Enterprise Africa August 2023

EDITOR Joe Forshaw

 joe@enterprise-africa.net

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Sam Hendricks

 sam@enterprise-africa.net

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER James Davey

 jamesd@enterprise-africa.net

PROJECT MANAGER Ekwa Bikaka

 ekwa@enterprise-africa.net

PROJECT MANAGER Terry Hanley

 terry@enterprise-africa.net

PROJECT MANAGER Eleanor Sarbutt-King

 eleanor@enterprise-africa.net

PROJECT MANAGER Jamie Waters

 jamie@enterprise-africa.net

LEAD DESIGNER Aaron Protheroe

 aaron@enterprise-africa.net

FINANCE MANAGER Isabel Murphy

 isabel@enterprise-africa.net

CONTRIBUTOR Manelesi Dumasi

CONTRIBUTOR Timothy Reeder

CONTRIBUTOR Benjamin Southwold

CONTRIBUTOR William Denstone

The engineering excellence in South Africa, often borne out of the mining industry, is unique and in high demand. The country’s knowledge and experience is fantastic – there’s few that have mines as deep, buildings as big, roads as long, and bridges as strong. Unfortunately, much continues to be lost to emigration but those that remain make a major difference in the country that needs it. With major opportunities in power, infrastructure, and industry, engineers are needed, and remain the backbone of building a prosperous future for South Africa.

At SGB-SMIT Power Matla – a leading manufacturer of transformers and associated electrical equipment – the next generation of electrical engineers is preparing to build on South Africa’s’ power grid, updating and improving, and reducing grid access congestion as (hopefully) new generating capacity comes online. German heritage combined with local excellence makes for a business that is able to grow and adapt to meet the demands of local conditions.

Red Metal Mining Project Engineers is also making a huge difference through the deployment of engineering expertise. Manufacturing and installing electrical transformers in the mines to keep tools working, this is a business that major mining houses simply could not operate without. In the quest for vital earth minerals for societal transformation, Red Metal Mining is helping miners to go deeper than ever before.

In Kenya, in Eldoret – the town famous for its well-engineered athletic champions – engineers work hard at the Water and Sanitation company, ELDOWAS. This leading water utility is aiming to be the best in the country, and operate to world-class standards, reducing waste, improving overall provision, and doing so in a cost-effective manner for consumers.

Columbit engineers are providing an after-sales service like no other, repairing and maintaining food and beverage equipment around the country, helping to keep providers on task and efficient. It’s a complicated job, with much learning involved, bringing skills from around the world.

Published by

Chris Bolderstone – General Manager

E. chris@cmb-multimedia.co.uk

Fuel Studios, Kiln House, Pottergate, Norwich NR2 1DX +44 (0) 1603 855 161 www.cmb-media.co.uk

CMB Media Group does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

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Without the engineers who solve problems, the future will forever be more difficult. Without engineers, the pessimists will likely be proved right. Let’s do everything possible to keep engineering expertise in SA. Let us know ow your company is putting engineers to work to solve fundamental issues.

We’re online, as always, at LinkedIn.

GAYDONS

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PRIDE MILLING

Exponential Growth for Vital SA Grain Business

COLUMBIT Productivity and Efficiency – the Base of Good Business

MEDSCHEME Medscheme and AfroCentric to Expand African Exposure

CADCON

Proud History Opens Up Bright Future

FISHER DUGMORE FINANCIAL

Now is the Time to Start Your Financial Plan

GRAND REINSURANCE

First Choice Reinsurer Across Africa

60

TRAINING SOLUTIONS

Empowerment & Advancement Through Research & Education

PRODUCTION: Sam Hendricks

Shifting Knowledge to Insight is the promise by Enterprises University of Pretoria, a training and advisory solutions provider from a leading research university. A dynamic catalyst for innovation and growth, Enterprises UP provides comprehensive skills development solutions for individuals, private companies, and the public sector to help shape the workforce of the future.

Skills development stands as a vital pillar for propelling growth and triumph among African organisations. The convergence of disruptive forces has propelled us into the 5th Industrial Revolution (5IR), framed by the D-VUCAD environment. The 5IR encompasses not just the digital and technological facets of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), but also integrates the essential human factor. D-VUCAD encapsulates the present landscape, characterized by Disruption, Volatility, Uncertainty, Ambiguity, and Diversity.

The only way businesses can maintain their competitive advantage in this rapidly changing information immersed world, is to out-think, out-learn, and out-create the competition. Skills development has become increasingly important for organisations and individuals across Africa. As economies evolve and industries become more competitive, it’s essential for employees to continually learn new skills and enhance their abilities.

Enterprises University of Pretoria has been at the forefront of training and skills development for over 20 years, leveraging experts from the University of Pretoria and private sector. Providing a range of scheduled short courses and customised corporate training to meet the growing demands of changing global business and professional environments.

Enterprises UP is committed to providing the best possible learning experience for its delegates. To achieve this, it continually re-evaluates and updates its instructional methods, ensuring that its courses are designed to maximise delegate success rates and prepare them for the future world of work.

Through this approach, Enterprises UP aims to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in any dynamic and evolving environment, anywhere in the world.

TRAINING SOLUTIONS

Enterprises UP’s Training Solutions is headed by Executive Manager Henry Karow , and he explains that the range of solutions on offer is deliberate and ensures a great product for almost every need in the market.

“We offer an extensive range of courses across 140 disciplines from the nine faculties of the University of Pretoria. Our training programmes are designed to future-proof both individuals and companies”

“Our bespoke solutions are co-developed in partnership with our clients, grounded in the current challenging market environment. We design and create experiences that activate learning and transform leaders at all levels so they can become accelerators of transformation in their organisations”

“We are easily accessible, we have an extensive range of courses with subject matter experts from the University of Pretoria producing our courses, we create tailored and bespoke solutions, and we are very targeted and innovative. We have a global footprint and we are seen as a thought leader in the market,” says Mr Karow.

In 2022, Enterprises UP successfully served around 13,500 delegates with course topics ranging from agriculture and food security to law and human rights. To achieve scale the business has invested in its distribution, catering for traditional in-house learning as well as digital and onsite courses.

“Our goal is to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” he says.

Henry Karow Executive Manager

Investing in Skills Development

KEY REASONS TO INVEST IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WITH ENTERPRISES UP:

A single point of entry for all training, research and advisory services

Personalised services to achieve unique business and professional development goals. Innovative solutions for targeted training and critical business insight.

An extensive African and global footprint.

Draw from leading industry experts and South Africa’s finest thought leaders.

WHY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IS CRUCIAL:

1. Improved productivity

A workforce can increase productivity by up to 30% through skills development.

2. Enhanced innovation and creativity

Equip employees to develop new ideas for challenges through skills development.

3. Increased employee retention

Employees are more likely to stay with an organisation that invests in their development.

TESTIMONIALS

“I had a great time attending this course, it was well structured, the facilitator was well-equipped and able to link theory to practice in terms of daily activities but also in terms of larger organisational aspects. The facilitator was able to take us through all relevant areas and went the extra mile to ensure we understand risk management.” – A recent Public Sector Risk Management course delegate.

“The programme is quite extensive and I use the subject matter on a daily basis. It helps me manage my team better.” – A recent Management Development Programme delegate.

“I would encourage everyone, irrespective of professional level to do this training in order to manage programmes better.” – A recent Project Quality, Risk and Time Management course delegate.

4. Competitive advantage

CPD courses for professionals equip employees with the ability to adapt to changing market demands.

5. Compliance with legislation

Skills development is a legal requirement in South Africa.

6. Addressing skills shortages

Investing in skills development can address South Africa’s skills shortage and improve the overall quality of the workforce.

UPCOMING COURSES

Enterprises UP offerings include more than 500 career-focused training programmes and short courses that address the specific needs of various sectors and industries. These offerings are carefully designed to tackle the current and future needs of the ever-changing workplace. Whether you are looking to upskill, reskill, or embark on a new career path, Enterprises UP’s training solutions are designed to empower delegates with the necessary knowledge and competencies.

“Our courses are tailored to meet the diverse needs and preferences of our clients. We understand that flexibility is key, which is why we offer various learning formats including contact, online, virtual, and blended learning training interventions,” says Mr Karow, highlighting the fact that anyone can choose the method that best suits their schedule, learning style, and specific requirements.

PROGRAMME IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT

One of the core focus areas for Enterprises UP right now is Project Management. This niche but vital area is helping the business to unleash potential for businesses and individuals. One of the most in-demand courses available today, the Programme in Project Management (PPM) is highly regarded by employers and is delivered effectively by Enterprises UP. In March, the company celebrated its most recent batch of graduating delegates alongside the Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) at a ceremony in Pretoria. Currently, Enterprises UP offers a range of project management products for clients across different industry sectors.

“The Programme in Project Management (PPM) has been presented since 1997. With over 180 intakes and continuously updated content, the PPM has gained recognition and respect in the job market, benefiting thousands of professionals in both business and government sectors,” says Mr Karow.

The GSTM at the University of Pretoria is responsible for the academic content of the PPM. At the forefront of project management education in Africa, the GSTM brings together academic excellence and practical relevance. The PPM offers the flexibility of online learning, enabling delegates to study at their own pace and convenience, wherever and whenever it suits them.

The comprehensive PPM curriculum covers various key areas, including project management principles and practices, scheduling, project risk and quality management, procurement and contract management, financial principles, legal aspects, and project management in a business context. Delivered through a user-friendly online platform, each module offers engaging study materials fostering a structured learning experience.

Importantly, the PPM is acknowledged by ECSA, PMSA, SACPCMP, SACNASP and the PMI and this recognition boosts candidate success on course completion with candidates

able to apply for professional designation as a Project Manager (PM) conferred by Project Management South Africa (PMSA). PMSA is the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised professional body representing the interests of project managers across sectors.

The exceptional coverage of Enterprises UP is what makes it unique. There are few, if any, that can boast the range, scope, and scale of Enterprises UP, and none that can support academic and theoretical principles with practical delivery. Covering 140 disciplines, with access to 7,500 faculty members and 760 different experts across different courses each year, the company runs 300–600 courses and welcomes around 750 intakes annually. International exposure is also an important separator for the company, active in 26 countries and attracting 5,000 delegates from outside of South Africa’s borders.

“We cover everything from how to safely blast a mine to how to perform surgery on a baby – that is what makes us different from the regular training providers in the market,” says Mr Karow.

Enterprises UP continues to deliver on its promise of Shifting Knowledge to Insight. Get in touch today to advance and develop your human assets and propel your business forward alongside a partner with unrivalled expertise.

MORE THAN 45 NEW, UPCOMING COURSES

• Advanced Course in Employee Assistance Programmes

• Advanced Course in Hygienic Engineering and Design

• Advanced Course in Supervision and Management in the Social Sciences - Virtual

• Advanced Course in the Management of Performance and Discipline

• Aerial surveying (UAV) for 3-D surface modelling and detailed mapping

• Asset Management and GRAP Asset Accounting (Pretoria)

• Basic Course in Employee Assistance Programmes

• Basic Course on Supervision in the Social Sciences (Virtual)

• Business Process Management

• Business Writing

• Chamber of Mines Geotechnical Engineering Practitioner Theory [Paper 1 Preparation]

• Compliance Management - Online

• Contract Drafting

• Digital Marketing and Creative Writing

• Enhanced GROW Coaching

• Exam Preparation workshop for the Mine Managers Certificate of Competence: Legal Knowledge

• Executive Development Programme for the Public Sector

• Fraud Risk Management

• HIV and AIDS Counselling and Management - Virtual

• Human Resources, Communication and Scope Management in Projects

• Labour Dispute Resolution for Labour Relation Practitioners (Virtual) 02 October

• Mediation in Practice

• Modelling and Simulation of Wastewater Treatment Processes

• Museum Studies, Conservation and Preservation skills

• Online Course in E-Business and E-Commerce

• Online Course in National Credit Regulator (NCR) Debt Counselling

• Online Innovation in Industrialisation

• Online Masterclass: Equipping the Healthcare Professionals to Support Females Participating in Contact Sports

• Online Systems Thinking and Engineering

• Online Technology Management

• Outcomes-Based Monitoring and Evaluation

• Programme in the Detection and Investigation of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

• Project Estimating and Procurement

• Project Management Principles and Practices

• Project Management Principles and Practices with Microsoft Project

• Project Management Professional Exam Preparation (PMP®)

• Public Sector Risk Management

• Report Writing - Virtual

• Short Course in Design Solutions to accelerate SA’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets within the built environment by 2030

• Short Course in Life Design Counselling

• Short Course in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for Healthcare Professionals

• Strategic Environmental Management

• Supply Chain Management Fundamentals Board Game

• Transdisciplinary Research Communication Course

• Virtual Information Security Management

• Virtual Principles and Practices of Business Analysis

SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA

New Transformer Factory Open and Thriving in Pretoria

PRODUCTION: Jamie Waters

New leadership and a state-of-the-art new facility is allowing power transformer manufacturing business SGB-Smit Power Matla to demonstrate its unique ability to produce size and quality. CEO Sibulele Dlova talks to Enterprise Africa about progress since joining the company last year.

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

Sibulele Dlova, CEO

including a lack of upskilling and the need for infrastructure investment, and set about finding a solution. Extremely technical and complex, manufacturing even a small transformer is an engineering challenge that involves multiple processes. “I spoke to my Germany counterparts and requested them to make more effort in terms of skills transfer and sharing best practices in transformer manufacturing.”

COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE

In Cape Town, smaller distribution transformers - pole mounted transformers, mini subs and very small transformers which have a voltage level of up to 33 kV - are manufactured for local and export markets including the US and UK. “It is very exciting that this year, we have broken through to international markets. We are still servicing our local clients and we are now expanding our footprint.

“In Pretoria, we make bigger sizes, 20 MVA or 40 MVA and we go all the way up to 500 MVA. We are the only transformer manufacturing company in the southern part of Africa that can make these bigger 3A or 3B transformers,” explains Dlova.

//Sibulele Dlova, CEO at SGB-Smit Power Matla, took the reins at the company in November 2022. At the time, the manufacturer of electrical transformers had lost some spark. The Covid-19 pandemic was still present, global logistics challenges were wreaking chaos across supply chain flows, and a devastating fire had wiped out the company’s factory capacity in Pretoria. When Dlova arrived, she quickly went about assessing and prioritising.

“My mandate is to turn the company around,” she smiles. “We have experienced challenges around finance, quality, and upskilling, and it is critical that I address those issues first.”

SGB-Smit Power Matla is the local arm of the wider SGB-Smit Group, based in Germany. A historic business in the

South African manufacturing industry combined with a highly successful local empowerment organisation active across multiple industries, the structure provides the ideal connection for positivity. In South Africa, the company has two facilities, one in Cape Town and one in Pretoria, as well as an insulation business, Calidus. For more than 100 years, SGB-Smit has been a leading name in the manufacture of transformers for international markets, and after opening its doors in South Africa in 1944 and going through much transformation to bring it to where it is today, the company has become a driving force in supporting energy security in the country.

Dlova, an energy and engineering expert, immediately found hurdles

But the Pretoria factory has been another key challenge for the CEO following the fire which broke out after a testing operation in 2021. While a successful evacuation ensured no one was hurt, equipment and infrastructure were damaged beyond repair. Thankfully, the decisions were taken to rebuild and Dlova is keen to see the facility reach its potential as soon as possible.

“Last year, we produced 36 units in total (partly because of fire and other issues). This year, in the first quarter, we have produced 19 units. Clearly, we are already on an upward trajectory

// WE ARE FORMULATING A FORMIDABLE TEAM AND THAT IS EXCITING //

and that is because we have got the people together and fixed some of the errors we had in the processes. We are formulating a formidable team and that is exciting,” she says.

Eskom is still the key client, and the company relies on business from Eskom to grow the manufacturing sector in the country. Eskom, metros, and municipalities all use transformers, and SGB-Smit Power Matla is hoping to penetrate metros and municipalities more.

From Pretoria, the local market is targeted with Eskom as a key client. Botswana Power Company, and NamPower are important utilities, and South Africa’s metros are also buyers of larger transformers as southern African communities battle against an ongoing energy crisis.

“It’s exciting to announce that we have started building the first transformer in the new Large Power

Transformer (LPT), state-of-theart factory in May,” says Dlova. The opening of this factory also has other advantages including job creation and preservation of skills.

With this impressive new asset, alongside a proven track record which shows many units in

operation around the country, Dlova is able to focus on maximising the people power in the business.

PEOPLE POWER

Around 600 direct and indirect employees are supported by SGBSmit Power Matla and the company

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

are looking to employ more women and we are looking for more diversity and inclusion. As a female leader, my eye is on that so that we can continue to transform,” says Dlova.

is eager to nurture talent to assist in diversity and inclusions targets.

“Our staff is majority South African (98%) and we are aggressive about local upskilling. We take in students and women and train them, and we even train Eskom people. We

“We will be recruiting this year, without a doubt. Since we restarted the factory, we have had to add more people and upskilling is also a part of that,” she adds. “Because we are a global company, we have had counterparts from Germany come through once or twice a month to knowledge share and skills transfer. We are starting to understand more about how business is done in Europe compared to how business is done in South Africa. That has been very useful and quite the eye opener for a lot of our teams.”

This wide knowledge base is essential considering the range of products on offer from SGB-Smit Power Matla. The engineering house

produces small, medium, and large power transformers as well as shunt reactors. Three-phase and single-phase units can be manufactured, and autotransformers, arc-furnace, locomotive and traction transformers, miniature sub-stations, NERs, NECs, NECRTs, and oil transformers are also included in the range. The company’s laboratory is also state-of-the-art, providing testing capability and innovation around transformer materials. Dlova wants to see this skillset put to use more in South Africa and export markets.

“The last few years have been tough. We had the fire, and we had Covid which meant we had to lose a few employees. Getting back to the point where we were operating pre-Covid and pre-fire has been quite difficult as we have to upskill many people,” she says.

“Support of local manufacturing on the continent instead of us continuously

// THERE IS A LOT MORE THAT WE CAN DO WHEN IT COMES TO CONTRIBUTION AROUND ENERGY SECURITY IN THE COUNTRY AND ACROSS SOUTHERN AFRICA //

importing is vital,” she adds “We have local talent and we have local manufacturing companies that can produce, but sometimes we experience lack of support from local partners. When you look at the economy in South Africa, it is clear that investing in manufacturing can improve our economic performance. My vision is for us to double the capacity we have in the factories, and we are more than capable of doing that, but we need support and protection from our government.”

INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION

The manufacturing industry in South Africa has been on the decline in the last few years with many factories closing down due to financial challenges. SSPM has also experienced its fair share of financial challenges, but it is still standing and aims to grow stronger. SSPM is a Level 1 BBBEE company that supports a high-quality list of smaller local suppliers in the wider transformer manufacturing value chain in South Africa.

Right now, the majority of transformers that leave the factory are for Eskom and a few metros. For smaller transformers, SGB-Smit Power Matla has good market share in the Western Cape but hopes to penetrate further across the country. Longer-term, Dlova hopes the industry can get to a position where transformers are readily available for utilities to buy ‘off the shelf’ for smaller units and reduced lead times for larger units. All this while not compromising on the quality of the product.

“South Africa is currently experiencing an energy crisis which requires us to be able to support Eskom and municipalities by producing

E.I.S.

Established in 1979 EIS is privately owned and has been continuously active since its inception in the installation, commissioning and ventilation systems for all types of commercial and industrial applications

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transformers. Transformers have a lead time, and so we need to be able to get to a point where lead times for transformers are reduced and we are upskilling more people to make transformers This will happen when we have good planning, transparency, and good communication between customers and suppliers. It’s sad to look at our capacity as a factory and say that we are not at 50%, yet, as a country, we are going through a crisis of this magnitude. There is a lot more that we can do when it comes to contribution around energy security in the country and across southern Africa.”

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Large Power Transformer (LPT) part of the factory is open for business. The company and others in this critical industry are vital in the future

energy security of the region. Dlova states that the company has made many improvements in the past few months and is looking forward to working with various partners by producing transformers in the new, fresh, state-of-the-art SGB-Smit Power Matla LPT factory in Pretoria.

“The factory is ready to service the Southern African market and the world, enabling security of supply through power evacuation in big transmission corridors,” she concludes, declaring the factories very much open for business.

// WE WANT TO EXPORT TO EUROPE AS WE ARE ALREADY EXPORTING TO THE US AND UK //

Environmental Installation Services (PTY) ltd

SGB-Smit Power Matla Installation

RED METAL MINING PROJECT ENGINEERS

The Power Behind the Mine

PRODUCTION: Eleanor Sarbutt-King

Supplying specially made, high-quality, super strong transformers and electrical equipment for use deep in African mines, Red Metal Mining Project Engineers have seen it all. A long history in the mining industry combined with an innovative and problem-solving nature makes for a business that is the perfect partner for new mines, expansions, or extensions. CEO Lionel Wagner tells Enterprise Africa more about keeping mines electrified.

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MINING

won’t fail. The engineers come to our facility and see the quality of our work, they inspect our processes. They meet our people and hear about our reputation. We get a lot of business this way, and we have a strong pipeline going forward.”

RMM is the sole agent for SGB in sub-Saharan Africa for cast resin dry-type transformers. SGB is the world’s leading manufacturer, based in Germany. Combined with RMM’s local expertise, the end result is a transformer that boasts superior quality and safety.

Transformers arrive at the company’s 3000 m2 site in Gauteng before being craned into the manufacturing space and being housed in the RMM custom-designed unit. From here, through a set of ISO certified processes, the company creates 1000kVA to 25 mVA cast resin dry-type transformers and underground cast resin mini substations, as well as oil immersed transformers.

The world’s mines use a monumental amount of electricity to unearth the valuable minerals that we need to live and work. Powering progress is difficult and costly. Typically in remote, rural locations, bringing reliable electricity supply to mines is an engineering challenge. And when the power arrives on site, working with it to remain safe and usable is a fresh hurdle for local teams to jump. In South Africa, where electricity supply is a major national problem, the mines are coming up with new solutions to keep the lights on.

Whatever the source – whether Eskom grid, solar installation, furnace generation, or any alternative – when the power is generated, it must then be transported underground and made usable. Doing so in a safe and sustainable way is a major problem. Usually coming in at 11,000 volts, the current is dropped to allow for safe working with machinery and tools.

Specialists head to the face in the mining shaft, often deep underground, and drill shotholes, where explosives blast away rock to be transported up and away for processing.

For this, specialist transformers are required. Robust, durable, temperature controlled, built to size, and above all, safe, these are essential high-performance assets that must be supplied by experts.

Edenvale-based Red Metal Mining Project Engineers (RMM) is an industry leader in the design, manufacture, maintenance, and support of transformers for the mining industry, allowing miners to work at optimal levels, without interruption resulting from electrical failure or voltage drops.

It’s highly technical, highly skilled work, and CEO Lionel Wagner tells Enterprise Africa that building a reputation for quality is the only way to be sustainable.

“The big mines want units that

“We handle consulting for companies that need to upgrade their mines. We have electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and next year we will have the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) quality mark,” says Wagner.

The success of the brand and its reputation for quality product and service has taken RMM beyond South Africa’s borders, opening an office in Zambia, to assist the country’s crucial copper industry, and also supporting projects in Angola, Zimbabwe, and Congo. Interest from India and Ethiopia and other parts of the world reinforces the idea that RMM is doing the right thing.

Wagner highlights the strength of the company with a 2016 disaster after which the product is still working as normal today.

“We supplied a transformer that got hit by lightning seven years ago. The housing crumbled and they sent it back to us for repair. We took off the housing and we cleaned it up. There was a small copper buzz bar that

Lionel Wagner, CEO

blew the terminal off. We replaced it and it was back to 100% - after a full lightning strike. The client was very happy, and we have since sold them another 150 transformers.”

SOLE SUPPLIER

RMM was established in 2006, supplying oil transformers into Zambia. When the focus changed to cast resin dry-type transformers, with miners preferring to not have oil underground, the company was careful with innovation and became one of the only businesses to understand the unique needs of African mines.

“Everybody rushed to market and came back with these big products that couldn’t fit down the shaft,” says Wagner. “I flew to Germany and got the sole rights as the sub-Saharan Africa distributor for cast resin transformers. We came up with a design and cooling pack to cool the transformer

RED METAL MINING PROJECT ENGINEERS

that fits into the winder cage.”

An electrical and mechanical engineer, with decades of experience in the mining industry, Wagner is a seasoned entrepreneur who enjoys the practical work.

“I like to be there. I can’t sit still,” he says. “I did my apprenticeship as an armature winder and I started my first business aged 21, repairing electric motors. I then became a workshop manager and design engineer for another company. I learned about designing electric motors and mechanical engineering, and I learned about SolidWorks drawing and flow simulation. I have met many engineers who are purely theoretical and know nothing about doing the work on the ground.”

Growing the business has seen Wagner build a team from just a few engineers in a small office, becoming a multi-factory, multi-

national manufacturing company with 25 experts able to travel around the continent to keep mining moving deeper and further.

“We sell mini subs all over Africa and we just picked up a nice order in Congo. We recently sold 75 subs to a big, diversified miner and 100 to a big coal miner. Our target is to reach R250 million next year,” he says.

“We sell a lot of 630 kVA mini subs,” he adds. “There is always a demand for these products.” As miners move along a horizontal underground shaft, they must put a new mini sub every 800m to avoid voltage drops and keep drills and generators powered.

‘THEY NEED POWER’

In South Africa, RMM remains busy across all types of mine – coal, gold, iron, zinc etc. Every mine requires transformers and the company has become a preferred supplier for many

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MINING

of the international mining houses with multiple sites in SA. In Zambia, copper mining continues to boom as demand for modern battery minerals grows quickly. Congo has some of the world’s largest cobalt reserves - a key mineral in the production of batteries for electrifying society.

“To mine, they need power, and for power, they must have transformers to take high voltage of 11,000 on overhead lines down to 6.6 and

eventually 5.3 volts,” explains Wagner.

“We manufacture PV transformers but once the transformer is there on the mine, it doesn’t matter about the energy source, the transformer is the same.”

Mines have been aggressive about ensuring their power supply and many are turning to renewable energy projects – solar or wind – to energise their sites when national grid supplies become unreliable. For RMM this does not impact workflow or quality. The

company is experienced in transformer connections for all types of supply and is excited that the mines continue to show ambition and innovation.

“The mines are taking things into their own hands. They are putting up their own power plants and they are not waiting for others to dictate the future. One of the big companies just put up a new power plant that cost R30 billion – they are not standing still, they know they need power, and they know they must spend money,” says Wagner.

This is why RMM has invested heavily in the oil transformer side of the business – to give clients across different regions and projects a choice. Today, engineers can pick cast resin or oil transformers, cast resin or oil substations, furnace oil

// TO MINE, THEY NEED POWER, AND FOR POWER, THEY MUST HAVE TRANSFORMERS TO TAKE HIGH VOLTAGE OF 11,000 ON OVERHEAD LINES DOWN TO 6.6 AND EVENTUALLY 5.3 VOLTS //

transformers, oil purification, LV/ MV panels, containerised solutions, and much more, all from RMM.

“We have invested a lot of money into equipment for oil, and we put up a special test bed that we designed inhouse. We have had very good reviews and a number of clients that have come through saying this is the best test bed that they have ever seen,” says Wagner.

Typically, the company works closely with international engineering consultancy firms to ensure world-class rollout. From South Africa, RMM is currently preparing 28 transformers for a project in Zimbabwe, as well as a R20 million order for the second phase of a mine extension project in Zambia, and the first eight of a big contract in Congo.

“There was a company that

RED METAL MINING PROJECT ENGINEERS

supplied 40 transformers to a mine and all 40 failed,” explains Wagner. “The cooling system was made up of big fans pulling air from the surface and

allowing dust and dirt to blow onto the transformers. The mine engineers came to us to replace all of these transformers and we are busy with the first eight

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MINING

right now with the balance to come next year. We use a closed loop system with a patented heat exchanger and an external fan. Our unit has received a lot of design work and is best-in-class.”

UNDENIABLE QUALITY

With mining activity ramping up in 2023, and innovation and reinvention at the heart of many expansion projects, ensuring there is no slowdown in Edenvale is vital for RMM. The factory is home to a sophisticated solar energy back up system, and a wind turbine to produce green power for the site, both connected to an industrial battery system.

Working in confidence that even with severe loadshedding RMM will not be forced to slowdown, the team

continues to build both internally and externally. Wagner encourages frequent upskilling activity and the result is an undeniable reputation for excellence.

“The design engineers are licensed with the engineering board and they take several courses. We pay for all of that and they are upskilled nicely. The private sector is proactive in making plans and that keeps people moving forward. We recently sent an electrician on a course to become an electrical engineer – we are upskilling, we are not waiting. We are building the skilled workforce of the future. SolidWorks runs its own private education system where you work online for certificates. We invested R500,000 in a programme called EPLAN to produce schematic drawings. This allows us to do 3D

modelling and comprehensive plans.

“There are a lot of others out there, but when it comes to cast resin and SGB transformers, we have developed a special technology,” Wagner details.

“People tried cast resin transformers, a dry model cooled by air. They cracked because of expansion and contraction of the wire. SGB came up with a special system for the wiring using epoxy resin. We have sold more than 600 of these transformers and never had a crack - this is the reason people buy from us. Our quality is undeniable; made in Germany. We import the core transformer and wrap it locally. Our products are designed to last at least 20 years in a mine.”

Conditions in deep African mines are harsh. Hot, hard, and dry,

RED METAL MINING PROJECT ENGINEERS

Specialising in the manufacturing and supply of electrical equipment and turnkey solutions

Providing our clients with transformers, substations, control panels, motor control centres, containerised substations, and related products and services.

POWERING INDUSTRIES INCLUDING:

Data Centres & Commercial

Power Distribution

Marine & Offshore

• Industrial

• Oil & Gas

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+27 (0)11 794 9498

sales@redmetal.co.za

• Mining

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SUBSTATIONS

and with unique characteristics that those elsewhere in the world. Operating at the extremes – that advance as mines go deepermeans that standard transformers are simply not good enough.

“We overspec our units,” states Wagner. “European manufacturers tend to only understand +20 degrees at 1000m above sea level. We work, as standard, at 50 degrees, 1800m above sea level. With us, there are no heating problems. Our reputation is built around that and that is why we are a sole supplier of cast resin transformers to some of the biggest

mining companies in the world. There is a special housing which means you can hang the transformer upside down to send down the shaft before moving it across. It’s made out of heavy-duty steel and is very robust, weighing in at 4.5 tons.”

Considering RMM has one of the most reliable, most-recognised, and locally engineered products available, and that mining as we know it still requires electricity deep in the shaft, the company is buoyant about the future. Encouraged by the rampant demand for technology minerals across southern Africa, RMM is strongly positioned.

“We are in a niche market, supplying a top-class product to companies that are prepared to pay for it,” says Wagner.

“We don’t want to become one of the largest transformer manufacturers in the world. We want to put out a quality product on time, keeping our customers happy. Our reputation is superb – I had the call from Ethiopia because of a word-of-mouth recommendation - and we want to keep it that way.”

RMM Project Engineers make the toughest of mining that little easier, and with growing demand from around the continent, it looks likely that the factory in Edenvale will only get busier.

CAST RESIN TRANSFORMERS

PANELS (LV/MV)

OIL TYPE TRANSFORMERS

// WE HAVE INVESTED A LOT OF MONEY INTO EQUIPMENT FOR OIL, AND WE PUT UP A SPECIAL TEST BED THAT WE DESIGNED IN-HOUSE //

GAYDONS MOTOR SPARES

Gaydons in Driver Seat on Covid Recovery Journey

PRODUCTION: James Davey

By providing unrivalled quality, service, and price, Gaydons Motor Spares is building on its reputation as the largest and most reliable independent automotive wholesaler in South Africa. MD Imthiaz Ahmed Bassa tells Enterprise Africa more about how the company is winning the race for market share in a tough industry.

INDUSTRY FOCUS: AUTOMOTIVE

//In December 2022, Gaydons Motor Spares (GMS) – South Africa’s leading independent automotive wholesaler – was celebrating success after a positive experience at Automechanika and a move to a new office in Johannesburg.

“We are a key player in the motor industry,” MD Imthiaz

Ahmed Bassa said at the time.

Operating since 1986, the company has built a reputation from head office in Durban, across its branch in Johannesburg, with a national footprint in South Africa and helping brands move into the continent. GMS’ portfolio is a key strength, offering everything you could need for a car or light commercial vehicle.

This year at Automechanika, GMS was present once again, reiterating its commitment to the local industry,

and showcasing a brilliant range of house brands that has kept customers and end users moving through a challenging period. As a core sponsor at the event, the intention was for the 6000 attendees and 190 other exhibitors to go away recognising GMS as an industry leader and problem solver – a friend of South Africa’s aftermarket automotive industry.

“It’s one of the biggest automotive expos in the world and has become a prestigious international event,” says Bassa.

“We were a significant sponsor of the event and we sponsored bags that were given to every person who attended. Every person was handed a red bag adorned with the Gaydons logo. That was great exposure and we included various bits of info in the bags to bring attention to our house brands.”

This effort was recognised by the show organisers who issued an award for marketing excellence to GMS for the impressive stand.

“We have exhibited at a few events and this is the second time we have claimed an award,” says GMS’ Marketing Consultant, Rehman Kajee. “We set up our stand and we got the bronze award for marketing excellence based on how our stand looked, and we are proud of that because there are companies there that spend close to a million on their stands.”

A STRONG HOUSE

The stand was designed to showcase the company’s impressive portfolio of house brands which are leaders in their markets. These brands kept South African motors moving through the pandemic when spending patterns

GMS at Automechanika 2022

for consumers and businesses were exhausted. GMS has always aimed to provide the best possible quality at the best price, and through its range of tried and tested house brands it has been able to do just that.

“We keep a large selection of brands both international and local, but we are keen on promoting our house brands which have become popular in the local market in South Africa,” says Bassa. “Some of our brands are a household name and they have been around for decades. Slik X Motor Oil (Unleash your engines potential) is one of the oldest brands we have – it is an engine oil and lubricant brand that has a wide range of products for petrol and diesel engine oils, brake fluids and antifreeze.”

Slik X has the closest viscosity to the world’s leading premium brand but for a fraction of the cost and is blended locally.

“Top Drive (Engineered to Perform) is home to a range of timing belts, drive belts, and multi v belts. It’s a

GAYDONS MOTOR SPARES

premium brand with excellent quality and value for money,” adds Bassa.

Bremskraft (Get Your Family There Safely!) is also a longstanding brand which is popular in the local market and is home to discs, drums, pads and shoes. It’s a high-quality, German-engineered brand that gives great mileage at a fantastic price.

“Spitzenza (Drive with Confidence!) is our brand of shock absorbers and struts for light duty vehicles and was launched with us alongside Bremskraft. It has excellent feedback from customers.”

HK Filters (Join the Billionaires Family) is a technology-based filter brand, with over a billion filters already on the road, HK Filters has been well-received in South Africa. “It is very reputable in the market and is in high demand because of its excellent quality with more than a billion filters sold worldwide. It’s an imported brand and is exclusive to us,” says Bassa.

“NR Gaskets (For Sealed in Quality and Performance) is a tried

and tested, extensive range of non-metallic, semi-metallic and metal gaskets and RTV sealers, also exclusive to us,” Bassa exclaimed, “and has cemented its place in the market as a trusted brand for excellent performance in extreme conditions.

“Newer in the house brand stable is Otomotive Parts (Built to MOVE You!), a rapidly growing range of quality electrical components like alternators and starters.” Bassa says that Its popularity is fast growing and consumers are delighted at its exceptional quality and price.

With the additions of Petromin (Performance from the Heart) – a leading Saudi Arabian motor oil brand – and CNC Clutches (Drive Green) – a leading Chinese manufacturer, GMS holds a portfolio of high quality, affordable parts and accessories that meet the needs of almost every client in the market. “Petromin is one of the best brands in the world in its class and CNC Clutches, manufactured to OEM specifications with 29

INDUSTRY FOCUS: AUTOMOTIVE

less frequent. While challenging, Bassa says the company was wellpositioned to ride out the economic breakdown and continues to thrive.

“We pride ourselves on a vast range of various automotive parts. Suspension, drive train, engine, gear box, electrical, lighting, braking, fluids, accessories, mountings – we stock a large range,” he says.

economic environment of struggle.

years of excellence in engineering experience, is very popular and one we would like to grow further in the local market,” confirms Bassa.

Other international brands stocked by GMS include Ate, Engen, Schaeffler LUK, Pratley, Castrol, Shield, Spanjaard, Fuchs, 3M, and many more.

ECONOMIC BRAKES

By keeping an extensive range of products, backed by advice and service from industry veterans, GMS became a go-to during the slow Covid-19 period when cars were less used and servicing and repairs became

“We are technically the largest independent wholesaler for automotive parts in South Africa. There isn’t a retailer that can tell you they haven’t purchased from us at some point.”

Thankful for the ongoing support, based on deep relationships that come from meetings at the likes of Automechanika, the core focus of GMS on price, quality, and service help to set it apart from others. During a time when businesses were closed, new car sales down, car manufacturing at a standstill, and used car sales still lagging with weak supply of new vehicles, all points to an

“The mindset of the customer has changed,” admits Bassa. “In the past, people reported to offices and commuted into work on a daily basis. A lot are now working remotely and their vehicles are parked with no mileage. Intervals between repairs, servicing, and improvement have increased. If a car was being maintained every three or six months, and now it is happening every six or nine months, the impact on sales is obvious.”

He highlights the example of replacing plugs at a service. Previously, all plugs would be switched with new, but now only damaged or faulty plugs are being changed. Instead of replacing brake fluid yearly, people are just topping up. At the same time, competitors are slashing prices to make the most of the market – it’s a tough race to be in.

“Towards the end of the year, people are typically preparing for their holidays and a part of that is

// THERE ARE NOT MANY WHOLESALERS IN SOUTH AFRICA, AND NONE THAT KEEP THE RANGE WE KEEP //

Our Drive – Your Success

servicing the vehicle so they can hit the road and not have to worry. But the economy has forced a squeeze on spending and people are not going on long road trip holidays and are staying in their own province. All of these factors impact sales and the way the industry performs,” says Bassa of the market conditions for all right now.

This is where the Gaydons brand outshines others. Range, exclusivity, price, and experience is exactly what customers require. “The fact that we have always supplied a quality product at an affordable price, backed by our reputation of more than 45 years, people trust us and we have managed to do well.

“There are not many wholesalers in South Africa, and none that keep the range we keep. We have always been able to provide the products

that are required, at the price required for all of our customers.”

www.continental-aftermarket.com

SERVICE, DELIVERY, AVAILABILITY

Going forward, expansion is on the agenda for GMS, but not physical growth into new spaces. The product range will likely expand, and the service portfolio will definitely increase.

“We also hope to increase our stable of house brands. We are launching Boost Additives (BOOST Your Car’s Performance!) soon and we have a few others on the cards. We are trying to look at more innovative ways to engage with our clients through technology. We want to be innovative in the digital space and we are working hard to understand more about social platforms and how they can open new avenues for availability and contactability with

external stakeholders,” Bassa adds. Furthering the brand will be important if GMS is to retain its position as the leading independent wholesaler. Creating fresh awareness around the house brand portfolio is key, and that is why GMS will continue to exhibit at major international events and accelerate marketing opportunities at every possible chance.

“Our pricing strategy means we have been able to exclusively offer our house brands at an affordable rate and that has helped us to capture market share. Pricing, quality, and excellent service sets us apart,” Bassa concludes, ensuring GMS remains a key player in the country’s automotive industry.

ELDOWAS

Becoming the African Centre of Excellence for Water & Sanitation

Progressing access to water in Uasin Gishu county and the town of Eldoret is the job of ELDOWAS – the water utility for the region that is showing the rest of the competition how to keep water flowing and how to ensure it will run for all in the future. MD Peter Kibet Arap Biwott tells Enterprise Africa about a three-pronged approach to long-term success and sustainability.

PRODUCTION: Eleanor Sarbutt-King

INDUSTRY FOCUS: INFRASTRUCTURE

//According to global water and sanitation non-profit Water.org, 15 million people in Kenya lack access to safe water. Growing demand, increasing scarcity, and climate change are drivers of the imbalance. The problem is representative of the East African region as a whole where water security remains a problem. According to a recent UN report on water security in Africa, water feeds life and is a backbone of health, economic activity, ecosystems, governance, financing, and political stability. Security is just as much about management as it is about stock levels.

But, in every challenge flows opportunity and Kenya is a good example of how, through innovation and global cooperation, major structural problems can begin to be

addressed. Since 2005, Water.org has helped connect 6.5 million people to safe water infrastructure. The country has become increasingly savvy with its water resource management and, while much remains to be done, progress is underway.

In the Rift Valley, Eldoret is the capital of the Uasin Gishu county. The town is among Kenya’s top five in terms of population size. Water is a challenge here with the town at the centre of the region’s major grain and agricultural industry. Textiles and fertiliser industries also consume heavy water reserves, and management of the resource in the region is vital.

Responsible for the management and provision of water across Eldoret is ELDOWAS – the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company. Managing

Director Peter Kibet Arap Biwott, an experienced executive across various sectors, explains that improvements are underway in Eldoret and new investments will further the good work that has been done to secure safe and reliable water supply to the town.

500,000 PEOPLE

“We are a utility of water and sanitation within a municipality of about 500,000 people,” he says of the company’s significance, highlighting ELDOWAS as among the top 10 of the around 100 water utility companies in Kenya. The country has a national development plan which aims for access to basic water and sanitation for all by 2030. With utility reforms that began in 2002 helping to attract some millions of dollars in funding,

Peter Kibet Arap Biwott, MD

Kenya’s water resources reached around 500 cubic meters per person but the country remains challenged with water scarcity. More financing is required, and improved infrastructure and service delivery is essential.

Biwott is positioning ELDOWAS as the example to follow. Three key areas of focus will allow the business to achieve its vision of becoming the most customer-centric company in Kenya.

“Climate action, infrastructure investment, and customer service excellence will help us achieve our mandate,” he says.

Across the county, fresh initiatives are being put in place to protect and mitigate against changes in climate, where the temperatures and droughts have increased in recent years. “The long-lasting drought

in the Horn of Africa threatens a humanitarian catastrophe,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof Petteri Taalas, in a report on the past decade’s average heat increases.

Key in the challenge is increasing

conservation from both the private and public sector, and individuals. “We do participate in climate action because we have to control and restore our catchment areas so that we can have a sustainable supply of clean and potable

INDUSTRY FOCUS: INFRASTRUCTURE

area to help improve productivity.

“We are also promoting new methods in agriculture, especially in the area of livestock-keeping, and we are looking at carbon credit projects to help us move forward in a smart way.”

usage to ensure conservation.

“With the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund, we’re securing clean water for the City of Champions, preserving our natural heritage, and empowering communities,” says Biwott.

water to our residents,” says Biwott.

“Currently, we are working on the adoption of green energy with a view of reducing costs. We are also designing a programme called the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF), which is funded by the international organisation to promote green energy, water conservation, forestation, and modern farming methods in the catchment

In 2019, the company adopted solar power at its Kesses Water Supply plant, and put plans in place to power HQ with green solar energy. The EIWF is a project that involved private and public sector organisations and promises the restoration and improvement of 120,000 hectares of land, the growth of a staggering one million trees, the construction of 2,000 water pans for household use and irrigation, and the installation of 10 water quality and quantity monitoring stations. Working alongside the Nature Conservancy, ELDOWAS will educate and support farmers, communities, and companies to change their approach to water

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

As EIWF gains traction and money flows deeper into the region, infrastructure requirements will change and the company will be able to make the most of assets that are already in place, improving efficiency and service quality.

“We have a business plan,” states Biwott. “We are finalising development of a treatment works which is in construction. We are set to build another dam, and we are looking at the water catchment area and conservation projects. We are also looking at a reduction of water loss which we want to drastically decrease. These

// CLIMATE ACTION, INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE WILL HELP US ACHIEVE OUR MANDATE //

are some of the priorities alongside enhancing customer service and experience, both internal and external. The dam project and treatment plant has been underway for two years and we hope to complete this year.”

Reducing loss is essential following a challenging period for all business as the Covid-19 pandemic made business uncertain and difficult, especially for utilities companies that stood at the forefront of the fallout.

“There was a lot of problems,” admits Biwott. “We lost business, but luckily we remained with 20% of our billing and payments. People felt that water was a free to use commodity because government policy was not to deny anybody water as it was essential in preventing the spread of Covid. But we have recovered with the support of government and the World Bank and we remain on the path to recovery.”

CUSTOMER CENTRICITY

Part of the recovery success has been thanks to ELDOWAS being active with marketing and communications and displaying its work to the community it serves. By generating interest in water and how it is managed, and then implementing world-class customer service standards, the company has been able to build a brand that is becoming recognised in Eldoret and further afield as an industry leader. Biwott wants to continue with this positivity and ensure every interaction with customers is seamless.

“I want us to be the most customer centric and customer focussed company, ensuring that we have sufficient water for the municipality by completing the water treatment plant and another dam. We are very keen on securing our catchment through conservation. I want a happy and motivated team that is productive, with enhanced governance to ensure that we reduce non-revenue water and operate with productive ethics. We want to be inline with global standards around human rights, environment, sustainably

livelihoods and business, and good corporate citizenship,” he explains.

“We are working to enhance our revenue collection through our customer service experience. Our revenue will grow as long as we can fix some of the challenges we face around non-revenue water and water tariffs.”

Around 265 permanent employees (300 including contractors) have helped to build the brand, and Biwott reminds that, internally, there is a focus on being the best.

“We believe we are the best because our water is the best in the country, and that is because of the catchment area we are in,” he says of the desire to maintain and conserve the valuable resource.

“For us, the priority is climate action,” he adds. “When we get this right, we won’t need to continue

building dams. We must have a continuous supply of water in the area and that is our main focus, while ensuring we don’t have water loss to the extent we have currently.”

In Eldoret, ELDOWAS is targeting 100% coverage for water and sanitation across the region by 2030, taking more and more people out of water poverty and addressing the backlog in Kenya. Managing supply as well as building strategic resources is the priority. Biwott has free-flowing ambitions, and progress is being made.

“My aim is to become a centre of excellence on the African continent in the provision of water and sanitation,” he concludes.

Growing Optimi is Embracing Digital to Make Learning Accessible

Optimi brings modern, efficient, and effective learning opportunities to all through innovative technology and supportive environments. CEO Stefan Botha tells Enterprise Africa that the company will continue to expand as its technology improves further and its reputation for quality learning is enhanced with each person it helps.

In 2020, as the world moved online, prioritizing the safety of digital interaction and embracing a new era of efficiency, the effects of Covid-19 on school attendance became evident, leading to significant teething pains and high hurdles of change. Across all industries, ensuring that both hardware and software were up to par presented a considerable challenge. However,

in certain spheres, there was little room for error, and in education the successful implementation of digital technology became critical. Thankfully, some in the industry were not only comfortable online, but ready and raring to go. Optimi, the Centurion headquartered education and learning business, had already positioned itself as an industry leader, providing to 200,000 learners every year,

PRODUCTION: Jamie Waters

INDUSTRY FOCUS: EDUCATION

Optimi believes that learners and facilitators require ongoing support during the learning journey and, as a result, the company developed the GuidED Learning™ technology – a model that provides clear guidance to learners and facilitators on what they should do next. “As an example,” says CEO Stefan Botha, “our homeschool offering empowers a parent to provide

high quality learning to their children without the need to be a trained teacher. Our approach is furthermore to offer a fully integrated solution to our clients, which includes content, assessments, and learner/facilitator engagement, this simplifies the learning and makes it more accessible.”

According to Botha, the company’s focus on technology has helped it to

thrive and helped learners to excel.

“We have a very strong technology focus,” he says, “and we have developed our own systems for learning and facilitation, product development, customer administration, warehousing and product distribution, and several others. Our learning platform includes industry-leading tools such as an innovative reader that allows teachers to add content to publisher textbooks, as well as online marking that allows us to have our homeschool assessments marked by teachers anywhere in the world.

“Digital transformation is an important trend in education,” he adds. “We’ve seen a shift to digital and online learning over the past few years, particularly during COVID when learners could not attend classes. Digitisation of education provides exciting opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning journey.”

CHANGING INDUSTRY

Digitisation in learning is not slowing down anytime soon. Learners are very different in the way they interact with information, and the increased choice of study methods that online tools offer is helping the open doors for more and more people. Whether it’s a child learning at home or a professional upskilling after work, digital tools are changing the industry for the better and breaking down barriers that have been problematic for South Africa in the past. In 2019, UNICEF found that ‘from birth to the final year of high school, children born into poverty face a range of challenges that their wealthy peers do not’. In 2020, an Amnesty International report highlighted a number of issues with ‘traditional schooling’ in the country. A 2021 UNESCO report stated that digital solutions can certainly make an impact.

“Developing a digital learning strategy is a key part of efforts to expand access to education, improve teaching quality

and make digital skills foundational. The strategy requires strong local ecosystems that bring together public, private and civil society partners to address key bottlenecks in digital transformation and upscaling in Africa’s education systems,” the paper said

In 2021, the University of Cape Town announced a large expansion of its scholarship offering for students enrolling in a fully digital school because of significant demand. Others in the industry have followed suit, realising the potential of Educational Technology (EdTech). There has been a lot of activity in recent years with large businesses acquiring digital training and education providers to bolster portfolios, and the sector is encouraged by the country’s major international organisations For Optimi, improving the accessibility of quality learning has been a core focus from day one. This is achieved by establishing a strong ecosystem, in an otherwise fragmented industry. The company

has grown through merger and acquisition and each of the business units have proven abilities in delivery of educational excellence.

“Optimi was established in 2019 through the merger of several South African education and training providers, including Impaq (previously Impak), Media Works, ITSI, CollegeSA, CAMI Education, Tuta-Me, IT Academy, and others,” details Botha. “As a result, Optimi boasts a comprehensive range of resources and skills to deliver world-class learning solutions to our customers. It is important to note that these companies that formed the building blocks of the Optimi Group have many years’ experience (our oldest company was founded in the 1980s) and an impressive track record in education.”

The portfolio is impressive – Impaq provides students with the ability to learn at home; ITSI has a hard copy and e-book library home to 440,000 resources; Optimi College offers more than 120 various qualifications and

WITH

short courses; and Tuta-Me connects students with highly qualified tutors through the use of clever technology.

“Optimi provides accessible learning solutions for Home, Classroom, College, and Workplace,” confirms Botha. “We are a supplier of education products and services to institutions, facilitators, and learners. We integrate these products and services into easy-to-follow comprehensive learning offerings, based on our unique GuidED Learning™ model, and using our proprietary technology. Where we engage directly with learners, we typically make use of distance or online learning to deliver courses. Our aim is to build an education organisation that makes a significant contribution in SA and globally, serving learners along every step of their learning journey.”

OF

SOLVING PROBLEMS

Botha, a former civil engineer and management consultant, became CEO of Impak in 2012. He says that his passion is solving difficult problems and making a difference to people. Being part of Optimi allows him to accomplish this every day.

“I’m really proud of what we have built at Optimi, and I look forward to our journey ahead to further grow and improve.

“We started this journey in 2012, when well-known South African investor, PSG, acquired homeschooling business Impak (we subsequently re-branded it to Impaq). We set out to improve the Impaq offering, including the product quality, learning technology, and associated customer service and support elements. As a

PRODUCTS

result, Impak experienced top-line growth of approximately 30% per annum over the past 10 years, and is now the undisputed leader in the South African home and online schooling landscape, serving 30,000 learners from grades R to 12.”

This success can be attributed to the company’s ability to adapt. Embracing digital has allowed Optimi to provide quality learning, both in-person and at a distance. Learners are enabled to engage with their content in their preferred format, at their own pace, anywhere they prefer. Individuals and institutions can access learning with ease - this is what Optimi would love to encourage.

“Learning is an essential part of our evolution and happens all the time, whether we are aware of it or

AS

ANY INDUSTRY, THE PROVISION

EDUCATION

AND SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICA IS MATURING AT A RAPID PACE DUE TO TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY, CONNECTIVITY, AND DIGITISATION //

not. When we actively develop a love of learning and voluntarily pursue knowledge, whether for personal or professional reasons, we unlock unlimited benefits,” says Botha. “By developing a love of learning we are able to spur personal and professional growth, boost social connectedness, and improve our employability.”

FURTHER IMPROVEMENT

The future of education is hard to predict. Some argue that face-to-face interaction between student and teacher is irreplaceable, but others insist flexibility allows for true universal rollout. The most likely outcome will be a medium-term future that incorporates a blended method as the new normal.

Like in healthcare, finance and travel, technology will play an increasingly important role. To ensure that progress

Our solutions

Fully accredited & part-time qualifications

Community education & training

Skills development consulting & auditing

Skills programmes (e.g. learnerships)

Tutoring programmes

Accelerated learning programmes (e.g. short courses)

www.optimiworkplace.co.za

does not slow, Botha is busy building a robust platform for further growth.

“Following the conclusion of the mergers and acquisitions to establish the Optimi Group, our first focus was to integrate these businesses into a seamless collection of offerings, supported by capable teams. We continue to invest in our technology and our learning products, and we believe that this investment will distinguish us from our competitors in years to come,” he says.

Longer-term, Optimi will use its strengths to become an industry leader, supporting every step of the learning journey.

“As with any industry, the provision of education products and services in South Africa is maturing at a rapid pace due to trends in technology, connectivity, and digitisation. We want

to become a large, well-known, and trusted learning business, making a significant contribution in SA and globally. Given the fragmented nature of education, we also aim to enable institutions and 3rd-party educators to offer improved solutions to their customers. Our focus will be to further improve our integrated learning and blended delivery model with the use of technology,” Botha concludes.

By embracing technology and forcing the next steps in learning and education, Optimi is creating a new path for all who want to upskill, whatever their age, status or position.

The best teams aren’t hired, they’re trained!

development & training solutions

SA Developed Climate Tool to Drive Agri Insight

Empowering long and short-term decision making at regional, farm and vineyard level, TerraClim is the latest agritech invention to come from the University of Stellenbosch. By utilising comprehensive research and data in a neatly packaged system, farmers can now understand better than ever how climate is impacting their land and potential. Founder Dr Tara Southey tells Enterprise Africa more about the development and promise for this exciting SA innovation.

PRODUCTION: Ekwa Bikaka

Dr Tara Southey, Founder and Agricultural Methodologist

INDUSTRY FOCUS: AGRITECH

By 2050, a further 17% of the world’s agricultural productivity could be lost as a result of climate change. In the past 40 years, a third of all arable land has been lost to erosion or pollution. Wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and drought are increasingly common, and they decimate soil and its growing potential. These phenomena are not new. The problem has been building since the 70s when the UN Scientific Conference raised concerns over human activity impacting the environment.

At the same time, the demand for food from a growing population is booming (some predict demand could rise by 90% by 2050). For farmers, the pressure is on. Land must be managed effectively, and crops must be cared for with precision. The time of the farmer’s sixth sense is over, and decision

making must be informed and based on viable data with provable results.

But in South Africa, the data and insight for the agricultural community is sparse. Technology has not been used to its full potential to aid in food production, reduce waste, and drive productivity.

TerraClim, a new company backed by the University of Stellenbosch, hopes to change this and is building out a system that can provide farmers with precise data about their land and climate in order to mitigate against impacts of climate change.

A world-leading wine industry, globally recognised maize, internationally in demand citrus, avocados, nuts, berries, and deciduous fruits, and a basket of vegetable exports that ship to markets in every corner of the planet make

for an agricultural industry worth more than $12 billion, 10% of GDP, supporting some 900,000 jobs.

EUREKA!

Innovation is rife in the sector, from the use of solar energy and ingenious watering techniques to employing ducks and spiders as natural pest controllers. But using big data has, to date, not been possible in a meaningful way because the data did not exist. There was simply not enough of a tech rollout to collect useful information at scale.

TerraClim, in partnership with a number of high-profile organisations, has created a climate database that gives farmers and growers more knowledge and information than ever before; accurate and precise across differing microclimates on

the same site. It’s the power of technology and data, combined with the experience of the farmer, to create highly effective plans for the future of the land while addressing food security for SA and beyond.

Dr Tara Southey is a founder of TerraClim. She tells Enterprise Africa that the idea for the business comes from the industry itself, with a clear gap in the market for climate intelligence.

“I am a viticulturist by training. I started to become more interested in climate dynamics and climate change, and in 2018 we started a survey with growers, researchers, and consultants to identify what is needed in the context of climate change. Every person we interfaced with said access to climate data and access to terrain information which, in South Africa, was not available for many reasons.”

TerraClim was founded as an extension of the University of

Stellenbosch, bringing together vast research and development in a way that empowers decision making around climate change.

“We stared a flagship wine industry project in 2019,” says Southey of the EUREKA Climate Smart Agriculture Project which saw 200 weather stations positioned across the Western Cape as a result of funding from Winetech, a leading South African wine industry research body.

“Through 2019, 2020 and 2021, it was about building a centralised climate database to better quantify climate dynamics in the Western Cape. It took a lot of relationship and partnership building with the private sector and weather station custodians, and then ingesting all of that info into a robust centralised climate database and trying to identify how to provide additional information.”

The base of the concept is

integrating various data resources and displaying information in a way that allows for detailed analysis of climate and terrain. Historic data can help to predict future patterns, and a unique suitability tool can help farmers to decide which crops to plant, where, and why. Figures for temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, aspect, elevation, curvature, and much more are now quickly accessible in an online tool that is very user friendly and easy to understand.

“Previously, you had one weather station representing a farm, or 10 weather stations representing a region, we now have a new temperature value every 40m that can help to quantify your environment at hourly resolution. In the Western Cape, no database of this nature exists and looking at climate from a spatial perspective is novel,” Southey says of the progress that has been made over the past few years.

INDUSTRY FOCUS: AGRITECH

“We take all the temperature layers at hourly resolution, over all seasons, 365 days a year, to create a massive database. We aggregate all this data to bioclimatic crop specific indices, like winter chill maps, heat index maps, frost index maps and more, and we start to identify where the areas are that are vulnerable to the extremities of temperate change.”

VERY VALUABLE

The advantages of the new tool are already being realised in the

Western Cape as vineyards decide on sustainable cultivars that will form the base of their blends in the future. Stephan Joubert, Head Winemaker at DGB said: “For the industry, this will be very valuable going forward - to plant the right varietals in the right regions, to make informed decisions, to take the industry to the next level.”

Explaining why data is and will be so important in the decision-making processes of farmers and growers, Southey highlights the vast differences from one region to the next across

South Africa, and the very different ways in which each area responds to changes in climate. The company’s suitability tool also demonstrates how different crops respond to climatic alterations.

“What we’ve seen through the Western Cape is that no agricultural unit is responding the same to climate change and so the question about climate vulnerability came about,” she says.

“South Africa is being most impacted by climate change as no season is the same. In other countries, there is consistent warming and globally it’s getting hotter and hotter. Africa is getting hotter, but South Africa is having extremes –extreme floods, extreme droughts, extreme temperatures, and we want to understand where we are most vulnerable in those extremities.”

Predictions are that South Africa

// I WANT A TOOL THAT IS ROBUST AND DYNAMIC AND ALLOWS FARMERS, RESEARCHERS, CONSULTANTS, AND INVESTORS TO ENGAGE WITH INFORMATION THAT ALLOW FOR MORE FUTURISTIC DECISION MAKING //

will get warmer summer conditions with some even predicting the region to be as much as 3.4oC warmer by the end of the century. A steady upward trend in mean temperatures is undeniable in South Africa, and 2022 saw the hottest ever recorded temperature in Cape Town (45.2oC) when the city was the hottest place in Africa.

Plants generate a response to changes in weather profile and are a key indicator of severity. Studying plants and understanding reactions gives insight that was previously unavailable. “It is a calculator and a biological system that provides a reaction and response that we do not always see,” says Southey. “In my research, and globally in the wine making space, we see that more hot hours in the summer months is resulting in our flowering and season getting earlier. To identify

those windows of change, and how we can respond, is now very important.”

TerraClim has a centralised climate database that it integrates with special methodologies, taking points and surface temperatures as well as using high-resolution digital elevation models. This offers an idea about the aspect, slope, and solar radiation on a farm, all of which is directly linked to temperature change.

“Seeing where the most change has occurred in the past five years gives you some understanding of where you can respond as a farmer to allow economic sustainably and financial security for the country,” states Southey.

This is the core use case of TerraClim and how it will grow in the future. By making data digestible and powering changes in processes through real intelligence, the company’s

tools address long-term issues that arise thanks to climate change. “Our big focus in climate resilience and food security, and using a data driven approach to answer those questions. At the beginning, the whole point was to display data to the grower so that they can start asking different questions. It’s about taking decision making to the next level,” confirms Southey.

Executive Manager at Winetech, Gerard Martin, has seen the benefits first hand. “The benefit of the TerraClim tool is that it empowers not only producers, but also our research community to make better decisions on how to mitigate climate change,” he says.

The TerraClim suitability tool integrates 44 environmental parameters under climate, soil, and terrain, and build a profile on the best conditions for certain crops. Whether its macadamia

INDUSTRY FOCUS: AGRITECH

nuts, cabbages, avocados, or different wine grapes, the foundational research and knowledge built into the suitability tool also encompasses climate change scenarios to make for a robust planning asset.

“A lot of farmers want to adapt and want to do something different but they have no knowledge on how to do that,” says Southey. “Usually the frame of reference is who is farming around me, what do they do, and what is working. It’s a scary space watching farmers make agricultural decisions and shift into a new space and then having no crop because they plant in the wrong place.

“If you plant the right thing in the right place and you know that there is a market for your product at the end

of the day, that is the first step. But climate impacts every crop differently, every year. Macadamia nuts might not have enough fatty acids, or the grape in the wine industry might not have enough cell division and therefore lower production. Getting sectors to work together, and getting farmers to diversify their risk by offsetting what they plant is important. We want to encourage people to take advantage of their environmental parameters.”

SCALE FOR FOOD SECURITY

For Southey, founder and primary researcher, expansion of TerraClim is very achievable. By building strong partnerships similar to those the company enjoys in the Western Cape, further coverage will only assist more farmers and growers to make informed decisions. With 98% of the Western Cape’s wine growing territory covered, expanding across the country is only a matter of time, and international exposure will follow.

“60% of global uncultivated land lays in Africa. Food security for the future lays in Africa. For us as South Africa, there is a drive to understand what works where so that we can position ourselves as a leader

on the continent to help leverage food security,” explains Southey.

Further products will emerge as more data becomes available. TerraClim hopes to provide water footprint data, regenerative agriculture advice, soil selection abilities, traceability, and evapotranspiration modelling, giving those who need it the ultimate planning product portfolio for agriculture operations.

“We want to be able to recommend to farmers how they can be more economic and environmentally sustainable. If we can do this, we will scale the product market traction to another level.

“We want to scale the suitability tool to look at more crop types and allow growers to have more options for diversification. All of the products we have created have been developed with scalability in mind. To run our methodology in another country with a good weather station network is very easy to do,” claims Southey.

Climate change remains a painful topic for many farmers and growers, especially those that have already seen the negative impacts from extreme heat or flood. Crop failures in 2022 left many facing food insecurity across southern

Africa, and efforts are underway form national governments and the United Nations World Food Programme to provide appropriate response.

If TerraClim can continue to prove its worth, suitable crops can be planted now to mitigate negativity in coming years and decades.

“In 10 years’ time, I want to have a very good understanding of climate vulnerability for farmers and regions, and have positioned crop types within those environments. Thriving agriculture is what makes the country and continent sustainable,” states Southey. “It’s all about giving fresh options for those areas that are almost depressed by climate change. It is a depressing subject – it’s terrible how it is impacting us, but we can take advantage of the changes by shifting our mindset, planting something different, and being more competitive in the stories we tell.”

She is keen on the idea of

perfecting production of prized wine grapes, like Sauvignon Blanc, and having a transparent process that results in the world paying a premium for a faultless but unique product from South Africa.

“I want a tool that is robust and dynamic and allows farmers, researchers, consultants, and investors to engage with information that allow for more futuristic decision making. And when it comes back to banking and finance and insurance, these systems that are fearful of one another in their silos, end up working together for the good of the country and for the good of food security globally.”

Perhaps, instead of worry and concern about losing significant portions of productive land by 2050, through the use of technology like TerraClim, the industry can begin to consider threats as opportunities. Changes in processes are obviously required, and those that make smart

decisions are those that will benefit. The unique assets of TerraClim – its insightful database, climate profile at an hourly resolution, and its valuable suitability tool – allow users to explore, analyse, and act.

As the swallows and swans fly south to north in September, farmers in rural Tanzania expect short rains. In Cape Town, farmers with access to advanced weather stations and TerraClim software are already planting climate resilient vines with alternative crops between rows. The difference in smart agriculture is obvious, and with TerraClim demonstrating how much is possible, the number of projects and amount of information will grow.

SERIOPLAST SA

Efficiency Tops Agenda for Global

Manufacturer in Gauteng

“We are Serioplast, and we produce globally, with the best possible quality and at the lowest possible price. We don’t only make bottles: we also design and engineer our own machines and our own moulds; we operate as contract manufacturer, and we recycle post-consumer plastic in order to bring it back in the production loop. In all we do our industrial processes and organization are flexible, scalable, and easily replicable. In South Africa, the company is a strategic partner for some of the biggest manufacturers on the continent and Director Kelvin Mills is excited about the position of the regional division as his team strives for excellence in production across all areas.

PRODUCTION: Eleanor Sarbutt-King

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

//Approaching the end of its first decade in South Africa, expert manufacturing business Serioplast is perfectly positioned for growth alongside its key customers. A global leading maker of plastic products for the FMCG industry, Serioplast is headquartered in Italy with 34 plants in 16 countries, and more than 2050 employees.

First opening on the continent in 2011 with a plant in Tunisia, Serioplast hit sub-Saharan Africa in 2014 when it realised the need to be closer to its key client, Unilever.

Tasked with establishing a modern, efficient, and productive plant was industry veteran Kelvin Mills. His career had spanned engineering and production in metal and plastics, and he had worked across operations, sales, and management for big name brands.

He was at a conference in Germany in 2012 when the senior leadership team from Serioplast approached him.

AHEAD OF EXPECTATION

“I already knew they were setting up in SA – it was the worst kept secret - and we began talking,” he smiles.

“I became MD of Serioplast SA, and we set up the plant in a greenfield operation. Initially, we were supposed to be onsite at Unilever, but they advised that in time, they would probably require the space for further expansions. We found a site next door and within a year we had built the factory and installed the machines. We created an aggressive plan, and everyone said it could not be achieved.”

The company did not just achieve its vision, it got up and running before the deadline, and had bottles moving

into Unilever before the deadline.

“We installed a new machine every two weeks until we had 15 machines, and in the first year we supplied 140 million bottles,” Mills emphasises.

In South Africa, Unilever manufactures a large range of FMCGs. Serioplast products globally, hold cleaning materials, personal care products, food and drink, and host of other goods. The company operates to ISO quality standards and supports some of the world’s best recognised brands.

Procter & Gamble is also a key client of Serioplast in South Africa and the conglomerate’s range of household products is well-suited to the output from the plant in Boksburg.

“We supply rigid packaging to Unilever and Procter & Gamble. We are hoping to get some more customers

Image: Michele Picolo

online asap and we are busy validating bottles for them currently,” says Mills, adding that growth with new customers is not the main aim for the business.

“We don’t go out looking for business,” he states. “We don’t have sales reps locally. We do have key account managers in Italy that take care of our key customers, but we do not actively go and search for new clients. Our footprint of machinery is high-volume, and we produce a huge amount of bottles each year. We would need major companies to come on board as clients, and we would then also need to be able to continue satisfying our major clients, so we don’t hunt for new business.”

Instead, growth comes through efficiency. After initial establishment of the plant in 2013/2014 Mills and colleagues were tasked with commissioning new technology

for producing closures for one of the major home care products that Unilever produces. Previously, closures were shipped to South Africa to make up the final product. It was inefficient and costly. Localising production would provide competitive advantage, Localizing remains one of Unilever’s drivers.

“Until last year, we only did bottles but we installed the injection moulding machinery to add closures to our portfolio. We now produce around 230 million units out of the SA plant annually,” he highlights.

OPTIMISE & IMPROVE

In his second stint with the company, Mills left to help establish local production of the globally popular Bio-Oil brand from Union Swiss. He was approached by the leadership

to the food, chemical, beverage and pharmaceutical industries

team at the helm of that business expansion because of his technical knowledge and understanding of the South African landscape.

During this time, progress at Serioplast stalled and the plant’s stellar performance had dipped. A struggling local economy and various other macros issues compounded the situation and Serioplast went against strict internal policy to get Mills back before tasking him with reintroducing global best practice to the Gauteng site.

“Our main focus is to optimise current installations,” he explains. “We have gone through an aggressive turnaround, and we are consolidating…… The next step will be to look at additional finer improvement projects, which the team embrace and execute with passion. The improvements that

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SERVICES

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BCG Stainless Steel Services is a leading supplier of Hygienic stainless steel valves, fittings and accessories to the South African and Sub-Saharan Processing industries.

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

AVIENT: SUSTAINABILITY LIVES HERE

The daily challenges of reducing waste and increasing recyclability is a global issue for organizations like Serioplast, which works to produce rigid plastic packaging for a vast range of companies worldwide in the home care & laundry, food, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries. Serioplast is committed to increasing the amount of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in its products. However, incorporating more PCR can make it difficult to anticipate the impact a color will have on a final product while also maintaining product integrity. Additionally, recycling multiple times can increase the risk of polymer degradation, causing further processing, production, and quality issues.

To help solve these challenges, Serioplast’s South African facility in Johannesburg contacted Avient Corporation, a premier provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions and services. Avient worked closely with Serioplast for years, identifying and innovating technologies, colorants, and additives in order to help achieve sustainability goals.

Avient has recently received awards for its technologies to help address recycling issues, including its PCR Color Prediction Service, a first-of-its-kind digital tool that can illustrate the color possibilities or limitations of certain types of post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins prior to laboratory trials. It received the 2023 PLASTICS Re|focus Sustainability Innovation in Design Award and the 2023 Plastics Recycling Awards Europe for Product Technology Innovation of the Year.

Avient’s Cesa™ Nox A4R Additive for Enhanced Recycling was a finalist for several sustainability awards. The specialized antioxidant additive stabilizes polyolefins during processing, preventing typical defects like discoloration, gels, and black spots during initial and future conversion steps and recycling loops while maintaining high-quality levels of PCR.

Furthermore, Avient’s ColorMatrix™ SmartHeat RHC has earned EPBP and APR approval. It’s a patent-protected, liquid dispersion process aid that can improve the recycling and sustainability of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and PET bottles. It can provide better thermal stability, reduce yellowing, enable lightweighting, improve mechanical strength, and decrease blowouts, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions during the blow molding process.

Avient prides itself in offering sustainable solutions to Serioplast and will continue to look for new ways to support recycling solutions and the circular economy in the future.

we see definitely gives the team a great sense of accomplishment

For this efficiency drive, Serioplast SA calls on its group (SGS) for input.

Serioplast Global Services in Italy helps to drive positivity and influence the internal construction of its own machinery. By understanding the needs of the client in a deep and meaningful way, Serioplast is able to create equipment that keeps output high and costs down.

“The level of output of finished goods is substantial – the Seriomac machines we use are top of the range,” says Mills.

“Machinery is a big part of it,” he adds. Besides our own Seriomac Blow-moulding machines, we also have injection moulding machines, injection stretch moulding, auxiliary equipment, compressors, chillers, material feeding

systems etc. and they all have to be accurate and top of the range. it’s all about achieving our KPIs. If equipment is not calibrated properly, it will put us out and that is not acceptable.”

Thankfully, Mills is a seasoned leader and stives to meet KPIs. Data is king and is used to drive improvements in the required areas. Mills is also responsible for the plant in Egypt which has recently achieved 220 million pcs output per year, growing from just 23 million bottles in 2020. In the future, he will likely become responsible for Tunisia and Australia as a result of the triumph in South Africa.

PROBLEM SOLVERS

It is not an easy job to guide a successful, large-scale manufacturing operation in a slow economy that is dragged by loadshedding. Contributing

12% of GDP and 42% of formal employment in the country in 2019, manufacturing is a critical sector. But in 1975, manufacturing was responsible for 25% of GDP, and the current power crisis is putting many businesses, and jobs, at risk of adding to the decline. For Serioplast, it’s about continuing to hit KPIs and understanding why they’re in place. The local challenges are yet to cause major disruption.

“We are always under the crunch. There is always a target for cost saving or reducing weight or introducing recycled material – we are always working on something that will result in improvement,” says Mills.

“We have been fortunate in that we have not been that impacted too badly by loadshedding, and we feel

Sustainability Lives Here.

We Are Avient

Avient Corporation is a global manufacturer of specialized and sustainable polymer materials. We’re focused on solving the world’s most complex material science problems by creating innovative products that enhance application performance and protect the environment. www.avient.com

Avient South Africa

329 Tungsten Road, Strydompark, Gauteng 2194, South Africa PO Box 2228, Randburg, South Africa, 2194

INDUSTRY FOCUS: MANUFACTURING

Continued from page 56

lucky to be in the industry space in the east of Johannesburg which has avoided major commotion.”

To ensure the company is prepared for the future, a rooftop solar PV installation is being discussed, and a back-up generating solution is being planned. Solar would not provide enough energy for the entire operation to go off the grid, but it would be a strong sign of commitment to the group’s larger sustainability pledges. “It is one step closer to being self-sustainable,” smiles Mills.

Demonstrating true resilience, even through one of the most challenging times in living memory for businesses – when many SA manufacturers were lost – Serioplast stepped up to achieve strong results. None of the 138 employees were lost, and the company provided a much-needed service in route to market for its client’s products.

“When Covid hit, our volumes actually increased because of a lot of the bottles we make are for disinfectant and antiseptic detergent products - everybody was disinfecting everything,” Mills remembers. “After Covid, we settled back to where we were before, and we are thankful that it hasn’t hit us in a big way. Currently there is a big price war and there are new players in South Africa who are aggressive in the market. That pressure transfers to us. Even when the volumes are there, the bottom line might not be what it used to be,” he says reiterating the need for efficiency.

Ensuring the entire team understands this need for efficiency, and guaranteeing they are able to achieve is something Mills is passionate about.

“We can still further improve, and we want to grow the team and set everybody up for success,” he says. “Often businesses are quick to blame but they haven’t set individuals up for

success. I want to give people a global vision and a global understanding of how the business operates. I want to join to the dots between the various departments so that people can take ownership. The more they know, the more they understand, the more they can take ownership – and that drives motivation. That is the next phase in improving this business.”

He explains that by regularly developing fresh KPIs, and equipping employees to meet and exceed those targets, the company is proving its importance within the group.

“Educating people around these KPIs and the reason they are important will allow for more of an understanding on growth and where we need to focus our attention. We have a dashboard that displays where the South African business is and how it fits into the global operation and currently it looks really good. If we achieve all KPIs, we are running a

Image: Walter Carrera

very good business – we don’t guess, everything is meticulously calculated.”

Togetherness in the workforce –striving for achievement of vital targetsis one of the attributes that has allowed Serioplast to thrive in South Africa.

Mills describes the team as a ‘happy family’ that understands why they do what they do and works within clear boundaries that allow for strong focus.

“People are the main challenge

in any business,” he adds. “It’s always about getting the right team. The saying about ‘you’re only as good as your team’ is absolutely 100% true.”

Going forward, streamlining inputs and embracing new normals across customer and supply chain will keep the team busy. With so many different grades of raw material, a constant focus on sustainability, and a need from clients for flexibility, Serioplast must remain agile.

“Years back, a customer would ask for a bottle and say it must be HPDE. We could then decide on the grade and give the best product. Now, our customers are dictating the grades they want, and trials, tests, and approvals are essential – it’s much more complicated.

“Supply of that approved raw material could be more complicated, especially during Covid. Supply chain sometimes stressed meaning we at times have to scramble,” says Mills.

Our main customers are growing consistently, and always innovating with new ideas. With this as a base, Serioplast remains buoyant.

“We produce globally, with the best possible quality and at the lowest possible price,” the company says of its commitment to clients.

In an ever-changing industry, economy, and environment, it pays to partner with the best, and Serioplast is an example to follow in South Africa. Mills is confident about the way forward: “It has been nearly 10 years, and we have already done so much more than people ever thought possible. I would certainly say we are bullish,” he concludes.

// IF WE ACHIEVE ALL KPIS, WE ARE RUNNING A VERY GOOD BUSINESS – WE DON’T GUESS, EVERYTHING IS METICULOUSLY CALCULATED //

Image: Alejandro Vecchiettini

Exponential Growth for Vital SA Grain Business

In a complex but critical sector, Pride Milling continues to operate with world-class ethics and processes to bring fantastic products to South Africans and various international markets. The country’s grains, corn, and maize are highly prized, and Pride Milling continues to lead the way as a historic processor and distributor.

PRODUCTION: Jamie Waters

INDUSTRY FOCUS: FOOD

//Grain remains a vital and critical food group for subSaharan Africa, both from an economic development and food security point of view. South Africa produces around 15 million tons

of corn annually, and sub-Saharan Africa as a whole produces around 120 million tonnes of grains every year. But much is exported and the continent provides carbohydratebased sustenance for huge numbers

of people in other corners of the world while much of the rich agricultural land continues to be devoted to coffee, cocoa and cotton oil. At the same time, Africa imports wheat, grains, and corn heavily from the likes of Russia, Ukraine, France and other international markets. There’s growing desire for more grains to be kept in Africa and South Africa, reducing reliance on imports, and increasing the food processing industry to fuel the continent with sustainable jobs and trade.

For this recipe, two key ingredients are required: Private sector investment and public sector support.

In May, corn exports to China ramped up suggesting that the government is keen on following an export-oriented strategy. But, with trade

routes from Ukraine blocked by the war, shortages could occur. At the same time, the private sector is keen on local grain and has a number of inventive ideas about use for the raw material.

Pride Milling is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of grain-related products and produces across a range of brands including Pride, Pride GMO-Free Maize, Pride Beans, Pulses and Grains, Pride Snacks, Tops Mabele, Drakensberg, and a large list of industrial products.

Some of these well-recognised brands have generational clout and have been used for years in kitchens around the region. Quality is baked in, with each bag of Pride carefully prepared to meet the exacting needs of cooks and chefs. Pride Milling is active with marketing its range, running a number of competitions and buyer schemes to encourage buyers. The company has built an enviable distribution model with product available across Cambridge Food, Checkers, Makro, OK Foods, and more.

But making grains and corns available in a smooth and effective way hasn’t come easy. Pride Milling has gone through decades of learning and adjustment to grow to where it is today.

HISTORIC GRIND

In 2001, Pride Milling was formed when maize mills was acquired from OTK and moved from being a non-branded, white label operation in Mpumalanga and KZN to become a national supplier of choice. Two years later, the company acquired the Leslie Processing and Packaging plant, allowing it to create carefully packaged branded products for distribution through major retailers.

In 2013, Pride Milling was making a statement in the market when it completely revamped the Devon Mill to handle production of industrial products. By then, the company was well-known as a first-class supplier of maize and other products. By 2016, the company was in demand to such an extent that a plan was

put in motion to double capacity and become a complete national producer with a diverse product offering unrivalled by competitors.

Recognising the obvious success of the company and its importance to national food security, Thebe Investment Corporation –leading transformed holdings firm – purchased a 30% shareholding to bring strategic empowerment credentials to Pride Milling. Following conclusion of this important deal, Pride Milling achieved Level 1 BBBEE accreditation and began what it called the start of a new era, led by the intellectual property of its people.

Today, the company works across head office in Centurion, and large milling operations in Nigel, Devon, Ogies, and Leslie.

This spread has allowed Pride Milling to move one step closer to fulling its vision: To be the customer and consumer-preferred manufacturer, marketer and distributor of value

INDUSTRY FOCUS: FOOD

added, branded grain-related and other diverse products in our internationally targeted markets.

The company boasts strong market presence across Africa with a sales footprint in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, DRC, Kenya,

Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Somalia, eSwatini, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Chad, and international operations in Australia, UK, Georgia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Thailand.

“From the outset, it was a clear strategy to develop Pride Milling into one of the major branded manufacturers of grain-related products in our industry. Today we continue to grow exponentially, with our consumer brands and industrial products prominent in all major distribution channels in South Africa and internationally targeted markets,” the company says.

ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Addressing the need of local food security, Pride Milling has taken a very deliberate strategy, building

a reliable procurement and supply chain to ensure products are consistently available, regardless of industry or economic challenges.

“We procure our maize from the eastern part of South Africa, a region with higher rainfall and a more reliable crop yield compared to other regions in the country. This region consistently produces crops of high quality,” the company says.

“All Pride Milling operations are ideally located in the key maizeproducing regions of Gauteng and Mpumalanga to improve production lead times and ensure ease of distribution. As far as possible, we procure from the producers closest to our mills, with the added benefit of keeping our prices competitive.”

Working with reliable partners is key, and Pride Milling has long

// WE BELIEVE THAT INNOVATION IS THE ONLY SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE, WHEN IMPLEMENTED WITH CORRECT TIMING AND SPEED

Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies to cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. We take great pride in being the preferred supplier of processing solutions for Pride Milling. buhlergroup.com

followed a strategy of sustainability through responsible sourcing, backed by audits from Sedex.

“We aim to achieve a sustainable supply chain through dynamic growth and continuous innovation, producing products of the highest quality measured by not only local but by international food safety standards, consistently conforming to customer and consumer requirements, and staying ahead of the industry through continuous improvement processes.

“At the centre of our success,” Pride Milling adds, “is the innovation, dedication and expertise of our people. We build on our trusted reputation by consistently conforming to our customers’ and consumers’ requirements, complying to international food safety standards, and relentlessly pursuing consistent

product quality and service.”

Quality service through the procurement chain is ongoing, but in the hands of consumers, a glimpse of Pride Milling’s service was demonstrated earlier this year when the company gave away airtime to customers that purchased Tops Mabele. Customers simply had to buy a bag, open, and use the code inside to gain R10 airtime. Few companies have the ability or desire to put in place such incentives, but Pride Milling is regularly looking to reward customers, creating longterm brand recognition and respect.

INNOVATION

To continue building a robust, sustainable, and attractive business that is fit for purpose, Pride Milling is prioritising innovation. There will be no slowdown in exporting of grains,

corn, and maize, and there will be little support from government as other infrastructural issues take the top priorities. So, innovating and building deep customer engagement is the only way for companies to thrive.

“We believe that innovation is the only sustainable competitive advantage, when implemented with correct timing and speed,” the company states.

If current service levels can be upheld, and marketing efforts maintained, Pride Milling will continue on its growth path, serving South Africa and beyond with delicious, reliable, and necessary food products that underpin food security.

Innovations for a better world.

COLUMBIT

Productivity and Efficiency – the Base of Good Business

Supplying customers all over sub-Saharan Africa with food and beverage processing equipment, Columbit has long been recognised as a tasty partner. But with the challenge of input cost versus output price, productivity and efficiency is in the spotlight, and world-class equipment contributes in a big way. Partnering with the best helps to improve proficiency all around.

PRODUCTION: Jamie Waters

INDUSTRY FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

The South African food processing industry is a brilliant sector, fuelled by innovation and the desire to transform. Servicing clients and end-users across the country, and growing into sub-Saharan Africa, addressing food

security and contributing to a strong agri-food chain, this sector is vital in the country’s larger economic picture.

Estimates suggest that South Africa exports more agricultural products than any other country in Africa. In the processing sector there are more than 1800 firms employing tens of thousands.

But the market is going through yet another period of extraordinary challenge. Following the pandemic and the fallout from retailers and entertainment venues closing for months, those in food processing now look at a market where consumers expect more for less with input costs at an all time high as the country’s energy crisis adds pressure like never before. For those looking for a recipe for success, the South African environment

is missing some key ingredients. However, there are many in the market that have seen challenges come and go, and jumped every hurdle put in the way of growth. With experience comes resilience and a unique ability to find opportunities in challenges. This is the power of Columbit, South Africa’s leading food processing machinery and technology supplier. For this seasoned industry veteran, economic peaks and troughs have come and gone; there has been ups and downs, but Columbit has always delivered for its customers.

GREAT PRODUCTS

The first and foremost ingredient in Columbit’s mix is a great product. Since 1938, when Ernest Zeh registered the company in South Africa, Columbit has been supplying world-class

//

EVERYONE NEEDS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND LOWER COSTS, THIS FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART WHEN WE CONSIDER WHAT TO OFFER OUR CLIENTS //

technology to the food and beverage industry. Everything from meat processing – including trimming, skinning, dicing, cooking, injecting and smoking – through to pumps, labelling, sleeveing, and capping, Columbit’s range is unmatched and is supplied by the world’s best manufacturers.

Brands in the portfolio - often on an exclusive basis – include Eberhardt, Poly-clip, Weber, Fessmann, Domino, Laska, Pall, Ragazzini, Millet Cooperage and many more. These industry-leaders are split across meat processing and packaging, beverage processing and packaging, and wine divisions.

“Columbit represents a number of first-class European equipment manufacturers and, in most cases, such representation has spanned over many years, some as long as 60 years. The equipment supplied by

Columbit is of the highest quality and able to withstand the harsh manufacturing conditions synonymous with food and beverage production in Africa,” the company says.

Columbit backs its product list with a team of experts to ensure ongoing maintenance and customer satisfaction. Training alongside suppliers, upskilling inhouse, and demanding nothing but the best, the team has proven itself across the industry.

“We are confident and bold in what we do, yet flexible and sensitive to the needs of our customers,” the company suggests. “Over the years, we have built a reputation based on integrity and sound values. The company is fully committed to its suppliers, customers, and staff.

diversified operation supplying top quality consumables, equipment and service to the wine, food and beverage industries in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. All divisions are ably supported by a knowledgeable sales team, qualified technicians, and superb aftermarket spares and support staff.”

EFFICIENCY, PRODUCTIVITY

Last year, GM Werner Rautenbach told Enterprise Africa that despite many restaurants being closed because of Covid-19, there was a drive to improve efficiency, and this helped to boost numbers in a tough time.

“The customers’ requirements to improve productivity with rising input costs is an important factor. Everyone needs to increase productivity and lower costs, this forms an important part when we consider what to offer ON

“Today Columbit is a dynamic,

INDUSTRY FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

our clients. The need to reduce input cost has been a huge motivation for more automation. We have meat and beverage processing equipment for which we cover most of southern Africa. We have customers in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, and we cover all areas,” he said.

In Cape Town, at Propak 2023 – the leading event and exhibition for the local market – Columbit

will reinforce its position as the leading supplier of highly efficient and robust equipment, all backed with European quality guarantees, and maintained by local experts.

“For 80 years, the company has supplied equipment, service and consumables to the food and beverage industries in Southern Africa,” Columbit reminds.

“We have succeeded as a business over the last 80 years through a

simple blend of honesty, integrity, hard work, and dedication. We accept ownership of our individual responsibility and the impact of our actions on our suppliers, customers, our business and the environment.”

This promise ensures the company stands above others when clients look for an equipment supplier to bring sustainability and efficiency.

The productivity improvement remains the key concern for buyers, and will be discussed at Propak. As food producers blow budget on mitigating against rolling blackouts, water supply, and failing infrastructure, the fear is that costs will be passed to consumers furthering inflationary pressure already prevalent in the market. For the big national producers,

// COLUMBIT STRIVES TO BE A WORLD CLASS MARKET LEADER SUPPLYING THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES WITH QUALITY CONSUMABLES, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICE //

measures are in place. But for smaller butcher shops and food processing companies that service communities, ensuring machinery runs as it should is a priority. This is where a partnership with Columbit makes a difference.

“Columbit strives to be a world class market leader supplying the food and beverage industries with quality consumables, equipment, and service. As brand custodians we employ professional people who are enthusiastically committed to service excellence and sustainable profitability. We apply our energy and ingenuity to build a growing, continually improving business from which all stakeholders will benefit,” the company says, adding that it actively fosters a thriving entrepreneurial spirit.

INDUSTRY LEADING

The coming years will be critical for the food processing industry, which needs to expand dramatically to aid in South Africa’s drive for localisation. Today, the country – and continent – exports significant value in raw, unprocessed agricultural product, with value add occurring in other countries. With more equipment, expertise, and efficiency, Africa could take advantage of economic opportunities at the same time as addressing food security and job creation.

If the opportunities can be seized then food and beverage will not only remain a part of the South African table, but it could become a main course as an industry sector able to scale quickly while

solving core issues in the country.

“A good product combined with a good back up service is a winning recipe,” Rautenbach said previously.

As the top supplier of food and beverage equipment, Columbit is perfectly placed to assist through yet another tough period. Clearly, this is a business that knows how to delight, and partnering with the best is the only way to achieve true sustainability.

MEDSCHEME

Medscheme and AfroCentric to Expand African Exposure

A deal with Sanlam to acquire 60% of AfroCentric shares will help the group and its units, including Medscheme, to expand further of the continent. Already one of the leading players in the medical aid administration industry, Medscheme is buoyant about the future with a lot of positivity driving the brand onwards and upwards.

PRODUCTION: Sam Hendricks

//Partnering with healthcare and medical aid providers that have a proven reputation is a no brainer in South Africa where it simply isn’t worth taking the risk around such an important issue. With some of the world’s best doctors, surgeons, and consultants active across South Africa’s hospitals and clinics, there is always a solution to problems, and with the advent of medical technology bringing what was previously thought of as impossible much closer, there is much to be excited about in the local space. Obvious issues around cost, accessibility, and reliability are regular and continue to be addressed, but the underlying essence remains clear: a good medical aid scheme will provide a benefit.

The majority of hospitals in the country continue to deal with hospitals directly, and the system is tried and tested. Even with the uncertain onset of NHI and a universal health system, medical aid schemes will continue to provide an in-demand service.

One of the most consistent and highly-regarded medical aid administrators is Medscheme. Headquartered from Roodepoort and covering the whole country as well as operations in Botswana, Namibia, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius, Medscheme administers for a number of the leading medical aid schemes that reach more than 3.8 million people. The organisation is also the leading health risk management services provider in SA, and a provider of BPO services in Mauritius.

“Transforming healthcare” is the company’s vision, and “enhancing quality of life” is the company’s purpose. To achieve both, Medscheme holds the mission of “innovating a new integrated model of sustainable healthcare that measurably improves access to quality healthcare.”

Trusting in these principles are a number of well-known brands and their medical aid schemes including Barloworld, Bonitas, AECI, Fedhealth, SAMWUMED, POLMED, SABC, and more.

FRESH INVESTMENT

With ownership from AfroCentric –the local black-owned investment company – Medscheme certainly has its finger on the pulse when it comes to healthcare in SA.

In May, AfroCentric received

INDUSTRY FOCUS: FINANCE

aids, and measuring quality and costs incurred at all levels of care to support ongoing refinement of tiered reimbursement models,” leading to increasingly meaningful funder-provider partnerships.

HEALTHCARE FOCUSED

At the same time, Banderker is clear that AfroCentric is a healthcare business first and foremost and cares deeply for the South Arican industry and its users. “We all know public healthcare has been struggling to keep up with infrastructure decay, capacity issues and skills shortages,” he said, commenting on the annual budget from Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana. “The full budget

report illustrates continued budgetary support for government’s health policy direction. It is optimistic that this fund allocation will help address service backlogs and alleviate critical funding pressures in healthcare personnel, medicine, laboratory services, medical supplies and other vital goods and services,” he added, happy that healthcare was at least part of the budgeting thought process.

At the end of last year, AfroCentric was celebrating and demonstrating the power of true leadership when Group Chairman Dr Anna Mokgokong was lauded with the 2022 award for ‘Women Who Make a Difference’ by the Women’s Forum. A powerful and wide-reaching network, the Women’s Forum is home

to thousands of female leaders, game changers, and a few Noble Peace Prize winners. In South Africa, there a more than 100 women in the group and Mokgokong wash highlighted for her philanthropic work and activism in the boardroom where she is an advocate of promoting women to leadership roles.

AfroCentric and Medscheme are keen on transformation and diversity and the group encourages discussions around what more can be done.

“We are immensely proud and delighted that our Dr Mokgokong has been recognised for her achievements,” said Banderker. “Her contribution to the AfroCentric Group is just one example of those achievements. As a medical doctor who merged her passion for saving lives with that of growing sustainable businesses, Dr Mokgokong has provided strong guidance and advice towards the AfroCentric Group’s intent to enable access to affordable healthcare. This is also reflected in many of our inroads in the healthcare industry.”

COMMUNITY SERVING

Philanthropy was on show again when Medscheme and AfroCentric were on hand to support Vision 4 Change – a non-profit with the goal of supporting children in Cape Town with eyesight challenges.

The company and group supported a fitment day at Silverleaf and Dunoon primary schools in Cape Town – both classed as under-privileged – with a team of optometrists conducting tests for those with expected sight issues, and creating prescriptions and sourcing free glasses.

“Many learners struggle with eyesight ailments but do not have access to vision care,” said Palesa Makhetha, General Manager Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs.

“Unfortunately, the cost of eyecare makes it inaccessible to millions of South Africans and our school-going youth are the ones who suffer the most. We are honoured to partner

with Vision 4 Change in this significant initiative to give our learners vision.

“As the AfroCentric Group, we have always taken pride in our commitment and ability to enable access to quality, affordable healthcare. Whether we do it by innovating new products or services or by empowering our communities, we transform healthcare, making it affordable for the people of South Africa. This is because we believe that when it comes to health coverage, no one should be left behind.”

The idea here was to address potential issues before they become problems, and allowing those learners to participate in the classroom, paving the way for strong education and careers in the future. Whatever the future holds for the medical aid industry and NHI, these young people will forever hold AfroCentric and Medscheme in high regard, and they will hopefully pick up the skills and attributes required to change the industry for the better.

Medscheme has become one of the best by investing in South Africa and its vast resources, and this will continue.

“Our proven combination of client-centricity and expertise is founded on excellence in corporate governance and world-class information technology,” the company says. “These attributes position Medscheme as the ideal business partner for corporate clients and medical aids who seek to offer quality health risk management and affordable health insurance to their members and employees,” reminding all that partnerships with trustworthy healthcare organisations remain as vital as ever.

// WE ARE NOT MERELY BROADENING OUR REACH, AMPLIFYING INNOVATION, AND EXPANDING OUR CAPABILITIES, WE ARE RESOLUTELY PURSUING THE REALISATION OF EQUITABLE HEALTHCARE //

Proud History Opens Up Bright Future

PRODUCTION: Eleanor Sarbutt-King

For more than 35 years CADCON has been one of the central building blocks in South Africa and beyond. Numerous projects across multiple sectors exhibit the combination of the company’s specialist expertise and proven track-record to deliver quality steelwork on any scale and of any scope.

CADCON is the driving force behind the innovating, building and creation of many of South Africa’s most recognisable and celebrated structures and buildings. Its work entails projects in the industrial and manufacturing, commercial, and mining sectors, not only locally but increasingly

further afield on the continent.

“CADCON specialises in structural and architectural steel solutions from design through to final installation,” the company relays, from its base in Lyttleton, Pretoria. Here, four workshops covering a total of 15,600m² with the capacity to produce around 600 tons of fabricated steel per month, serviced by

Image Credit: Oliver Karstel

INDUSTRY FOCUS: CONSTRUCTION

PowerFab is the comprehensive software suite offering a systematic, collaborative approach for managing fabrication, one of Tekla’s landmark products in its bid to transform the construction industry, overcome previously insurmountable challenges and achieve outstanding results.

BRIGHT FUTURE

Since its humble beginnings from a single small factory outside Pretoria, CADCON has forever been forging the most formidable of relationships through steelwork. “Our proud history has prepared us for a bright future,” the company beams. “Over the years, our name has become synonymous with exceptional quality, cost-effective solutions, and on-time delivery. Our legacy remains firmly rooted in our prizing respect and loyalty in the construction industry, as was initially

earned by our founding members.”

Founded by mechanical engineering student Gerhard Meiring and soon joined by still-active Director, Barry Barnard, CADCON started out performing light steelwork and sundry metalwork from its garage workshop, before purchasing industrial property in Centurion in 1995. Having constructed its first workshop and office facility of 2,100m² with four overhead cranes, CADCON was awarded its first major project in 1996 in the form of the BMW Paint Shop contract in Rosslyn.

“This was the launching pad that saw CADCON securing its place in the steel construction industry of South Africa over the next decade,” the company explains, and several other major projects, including the 700-ton Mercedes Paint Shop in East London, followed shortly thereafter.

The award of the Medupi project in

2006 in a joint venture with two other steel manufacturers prompted the second wave of rapid growth, and over the ensuing years CADCON invested in business and workshop automation through the implementation of several state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machineries and supporting management software.

ICONIC STRUCTURES

The ability to recognise truly exceptional quality and delivery has brought much acclaim CADCON’s way. At the 2018 Steel Awards CADCON was overall winner for its work on the Time Square Sun Arena, having won in the architectural steel category at the ceremony the previous year for the casino and hotel development at the same location.

“CADCON’s projects are visible in many landmarks throughout South Africa, Mauritius, and as far

Jeppe High School for Girls Pedestrian Bridge

as the DRC,” the company adds, and each acts as a showcase to its famed commitment to excellence. “For more than three decades we’ve been building South Africa and beyond.

“As one of SA’s leading structural steel experts, CADCON’s contribution to the industry can be seen in some of the most iconic buildings in the country. Our commitment to excellence has seen us being part of recordbreaking projects such as the Redstone Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Project, PnP Distribution Centre, Jeppe High School’s Pedestrian Bridge and many others.” This latter project represents an extraordinary undertaking which took three decades to become a reality, the resulting bridge providing scholars with a safer environment between Jeppe High School for Girls’ two campuses.

“Another successful build for CADCON was the Pepkor Warehouse,” the company furthers. “This warehouse footprint in Hammarsdale includes areas such as canopies, mezzanine floors, office areas and the gross building area (GBA) giving us an impressive total of 308,029 m² operating surface.” CADCON acted as the steelwork contractor on the project, a building roofed and clad with a high tech, premium grade of coated steel that provides not only long life in service but also an attractive finish. The building features further innovative usages of steel on many levels, according to the company.

Located near to Postmasburg in the Northern Cape, Redstone CSP is among the largest renewable

3D Plasma / Flame / Laser Cutting Chamfered / Bent / Rolled

All to your drawing specifications

Our capacity to process up to 1000 tons per month, will facilitate any project no matter how big or small.

www.bekkersteel.co.za

energy investments in South Africa. At the 100MW plant, large mirrors reflect the sun’s rays toward the tower where thermal energy is collected in molten salt and then converted to electricity, with CADCON charged with the fabrication and erection of the hot and cold molten structures along with the erection of the steam generation structure.

“The Redstone CSP will house 12 hours of full-load energy storage, and will be able to reliably deliver a stable electricity supply to more than 200,000 South African homes during peak demand periods, even well after the sun has set,” says CADCON of the groundbreaking site, whose construction commenced in May 2021 and is set for completion later this year.

CADCON has developed significantly across its lifetime and is now

recognised as an industry leader, with major projects for clients across all industries well within its wheelhouse. From steel warehouses to distribution centres to shopping centres to aircraft hangars or mining storage facilities, CADCON has unrivalled experience comprising hundreds of completed projects, some of them decades in the planning and making. “We put as much effort into our steel whether it is going into a petrochemical plant or a commercial shopping centre,” summarised MD Paul Rebelo to Enterprise Africa last year. “With CADCON, certainty of delivery is a definite.”

// CADCON’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY CAN BE SEEN IN SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTRY //

COME TO US FOR YOUR PROJECT PROCUREMENT OF ALL TYPES OF STEEL PLATE

FISHER DUGMORE FINANCIAL

Now is the Time to Start Your Financial Plan

The Masters of Wealth Navigation at Fisher Dugmore Financial will help you to weather the storms and ride the waves of the complex and ever-changing personal finance environment. By following tried and tested plans, these money experts can help to light the way to your wealth destination, wherever that may be.

PRODUCTION: Manelesi Dumasi

Andrew Dugmore and Dave Fisher

INDUSTRY FOCUS: FINANCE

Dave Fisher and Andrew Dugmore, the dynamic duo behind Fisher Dugmore Financial, are experts in money management and finance

understanding. For more than three decades the pair have been providing advice, guidance, and counsel on all things financial for clients from across South Africa and further

afield. Both independent financial advisors before joining forces, the two believe wholeheartedly in the power of independent advice, and have always nurtured relationships with clients in a human and friendly way.

But not everyone has the extraordinarily useful knowledge that sits inside Fisher Dugmore. Few have anywhere near the experience that this unique business boasts. And, even worse, few seek the advice they so clearly need.

“We do complete, holistic financial planning but on a very personal basis,” Andrew Dugmore told Enterprise Africa previously.

“When things are going badly, people need a shoulder to lean on. We are now extremely busy

and our diaries are extremely full,” said Dave Fisher in 2021. This level of activity has not ceased to date, with more people than ever before in need of financial advice. The first step is to ask.

PESSIMISTIC SA

Alarming recent reports suggest that significant numbers in South Africa either distrust or do not actively engage with financial advisers. Even worse, 90% of people do not have the money to retire without major lifestyle changes. The report from Genesis Analytics and the FCSA found that many are simply not able to save or choosing not to save – a big red flag for any financial advisor, and an issue that Fisher Dugmore

would seek to address immediately. The company places retirement arrangement as one of the foremost parts of a robust financial plan alongside emergency preparation. For Dave Fisher, preparing for life beyond work is essential.

“In recent years there has been a considerable amount of economic uncertainty,” he says.

“Many people are unsure of their financial future, concerned that they won’t be able to retire because of financial setbacks related to the pandemic and other global events.

Saving for retirement often aligns closely with benefiting from tax advantages, tax-free investing and tax deferment. Life beyond work is a season of life that we can start planning

// THE POWER OF ARTICULATING A FINANCIAL PLAN LIES NOT ONLY IN THE CREATION OF A ROADMAP TOWARDS YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS, BUT ALSO IN HOW IT HELPS SHAPE YOUR MINDSET TOWARDS YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY //

FISHER DUGMORE FINANCIAL

for now and see immediate savings in our tax returns and the long-term wonders of compounding interest.”

The professionals recommend that most start saving for retirement as soon as possible – the earlier you start, the more you can amass, and the earlier you can potentially begin to think about life after work. However, a recent survey by Sanlam found that 25% of average South Africans do not have and form of retirement pot and 20% believe they will never

retire. 42% of respondents said they felt a sense of insecurity or lack of control over their financial future.

“Retirement planning refers to financial strategies for saving, investing, and ultimately distributing money to sustain oneself during retirement,” says Fisher. “It’s a very personal journey, and the amount we need to save depends on our age, income, desired retirement income, inflation, and more. But what so many people overlook is that they can reap short-term benefits, too – tax savings being the most obvious, but emotional and mental wellness are also notable benefits.

“Life after work is not just a financial conversation,” he adds, “it’s a whole-of-life conversation. Debt is only one challenge; divorce, depression and disenchantment all feature high on the list of struggles that those entering life after work face – and if they’re not

prepared, these can be devastating.”

The message is clear – engage with a financial consultant and understand how you can prepare and ultimately benefit from your earnings now and in the future. The company has partnerships with all of the big banks and pension funds in South Africa and is able to provide very affordable products that most believe are out of reach.

“By actively working on your relationship with money and adopting positive habits, you can cultivate an empowering and emotionally balanced approach to your finances,” reminds Fisher.

FINANCIAL CONTEXT

The Sanlam Benchmark Report, released in June, find that there is an overall negative feeling around money and finances, and the way people

// BY ARTICULATING YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN, YOU MAKE IT REAL, TANGIBLE, AND MORE ACHIEVABLE //

engage with costs is often started from a negative standpoint. Fisher and Dugmore are both of the opinion that the need for clear financial context is important, and this allows for the creation of a plan which can help to instil a mindset that sees money as a growth path and not a hindrance.

Fisher, author of the book Destination Wealth, has always been keen on changing the way South Africans think about money.

“In the sphere of financial planning, the way we speak about money and articulate our plans can have a profound impact on our financial well-being,” he says. “The power of articulating a financial plan lies not only in the creation of a roadmap towards your financial goals, but also in how it helps shape your mindset towards your financial journey.”

He admits that for most, discussions around finances are private, and sometimes uncomfortable. “We tend to veer away from discussions about our financial goals, aspirations, or anxieties. Yet, speaking candidly about money can be transformative. When we articulate our financial plans, we affirm our goals and intentions, which in turn, aids in shaping our financial reality.”

Creating a plan involves several stages. First is budgeting, next is building tools for wealth creation, and then there is risk and retirement planning to protect you and your family in the long-term. When these ideas and elements are discussed, the journey can begin.

“Many times, financial planning seems like a daunting task because it involves an array of complex elements – budgeting, investments, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, and more. In such a scenario, having clarity of thought and speech can be a game-changer,” reminds Fisher. “By articulating your financial plan, you make it real, tangible, and more achievable. Think about

it – you can only aim for something if you know what it is. If you’re able to describe what financial success looks like for you, then you can work towards it more effectively. Clear articulation facilitates understanding, commitment, and a sense of purpose. It connects you emotionally to your financial goals, making them more than just numbers on a page.”

With inflation adding more pressure and stress to an already tight and anxious atmosphere, the time to consult with a financial adviser is now. “The 2023 Benchmark report underscored the critical need for long-term, holistic financial planning,” says Kanyisa Mkhize, CEO of Sanlam Corporate.

“Creating a new financial narrative requires intention, effort, and patience,” concludes Fisher.

“As you work towards embracing a healthy money mindset, remember that it’s a journey, not a destination. By actively engaging with your finances and adopting empowering beliefs and habits, you can forge a new financial path that aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations.”

Fisher Dugmore remains one of the country’s leading financial planning businesses, with new services and products being added each year. When looking for certainty and trust, look no further.

Invest offshore in high-quality, dividend-paying companies.

GRAND REINSURANCE

First Choice Reinsurer Across Africa

Since 2005 Grand Re has been the go-to provider of reinsurance solutions to cover all short-term business and financial services to Zimbabwe as well as, increasingly, the entire African insurance market. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Masawara, its belonging to this leading investment firm affords stability and security in the bid to continually refine the science of balancing risk.

PRODUCTION: Sam Hendricks

INDUSTRY FOCUS: FINANCE

//Reinsurance is often more commonly known as ‘insurance for insurance companies’. A vital second layer of protection, it drastically reduces the risk for major insurers of suffering dangerously high losses as a consequence of payments for large claims and is becoming an increasingly essential tool used by insurance companies to manage risks.

Between 2011 and 2020, subSaharan, national, regional and international reinsurers achieved an average annual growth in gross written premiums of 9.15%. Despite a challenging operating environment in 2020 marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, volatile oil prices, high inflation and depreciation of local currencies, the growth potential of reinsurance in sub-Saharan Africa is widely acknowledged as being extremely strong.

Even in such a constraining

context, the region is blessed with abundant natural resources and strongly growing economic indicators, alongside a young and dynamic population offering strong insurance growth potential. A rise in infrastructure investment in recent years has also been a sizeable contributing factor in the overall development of the local reinsurance market, expected to continue as sustained economic growth and a general tightening of reinsurance rates supports further improvement.

REFOCUSING, REINFORCING AND REVOLVING

“GrandRe is a top-performing player in the reinsurance business in Zimbabwe,” proudly affirms Masawara - formerly TA Holdings - the African investment holding company specialising in companies with a unique position in growth industry value chains. Beginning

life in 2005 as a local reinsurance solutions provider designed to cover all short-term business in Zimbabwe, Grand Re now boasts expertise across agriculture, engineering, fire, liabilities, and motor - even some specialist fields such as marine and aviation.

“We provide sound reinsurance and financial services to Zimbabwe and the entire African insurance market,” Grand Re summarises. “Over the years we have shown excellent service in the markets we serve; our reassurance to our clients is that we have the same commitment to excellence as they do and the resources to back it up.

“At Grand Re we are refocusing, reinforcing and revolving the risk transfer mechanisms, with confidence in our capability.”

Grand Re’s success and growth has taken it way beyond its Zimbabwe origins, MD Tatenda Katoma described in conversation with Enterprise Africa,

seeing the company establish a footprint well on its way to covering the entire African continent. “Our original expansion into the rest of Africa was in the form of our Botswana office, for which we received our full license in 2020 and which is now fully operational and growing at a tremendous pace,” he explained. More recently Grand Re has opened a fully-fledged office in Tanzania, while last March the company commenced operations in Douala, Cameroon.

“Overall, from a strategic point of view the company has moved from being a locally-operating outfit focusing on Zimbabwe to become the original Pan-African player,” Katoma condensed. “We have broadened our ambitions now to establish ourselves firmly on the African continent, targeting in particular the Southern East African side and working our way into the rest of Africa.”

SECURE AND RELIABLE

In dealings near and far, with clients both longstanding and new, it is an unwavering commitment to quality and dependability that governs Grand Re’s steady march across Africa, the company makes clear. “We exist to provide the retail insurance market with secure and reliable reinsurance capacity, and be a responsive partner in the provision of comprehensive risk management solutions,” states Grand Re.

“We always acknowledge that our clients are unique, as are the risks to which they are exposed. That is why we tailor all of our products to adequately cover each client’s risk, in a dynamic world in which new and complex challenges and risks are emerging every day. Companies increasingly need a strong partner to help reduce their risks, cover them against losses and safeguard their financial security.”

Grand Re is uniquely positioned to intervene in this regard, Katoma stressed, whether through short-term reinsurance, risk management, actuarial

consultancy or training. “At GrandRe our promise is to give the best risk management solutions to our clients to help them carry on with their day to day and long-term operations,” he said, “with the confidence that their risk is well balanced with assured confidence.

“We are constantly working on improving our technical expertise so that we serve our clients better, while our team is composed of highly qualified and experienced people who have the capacity to deliver technical training. We also tap into the Group’s skills resources comprising a panel of experts who have vast exposure to regional and international markets.”

A presence in more and more territories allows Grand Re to ensure that it is able to give access to good quality insurance products to more and more key clients across the African

region, Katoma concluded, with sights very much set on further honing its capabilities in a net cast ever-wider. “Currently, there are a lot of classes of more specialist insurance where people are failing to find cover, and Grand Re intends to create tailormade products for each region to ensure that our clients are able to secure the capacity that is much needed in these areas,” he enthused.

“We look forward now to growing together with all of the new clientele that comes along with all these new strategic developments, and building ourselves up to be the reinsurer of choice across sub-Saharan Africa.”

EXHIBITION CALENDAR

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE REGION

Important events and exhibitions taking place across sub-Saharan Africa, giving brands a platform to tell their story.

PAPER MIDDLE EAST 2023 SEPT 2-4 | CAIRO

The “Paper Middle East,” often simply referred to as “Paper ME,” is a trade show established in 2009 for the paper and pulp processing industry. Held annually at the EIEC Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt, it serves as a crucial link between Western and Eastern markets. The show attracts manufacturers, processors, and dealers from around the globe. Its strategic location in Cairo makes it a bridge to the rapidly growing markets of the Middle East and North Africa. Organized by Nile Trade Fairs, the “Paper Middle East” showcases the latest products and pioneering technologies in the field of paper and pulp processing. This includes, in particular, paper and cardboard machines, corrugated paper products, recycled paper machines, paper sleeve machines, and laminating machines. Used and refurbished machines and devices, handmade paper, and many other specific products and services are also exhibited.

THE BIG 5 WESTERN CAPE 2023 SEPT 5-7 | CAPE TOWN

The Big 5 Construct Western Cape, previously Cape Construction Expo, is the only event dedicated to the building and construction industry in and for the Western Cape. With over 80 exhibitors featured across the indoor and outdoor exhibition area, the expo offers access to the most innovative building materials and technologies. Free workshops and demonstrations will provide training, capacity building, and networking opportunities for all attendees.

SAMDEX 2023 OCT 17-20 | JOHANNESBURG

As a first of its kind in the sub-Saharan Africa, the South African Mobile Devices Exposition (or SAMDEX) will bring together in one roof various stakeholders of the mobile devices’ industry both from the hardware and software ecosystems including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), importers, distributors, wholesalers, resellers, stockists, traders, retailers, companies, SMMEs, tech gurus, analysts, publishers, journalists, reporters, researchers, instructors, lecturers, students, professionals, regulators, policy makers, end-users, software engineers, systems and applications developers, , thus solution providers and solution seekers.

It is a great and unique occasion for South Africa and the African continent to take stock and evaluate the mobile industry offerings and opportunities for trade, businesses, exchanges, and available future options.

SEP 2 PAPER MIDDLE EAST 2023 CAIRO | SEPT 2-4

SEP 5

THE KENYAN HOSPITALITY EVENT 2023

NAIROBI | SEPT 5-7

SEP 6

SEP 6

SEP 20

OCT 17

OCT 27

THE BIG 5 WESTERN CAPE 2023 CAPE TOWN | SEPT 6-7

MOMBASA INTERNATIONAL SHOW (MIS) 2023

MOMBASA | SEPT 6-10

THE BIG 5 CONSTRUCT KZN 2023

DURBAN | SEPT 20-21

SAMDEX 2023

JOHANNESBURG | OCT 17-20

RAND SHOW 2023

JOHANNESBURG | OCT 27-29

Aim higher

SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd is the flagship of the SBM Group, a leading Mauritian financial services provider with subsidiaries in Mauritius, India, Kenya and Madagascar. Offering a wide array of banking and non-banking financial services, including bespoke solutions for specific market segments – from individuals to international organisations through SMEs, Corporates, HNWIs, family offices, etc. –, the SBM Group is the epitome of universal banking. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

T: (230) 207 0111 | E: sbm@sbmgroup.mu | www.sbmgroup.mu

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