sa express employee magazine
cor por a te ne ws
c o mpa n y ev en t s
life skills
myAmanda saxKandawire story @flysaexpress
facebook.com/saexpress
january 2014
CONTENTS 03 04 05 06 07 08 09
Goodbye Madiba Customer Feedback My SAX Story Insurance Zone Staff Briefing Bayer Training Board of Directors
05
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Wellness Days Inkosi Christmas Programme ICAD 2013 Women in Aviation Travel Grooming Recipes
07 Talk to Expresso
10
Expresso is all about you. We want to know what you think, what you’re doing and what you’d like to share with the rest of SAX. Send your input to dlittlefield@flyexpress.aero, Please send us your favourite recipes, holiday pictures and any interesting company news. We would love to share them with everybody.
11 2
EXPRESSO | january 2014
Goodbye Madiba We hoped the day would never come, but it did on 5th December 2013 when we had to say goodbye to our beloved Madiba. We were blessed to have him in our lives for so long and we will forever remember him as a statesman, a philanthropist, a politician, a fighter, a humanitarian, and a forgiving and accepting human being unlike any other, before, or since. As we say “hamba kahle” we must remember the lessons he taught us. He was always the epitome of a leader-by-example in his own quiet, inimitable way. He led from the front but never forgot those at the rear. He led from behind by empowering those in front of him, and he never lost sight of the people who meant the world to him. He recognised that all South Africans are fundamentally the same. We share a land, a history and, more importantly, emotions, spirit and patriotism, and he brought us together as no man has ever managed to achieve previously. He viewed adversities as opportunities to fight for a new life for all of us. He saw the world as finely nuanced, intricate and complex and his solutions for reconciliation were pragmatic. His guiding credo was always: “What is the end I seek and what is the most practical way to get there?” The key to understanding him is to see his change from the headstrong and emotional youngster who walked on to Robben Island in 1964 and the balanced, disciplined and mature man who emerged after 27 years in prison. He described it thus: “I came out mature; there is nothing so valuable – or rare – as a mature man”. Tata, you have done your work. Now it is time to rest. You walked to freedom with us but now we let you walk on to eternal peace with our love and prayers enveloping you.
EXPRESSO | January 2014
3
customer feedback
Dear Customer Ca
re
rning flight, After an early mo traffic, a urg sb ne followed by Johan re traffic, I mo d an , ng eti me g flight back to day-lon self waiting for my eventually found my ernoon. ailable aft shuttle was not av East London in the delayed because a and hungry, I grumpily s wa ing ard bo r Ou usted airplane. Hot, exha press staff when to take us to the d back at the SA Ex ile sm ll sti t bu , ne were extremely w cre his d boarded the pla an in aboard. The capta me d time. The delay me no lco in we air y the le to get us in the ab re we y the d an efficient r what it was soon forgotten. ss came to offer a snack, I asked he icate When the stewarde it contained beef. I had forgotten to ind n’t t do I t tha d tha lie ng rep ini e pla sh ex d was an ned by ts and politely decli my meal requiremen hand, head resting on my eat beef. nute or two with my d hungry hour and ten mi a for off d ze do I g an ss, who s going to be a lon thinking that it wa woken unexpectedly by the stewarde rabbit a s d wa lle I pu minutes. Then felt like she had vegetarian meal. It a th wi ed urn ret d ha ff has come to my out of a hat! the SA Express sta they have never e tim t firs the t This is no st say that ngs like s to meals and I mu rescue with regard ms of customer satisfaction. It is thi it off, ter top in To r r. tte live be de ch to t mu failed ke a person’s day tha these that help to ma e. tim on we also landed Regards Shamir
Good day, I recently fle Town to Port w on a 06h00 flight fro m Cape Elizab I was woken eth. up at 05:07 airport transf by a call from er collected at 05 company. I was schedule our d to be :0 0 bu t due to an al hadn’t woken arm malfunctio up as planne nI d at I arrived at 04:00! whirlwind of the airport at 05:40 and ex w allowed me to cellence. A check-in em as thrown into a pl Next thing, a jump the queue so that I oyee at Platinum po co queues, thro rter was called in to rush uld get my ticket. ugh the secu m boarding gate rity checkpoi e past the waiting nt and then . to the the plane. Th Next a bus was commis si e was then open sky check compartment oned to get me to – then ushered ed to allow me to drop of already closed – to f anyone compl my seat by a polite air ho my luggage. I was st ai holding up th n that I was late or mak ess. Not once did e me feel that e plane, which , of course, I I was It is a pity th w that. But I am at I didn’t get any names. as! I was too fraz totally taken ab zled for today. Please ack by the se fin rv on my heartfe d the employees who as ice I experienced lt thanks. sisted me an d pass Today I have been made to feel like a valu ed customer. Thank you. Marlin Goss
Dear SA Express What a delight my flight was. As come from a tes t flight developme I nt environment, a pro p ultimate in flying an aircraft is still the d the De Havilland Dash 8 Series Q400 Turboprop stretches beyond Having being privile ged to “swing a pro expectations. p” start the engine, it was always a scary in my days in order to ex at the Pratt & Whit ney engines, I am gla perience and looking d mature in age, so that nature fortunate I am rather short and reach these props. ly didn’t allow me to The onboard service – fro m the first mike call, updates – was exac to the in-flight tly what a passeng er fish stinks from the head” proved the op needs. The saying “a Prinsloo and his cre posite as Captain Pa w ul Prince and Rowan Bo – Samantha Pereira Da Ribeira, Tiff any tha – showed just wh of tremendous and at the collective effort ex one want to come ba cellent team work can achieve by ma kin ck and fly SA Expre ss again and again. g I really need to co support), for bringing mmend everyone (even the back sta ge relive what flying is us wonderful flying memories to live and all about. Thank you and best regards, Albert Roodt
4
EXPRESSO | january 2014
Dear Patience
u for everything rsonally thank yo I would like to pe cently. You worked until late to ter me re you did to help g for me, including writing a let details. ht hin flig yt w er ne ev arrange ing all my e was also ntion and arrang for my boss’ atte th my company’s travel offic Your contact wi everything went 150% well! sult, job – and not excellent. As a re ely in control and did a great lut rude to you. so re ab we You were ssengers who pa e th r fo en ev company! just for me, but lute asset to your You are an abso much. Thank you very Kind regards AJ van Heerden
my SAX story
my SAx story
Amanda Kandawire
I am originally from Soweto, and am the only child of a Malawian father and a Xhosa mother. My love for flying was sparked at a very young age. It all started with the first flight I took as a little girl to the Eastern Cape to visit my grandparents. After that I was hooked. I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up and I knew flying would be my ultimate dream.
I joined SA Express in January 2013 as a Mach 2 cadet and what an awesome first year it’s been! I started flying straight out of high school and enrolled for my training at the South African flight training academy at Rand Airport. Thanks to a student loan I was able to obtain my private pilot’s license (PPL). My parents could not afford to pay for any of my studies, so I got a job working as a flight operations cadet to help pay for my training. With that, a little money from loved ones and a big scholarship I was able to obtain my commercial pilot’s license. It took me a few years to get a flying job, so while I was waiting for my flying time to come I got a job at
Comair working as a flight operations controller and also started volunteering for a non-profit organisation called
the Southern African Women in Aviation and Aerospace Industry (SAWIA). The organisation is all about the empowerment of women in the aviation sector. We run programmes throughout the year, particularly aimed at girl children, in order to give girls exposure to different careers within the industry. Some of the girls I have met through our programmes are similar to me when I was in school. They all have a keen interest in and passion for flying but sadly don’t have the financial means to pursue it. They are the reason behind me starting the Ladybird Fund. It is a scholarship fund for girls who want to become pilots. The fund aims to assist them to kick start their careers by sponsoring them with a PPL. As a fundraising initiative towards this cause I have produced a 2014 calendar and all the proceeds from calendar sales will go towards the fund. The calendar features female pilots from across the country, two of whom are first officers at SA Express. I do photography part time, so naturally I did all the calendar shoots myself. I love flying and this fund is my way of giving back and trying to help those who have the same dreams as I do.
EXPRESSO | January 2014
5
company news
Insurance Zone and SA Express Trustees Our pension and provident funds reside with Liberty Life under the aegis of Insurance Zone, however, we have our own board of trustees that oversees the entire exercise from the selection of contribution categories to the selection of risk profile categories. The trustees are drawn from both the employer and employee groups within SA Express. Employer trustees are all EXCO members and employee trustees are elected by the staff. Both groups have equal representation on the board and one person is the principal member. In our case, this person is Captain Dave Allanby. The other employer trustees are Kgatile Nkala (this year’s Chair), Zanele Ngwenya and Brian van Wyk, while the employee trustees are Captain Jan Henning, Precious Mazibuko and Dayle Littlefield. We are short of an employee trustee following the departure of Richard Manthe, however HC will shortly begin the process of selecting somebody. Trustees are required to meet every quarter and a quorum must be present at each meeting because we play a vital role in helping fund members make sound financial decisions and, in turn, accept responsibility – jointly and severally – for any mismanagement of funds. Although we are insured for such eventualities, we must remain vigilant and exercise due diligence with all decisions made for and on behalf of our members. We are assisted with this by the very able and competent people at Insurance Zone and Liberty Life. We are also responsible for ensuring that death and disability benefits are paid fairly and as rapidly as possible. This is not a simple exercise because many of our members have large extended families and also because we have employees both in and out of South Africa.
6
EXPRESSO | january 2014
company news
Staff Briefing Our latest quarterly staff briefing took place on 29th October during which we were brought up to date on current affairs in our company. We always enjoy these gatherings because it is essential that we be included for us to feel a sense of belonging and ownership in the company.
EXPRESSO | January 2014
7
company news
Bayer Training and Planning Department Bayer is situated at 27 Wrench Road, Isando, which is only a ten minute drive from OR Tambo, yet a world away from the old training establishment at In-flight Services! The building is clean, green and absolutely beautiful. As one pulls into the office park, one is met by tinkling fountains, pristine surroundings and immaculate service. On entering the annex, wherein our offices lie, a restful yet modern and utterly efficient reception welcomes guests and staff alike. Our wing is beautifully appointed, has natural light and every office has windows that open! This is such an exciting and unusual phenomenon for us and is a godsend for the people working there. The building houses a wonderful canteen which should rightly be called a restaurant. It has both an inside and outside seating area and the verdant garden contributes to restful and revitalising coffee and lunch breaks. Bayer’s corporate culture is an important factor in the company’s success and also the functioning of tenants. Central to this culture are their values: Leadership, Integrity, Flexibility and Efficiency, summarised by the term LIFE. The values provide guidance for daily work as the company seeks solutions to the major challenges of our time, in line with their mission statement: “Bayer: Science for a Better Life.” The Bayer Spirit is the umbrella for all people initiatives and there are three main categories: • Creating a great place to work • Achieving your personal best • Refining people systems It is exceedingly easy to live by these values in such an impressive environment. We wish our colleagues many happy working years. We are officially jealous!
8
EXPRESSO | january 2014
events, people & places
The Board of Directors In terms of the Companies Act we must have at least three directors. In addition to the minimum number of directors that the company must have to satisfy any requirement – whether in terms of the Act or its Memorandum of Incorporation – it must have enough directors to appoint an audit committee and a social and ethics committee. A company’s Memorandum of Incorporation may specify a higher number in substitution for the minimum number of directors. Our Memorandum of Incorporation calls for a minimum of three directors and a maximum of 12, the majority of which must be non-executive and at least two to be executive (CEO and CFO). We currently have ten directors. The Board should hold sufficient meetings to discharge all its duties, but is required to hold a minimum of four meetings per year. The shareholder appoints the directors on the grounds of their knowledge and experience which, when considered collectively, should enable the board to attain the objects of the company. The nonexecutive directors are appointed for a term of three years which is reviewable annually, providing that no person is appointed as a director for more than three consecutive terms. They have the authority to exercise all of the powers and perform any of the functions of the company, except to the extent that the Company’s Act and the Company’s Memorandum of Incorporation states otherwise.
EXPRESSO | January 2014
9
events, people & places
Wellness Days On 3rd and 4th December, we held our annual Discovery wellness days at head office. The philosophy behind wellness is that prevention is better than cure and is not just the absence of pathology. Screening for common conditions such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure and general health can bring attention to conditions before they become serious. It is usually easier to treat diseases in their infancy. HIV/AIDS screening, with pre- and post-counselling was also available. An important concept in wellness is BMI, or body mass index, which is a measure of body fat, based on height and weight, and applies to adult men and women. Although useful it is not 100% accurate because it does not consider your muscle mass or your body shape, such as apple or pear. It must therefore be used only as a guideline. Waist measurement is also a sound indicator of a healthy body mass and should be below 88 cm in both men and women. BMI Categories: • Underweight = less than 18.5 • Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9 • Overweight = 25 – 29.9 • Obesity = 30 or greater Maintain your weight by doing moderate intensity exercises like brisk walking, swimming, gardening or jogging for 30 to 45 minutes every day. Muscle and bone strengthening activities, such as lifting weights, prevent loss of bone density related to aging. The online assessment from Discovery presents a general pattern of mental and physical wellbeing and takes into account the number of hours spent sitting and working, daily portions of fruit, vegetables, alcohol and caffeine, stress levels and amount of exercise done. Our executives are required to undergo medical examinations annually and, because of their workload, these can be done by a nurse on our own premises. We should all take care of our health even if we are not required to be tested formally and regularly. Both flight deck and cabin crew undergo aviation medicals ranging from once every six months to every two years depending on their age and whether they are cabin or flight deck crew. By attending the wellness days at our offices, we not only receive Vitality points but, more importantly, we are made aware of areas of concern that we can then address appropriately.
10
EXPRESSO | january 2014
events, people & places
Inkosi Christmas Programme
The CSI (corporate social responsibility) unit was asked by the Richards Bay team to be part of the Inkosi Project Eighth Annual Children’s Christmas party by donating gifts and participating in the planned activities for this very worthy event which was held on 30th November. The event attracted over 3,000 disabled, orphaned and underprivileged children between 3 and 13 years old from Richards Bay and greater Zululand. Organised events included a street procession from Umhlathuze Municipality to create HIV/AIDS awareness, an address by the Mayoral office and speeches by various motivational speakers. Each child received a hamper, Christmas gift, breakfast and lunch. There was also entertainment, games, waterslides and a jumping castle. Busses and private vehicles were used to transport the children from various communities. Because the Inkosi Organisation works with disabled children, we inquired if there were any children in need of wheelchairs because we saw this as a practical gift with long term benefits. We were told that 16 children with cerebral palsy did not have wheelchairs. We naturally jumped at the opportunity of “paying it forward” and personally experiencing the utter joy of seeing immobile children get “legs”! CSI focuses on health as well as disability and we secured the 16 wheelchairs (branded with our logo and colours) and donated them as a way of enabling the children to move about more freely. The event took place during 16 Days of Activism and allowed us to participate in something that will change these children’s lives forever as well as allow them to have faith in people and in their own future.
EXPRESSO | January 2014
11
events, people & places
ICAD 2013 SA Express was invited to participate in ICAD at Tempe Airport in Bloemfontein from 4th to 7th December. ICAD’s intention is to expose youngsters and their teachers to aviation and the opportunities available for careers in the industry. Mango, SAA, SACAA, ACSA and SA Express, among others, exhibited. We were very well represented by Kathreen and Ratolo and the entire event ran smoothly. The marquee in which the luncheon was to be served was beautifully decked out in pinks and greens with an abundance of exquisite flowers adorning every table. The weather was beautiful and boded well for the air show on Saturday. Entertainment was provided in the form of some traditional dancing, and music was supplied by a well equipped DJ. Prior to arriving in the marquee the dignitaries toured the exhibits hall. The main event, which took place on 6th December at 1130, was scheduled to be a wonderful party but given the devastatingly sad circumstances of Tata’s passing, it became a somber and retrospective memorial to him. As the dignitaries’ entered, the crowd stood and we all sang our national anthem and observed a minute of silence to reflect on Tata’s passing. The programme director, Boitumelo, led the gathering in song and the voices rose in unison with a plaintiff and very moving farewell to him. Thereafter, we had a brief inter-denominational service to say a formal goodbye to allow him to go “home”, as the pastor explained. Although Madiba’s life called for celebration, nobody felt up to being joyous that day. The shock was far too great.
12
EXPRESSO | january 2014
events, people & places
Women in Aviation Calendar By Amanda Kandawire
I belong to organisation called Southern African Women in Aviation and Aerospace Industry (SAWIA). It is a registered non-profit organisation (Reg # NPO 089-579) dedicated to the empowerment of women in aviation and aerospace in the Southern African Development Community Region. A key objective of SAWIA is to increase the meaningful contribution to a more equitable representation of women at all levels in the Southern African aviation industry. In order to achieve this, SAWIA aims to show young women from all walks of life that aviation is an exciting and viable career choice for women. As part of a fundraising initiative we produce an aviation calendar annually. I shot the 2014 calendar which features a different South African aviatrix each month. Two of our first officers are being featured in the 2014 calendar: Nandi Mbele and Riette Strydom. The calendars cost R200 each and order forms are available at marketing@sawia.org. The proceeds from the calendar sales will go towards the Ladybird Fund, a scholarship that I have started to be able to empower girl children.
EXPRESSO | January 2014
13
travel
Raptor Retreat
At Raptor Retreat Game Lodge the warm scents of wild lavender and sunshine empower your senses and raise awareness of the wild bush breathing around you. It is an escape from turbulent city life to a place where time stands still and untamed nature looks you in the eye, making you feel the true majesty of being alive and acknowledging that the wilderness shares a heartbeat with you. Raptor Retreat is an owner-managed game lodge, offering luxurious accommodation and unequalled service. The lodge is in the Parsons Nature Reserve in the Mopani region, approximately 40 km north of Hoedspruit. Parsons Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, and this unspoilt corner of South Africa is renowned for its abundant wildlife, mountainous scenery, indigenous forests,
14
EXPRESSO | january 2014
cascading waterfalls and diverse cultures. At the heart of Raptor Retreat is the Main Lodge, where guests gather to dine or catch up on their adventures while relaxing with a drink on the deck or on one of the voluptuous leather couches. The large lounge area features sumptuous seating, a fireplace, full DStv and a modest library of DVDs and books for those rainy days. Hearty, old fashioned home cooking is served twice a day in the dining area or on the deck. Meals can also be taken under the sky in the boma near the large communal pool. With the Big Five on your doorstep and an abundance of birdlife, we offer early morning or late afternoon informative game drives with an experienced field guide. For the more energetic, we suggest you participate in professionally guided bush walks. As always, safety is of the utmost importance in the bush and we urge all visitors to pay attention to their guides. We also offer accompanied day trips into the Kruger National Park, or you can explore the Big Five in your own vehicle at your own pace. Overnight trips into the Kruger National Park are available by prior arrangement.
health & wellness
Grooming Text: Freddie Kritzinger
Freddie Kritzinger teamed up with Amanda Harrod-Johnathan, one of the directors of a leading cosmetic and skincare manufacturer – saloncare – to bring expert advice to SAX staff, both men and women, at affordable prices. For your nearest stockist in Johannesburg, simply contact saloncare at www.saloncare.co.za. Cape Town staff can order directly by email from their saloncare expert, Freddie Kritzinger at freddie.grooming@gmail.com. saloncare will be giving away a free product to each main crew base monthly. Simply SMS your three letter base code followed by your name and surname with your employee number. Your SMS should look like this: Sue Smith. JNB. 123. Send your SMS or WhatsApp to 071 354 0030. The Importance of Removing your Make-up Sleeping with makeup on blocks pores by trapping oil and dirt, and can irritate your skin. Always remove make-up with a gentle remover such as saloncare Eye Makeup Remover and then wash with a non-abrasive facial cleanser. It is the vital first step towards clean and healthy skin. Stains on your pillow are a breeding ground for bacteria that will cause breakouts and infection. Always remove your make-up
before bed and change your pillowcase at least twice a week. Clogged pores cause skin imperfections. During sleep the skin repairs itself and it needs all the oxygen it can get. Sleeping with make-up on deprives the skin of oxygen. Make-up absorbs dirt and residues from the environment (free radicals) especially on board an aircraft. Removing make-up means that you are removing all the pollution that clings to your skin and causes cellular damage and premature aging. The eye area is very delicate and dehydrates easily. saloncare is gentle vegetable-based make-up remover available in a 200 ml bottle for all skin types. It leaves your skin clearer, cleaner, and healthier with minimal risk of infection and irritation. Apply saloncare remover to dampened cotton pads. Hold pads on the eye lid for a moment and then gently sweep outwards. Repeat if necessary. Next month we will be giving away saloncare make-up removers to three lucky staff members. The winners will be notified by SMS and can collect their product in Cape Town (from Freddie) and in Johannesburg (from Dayle), whereas Durban base winners will receive their prizes by company mail.
EXPRESSO | January 2014
15
Recipes
recipes Text & Images: The Bald Chef Baguettes Ingredients 700 g white bread flour 500 ml warm water 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 sachet 10 g instant yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg
Method In a large mixing bowl add the hot water, yeast and sugar and mix using a wooden spoon. Set yeast mixture aside and leave for 10 to 15 minutes to froth. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and knead till dough is smooth and not sticking to your hands anymore. Leave dough in a warm place to double in size. Knock dough back. Divide it into four pieces and shape like a baguette. Place on a prepared baking tray and leave to double in size. Beat the egg and brush over the baguettes. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 째C for 30 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Sour Cream Cake Ingredients 175 g butter 175 g sugar 3 eggs 230 g self-rising flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 145 ml sour cream 375 g blueberries 200 g smooth cream cheese 100 g icing sugar, sifted
Method Grease and flour a spring form pan and set aside. Cream sugar and butter together. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour, baking powder and vanilla extract and mix well. Add 4 tablespoons sour cream and mix again. Mix in half of the blueberries. Pour batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 1 hour at 180 째C or until the cake is done. Leave the cake in the tin to rest for 10 minutes and then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. For the icing, mix together the cream cheese and icing sugar. Ice the cake and sprinkle the remaining blueberries on top.
16
EXPRESSO | january 2014