to work on projects that were bringing benefits to poor and desperate communities. Kolok supports Dagbreek School Kolok Namibia supports the Dagbreek School for special children by participating in their five kilometre fun walk each year. In July 2009, not only did 40 Kolok Namibia staff and family members participate, they also donated prizes to the value of N$1 500. Everyone from Kolok, their families and their “adopted” Dagbreek children, had a wonderful day and all the money collected is going to be used to upgrade the school’s facilities. bidvoice issue 4 2009 53 REST AND RELAXATION Maryna at the Rhodes trail Running the Rhodes trail had always been a dream for Maryna Meets from Catersales in Pretoria and, after having her name on the waiting list for over five-and-a-half years, the invitation eventually arrived. Training in the dark on cold mornings was a good start to prepare for running in freezing conditions. And then there was the gear which included space blankets and emergency whistles. On Saturday, July 18 the race began in minus temperatures. Knee-deep rivers and tracks inaccessible by vehicles characterised the course; deep snow and awesome scenery were also the order of the day. Tough climbing and icy conditions meant that one of the participants broke an ankle in two places. Fortunately an orthopaedic surgeon was participating in the run, and he made a temporary brace from thorn bushes and plastic bags. He and another participant then carried her over four kilometres to safety, giving up the race on her behalf. Maryna finished the 52 kilometres in these severe conditions in 08:20 and she says that although she has completed seven Comrades, this was the toughest race she has ever participated in, both literally and figuratively! Walk the Talk On Sunday July 26 corporate office entered a team of walkers into the 702/Discovery Walk the Talk. The morning was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we’re proud to say that everyone completed their distances entered. Bidfood Ingredients goes ‘green’ Historically, Bidfood Ingredients has successfully participated in and entertained customers at the annual Bidvest golf day. Given the overwhelming popularity of the day and continued growth within Bidfood Ingredients, the decision was taken to head for the greens! The day was held at the Glendower Golf Club, with Bidfood Ingredients’ suppliers assisting with sponsorship and manning of holes. 32 four balls participated, represent- Soccer on Fridays Bidvest’s South African employees are celebrating the prospect of the 2010 FIFA World Cup by wearing special Bidvest football jerseys which are being distributed for ‘soccer on Fridays’. They will be wearing them each week as excitement builds for the big event. Group companies are increasing their involvement and the jerseys are intended to add to staff participation, eager anticipation and general promotion of the World Cup among local fans. People whose jobs require them to wear uniforms will be able to wear their jerseys when off-duty. 54 bidvoice issue 4 2009 ing a mix of Bidfood Ingredients staff, suppliers and customers. Hole 7 was manned by Bidfood Ingredients’ very own professional female golfer challenging each four ball to a charity drive. R4 650 was raised on the day with various Bidfood Ingredients companies matching the amount. A total of R16 275 was raised. REST AND RELAXATION Chipkins Bakery Supplies ‘big walk’ Twenty people from Chipkins Bakery Supplies Durban, took part in the ECR/Discovery ten kilometre big walk on June 7 2009. Despite the miserable weather everyone had loads of fun and managed to finish in fine style. The walk was followed by a braai at Blue Lagoon … and yes, the team does give autographs! Bidserv executive secretaries attended the Johannesburg luncheon in Bokday at Bidvest Bank; the team having fun. support of breast cancer awareness; and much fun was had by all! The winning recipe Following the success of last year’s soccer tournament, the Bidfood Ingredients soccer team has continued with its winning recipe. A number of matches have been played against various Bidvest companies and the team is yet to be defeated! The secret ingredient that has contributed to their success? During the course of the year, Bidfood Ingredients made a piece of land available, grassed the area and created a mini soccer field – the ‘Bidfood Ingredients stadium’! This has spurred many a lunchtime practice and guaranteed the team’s competitive edge. bidvoice issue 4 2009 55 REST AND RELAXATION Supporting the Highveld Lions Konica Minolta South Africa has confirmed its fourth consecutive season that the company will be believe our investment will carry on contributing to continued support of the bizhub Highveld Lions backing the franchise. the development of players, the franchise and the cricket team by renewing its sponsorship of R2.2 million for the 2009/2010 season. This is the “As the proud sponsor of the bizhub Highveld Lions cricket team for the past three years, we game of cricket,” says Janine Ferreira, Konica Minolta South Africa, public relations officer. A budding author One of the Budget Rent a Car suppliers, Doug Cunningham – who cleans their vehicles on a contract basis – has published his first book which was written in their car park whilst he was keeping an eye on his staff. Doug has been involved with Budget Rent a Car for some years and has entrenched himself as part of the team; he has even carried out small repairs on vehicles without being asked. His book, “Storm clouds over Africa”, encompasses the ‘hopes, dreams, despair and best of all faith’ of all those – in Rhodesia – who wanted to create a better world for everyone living there. The Budget team is very proud of this special friend and colleague. 56 bidvoice issue 4 2009 Gert Otto, Prestige at Afrisam industrial site in Lichtenburg, North West participating in the 2009 Argus cycle challenge. Gert competes in the age group males 50 – 54 and finished in his group as 1667 out of 2336 participants. WINNING STREAK Competition time 4/09 Answer the two questions and win R1 000 cash Bidvoice 3/2009 winners 1. What is the theme of the Namibian advertising campaign? 2. Give the date that Bidvest Namibia listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange. Pick n Pay vouchers Clue for Q1: Look on page 19 for the article. Clue for Q2: See the highlights page and the article on page 34. Rozelda Mansfield, Voltex – Paarl Teboho Shabalala, Magnum Shield – Johannesburg Entry form Deadline: Friday, February 5 2010 Only employees of Bidvest companies may enter. Only one entry per person. Prizes not claimed after one month will be reallocated. Answers: 1. 2. Your details First name and surname:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of company (indicate whether head office or branch and location):___________________________________________________________________________________ Anwar Hameed, SABT, Island View – Durban Colleen Greevelink, Safcor Panalpina – Port Elizabeth Nicolene van den Heever, Afcom – Bloemfontein Send your competition entries and full name and address to: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Editor, Bidvoice, c/o mymarket.com (by any of the following methods) Work street address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fax: +27 (86) 612 7546 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone and fax:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email address:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: [email protected] Post: PO Box 87274, Houghton 2041, South Africa bidvoice issue 4 2009 57 bidvoice issue 4 2009 58
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