Ruwacon

RUWACON CONSTRUCTION

T

he African construction industry is booming and continues to flourish at an impressive annual

rate.

Undoubtedly, despite this upturn in prosperity for the continent overall, South Africa is facing unique challenges of its own, particularly within the construction sector, which has been struggling in recent years due to various economic, political, and social factors.

However, in the face of these challenges, there are positive developments igniting the sector with a sense of optimism for the future of construction across the nation.

Riding the crest of this wave of optimism is Ruwacon, one of South Africa’s leading and top-tier construction firms. Founded in 1999 by its current Managing Director, Pieter Ruthven, the company now boasts over 24 years of success in this vast and ever-shifting industry.

Today, Ruwacon is focused and poised to embrace the South African government’s infrastructure plan, a strategic endeavour designed specifically to invest in diverse sectors, foster job creation, and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, the South African private sector has displayed profound interest in infrastructure ventures spanning renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, residential, and commercial developments.

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORRO

Continuously improving by establishing appropriate business objectives and implementing the most effective plans to achieve them, Ruwacon has positioned itself at the helm of the African construction industry. Commercial Director, Reeza Seedat tells us more Reeza Seedat, Commercial Director

2 | Africa Outlook Issue 103

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Taylor Green

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In response to this, Ruwacon has adeptly positioned itself within these focus areas over the years and stands primed for fresh business prospects and exciting development.

AFRICA OUTLOOK: COULD YOU PROVIDE US WITH SOME INSIGHT INTO YOUR CAREER AND EXPLAIN HOW YOU BECAME INTERESTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?

PROACTIVE REACTIONS Ruwacon and its management team continue to be instrumental in taking proactive measures and adapting to the constantly changing environment in which it operates.

“We continue to embrace technology, diversify our service offering, and focus on sustainability, whilst building strong private and public partnerships for the long term,” opens Reeza Seedat, Commercial Director of Ruwacon.

“Our core belief has always been to deliver exceptional projects to our valued clients, develop skills in communities in the areas we operate in and contribute to the growth of the South African economy,” he continues.

4 | Africa Outlook Issue 103

Reeza Seedat, Commercial Director: “It’s a privilege and honour to be part of an ever-thriving industry. There will always be a need for constant development throughout our continent. I have always been intrigued by each project’s unique offering and the challenges and pleasures that come with constructing it.

“With 12 years of industry experience to date, I am humbled by the mentorship and opportunities provided to me throughout the years to progress through the ranks. Starting out in 2011 as a graduate in the construction industry, being part of site-based teams and relocating to different projects around South Africa, to now holding a position in office and being involved in Ruwacon’s business development, strategy and risk management has been a major milestone in my career.”

As part of Reeza Seedat’s portfolio of experience, he holds a MBA Degree, Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying and a Certification in Property Development and Investment. Reeza Seedat is a registered Project Management Professional and has a Chartered Professional Quantity Surveyor designation with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to add to his resume.

RUWACON CONSTRUCTION

Ruwacon’s management team has irrefutably committed themselves to practising the vital principles of integrity, respect and transparency.

This firm ethos forms the basis for managing all of the company’s core operations, systems and structures - as well as defining Ruwacon’s overarching organisational culture.

In May 2010, Ruwacon transformed its shareholding to become one of the few top-tier construction firms in South Africa with majority black ownership. On top of this, the company currently has a 9GB and 9CE CIBD grading and proudly holds Level 1 B-BBEE status.

It is simultaneously both the vision and mission of Ruwacon to become South Africa’s most preferred contractor, as the company

“ O U R H I STO RY O F AC H I E V E M E N TS A N D C O M M U N I T Y- C E N T R E D D E V E L O P M E N T S I S T E S TA M E N T T O T H E P R O F I C I E N C Y I N W H I C H R U WA C O N O P E R AT E S I N T H E I N D U S T R Y ” – R E E Z A S E E D AT, C O M M E R C I A L D I R E C T O R , R U WA C O N

remains resolutely focused on client satisfaction and quality projects, completed on budget and on time.

The company operates in some of the most remote areas across South Africa and most recently ventured into Botswana, to create, build and ensure quality for the future and is involved in a multitude of ambitious projects whilst targeting constant evolution and enhancement.

It is the belief of Ruwacon’s leadership team that a hands-on approach and the company’s regional management structure ensures direct and regular senior intervention at project level. In this way, transformation is driven at the highest standards and Ruwacon strives to ensure that the company forms an integral part of Southern Africa’s growth.

THE ULTIMATE CHOICE OUR STORY FF Gertse Transport Services was founded by Mr. Floors F Gertse in 2013 after identifying the need for proper transportation between his home town Kenhardt in the Northern Cape and Western Cape.

He established a daily route running three to four times a week between the two provinces as was needed.

After a short period of time with excellent management he bought several coaches and started working with major companies in the Mining industry transporting their staff from accommodation to the mining sites in the Northern Cape Province.

In 2016 FF Gertse Transport Services started their touring transport department partnering with CoachFairy Transport Services to take the TOURISM TRANSPORTATION industry by storm, running tours across South Africa and into neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

For the past year, FF Gertse Transport Services worked with RUWACON CONSTRUCTION and other smaller contractors on a 20 year Solar Plant Project in the Northern Cape, transporting their staff to and from the site on a daily basis with over 10 coaches, midibuses and minibuses ensuring their staff is on time and ready for work.

In 2020 when the intercity giants closed their doors due to COVID19, FF Gertse Transport Services saw the urgent need and opportunity in this unique situation, and was willing to take the risk to assist South Africans with safe, reliable, and affordable transport between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, and Northern Cape. The core focus of FF Gertse Transport is to be the most reliable, safe, and

cost-effective passenger liner in South Africa to supply transport to all walks of life, or should we say all wheels of life.

BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (BEE) FF Gertse Transport Services is a 100 percent blackmanaged company and, therefore, subscribes to the strict code of practice regarding BEE procurement.

This procurement policy focuses on preferred blackowned businesses with the aim to procure 50 percent of the requirement from emerging BEE companies, including the outsourcing policy.

Ensuring that economic empowerment is the top priority for employees, FF Gertse Transport Services not only promotes reliability and satisfaction for customers, but also to those who work hard on a daily basis.

OUR STAFF We have experienced drivers who regularly go on training courses to perfect their driving skills, who are skilful in interacting with people, and know how to follow the chain of command.

We believe that happy staff equals happy customers.

FF Gertse Transport has a policy to empower, educate, uplift, and equip staff to be their best and do their best, creating better families, communities, and ultimately a South Africa. Our staff are our most valuable asset and we strive to take good care of them.

CUSTOMER AND PARTNERSHIP For over a decade FF Gertse Transport Services has aimed to evolve passenger transportation in every sector where transport is required.

This has led FF Gertse Transport Services to build

FF Gertse Transport Services provide a comprehensive range of transport services, including: • Tourism • Charter • Intercity • Shuttles • Staff Transport • Every form of passenger transport service thinkable

relationships with other big brands in the transport industry to revolutionise passenger transport in every way possible.

We have direct and/or indirect business relationships with corporate companies, such as Ruwacon, Raubex Construction, Maracof SA, Aries Solar Power, and Ilanga to name just a few.

Make FF Gertse Transport Services “THE ULTIMATE CHOICE” when it comes to your passenger transport needs.

Our fleet ranges from sedans minibuses, midibuses and buses/ coaches up to 85 seaters Fleet Standard: • Commuter • Semi luxury • Luxury • Super luxury FF Gertse Transport Services will transport whoever, to wherever, make us your ultimate choice for passenger transportation in South Africa.

We are ‘‘The Ultimate Choice’’ providing transport for all group sizes, let us take you safely to your destination.

Time-Tested and Reliable Transport FAIRDINKEM CARRIERS As a privately owned business established in 2003, our company was founded by its current owner, Floors Gertse with the vision of becoming one of the most prominent commercial truck companies in South Africa.

Partnering with high quality brands such as Mercedes SA, Scania, Volvo, Babcock (DAF) , S A Truckbodies/ Hendred, GRW, and other leading brands to deliver only the best possible service to our clients.

BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (BEE)

Focusing on delivering quality service throughout the continent of Africa we succeeded to “SET THE TREND” in the transport logistics industry.

Fairdinkem Carriers is a 100 percent black-managed company and, therefore, subscribes to the strict code of practice regarding BEE procurement.

Our reputation has been built around the delivery of services that enhance quality performance and cost efficiency. These services are focused on supplying the highest quality and constantly on time transport that is eco friendly to our environment.

This procurement policy focuses on preferred blackowned businesses with the aim to procure 50 percent of the requirement from emerging BEE companies, including the outsourcing policy.

Since the start of Fairdinkem Carriers, the company has flourished into one of the leading Reefer Transport providers in the industry across South Africa.

Taking pride in our customer service and reliability and ensuring that our standard of quality is always high to satisfy our clients needs.

Fairdinkem Carriers has gained a reliable and trustworthy reputation built around the delivery of services that enhance quality performance and cost delivery, with these services being focused on the supply of high-quality and timely transport services.

Our processes is one of the factors that makes us highly competitive in the logistics market.

OUR FLEET Our fleet replacement program of every three to five years ensures that our vehicles can service the requirements of our supply chain.

Ensuring that economic empowerment is the top priority for their employees, Fairdinkem Carriers not only promotes reliability and satisfaction for customers, but also to those who work hard on a daily basis.

OUR STAFF Our most prized possession!

We believe that transfer of knowledge and skills development is vital and important to our organization and must be given priority in order to empower staff and in the same time promote the economic advancement of our communities, cities, and our country “we start small and change big.’’

Fairdinkem Carriers focus on learnership opportunities for employees to gain experience whilst working.

Management shares knowledge and skills expertise by working closely with their staff.

CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERSHIPS Over the past 15 years, Fairdinkem Carriers has been involved in the transport for several large corporations across South Africa.

South Africa Breweries, Spar SA, and Grain Carriers just to name a few.

Fairdinkem Carriers took the responsibility to work with prominent industry leaders to ensure that we are a step ahead for customer satisfaction and experience.

We have worked diligently to commandeer our position at the top of the industry to ensure our clients only get the very best there is to offer.

Fairdinkem Carriers strives to deliver services which: • Eliminate wasteful and costly tasks • Deliver on time • Save money Workmanship and service is of a constant high quality and standard, including: • Transport of goods • Logistic services Fairdinkham Carriers has the following divisions: • Crossborders of Southern Africa and neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe • Contractual in various sectors

Fairdinkem has promised and has delivered reliable and safe transport in the industry for over 20 years and promise to only do better.

Contact us: 021 951 5254/5 | 082 584 9012 fairdinkem@telkomsa.net

CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE Ruwacon operates across several divisions of expertise, each fulfilling unique integral purposes to the company’s innovative and world-class projects.

As the organisation comprises multiple divisions such as construction, infrastructure, housing, plant hire and scaffolding, Ruwacon has the key advantage of operating across all fields of the vast construction industry.

Firstly, Ruwacon’s construction division offers multi-disciplinary solutions for building projects in both the public and private sectors.

“The construction division provides elite solutions that are adaptable to the financial considerations of our respectable clients,” affirms Seedat.

This arm of the business undertakes a range of projects for all government departments including, healthcare 10 | Africa Outlook Issue 103

“ W E C O N T I N U E T O E M B R A C E T E C H N O L O G Y, DIVERSIFY OUR SERVICE OFFERING, A N D F O C U S O N S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y, W H I L S T B U I L D I N G S T R O N G P R I VAT E A N D P U B L I C PA R T N E R S H I P S F O R T H E LO N G T E R M ” – R E E Z A S E E D AT, C O M M E R C I A L D I R E C T O R , R U WA C O N

facilities, public buildings, schools, prisons, courthouses, museums, military bases, and office buildings amongst others.

“We deliver a tailored approach to our private clients from inception to completion stages of their projects.

With this, Ruwacon’s construction division has successfully delivered projects to reputable clients such as Walmart, Shoprite, Motus, Engen, Capitec and ABSA Bank, to name a few,” he adds.

Secondly, Ruwacon’s infrastructure

division has nurtured an extensive record and reputation for delivering projects of the highest quality to its valued clients. The performance of the division has created numerous valuable long-term partnerships with stakeholders involved in both the private and public sectors.

“Our team aligns their technical knowledge, experience and resources, and is driven by our commitment of continuous improvement in construction methods to optimise efficiency and enhance client value.”

RUWACON CONSTRUCTION

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RUWACON CONSTRUCTION

The division focuses on the construction of roads and railways, earthworks, civil and infrastructure, as well as renewable energy initiatives and has completed projects for esteemed clients such as SANRAL, Transnet, Airports Company South Africa, Glencore, Anglo, South32, Scatec and Abengoa among others.

Meanwhile, Ruwacon’s plant division owns an extensive fleet of heavy construction machinery, trucks, equipment, and vehicles, with expert personnel who ensure the optimal use of all company vehicles and machinery used on projects nationwide.

“Our team includes a service component with competent personnel to maintain, service and repair our fleet. Additionally, our plant management team ensures that the fleet is maintained in line with the necessary safety and legislative requirements of the government as well as our clientele,” Seedat tells us.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Considering the current skills shortage in South Africa, Ruwacon is actively pursuing meaningful training initiatives that offer its teams career development and personal empowerment.

“Our efforts are predominantly based on our in-house bursary scheme for the previously disadvantaged members of the community pursuing their studies in construction management, quantity surveying and civil engineering,” Seedat explains.

Furthermore, Ruwacon offers in-service training for building and engineering students who wish to complete their experiential training year. The company’s in-house mentorship opportunities further complement its bursary and workintegrated learning scheme, offering graduates and junior staff members the opportunity to learn first-hand from Ruwacon’s experienced senior staff.

Training programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are also pursued by the company in an effort to contribute to the upliftment and enrichment of the respective communities in which Ruwacon exists.

Further to these initiatives, Ruwacon continues to aid development and education initiatives within the communities in which it operates in order to facilitate sustainable access to the economy for any beneficiaries.

“It has been an exciting journey thus far and we look forward to what lies ahead for Ruwacon and the future development of Africa.” Seedat finishes.

RUWACON Tel: +27 51 403 0400 info@ruwacon.co.za www.ruwacon.co.za Africa Outlook Issue 103 | 13

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Issue 103

THE FUTURE OF E M P OW E R E D BANKING

DAIRY GROUP SOUTH AFRICA Aligning with farmers and partners

VIRUNGA ENERGIES

Hydroelectricity illuminates opportunities

THE FUTURE OF EMPOWERED BANKING

W

ithin recent years, the banking industry in Africa has undergone significant transformation and growth in how it engages with its community and expands its online presence.

Launching its operations in Ghana in August 2009, Access Bank has been a leader in this banking revolution, proving to be one of the most capitalised commercial banks in the industry. Operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets, spanning three 12 | Africa Outlook Issue 103

We speak to Emmanuel Morka, CIO of Access Bank, about how modern banking is making a difference by encouraging a sense of ownership in all aspects of business Writer: Lauren Kania

continents, 17 markets, and over 42 million customers, Access Bank has more than 30 years of remarkable achievements and making a difference in the community.

Ensuring that priorities such as accessibility, social responsibility, and digital transformation are at the forefront, Access Bank has been the go-to company for a wide range of local and international customers.

“The bank’s experience in trade finance, treasury, and relationship management services has positioned

us as the preferred partner for global businesses and international financial institutions seeking to do business in Ghana,” notes Emmanuel Morka, CIO of Access Bank.

“Since inception, the bank has provided universal banking services to nearly the entire population in Ghana and has acted as a catalyst for growth and socio-economic development.”

Access Bank provides financial support in key areas of the economy by continually partnering with government, local businesses, and

communities to deliver world-class banking services with the goal of becoming “the world’s most respected African Bank”, a priority that has been “instilled in every member of staff to ensure that we work collectively to achieve this vision.”

Having been recognised as one of the five largest banks in Nigeria in terms of assets, loans, deposits, and branch networks, Access Bank has raised the bar in terms of what it means to deliver sustainable,

profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant economic growth.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Cash as a primary form of currency is becoming increasingly obsolete, with digital banking becoming the predominant way in which people are looking to transact and conduct business. The COVID-19 pandemic has only proven to further push this march towards online and mobile dominance over recent years.

Africa Outlook issue 103 | 13

Ruwacon has positioned itself at the helm of the African construction industry. Commercial Director, Reeza Seedat tells us more

www.africaoutlookmag.com/work-with-us

RUWACON Head Office: 6 Mimosa Street, East End Bloemfontein Tel: +27 51 403 0400 info@ruwacon.co.za www.ruwacon.co.za

PRODUCED BY AFRICA OUTLOOK MAGAZINE