To The Point Aug 2025 by Pinnacle ICT

TO THE POINT

Kirsty Kriek KirstyK@pinnacles.co.za

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hello there Exceptionalites!

August has been a month filled with energy, recognition, and connection - a true reflection of who we are as a company. From celebrating the achievements of our colleagues who took on the Women’s Day Totalsports 10km, to honouring the many inspirational women across Pinnacle, this edition of To the Point reminds us how much strength lies in our people.

It’s also been a busy and rewarding time for our teams across the country. We’ve welcomed new faces into the Pinnacle family, hosted dynamic floor days and bootcamps with key partners like HP, LG, Huawei, and Intel, and built even stronger relationships through events such as the GPG CIO Forum, the Product Emporium in Gqebertha, and customer experiences at the Springboks vs Australia test match. Each of these moments reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration and partnership.

As you read through this issue, I encourage you to celebrate not just the milestones, but also the spirit of teamwork and dedication that made them possible. Together, we continue to build Pinnacle’s reputation as South Africa’s most trusted ICT distributor - a recognition we can all be proud of.

Thank you for your hard work, resilience, and passion. Let’s carry this momentum forward as we head into the next quarter with focus, determination, and the Pinnacle spirit that sets us apart.

Each month, we’re on the lookout for the ultimate engager—someone who likes, comments, and shares their way to the top!

The pride of being crowned Pinnacle’s Digital Dynamo! A shiny R200 Uber voucher to sweeten the deal. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

WINNER ANNOUNCED MONTHLY so get scrolling, liking, and sharing today! It’s your time to shine! Will you be our first Digital Dynamo?

It’s simple: engage with our social media content throughout the month. The more you interact, the higher your chances of winning! HOW TO WIN

WOMEN’S DAY TOTALSPORTS 10KM

Congratulations to Tamlyn Mc Laughlin, Sarona du Toit, Veronica Wagemans, and Kirsty Kriek

Congratulations to Tamlyn Mc Laughlin, Sarona du Toit, Veronica Wagemans, and Kirsty Kriek for completing the Women’s Day Totalsports 10km Run in Cape Town on 9 August!

What a great way to celebrate Women’s Day - with energy, commitment, and teamwork. Well done on this fantastic achievement, we’re proud of you!

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

HR Additions

We’re excited to introduce the newest additions to our team! Please join us in welcoming:

Joburg

Bloemfontein

Joburg

Keenan Kruger Product Manager - Enterprise

Maite Ramollo Receptionist

Tebello Sephaka Internal Sales Assistant

Ruan Du Preez External Account Manager - Commercial

Celebrating Inspirational Women at Pinnacle

We asked you to nominate the women at Pinnacle who inspire you. The response was overwhelming! While we couldn’t feature everyone on social media, every nomination was truly deserved and every woman recognised.

Adele Wood

Admired for her hard work and kind heart. Her colleagues describe her as courageous, strong, and resilient. Adele inspires others through her determination and warmth, showing that true strength is built on compassion and perseverance.

Althea Krull

Always ready to assist, willing to try, and unafraid to go the extra mile. Her coworkers describe her as efficient, a true team player, and admirable in every way. Althea uplifts those around her with her positivity and inspires us with her dedication to helping others succeed.

Andrea Pillay

Her colleagues describe her as loyal, dedicated, and always willing to help. She’s the kind of person who keeps her smile and bubbly personality even in the most stressful situations. Andrea fills others with confidence and inspires them to do better — a true example of kindness and strength.

Angelina Nghitanua

A true go-getter whose hard-working nature and commitment to excellence inspire everyone around her. Known for her ethics, trustworthiness, and no-nonsense approach, Angelina has been part of the Pinnacle family for an incredible 18 years. Her loyalty, dedication, and drive to always deliver the exceptional make her a role model to us all.

Anja van Zyl

Known for her kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand. She inspires her colleagues with her professionalism, her caring nature, and her ability to motivate others to be their best. Anja is a reminder that true leadership is rooted in compassion and support.

Carlene Jones

A phenomenal woman who is always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone. Her dedication, professionalism, and positive attitude shine through in everything she does. No matter the challenge, Carlene approaches every task with confidence, inspiring those around her with her loving, caring nature and dependable spirit.

Charmaine Louw

Admired for her courage, strength, and kindness. Her colleagues describe her as a strong leader, a hard worker, and a true team player. With discipline, consistency, and diligence, Charmaine sets an example that inspires everyone around her to aim higher and do better.

Christina Nkonyane

Admired for her humility, patience, and dedication. Her colleagues describe her as hardworking, kind, and reliable. Christina inspires by leading with quiet strength and by always being there for her team when they need her most.

Christine Kriel

A hardworking professional whose positivity and resilience make her an inspiration. Her coworkers describe her as dependable, dedicated, and always willing to help. Christine motivates others through her example of consistency and care.

Diana Phillemon

Known for her motivating spirit and reliability. Her colleagues describe her as kind, dependable, and always uplifting. Working alongside her is a reminder that true leadership comes from empowering those around you with positivity and encouragement.

Elaine Else

Admired for her honesty, loyalty, and respect. She reminds us that inspiration often starts within ourselves and grows stronger when we share it with others. Elaine’s resilience and authenticity make her a powerful role model to those around her.

Fatima Dawood

A driven and passionate woman in tech who leads with consistency and purpose. Her colleagues describe her as human, compassionate, and inspiring, always motivated to break boundaries. Fatima shows us that passion paired with determination creates lasting impact.

Gcinile Matshaba

Admired for the love and care she brings into everything she does. Her colleagues describe her as caring, peaceful, and free-spirited, inspiring those around her through her kindness and calm presence. Gcinile reminds us that true strength is rooted in compassion.

Jana Warren

A supportive, generous, and empowering force in the workplace. Her colleagues admire the way she consistently shows up for her team and motivates others to push beyond their limits. Jana’s dedication and kindness make her an inspiration to all who know her.

Kavashni Govender

Described by her colleagues as resilient, inspirational, and visionary. Her strong work ethic and unwavering determination inspire those around her to strive for excellence. Kavashni shows us that true leadership is about combining vision with dedication.

Keakabetse Sikue

Admired for her professionalism, fairness, and determination. Her colleagues describe her as resilient and hardworking, someone who inspires by always giving her best. Keakabetse shows us that true inspiration comes from consistency and courage.

Kirsty Kriek

Described by her coworkers as caring, supportive, and dependable. She inspires others with her kindness and dedication, reminding us that leadership is also about compassion and the ability to uplift others.

Lydia Mtshweni

A hardworking and passionate professional who inspires with her calm presence and dedication. Her colleagues admire her supportive nature and the way she always leads by example. Lydia is a reminder that strength and kindness go hand in hand.

Mabotle Jamnda

Admired for her drive, positivity, and commitment. Her colleagues describe her as inspiring and dedicated, someone who uplifts those around her and motivates others to excel.

Mamello Moletsane

A true professional who inspires with her discipline, consistency, and resilience. Her coworkers describe her as hardworking, fair, and supportive. Mamello is a shining example of strength and determination.

Mbali Ngcobo

Known for her kindness, patience, and professionalism. Her colleagues describe her as dependable and uplifting, someone who always makes time to support her team. Mbali shows us that quiet strength inspires lasting impact.

Michelle Olivier

Admired for her leadership, passion, and work ethic. Her colleagues describe her as trustworthy, hardworking, and inspiring. Michelle motivates those around her with her drive and ability to push for excellence.

Mmasetshaba Ramonedi

Described as patient, kind, and hardworking. Her colleagues admire her positive energy and her willingness to always lend a helping hand. She inspires with her dedication and her ability to bring out the best in others.

Natasha Snyman

An energetic and passionate leader who brings focus and high energy to everything she does. Her colleagues describe her as awesome, professional, and consistent, with a true passion for her work and her team. Natasha’s leadership has not only inspired those around her but has also given others the confidence to believe in themselves again. A beautiful example of strength and dedication.

Nomfundo Nkosi

Admired for her passion, drive, and consistency. Her colleagues describe her as reliable and inspiring, always encouraging others to rise to their full potential. Nomfundo shows us the power of determination and teamwork.

Petunia Mazibuko

A hardworking and calm presence who treats everyone, including clients, with the utmost respect. Her colleagues admire her fairness, dedication, and team spirit. Always willing to put in the effort without complaint, Petunia inspires others through her quiet strength and consistent hard work.

Phindile Mhangwani

Described as professional, dependable, and hardworking. Her colleagues admire her resilience and her supportive nature, inspiring others to approach challenges with confidence and strength.

Refiloe Letuma

Admired for her kindness, helpfulness, and uplifting spirit. Her colleagues describe her as a true team player who inspires others with her positivity and support. Refiloe reminds us that small acts of care create big waves of inspiration.

Rubena Jassat

Described by her coworkers as professional, kind, and dependable. Her dedication and strong work ethic inspire others to lead with both strength and compassion. Rubena is a role model of resilience and determination.

Sinah Mamashela

Admired for her helpful nature, patience, and professionalism. Her colleagues describe her as hardworking and supportive, someone who motivates those around her with her commitment and care.

Shamiemah Andrews

Admired for her kindness, professionalism, and uplifting spirit. Her colleagues describe her as caring, patient, and always willing to help, no matter how busy she is. Shamiemah has a way of lifting others up on tough days and reminds us that true strength lies not only in achievements but also in how you treat the people around you.

A dedicated professional who is always eager to support clients and colleagues alike, she inspires us through her compassion and resilience.

Tamlyn Mc Laughin

A natural-born leader whose kindness, professionalism, and determination make a lasting impact. Her colleagues describe her as hardworking, caring, and always willing to go the extra mile. Tamlyn motivates those around her to think bigger, push harder, and believe in themselves, all while supporting her team with fairness and compassion. She is trustworthy, loyal, and exceptional at what she does - a true inspiration to us all.

Tammy Foster

Known for her positivity, dedication, and professionalism. Her colleagues admire her consistency and her uplifting spirit, describing her as hardworking and inspiring. Tammy shows us that dedication and kindness go hand in hand.

Tanja Schutte

Admired for her loyalty, honesty, and hard work. Her colleagues describe her as resilient and inspiring, someone who uplifts others with her dedication and strength. Tanja leads with compassion and integrity, inspiring her team every day.

Tianie Kotze

Described as a true professional who inspires with her patience, care, and hardworking nature. Her colleagues admire her reliability and her ability to always bring out the best in others. Tianie is a shining example of dedication and support.

Valene Paliam

Admired for her passion, consistency, and drive. Her colleagues describe her as supportive, dependable, and inspiring. Valene motivates those around her with her professionalism and her ability to lead with heart.

Vinessa Kaufman

Described by her coworkers as kind, hardworking, and resilient. Her dedication and loyalty inspire those around her to push further and dream bigger. Vinessa is proof that strength and kindness create lasting impact.

What’s Cooking with HP

22 August 2025

HP hosted a vibrant training session. Attendees explored the new HP naming convention, got up to speed on the latest tech updates, and engaged in lively discussions with peers.

Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to making this event a success. We look forward to more opportunities to stir up knowledge together!

Every Piece Matters – Support Services Recognition Programme launch

JOBURG

GPG CIO Forum

01 August 2025

We had the honour of hosting the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) at Pinnacle Midrand recently, where Supermicro was given the opportunity to present its solutions to some of the top resellers in attendance.

The session created a valuable platform for Supermicro to showcase its innovative offerings and demonstrate how these technologies can support the local market in driving growth, efficiency and scalability.

The event was more than just a presentation it was a strategic networking opportunity. Resellers were able to engage directly with the Supermicro team, gaining deeper insights into the brand’s vision and capabilities. This interaction helped spark conversations about future collaborations, while also strengthening existing partnerships.

By creating a space where government, resellers and technology providers could connect, the event laid the groundwork for building stronger relationships and unlocking new opportunities in the region. Overall, it was a successful step in driving traction for Supermicro within the South African market.

LG Product Showcase

01 - 08 August 2025

We had the pleasure of hosting LG for an exciting Floor Day at Pinnacle. The day provided our sales team with valuable training on LG’s newly launched product range, giving them the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the latest innovations and features. The interactive sessions created an engaging environment where product knowledge was shared, questions were answered, and confidence in positioning LG solutions to customers was strengthened.

To add further excitement, we introduced a sales incentive alongside the Floor Day. The competition challenged our sales representatives to showcase their skills and drive LG sales, with the top performer being rewarded with a brand-new LG monitor.

The event was both informative and motivating - empowering our team with the tools they need to succeed while creating enthusiasm around LG’s latest offerings.

Sweet Motivation from Lenovo

07 August 2025

To lift spirits and energise our sales team during the rollout of the new Vanilla Sage upgrade, Lenovo surprised everyone with chocolates! Yes, we’ve had a few bumps along the way, but just like the treats, the message was clear: keep calm and sweet. It’s a new system, but the same sweet Lenovo.

Smash. Splatter. Celebrate with HP

08 August 2025

In celebration of Women’s Day, we traded high heels for hammers and laptops for paintbrushes (and maybe a few flying paint splatters).

Pinnacle along with some of our valued resellers had the pleasure of stepping into the Rage Room to release stress, smash limits, and shatter barriers. Followed by the Splatter Paint Room, where creativity knew no bounds (and neither did the paint).

It was more than just fun – it was a reminder that women can be bold, expressive, and unapologetically powerful.

A big shout-out to everyone who joined us for this vibrant, cathartic experience and to Celeste Le Grange our amazing speaker who made it personal.

Here’s to smashing stereotypes and painting our own paths!

Not to brag or anything...

xFusion | Intel Sales Floor Day

15 August 2025

Pinnacle hosted the xFusion | Intel Sales Floor Day at the Midrand office in a hybrid format, led by Hui (Zhihui) Wang. The event created space for engaging presentations, Q&A sessions, and in-person networking over lunch, while also connecting teams nationally via Microsoft Teams.

The sessions highlighted Intel-powered xFusion solutions, giving sales teams the knowledge and confidence to better position these technologies in the market. It was a day of insight, collaboration, and enablement, reinforcing Pinnacle’s strong partnership with xFusion and Intel.

Huawei Reseller Sales Bootcamp

4th Edition

19 August 2025

Pinnacle and Huawei hosted the Huawei Reseller Sales Bootcamp – 4th Edition at Gallagher Convention Centre, delivering another high-impact enablement session for resellers.

The workshop focused on strengthening partner readiness, providing tools and strategies to sharpen solution-selling skills, and reinforcing Huawei’s value proposition across industries. Partners also gained clarity on Huawei’s support structures, platforms, and engagement models, ensuring they are well-positioned to drive growth in a competitive landscape.

With practical learning, alignment, and networking at its core, the bootcamp once again delivered on its promise: equipping partners to win with Huawei.

SA vs Australia

16 August 2025

We had the pleasure of hosting some of our valued customers at the thrilling Springboks vs. Australia rugby match held at Ellis Park. Despite the Springboks not securing a win, the day was filled with great energy and provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships and share memorable moments together.

We are grateful for the chance to connect with our customers in such a vibrant and engaging environment and look forward to many more events like this in the future.

Supermicro Public Sector Reseller Training

21 August 2025

Supermicro hosted a dedicated training session for public sector resellers, aimed at equipping partners with deeper insights into its product offerings and strategic solutions. The event brought together industry professionals to explore how Supermicro’s technologies can drive innovation and profitability in the public sector.

Attendees gained valuable knowledge on Supermicro’s vertical solutions, AI capabilities, and professional services, with expert-led presentations and interactive discussions. The session fostered collaboration, encouraged questions, and provided a platform for resellers to align with Supermicro’s future-focused vision.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, allowing participants to connect and share ideas in a relaxed setting.

CAPE TOWN

Springboks vs Australia 23

August 2025

Pinnacle had the pleasure of hosting 16 valued customers at the iconic Cape Town Stadium for the thrilling clash between the Springboks and Australia.

The atmosphere was electric as South Africa’s world champions took to the field, with the crowd roaring in unison to back the green and gold. From the very first whistle, it was a showcase of power, passion, and rugby excellence – a match that truly reminded us why the Springboks are at the top of their game.

Our customers enjoyed the exclusive Pinnacle match-day experience, filled with great company, spirited conversations, and unforgettable moments both on and off the field. Beyond the excitement of the rugby, the event created the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships, connect on a personal level, and celebrate our partnerships in a uniquely South African way. It was an unforgettable evening of networking, hospitality, and national pride – all while watching the Boks deliver another commanding performance.

Cape Town

Simplified IT Women’s Month High Tea

17 August 2025

A few of our Pinnacle ladies were honoured to attend the Simplified IT Women’s Month High Tea at Café 51 in Cape Town.

The event, themed Hollywood Glam, was the perfect occasion to celebrate women in style. Our team embraced the sparkle and elegance, enjoying the chance to get all dressed up for an afternoon of glamour, inspiration, and connection.

It was a memorable gathering that not only celebrated Women’s Month but also highlighted the importance of empowering and uplifting women in the IT industry. A heartfelt thank you to Simplified IT for hosting such a spectacular event!

GQEBERHA

Pinnacle Product Emporium

21 August 2025

On a beautiful Thursday in Gqebertha, we hosted the Product Emporium, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the ocean. The venue provided the perfect atmosphere for showcasing our wide range of innovative and high-quality products to our valued Eastern Cape customer base.

The event offered a platform for meaningful engagement. Our customers were able to experience our offerings firsthand, gaining deeper insight into the solutions and value we bring to their businesses. The relaxed yet professional setting encouraged open conversations, allowing us to answer questions, demonstrate product capabilities and highlight the advantages of partnering with us.

What began as a showcase quickly evolved into a vibrant networking occasion. Attendees connected with our team, sharing ideas, challenges and opportunities. We were delighted to welcome 54 of our top PE customers to the Product Emporium. Their presence not only emphasised the strength of our existing partnerships but also demonstrated the potential for cultivating new and lasting relationships.

Overall, the Product Emporium in Gqebertha was a resounding success a blend of product excellence and relationship building. The high-quality interactions and positive feedback we received reinforce our commitment to continue creating memorable experiences for our customers.

DURBAN

Huawei Reseller Enablement Event

22 August 2025

Pinnacle and Huawei hosted the Durban Reseller Enablement Event at the Radisson Blu Hotel Umhlanga, a focused workshop designed to strengthen Huawei’s partner ecosystem in KwaZulu-Natal.

The session equipped resellers with in-depth knowledge of Huawei’s product portfolio, sales strategies, and technical solutions. Beyond enablement, it created opportunities to expand Huawei’s regional footprint by engaging high-potential resellers for longterm collaboration.

Networking and interactive discussions with Huawei experts gave partners valuable insights, reinforcing a shared commitment to growth, readiness, and success in the KZN channel.

Durban