December 2019
LADUMA
Message from the MD
TREE donation
Emergency Preparedness Drill Ready for any situation is how Kelvin Timm, Fire Officer, describes the NCP SHEQ team, and to make sure the company emergency team members stay on their toes when it comes to dealing with emergency situations, a simulated ‘fire’ on top of Meths based tank in Western Yard was reported during October. During the event, arranged with the eThekwini Fire Department, the company’s fire, crisis management and first aid team gets into high gear to deal with the emergency. The drill also requires for an ‘injury’ to be reported, giving the first aid team members the opportunity to show off their skills as Level 2 First Aiders.
Peter Starling, Managing Director Following on from the celebration of 150 years of distilling on the banks of the Umgeni River last year we close 2019 with obvious activities related to the next generation of NCP occurring on site. Already we can see that the change will be major, and we are only at the civils stage of the NCP 100 project, new equipment will be delivered and erected during 2020 and by the end of next year the site will be almost unrecognisable. With the many disruptions it is vitally important that we continue to focus on doing the right things well, not allowing distractions to negatively impact on producing and delivering top quality alcohol to our customers. I am extremely pleased with the way that all at NCP have played their part in this and it is rewarding to note NCP’s financial performance during the year. An improved South African sugar crop resulted in increased local molasses availability and although disposal of CMS remained a problem and restricted achievement of full operational capacity at times during the year, we have achieved results not seen for a number of years. 2020 will be a year of change because while the project team focusses on the construction of the new plant, the rest of us must prepare ourselves for the new equipment, new operational requirements, new raw materials, new products and new maintenance programs that will become operational in 2021. As we know change brings its own challenges and sometimes frustration, but we should consider how privileged we are to be working for a company that is investing substantially in its growth. Considering the stress, the South African economy is under and the poor performance of many companies across all industry sectors the believe that our shareholders and financiers are showing in NCP and all of us, the current custodians, is significant.
Towards the end of September 2019 redundant Wendy houses were dismantled due to improvements that had to be made on the site. These three Wendy houses, were donated to TREE, an amazing non-profit organisation that specialises in Early Childhood Development (ECD), resource and training. TREE repurposes wood to create learning stations, small libraries and care centres for underprivileged and orphaned children to promote early childhood development. ‘The NCP projects team thoroughly enjoyed this project as we had an incredible opportunity to give back to the community through TREE,’ Kuben Naicker, Chemical Engineering In-Service Trainee.
It’s time to shine – Casual Day 2019 It was a case of “Go with your Glow” during NCP Alcohol’s participation in Casual Day on 6 September. Employees were encouraged to shine their light to highlight the rights of people with disabilities under the guise of “From the sparkle in/on your eyes to the bright neon somewhere on your outfit”. And the carrot at the end of the stick? The Laduma newsletter cover picture for the craziest Casual Day team photo! The theme of TIME TO SHINE / GO WITH YOUR GLOW set out to achieve many things. From highlighting and showcasing the brilliance that’s created when South Africans unite behind a truly great cause, to encouraging people to shine their light and take up their rights. This is as persons with disabilities no longer are relegated to the shadows; they are being called upon to stand out, to be visible and to be seen for their sake.
It’s a thumb’s up for the 2019 IMS audit NCP Alcohols is delighted to report that a pleasing result was received from the first re-certification audit on the updated Integrated Management System (IMS). Lorraine Mudaly, SHEQ systems manager, unpacks the specifics: The first re-certification audit on the updated Integrated Management System (IMS) took place between the 22nd and 26th July 2019. The IMS, which comprises of the ISO 9001, Quality Management System, ISO 14001, Environmental Management system and ISO 45001, Occupational Health and safety management system was updated in 2018 to meet the ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards respectively. At NCP Alcohols, we’ve been running an IMS since 2010 which has allowed us to conduct integrated audits and assessments. This has enabled us to eliminate the amount of time interrupted due to audits and optimize processes and resources. The audit was conducted by SGS and was led by Ms. Saretha van Tonder. The focus of the audit was primarily to verify NCP Alcohols compliance to the applicable ISO standards, which strongly focuses on identification and mitigation of significant business risks. A pleasing result was achieved from the audit as there were only 8 minor non-conformances raised and new ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certificates were awarded to us.
2
LADUMA December 2019
NCP Alcohols carried out several upgrades throughout the company in 2019, none more important than to the company’s fire alarm system. According to Lorraine Mudaly, SHEQ systems manager at NCP, the company’s fire alarm system serves as a life safety system. Its purpose is to send out a warning signal to alert all stakeholders on site of an emergency and the need to evacuate safely to the appropriate assembly point. “Certain components of the previous fire alarm system were more than 20 years old and an increase in the number of system faults were being experienced as a result of the ageing system. “As the system was outdated, it comprised of conventional manual call points linked to zone monitoring units. These were housed in junction boxes as direct communication with the fire alarm panel was not possible with conventional manual call points. Aside from the additional system components that needed to be managed and maintained with this type of configuration, several faults related to the zone monitoring units were noted.
We have an opportunity and a responsibility to add our contribution on the next stage of NCP’s journey. 2020 will be a stimulating and challenging year so enjoy the festive season and if you are taking some time off, relax with your families and travel safely. Thank you for your support and commitment during 2019, best wishes and happy holidays.
Life line thrown to outdated fire alarm system
,
The IMS audit team seen here are Kovilen Moodley, Lorraine Mudaly Saretha van Tonder, Ed Tison and Leon Govender.
“The conventional manual call points were replaced with addressable, weatherproof units which were wired directly to the panel and now facilitate ‘seamless’ trouble shooting.”
LADUMA December 2019
3
Las Vegas Extravaganza On 5 December the “Entertainment Capital of the World” moved from the west to the east when the staff of NCP Alcohols dressed in their brightest and blingiest for a Las Vegas Extravaganza on South African soil. And they most certainly came “All Shook Up” - it was EXtravagant, EXcessive and EXtraordinary! Keith Pillay put on his “Blue Suede Shoes” as our very own Elvis master of ceremonies while Shae de la Hunt-James provided the entertainment. Lorraine Mudaly started her vote of thanks with a quote from Saint Ambrose - “No duty is more important than that of returning thanks”. The team responsible for making the Vegas Extravaganza happen were first up with a well-deserving thumbs up for a thoroughly entertaining afternoon. The whole staff contingent of NCP then got their praises sung after a memorable 2019. “It marked the beginning of a new chapter for NCP with the start of the NCP 100 Project. Sure, we have faced challenges. There were days when we laughed together, there were days when we’ve cried together when we lost our colleagues and extended family members, there were days when tempers flared and we were tempted to call each other names but the most memorable days are the days we stood together, put aside our differences to achieve common goals and did what was best for NCP. For that, I thank you. Each one of you is responsible for making NCP the company that it is today.”
a
Nomvula Njaph - 10 years
4
LADUMA December 2019
Sanele Mazibuko - 5 years
Lungile Makhany a - 15 years
Mark Immelman - 10 years
Shon Roopnar ain - 10 years
LADUMA December 2019
5
Purpose of the Internal Audit
NCP strut its stuff at largest career fair in South Africa
There are various important reasons for completing internal audits, including ensuring proper controls, governance and risk management processes are in place. At NCP Alcohols it is no exception. Kovilen Moodley, a SHEQ student at NCP, explains how internal audits are conducted to ensure the Integrated Management System (IMS) here at the company is aligned to adhere to the right standards. Internal audits are conducted in order to ensure that NCP Alcohols Integrated Management System (IMS) has the proper controls, governance and risk management processes in place; that they are operating effectively and are aligned to the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management system standards. One of main objectives of internal audits is to add value and improve the company’s processes by highlighting the gaps in the system and allowing for the necessary corrective action to be taken.
the company to undergo auditor training which enables them to conduct an audit efficiently. Nominated lead auditors steer the audit team and ensures that the audit process runs in an effective and unbiased manner. When an audit is being conducted on a specific department all members of that team are involved in the process by responding to auditors’ queries and providing the necessary evidence to demonstrate compliance. Internal audits take place annually for each department within the company. An internal audit schedule is set at the beginning of the year which stipulates when each departmental audit will take place and which auditors are going to be conducting the audit. Diagram source: https://16949store.com
The approach previously adopted by the audit team involved auditing specific elements of the ISO standards. This approach did not allow for the auditor to review and understand the process that was being audited. The audit team has since decided that adopting the processapproach to auditing via the assistance of the turtle diagram (flow chart); is aligned to ISO principles and allows for an efficient and “value-adding” audit to be conducted. A turtle diagram can be described as a quality tool used to visually display process characteristics such as inputs, process, outputs and other criteria that provide a “snap-shot” of the process being audited. This quality tool has enabled the audit team to view departmental processes from start to end which has now allowed for the internal audit process to be more comprehensive therefore bringing about a more effective outcome. Our team of auditors have been selected from all departments within
Holiday safety tips and help lines After a bustling year with barely a moment to spare between all that work, studies, school and home produced, it is now time to take that much needed break. The NCP Alcohols family certainly is deserving of putting up their feet and taking a breather, before it all starts again in 2020. Before the phones are switched to “family and friends only”- mode and laptops only being hauled out for entertainment purposes, just a brief pause for a reality check though. It is the festive season indeed and time to be jolly, but that doesn’t mean the normal wheels of life stop turning. Thousands of South Africans, including some here at NCP, will hit the road on their way to a favourite holiday destination. To arrive alive and safe, the Automobile Association has the following safety tips: 1. Plan your trip in advance: Make sure you have a safe route planned and work out which rest stops will work best for you along the way. 2. Stock up on your sleep: Get some rest before you begin your journey. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep for two consecutive nights to build up your energy reserves. 3. Pack your car safely: Take care when you pack your car; do not overload your vehicle and do not allow your vision of the rear of the vehicle to be blocked. So, make sure that any baggage which is not packed in the boot is safely secured inside the vehicle.
6
LADUMA December 2019
Controlled and efficient logistics
4. Last checks before you leave: Before you hit the road, fill your car’s tank, check the oil and water, and top up your engine coolant. Ensure that you check your tyre pressure and tread, and double-check that of your spare wheel. 5. Fill up on fuel for you, not just your car: Keep a variety of vitamin-packed, healthy foods in the car with you. Nibbling on carrots, almonds and biltong (for example) will help you to skip the fast-food stops. And stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up. 6. Sit up straight: Make sure your seat is adjusted properly for your body and tilted for maximum blood flow. If you feel a driving “trance” coming on, sit up straight, breathe, and even open the window for some fresh air. 7. Keep the kids entertained: Long drives with kids can often lead to squabbles and whining. So, make sure your children are entertained with books, puzzles and other time-killing diversions. 8. Stop for the night: Breaking your journey up over two (or more) days is a great excuse to explore some lesser-known destinations in South Africa. Plus, you’ll be putting safety first by prioritising your rest.
Keep these helplines close by in case of an emergency: COUNTRYWIDE:
Emergency cell number from any cell phone anywhere in South Africa 112 SAPS Crime Stop - 08600 10111 Suicide Crisis Line - 0800 567 567 Disaster Operations Centre 080 911 4357 Crisis Line - 0861 574747 Flying Squad - 10111 National ambulance emergency 10177 Life Line South Africa - 011 715 2000 Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 or sms 31393 Depression and Mental Health Helpline - 0800 567 567
KWAZULU-NATAL
Emergency Call Centre - 031 311 1111 Fire / Ambulance - 031 361 0000 Metro Police - 031 361 0000 Life Line Durban - 031 303 1344
NCP Alcohols was one of the 172 companies exhibiting at the Durban University of Technology’s World of Work Career fair in August. Together with more than 700 industry representatives they catered to 33 000 students and learners. With changes afoot in regards to DUT phasing out the Engineering Diploma and In-service component, NCP will need to look at changing our recruitment strategy from S4 students to graduates. An increased number of students visiting our stands this year were therefore graduates looking for work experience. Over the years, NCP recruited students from a broad range of disciplines – Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical (Heavy Current) Engineering, Process Instrumentation, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, SHEQ, and Maritime/ Logistics. This year there were once again a large number of operations management and industrial engineering students who expressed interest in NCP. These students possess a unique set of skills and given an enabling environment, they can add immense value to the company. The buzz word at this year’s WOW was ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’ with
a large focus on talent development, upskilling, retraining, collaboration and cooperative education between universities, government, students and industry. With the youth (aged 15–34 years) accounting for 63,4% of the total number of unemployed South Africans, universities and government cannot solve this problem alone. Hence the importance of partnerships with industries like ourselves. By giving students the opportunity to gain work experience, we are greatly increasing their employability and at the same time they contribute significantly to NCP.
NCP recently moved their drum storage logistics operations to a more centrally located area to minimise Hyster traffic and in order to create a more controlled and efficient logistics process. To compliment the efficiencies ever further, the site’s Western yard island was also converted into 14 spacious parking bays for full and empty iso-tanker and container parking. ‘The final touch to complete this efficiency drive was added when we moved the drum filling operation and offices during April this year,’ says Lumeshni Pillay, Process Technician.
*A word of thanks to the two teams manning the NCP stand over the two days. Thank you to the supervisors and managers that allowed their students and staff to be a part of this great experience, especially considering the vast amounts of work we have on site. It truly was an enlightening and enriching experience for them. To the students, you did NCP proud! Thank you for the passion, professionalism and energy you put into this event.” Lumeshni Pillay, Process Technician and WOW stand manager.
Thailand Academic Visit NCP Alcohols was delighted to play host to a visiting delegation from the Songkla University in Thailand towards the end of November. Ace Govender, quality manager at NCP, and Jay Paramanund, from the cooperative department at the Durban University of Technology, were the welcoming party. Prof. Dr Charoen Nakason, vice president of Songkla University and Dr. Tule Sirikitputtisak, assistant president for International Affairs, Cooperative Education and Special Affairs Prince of Songkla University, were the guests.
Warm Welcome Awaits NCP Visitors Every day is Coffee Day if you happen to have a meeting near Zeph Mhlongo’s kitchen. LADUMA December 2019
7
Long Service Awards –
Once you arrive, you stay! NCP Alcohols has a 150 year history of manufacturing and supplying award-winning high quality neutral potable ethanol and other related products for a wide range of industries around the globe. With a vision ‘to be a world class producer and supplier of quality natural ethanol products, focusing with passion on building strong partnerships to grow with our customers”, it is no wonder that the company has a legacy of a very low staff turnover. A “long” long service awards ceremony is hosted Peter Starling, Managing Director, annually in honour of employees with more than 15 years’ service and just one look at the staggering number of years that our 2019 Long Service Awards employees have notched up, the ‘family’ feel at NCP is evident.
Les Appalsamy 40 years
Leonard Nzama 35 years
Hezekia Zungu 35 years
Lance Ethell 30 years
Andreas Mazibuko 30 years
Ravi Govindasamy 30 years
Vicky Singh 30 years
Ashraf Moosa 15 years
Don Pillay 15 years
Logan Naicker 15 years
Avril Chetty 15 years
Patrick Dladla 15 years
What NCP’s meant to me in my life – Siphokazi Majozi where she spent four years as an operations controller and one year as a shift manager in the fermentation, evaporation and distillation plants. Siphokazi describes her development as an essential part of her growth at NCP.
Siphokazi Majozi receives her 15-year long service award from Peter Starling. Looking back on 15 years at NCP Alcohols, for Siphokazi Majozi the resilience of her fellow employees stands out and how they managed to adapt to the various changes in the company during this time. Siphokazi, currently in the production department, has never worked anywhere else than at NCP. Fresh out of her studies at the Durban University of Technology, she was an in-service trainee in 2004 while she was also involved with student work at the evaporation and distillation plants. She later trained at the vinegar and rum plants before moving to the production department
8
LADUMA December 2019
“I have spent the last 10 years in various managerial roles for secondary products and utilities. I have also been involved in other peripheral roles like equity committee member, first aider and chairperson of the Leafy Leapers running club. This all has helped me to understand the people and the organisation much better as it gave me a broader view.” It’s difficult to compare her working life at NCP with anything else, as she’s never been employed anywhere else, says Siphokazi. However, her “seasonal life” at the company has only made her a better-rounded employee. “Different challenges have come with each role that I have fulfilled. There have also been many good times and precious moments that I have carried with me over the years. The 15 year long service award was a significant time for me to reflect. What has stood out for me is the resilience of all people that have stayed with the company for a long time and how each person had to constantly change with all the changes that have occurred over time.”
Rugby World Cup 2019 In an effort to build some ‘gees’, employees at NCP Alcohols were encouraged to share funny selfies in the weeks leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019. Fridays were renamed “Green and Gold Bokke Friday” and staff were encouraged to wear their national team regalia. The ‘gees’ must have travelled all the way to Japan as the Springboks were crowned World Champions on 2 November for a third time!
Published by Seafrog Communication www.seafrogcommunication.com