- Bidvest

Transcription

- Bidvest

Bidvoice
QUARTERLY magazine for BIDVEST people
issue
2014
 CE’s message  CSI projects  Welcome new businesses  Trust me, I’m a salesman!  Climbing Kilimanjaro  Competition
CONTENTS AND EDITORIAL
features
04
 Rally to Read
Welcome
readers
Congratulations to each and every one of you
on a great set of results. It is wonderful when
hard work pays off and the challenges of 2014
did not stop the Proudly Bidvest family.
The South African family was out in
force during the Bidvest Unity Walk which
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took place in four cities on August 17 in
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port
Elizabeth. An incredible 69 537 people took part made up of 23 214 employees
and 46 323 Proudly Bidvest family members and friends.
Bidvest is known for having a heart within the communities where our people
Lighting the future 
live and work. It is great to be able to celebrate so many of these community
initiatives in each edition of Bidvoice and this edition is no exception. Let’s keep on
making a difference, not only in the way we work but in the way we give.
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 Trust me, I’m a salesman!
Our international family continues to grow and we are excited to welcome the
new Brazilian, Italian and English businesses to the family. Welcome to Irmãos
Avelino, one of the largest foodservice distributor businesses in Carapicuíba in
the greater São Paulo region and which employs 380 people; DAC a foodservice
business in Italy with over 700 people and PLC Transport 24/7, a logistics business
in the UK which employs over 900 people. New businesses and people new to
the Group bring in loads of innovative ideas and a different way of thinking and its
always exciting to see the new possibilities that our new businesses introduce.
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With the new financial year upon us we wish you a great start to the 2015
financial year. Please keep us up to date with all your people and company news.
And remember, Bidvoice presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from one
another, so keep those articles coming in!
Climbing Kilimanjaro
70
 Sethani Community
Project
Junette
Junette Davidson – Bidvoice editor and Bidvest communications manager
Kate Cunningham – Sustainability co-ordinator
Noelene Gounden – Administrative assistant
Send contributions to: Junette Davidson, The editor, Bidvoice, The Bidvest Group Limited
PO Box 87274, Houghton 2041, South Africa
Tel: +27 (11) 772 8700 } Fax: +27 (11) 772 8970
E-mail: junette@bidvest.co.za
2014 deadline dates for copy to editor
} Issue 4 2014: end September } Issue 1 2014: end November
Bidvoice is published quarterly by The Bidvest Group Limited for the people of Bidvest companies
worldwide. Its mission is to communicate the news and growth of the Group, to inform about
Bidvest companies, their services and products.
regulars
01
02
03
04
Highlights
Our group
Message from Brian Joffe
Our CSI
10
66
74
77
Group panorama
Reaching out
Rest and relaxation
Winning streak
No responsibility will be accepted for any statement made or opinion expressed in the publication.
Consequently, nobody connected with the publication including directors, employees or editorial
team will be held liable for any opinion, loss or damage sustained by a reader as a result of an
action or reliance upon any statement or opinion expressed.
© Bidvest 2014 This magazine is copyright under the Berne Convention. In terms of the South African
Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978, no part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without permission of the publisher and, if applicable, the author.
Design and layout: Bastion Graphics }
Printers: Blesston Printers, a Proudly Bidvest company.
bidvoice issue 3 2014
highlights
Highlights
Welcome to the Bidvest family!
Financial results
Audited summarised provisional consolidated financial
statements for the year ended June 30 2014
Turnover
R183,6 billion + 19,7%
Trading profit
R8,9 billion + 16,6%
Headline earnings per share
1 733,9 cents + 11,1%
Distributions per ordinary share
834,1 cents* + 15,8%
PCL Transport 24/7
New Italian
acquisition
New Brazilian acquisition
Irmaos Avelino
*Distributions include capitalisation issues at market value.
NAV per share
9 965,0 cents + 18,5%
Brian Joffe honoured
Brian Joffe, ORT South Africa President, has been inducted into World ORT’s elite
1880 Society.
1
our group
Walking for those
who can’t
2013
Jhb 11 208 employees and 27 281 guests = 38 489
United we walked, 69 000 people in four cities on the same day.
More than 23 000 employees and 46 000 guests in Johannesburg, Cape Town,
DBN 3 436 employees and 8 680 guests = 12 116
CPT 2 731 employees and 5 761 guests = 8 492
PE 881 employees and 2 083 guests = 2 964
Durban and Port Elizabeth turned up to walk for those who can’t and spiralled us into
a new Guinness world record. What’s more, we donated more than 300 wheelchairs
to QASA, the association for the benefit of quadriplegics and paraplegics.
The 10 km Bidvest Unity Walk started in Johannesburg five years ago and has
Total = 18 256 employees and 44 345 guests
= 62 601 participants
grown phenomenally. This year there was a 30% growth in Bidvest staff attendance
and 11% growth in guests, with Johannesburg limited to two guests per Bidvest
employee and other regions to four.
It was a magical day and in addition to changing the lives of the over 300 recipients
of brand new wheelchairs, the walk was an opportunity to show the strength and
unity of our Bidvest people. For many the walk has been an inspiration to get fit, lose
weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Blessing Gumede, manager of Sprint Packaging,
completed his first walk in 2013 and has since lost 46 kg and completed the
2014
Jhb 14 027 employees and 23 345 guests = 37 372
DBN 4 331 employees and 11 537 guests = 15 868
CPT 3 437 employees and 8 075 guests = 11 512
PE 1 419 employees and 3 366 guests = 4 785
Comrades Marathon. We would love to hear from more Bidvest employees on how
the walk changed their lives.
Congratulations to the organisers for these superbly run events and well done to all
our participants. We look forward to even larger numbers next year.
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Total = 23 214 employees and 46 323 guests
= 69 537 participants
CE’S MESSAGE
The dream
goes on!
Well done! Our people have produced some exciting results at an exciting time.
OK, going purely on the 2014 numbers, an investment analyst might say last
Growth occurred across the organisation and everyone concerned deserves
year’s performance was ‘highly satisfactory’ rather than ‘exciting’. But too much
recognition, but one consolidation miracle deserves special mention – the
analysis leads to paralysis. I say you’ve got to go beyond the numbers if you
Mvelaserve transformation.
want to see what’s really happening in a business.
I take my hat off to these new Bidvest team members and their established
And what I see excites me.
Bidvest colleagues in our service
In recent times our organisation has gone
businesses. Operational integration
through massive reinvention. Organic and
was achieved rapidly and new growth
acquisitive growth have been exceptional.
realised. I’m not sure how you did it,
Integration of Mvelaserve brought
another 40 000 people into the Bidvest
family. Simultaneously, there have been lots
but you did it and I salute every last one
of you.
This, and other integration successes
of additional, smaller transactions that bring
from all over the world, led to exciting
hundreds more into the fold.
progress when all the old business
So let’s extend a big Bidvest welcome
to new team members from Brazil and
Chile, England and Scotland, Spain and
books say we should have been
standing still for a couple of years.
Our turnover rose by 19,7% to
Italy, Lebanon, Oman and Bahrain and, of
R183,6 billion. Trading profit went up
course, Australia. You’re among friends and
a healthy 16,6% to R8,9 billion. In
together we’ll carry on doing exciting things.
some overseas markets, the economy
When growth like this occurs at other
recovered, but here in South Africa the
companies the analysts talk about ‘a period
going stayed tough – making recent
of consolidation’. Months and years go by
growth even more remarkable.
while the organisational charts are redrawn
To be successful, reinvention and
and the newcomers are handed their
renewal can’t be stop-start. You have
standardised operating procedures and
to stick with it and try new things month
begin to relearn their business.
after month. Contemplating the unusual
That doesn’t happen at Bidvest. Sure,
we consolidate and integrate, but we don’t
impose a single Bidvest template. We don’t
has to be your usual practice.
It is at Bidvest.
Regeneration, reinvention and renewal
expect people to go back to Square One
are not only happening, they’re gathering
and start again.
pace. New challenges lie ahead. I’m
At Bidvest you’re expected to know your
business and your market and you’re free
to apply that knowledge to build your own
operation in your own way.
People grow by giving them space.
When people grow the business grows with
excited about what you’re doing and
where we’re going.
We’re building momentum and paving
the way for future success. At this rate,
this could be the year Bidvest wins the
PSL!
them.
That’s what happened this last year.
Brian Joffe
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our csi
Bringing literacy
to children across
South Africa
Rally to Read provides a unique platform for corporate South Africa to unite with a common purpose
and belief that together we can play a critical role in the country’s quest to address the major
educational challenges we face.
The organisers, hosts and sponsors of the
programme represent businesses across various
sectors in South Africa. Our corporate sponsors
play a critical role in ensuring that the schools
selected to participate in the programme are
provided with literacy resources and materials
over a three-year period. Corporates are invited
Stories from participants…
“Participating in the Rally to Read every year has been a
humbling experience for me. It is heartbreaking to see the
circumstances in the rural schools where children have to
learn, but it is also uplifting to see the difference our help
makes when we return the next year and the children are
so eager to show us what they have learned,” says Gillian
McMahon, executive director, Bidvest South Africa.
to sponsor libraries for schools that have been
identified to participate in the Rally to Read
programme. A sponsorship covers not only the
actual resources but, more importantly, ensures
that the teachers are trained and mentored
over the period. In addition, Bidvest and Telkom
Foundation have partnered to sponsor all Grade R
resources and materials on a national basis.
As the organiser, Bidvest manages the entire
programme and sponsors all costs associated
with the management, administration and
marketing of the programme. In this way,
sponsors are ensured that 100% of their
sponsorship goes directly toward the resources
and training for which they are paying.
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“As a newcomer to the Rally to Read I was excited about
a weekend away and the opportunity to do something to
hopefully help others and change the lives of students not
that much younger than I am. I was told that we would
be visiting schools in the Free State and that we would be
handing over books and teaching supplies. But I came away
from the weekend with new appreciation for everything
I have. We visited a school with less than 100 students, but
with teachers and parents who wanted to see the children
succeed despite the struggles they face. With only four
teachers, students of different ages and literacy levels had
to learn together – something that really surprised me. This
year was the final year that the school would be receiving
support and we left with a commitment that the teachers
would continue to use the resources provided to enrich the
lives of their students. Despite the fact that the school had
little support from the government or private business, other
members of the team who had previously been on the Rally
before deemed this one of the most improved schools.
‘A small school but big blessings for students and guests
alike’.” – Kelsy Moodley
“Under the guidance of our team leader the visits to the Primary
schools were an eye-opener that ‘every little bit counts’ in the
bigger scheme of things; specifically the experience of witnessing
what a major difference the ‘libraries in a box’ are making in these
disadvantaged schools. I was quite emotional at the acts of
appreciation that were displayed by the communities of Tzaneen.
Credit must go to Bidvest, The Read Educational Trust and
sponsors for their social investment. Our future lies in the hands
of children such as these and being afforded the opportunity to
be part of the Rally to Read initiative is something I will always
treasure. Keep up the good work, the impact of your efforts is
literally ‘immeasurable’.” – Chisanga Chibasa
“I was lucky enough to attend two of the Rally to Read events
this year and I was completely humbled by the experience.
Both the schools in Limpopo and the Free State were places
of hope and I was proud to be part of the team that was able
to deliver the resources that will help them continue their great
work. The Rally to Read is a great initiative and I would like to
thank Bidvest for making it happen!” – Sergio Dos Santos
“I have been on two rallies for the Rally to Read, and nothing
touches my heart more than seeing children receive this
wonderful gift of education, and learning how to read. It’s
so amazing seeing how companies work together to help
better South Africa! Thank you, Bidvest and Rally to Read, for
including me on such heart-touching weekends! I look forward
to doing more! It’s such an awesome experience to be a part of
the rally, and meeting new people who feel very strongly about
the rally and changing lives.” – Ashley
our csi
5
GROUP PANORAMA
From left: Brett Jury, Bidvest Bank; Khanyisile Motsa, Home of Hope; Cassels Madingwane, Yamaha; Leon Mdiya; Gaynor van Loggerenberg, Budget Car Rental.
Hope redefined
As part of the executive development
programme (EDP) the group of Bidvest
managers participated in immersions
into townships and the Johannesburg
CBD and exposure to a variety of
entrepreneurial initiatives both on a
business and a charitable level.
between the ages of 0 and 25 years of age are
Bidvest Food SA, Steiner Hygiene, Bidvest
accommodated.
Bank, SACD, Buffalo Executape, IVS, SABT,
With the vision of the Home of Hope being to
shelter to abused, neglected, trafficked and
Various divisions also made specific
donations:
impoverished children; and their motto, “restoring
 Yamaha – donated a brand new Yamaha
members of society, the organisation provides
the dignity of exploited children” sums up what
they do.
is the second year that Bidvest has arranged this
experience. The programme has been specifically
 Accommodation and a safe and secure
designed for Bidvest management in collaboration
with Bidvest executives and divisional chief
environment
 Addressing educational needs including
executives in an endeavour to shift thinking and
uniforms, transport and where appropriate,
paradigms from an operational to a more strategic
early childhood education
mindset.
By exposing the group to a wide variety of topics
Generator
 Océ – donated 5 new printers
 FirstGarment – donated laundry services to
The programme operated by the Home of Hope
encompasses addressing various needs:
The programme is run through GIBS and 2014
McCarthy and Budget.
ensure that exploited girls become contributing
 Victim empowerment
 Career guidance
and experiential learning, loads of time, effort and
 Reuniting beneficiaries with their families
research was required by the team. Research topics
 Outreach health and medical workshops.
were designed to stretch existing thinking and the
the home
 Bidvest Outsourcing – donated a hand basin
which was installed at the home
 HOLB – donated television and appliances
and installed these at the home
 Waltons and Silveray – donated stationery;
ink cartridges plus furniture
 Steiner – donated Hygiene products
 Patleys has assisted by painting/damp
proofing inside the house
 Voltex is sorting out new geysers for the home
 Sizeable food donations have also been made.
teams proactively approached these intellectual
The EDP group took the needs of these young girls
Ma Khanyi is an example to us all. A normal
challenges with enthusiasm and imagination.
and the vision of Ma Khanyi to heart and have been
everyday person who saw the need to provide
overwhelmingly generous in their response.
a safe, loving and secure environment for these
An immersion experience which had a profound
and lasting impact on the team was their visit to
Home of Hope.
Started in 2000 by Ma Khanyi, the organisation
now runs two shelters in Johannesburg, one
in Berea and one in Kensington where 62 girls
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vulnerable girls and young women who had been
Their assistance for this worthy initiative
included:
let down by society in so many ways. We salute
 A cheque for R113 000 to Home of Hope,
Bidvest family who recognised a way to make a real
which was made up from donations by Océ,
her commitment and vision and commend our
difference in the lives of these precious youngsters.
group panorama
Mandela Day spirit
People from across Bidvest Steiner wore
their hearts on their sleeves on Mandela
Day 2014, giving practical expression to
the ideals embodied by Madiba.
East London’s projects included visiting and
donating food to two small facilities catering for
abandoned children. “The impact it had on our staff
was indescribable and the appreciation shown by the
homes was amazing,” said general manager Alicia
Del Fava. The East London team also visited two
“The projects undertaken on Mandela Day focused
old-age homes. Some read to residents or helped
on making change happen,” says Rika van Rooyen,
feed them, while others cleaned wheelchairs and
sales director at Bidvest Steiner. “That is in line with
rooms.
The Ndabeni team baked cupcakes and had tea
our company ethos. We are a service-orientated
with residents at an old-age home in Milnerton.
company focused on providing hygiene solutions
Mahikeng targeted the community that lives off the
and improved quality of life.”
Bidvest Steiner Upington.
landfill site, donating cleaning products. Cape Town’s
a dilapidated Wendy house, creating a library and
chemicals to the night shelter in Kraaifontein. The
handwork area. They also provided some equipment,
Bethesda Hospital and Caring Centre in George also
School in Tembisa upgrading the school’s ablution
as well as toys and clothes. They cleaned two of
received cleaning products.
facilities. “Having the opportunity to provide a healthy
the bathrooms and installed some basic equipment.
sanitary environment for these future young leaders
There was also some fun, with sweets and cold
Steyn Tehuis in Odendaalsrus, a facility for the aged
was an honour,” said Morné Lourens, general
drinks. A great feature of this project was that family
and handicapped. They deep-cleaned bathrooms
manager of Pretoria West.
members were also involved and suppliers donated
and other problem areas and gave massages to
equipment. The Bloemfontein team also delivered
some of the residents, along with a quick chat and
home and shared food and cold drinks with the
toys, sweets and linen to the Beyang Bana Pele
a laugh.
children. Team Rustenburg took some cheer to the
crèche, which they have supported in the past. The
SOS Children’s Village in Tlabane, which houses
team sees this is as the beginning of an ongoing
streets, cooking up massive pots of soup for the
approximately 90 children. They donated a much-
involvement and plans have already been made to
town’s homeless, a small way to turn an icy morning
needed geyser and handed out sweet parcels to the
help both institutions prosper.
into something much warmer.
In the lead up to Mandela Day, head office sent
out a list of suggestions and then the creativity of the
teams took over.
Centurion spent Friday July 18 at Isiziba Primary
The Pretoria West team visited the Lotus
twenty or so children who had remained at the facility
over the holidays.
In Polokwane local Bidvest companies Bidvest
Managed Solutions/Prestige, Konica Minolta,
Waltons and Bidvest Food Services joined Bidvest
Stikland team gave food, toilet paper and cleaning
Team Welkom spent time at the Mevrou President
And, finally, in Upington the team took to the
In Nelspruit Chantal Pringle and her team spent
time at Betty’s Haven, donating blankets and carpets
and providing a meal. “I also took my two boys along
to see how other children live,” Chantal said.
Empangeni visited the Ikhaya Likababa
Steiner in spoiling the children at the O Ratile Re
orphanage, taking the children food parcels and
Pepile Pre-School and Nursery. They were given
throwing a party for them. On a more practical level,
soup and bread, party packs full of sweets, ice
they donated some cleaning and paper products.
cream, caps, crayons and colouring-in books. “And
The national warehouse team upgraded the
lots of love,” said Roelof Neethling. “This was a total
bathroom at a local crèche and gave them lessons
success and we will do it again.”
on how to wash their hands properly.
Bidvest Steiner Centurion.
Bidvest Steiner Polokwane.
Bidvest Steiner Ermelo.
Durban put its focus on the Edith Benson Babies
Home, which caters for up to 80 special-needs
children, from birth to the age of six. Further down
the coast, the Ndabeni team in Cape Town gave
a crèche in Philippi a total clean and pest-control
treatment, as well as donating some mats and party
packs. “All the staff came back to the branch feeling
absolutely inspired and grateful for the opportunity
to give back,” commented Wayne Gardner, general
manager at Ndabeni.
Bloemfontein visited the House of Compassion,
which is home to 24 children. The team repaired
7
GROUP PANORAMA
Bidvest keeps Nkosi
Johnson’s dream alive
Nkosi’s Haven Village is situated in Johannesburg
“Through all of the work we do, we
ensure that our residents learn how to live
with Aids, not die from it.” – Gail Johnson,
founding director, Nkosi’s Haven.
near Southgate. It currently consists of: 17 resident
cottages; a sickbay; a therapy block; a library;
a baby daycare; workshops and classrooms for
additional onsite education and skill building;
a music and arts centre; a leisure room; an
upgraded kitchen; a sports field; and administrative
South Africa’s famous child Aids activist, Nkosi
offices. An onsite preschool is being built and
Johnson, was born with HIV and died at the age
plans are underway to build more cottages and
of 12 in 2001. At the time of his death, he was the
accommodate more HIV mothers and children.
longest-surviving South African child born with HIV
who had not been given ARV treatment. His legacy
In 2008 a 12 acre farm was purchased with the
continues to live on through Nkosi’s Haven, which
objective of implementing a self-sustaining Kibbutz.
houses and supports orphaned children as well as
This project will accommodate destitute HIV/Aids
HIV-positive mothers and their children.
infected mothers and their children from the township
bakery, kitchen and laundry. We also employ 12
of Sebokeng, the informal settlement of Orange
Haven. She met Nkosi while volunteering at an
resident caregivers, a social worker, part-time play
Farm and the surrounding area. “We hope to use this
AIDS care centre. When the centre closed down,
therapists, a counsellor, four sickbay staff and two
new site not only to grow organic food to feed an
Gail took Nkosi home and a few years later she
drivers. We employ outside people as childcare
increasing number of residents at the village, but as
opened the care centre as an independent NPO.
workers, as they must have a matric and have
a site for individual capacity building and economic
completed childcare courses.”
empowerment. We will do this through the sale of
Gail Johnson is the founding director of Nkosi’s
After losing a major sponsor two years ago,
Bidvest stepped in as a benefactor with a monthly
Gail’s wish for Nkosi’s Haven is to arm all the
surplus crops and products made by the resident
donation. “We have been able to cover all our
children with a good education. “We have four
costs with ease, thanks to Bidvest,” says Gail.
students in college this year. One is studying sports
“We currently care for 122 children and 19 moms.
management, two are studying tourism and one is
children and our doors are open for those who may
All of our moms are HIV positive, 34 children are
in third year HR. Some of our children have special
have dropped out of school but are keen to learn
HIV positive and 72 children are orphaned.
needs; for example one is at a school for the blind
farming.” The good work continues. Well done and
and another at a skills school. We pay for all tuition
thank you to Gail Johnson for her courage and
so the money from Bidvest is a big relief,” she says.
wisdom and to Bidvest for its amazing support.
“One of our policies is to build the capacity of
our moms, employing them internally to run our
8
mothers and sold on the local market.
“We want to help more infected women and
GROUP PANORAMA
Bidvest generosity
impacts many children
“Without Bidvest we would not have been
able to serve the needs of 112 000 children
every year.”
So says Gert Jonker, CEO of Bethany House, a child
protection organisation in the West Rand offering
“The house accommodates 18 babies, from
16 programmes focusing on welfare and health;
newborn to a couple of years old. We work on
education; and youth and sport development.
reuniting the babies with their parents or helping to
“The aim of Bethany House is to break the cycle
find adoptive parents.
of abuse in a child’s life and facilitate healing and
“Bidvest has purchased an additional two
re-integration into the community,” says Gert. “The
properties for The Bethany Trust. One is a residential
physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs of
care centre for 14 schoolgirls. The other houses 16
children are met. To date more than 500 000 children
toddlers. The Bidvest donation has also built a kitchen
have been served through this project,” he says.
and dining room which is run like a campus cafeteria,
Bethany House is also engaged in lobbying and
where the children watch TV and have fun evenings.
policy formulation issues with Gert serving on a
“Bidvest also makes a substantial monthly
number of regional, provincial and national welfare
contribution to our running costs.
structures.
When Bethany House received an abandoned
Bidvest subsidiaries such as Crown National assist
Netcare covered the full cost of the operation and
with donations every year and the company recently
baby boy named Ronnie, who was born with Downs
top heart surgeon Dr Susan Vosloo performed the
Syndrome and a hole in his heart and R100 000 was
surgery, also at no cost. Sadly baby Ronnie passed
needed to operate on his heart, Bidvest and Brian
away but Bidvest agreed to use the funds donated to
huge impact on the children and we are very thankful
Joffe stepped in.
start a baby sanctuary.
for this.”
raised R14 000 at its golf day.
“The generosity of the Bidvest Group has made a
More… than most!
Through the generous donation of PSA
(Prostate Specific Antigen) Test kits by
Bidvest, More Balls Than Most (MBTM) is
able to diagnose early stages of prostate
and testicular cancer in South Africa’s men.
It was a cold winter’s Highveld morning. Golfers
arrived at the 17th teebox to find two very cute
nurses waiting alongside a hospital bed, ready to
inject blue liquid into the golfer’s mouths.
Then out from behind the hospital screen
This test is effected through a simple pin prick test
stepped Dr Liz with her PSA test kits. A bit more
conducted by a registered nurse usually working
subdued, nevertheless the McCarthy men ‘manned
from MBTM’s sister-charity PinkDrive’s mobile
up’ and almost everyone was tested and fortunately
mammography and edu-trucks while working in
More Balls Than Most was delighted to be
rural communities and at many of South Africa’s
asked to host a teebox as well as being the official
sporting events where PinkDrive is a beneficiary.
beneficiary of the McCarthy Golf Day.
tested negative for prostate or testicular cancer.
The McCarthy Golf Day presented More Balls Than
Most with a cheque for R40 000.
9
GROUP PANORAMA
Bidvest Brazil
– Irmãos Avelino
The Bidvest Group’s first investment in
Brazil took place in March 2014 through
the acquisition of the food wholesaling
business, Irmãos Avelino.
Our partner (and founder of the company), Antonio
Celso Avelino, joins Bidvest with a team of 380
dedicated and passionate employees. Irmãos
Avelino is already one of the largest and strongest
distributors in the very large Brazilian Foodservice
market.
Brazil has a population of 200 million people and
a national pastime of eating out. For these reasons
the Brazilian Foodservice market is the 4th largest in
Foodservice, Foodservice Cargill, Bunge Pro, Zafran
Values:
the world with an estimated value of US$50 Billion.
(GL Laboratories), Danone Professional, Barony
Justice, Commitment,
Over 50% of the market is in the states of
(Europe Holdings), Josapar (Joaquim Oliveira SA),
Transparency,
São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Barilla and DE Master Blenders.
Cooperation, Respect
The business was founded in 1991 and currently
and Determination.
operates out of a 7 000 square metre distribution
Sales and distribution
centre in São Paulo.
Over 100 sales employees incorporating mobile
Mission:
sales people and telemarketers drive the sales
Through constant daily application of the common
Customers
growth of the company. They are supported by a
values to all the AVELINO team, bringing excellence
Irmãos Avelino serves more than 8 000 customers
distribution fleet of 62 trucks reaching all corners
in serving our customers by providing favourable
throughout the state of São Paulo in many sectors.
of São Paulo State including Vale do Paraíba and
conditions for staff productivity and maintaining fair
Baixada Santista, a range of 150 kilometres.
and transparent partnerships with our suppliers
Products and suppliers
Irmãos Avelino has a product range covering
Vision:
Ambient, Chilled and Frozen. The range numbers
Be a different company, seeking complete solutions
more than 2 000 products that are purchased
of services and products to the foodservice market,
from local and international suppliers like Unilever
valuing and respecting each customer, supplier and
Food Solutions, Nestlé Professional, Stamina
employee.
10
It is an exciting time for Bidvest and the people of
Irmãos Avelino as there are so many opportunities
to grow and develop the business in this amazing
vibrant country.
Welcome, Irmãos Avelino!
GROUP PANORAMA
From left: Werner Schuckmann, managing director, Commercial & Industrial Services, Bidvest Namibia; Kauna Ndilula, managing director, Business financial solutions, Hon Dep Minister of Trade
and Industry, Tjekero Tweya; Sebby Kankondi, CEO of Bidvest Namibia; Theo Mberirua, director: Commercial & Business Development, Bidvest Namibia and Derek Wright, chairman of Business
financial solutions.
New product launch
Passionate about SME development
Bidvest Namibia has launched an exciting
new venture called the Bidvest Namibia
Enterprise Development Fund.
(for example government ministries, state-owned
fund will be administered by the Namibia
condition is that SMEs must use the granted loan to
Procurement Fund’s (NamProfund) administrators,
purchase the supplies needed for the tender from
Business Financial Solutions (BFS).
any of the participating Bidvest Namibia entities.
This fund is aimed at providing purchasing/
The Bidvest Namibia Enterprise Development
enterprises, or large private entities). A further
Sebby described the product as another innovative
Some SMEs who had approached participating
Bidvest Namibia entities for credit facilities in
procurement financing options to Small and
way that the group is creating opportunities and
the past welcomed the initiative and praised the
Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Deputy Minister of
building people. “Bidvest Namibia remains committed
group for their foresight and support.
Trade and Industry, Tjekero Tweya, officiated at this
to offering high-quality products and services that
prestigious launch.
stimulate mutual benefits for growth.
According to Bidvest Namibia’s chief executive
In his address, the Deputy Minister of Trade and
SMEs are invited to make use of the product
to grow their businesses. Application forms
are available at the BFS offices and website
officer, Sebby Kankondi, the product was developed
Industry applauded Bidvest Namibia for working in
www.nampro.com.na as well as on the Bidvest
in response to a development need. The company
partnership with government and others to meet
Namibia website www.bidvestnamibia.com.na.
made N$20 million available to allow a credit facility
national development needs. “It is refreshing to have
for SMEs in order to meet tender requirements.
people and companies such as Bidvest Namibia,
Namibia, Voltex Namibia, Bidvest Namibia
To qualify, SMEs must produce a tender contract
earnestly working alongside government to realise
Steiner, Kolok Namibia, Konica Minolta and
that was awarded to them by a large organisation
our country’s Vision 2030”, said Hon. Tweya.
Cecil Nurse.
The participating entities include Waltons
11
GROUP PANORAMA
Cooking with love
Angliss Hong Kong took the unprecedented step of
pairing eight internationally renowned chefs with eight
charities in a bid to raise awareness of the challenges
faced by the underprivileged on a daily basis. The
result was a brilliant mix of excellent cuisine and
meaningful encounters for everyone involved.
The chefs hailed from illustrious dining and cuisine-related
establishments in Hong Kong and Macau, including Kowloon
Shangri-La, The Peninsula Hong Kong, City of Dreams, Macau
and the Hong Kong Chefs’ Association. They enthusiastically
demonstrated their culinary skills to their guests from various
charities, including physically and mentally challenged people,
seniors, low-income families, autistic children and other
organisations working with young people and children.
Joanne Lai, superintendent of the Lok Fu care home managed
by Helping Hands, sang chef Tony Wong’s praises. “We really
appreciated the cooking demonstration which we can see took
a lot of preparation. It was not just about keeping our residents
entertained for an afternoon, but it is the care and love behind it that
is more important. Chef Wong prepared light and nutritious snacks,
which were eminently suitable to the seniors’ palates and diets.
A fortunate few were able to participate in workshops conducted
by the esteemed chefs, which inspired them to consider
taking up cooking as a career. Thirty-two recipes were lovingly
conceptualised and prepared to perfection, including pearls of
parma ham filled with cream cheese and walnuts, coconut yoghurt
crunchy bonbon and red fruit terrine with panna cotta.
Angliss Hong Kong will be publishing a cookbook titled “A Platter
of Love” to document the initiative, with part of the sale proceeds
benefiting the eight participating organisations. The cookbook
will also aid in publicising Angliss’ emphasis on corporate social
responsibility, reinforcing the company’s image as a company with
passion and heart, in addition to being a major and pioneer food
supplier offering quality and varied food.
12
GROUP PANORAMA
Foodservice Lismore
relocates
During March 2014 Foodservice Lismore and Foodservice Lismore
Streets have moved into new, purpose-built premises.
With 1 000 dry, 800 freezer and 300 refrigerated spaces, there is an abundance
of space available for full pallets. The facility includes sensor-activated lights in the
refrigerator and freezer, new high-reach forklifts and PE pallet jacks, three loading
docks and an anteroom. Customers are very impressed with the new depot and are
excited to see what Foodservice Lismore has to offer in the future.
A big thank you goes to all Lismore team members and a special thanks to
Frank Renda, Damian Kippin, Steve Tomlinson and Sam Ackland, who helped the
team before, during and after the move, in addition to cleaning, feeding and working
as one unit, which is what Lismore does best.
13
GROUP PANORAMA
HR service delivery made
easy at Bidvest TMS
The last few years at Bidvest TMS
have been challenging as the company
was in the throes of market-driven
transformation.
The 5 800 employees, who were mostly working
at industrial client sites like Eskom and Sasol, were
in need of strong leadership and HR support to
direct their efforts toward this change and long-term
sustainability.
At the beginning of 2010, under the leadership
of group managing director Danie Otto, the HR
function was placed on the strategic agenda
and was able to play a critical role at EXCO. The
practical execution plan involved dotted and solid
Service delivery priorities included workforce
stability, talent retention, sustainable transformation,
business integration and performance
management. This was applied practically by
proactive labour and union engagement, many
available and always being mindful of the client
concept, internal or external.
transformational principles. A series of meetings,
focus groups and debates was arranged to ensure
without taking a moral high ground.
on Funds Employed and what this means to
To date, here are some of the TMS
contributions to HR excellence:
shareholders.
To maintain the focus and drive of line managers
a performance management system based on
Kaplan and Norton’s 4-Pillar Balanced Scorecard
was introduced with very good results.
 Making HR a career of choice
 Holding regular, structured dialogue with all
stakeholders
 Earning the trust of line managers
 Decreasing the TMS HR risk profile
covered, HR was also invited to play a key role
 Internal service delivery – asking what more
HR people were encouraged to set the example
HR people understood the principles of Return
The following practices were also
implemented:
14
motivation
 Visible and responsive management – being
as well as a strong decentralised approach to
being explored and some new terrain being
during the tender and proposal stages.
information and solutions
 Engaging with employees who had lost their
hours of communication with all levels of employee
line reporting; a concept which, if not managed
properly, could be problematic. With new markets
 Supporting line managers and employees with
could be done by HR
 Transferring critical skills leading to positive
client perception
We are, after all, just people…dealing with people.
GROUP PANORAMA
A new challenge
Bidvest First Garment’s Patricia Mzizi is a
woman with a mission: to make the most
of the opportunities given to her. “I don’t
want to stay where I am. I want to reach a
new goal each and every year,” she says.
Mzizi says she was never able to complete
schooling as her family could not afford the fees.
When she joined Bidvest Laundry group she saw
there were big opportunities and decided to take
them.
The first step was Level 4 of ABET (adult basic
According to Mzizi the course is extremely
education and training). Mzizi completed the
interesting but also very challenging. In addition she
Communication and Literacy modules in 2010 and
completed all seven subjects the following year.
She was successful in obtaining NQF 1
Patricia Mzizi.
is now the mother of a six-month-old which means
her ability to read and do homework is somewhat
accreditation in both Communication and
She applied for acceptance on the Management
constrained. “I have seen how this course can open
Mathematics. With that successfully achieved,
Learnership programme at Bidvest, run by Kukhula.
doors for people who have the right amount of
she completed her matric in 2012.
This is a one-year programme that involves three
drive,” says Phindile Hlomuka, who is facilitating the
consecutive days of training a month, delivered
course on behalf of Kukhula. “Getting the piece of
Bidvest First Garment promoted her to quality
onsite. Interns have to keep a portfolio to show that
paper is just the beginning.”
supervisor, where she manages a team of eight
they have completed various assignments. Kukhula
Having seen her potential and determination,
“I feel proud of how far I have come,” Mzizi says.
who are responsible for repairing over 800
constantly assesses the portfolio and provides
“But Bidvest makes it easier for me and I don’t
garments a day. Mzizi’s next challenge is to
mentoring to ensure that interns are maintaining the
know how to thank them enough for the
become a manager, a long-time ambition of hers.
right standards.
opportunity.”
Dealer of the year
Audi Centre Centurion
premises.
Audi Centre Centurion is proud to be announced winning dealer of the year for 2013 at
this year’s Audi South Africa silver arrow awards.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding
performance in the South African Audi dealer network
and sets the standard by which all dealerships are
measured. Taking first place at this year’s event
after being awarded second place in 2011
and 2012 is an achievement that reflects the
dealership’s dedication to excellence. Visit the
award-winning Audi Centre Centurion and
experience premium service firsthand.
From left: Ryan Seale, head of Audi South Africa;
Memory Burger, dealer principal of Audi Centre
Centurion receiving her award, and Hassan Salie,
dealer development manager.
15
group panorama
Welcome to DAC
Welcome to our new addition to
the Bidvest family. From July 2014
Bidvest owns 60% of DAC, an Italian
distributor of food products.
Giuseppe Scuola, who was born and raised
in Libya, started this family-run business.
When he returned to his family home in
Italy, he began his career as a salesman in
the pasta industry and saw an opportunity
to deliver pasta to restaurants and hotels,
rather than just to retailers. He set up a small
warehouse in his garage, bought a van and
DAC was born. That was 40 years ago.
The business has grown phenomenally
with revenues of €220m per annum. DAC
employs about 400 people directly, with
another 300 sales representatives who cover
the whole of Italy. Giuseppe is chairman of
the company and his son, Daniele, is CEO.
The family retains 40% of the business
Daniele Scuola, CEO and Giuseppe Scuola, chairman in front of their vans in Flero.
and the day-to-day running of the business.
Giuseppe says that he is looking forward to
selling real quality Italian food products to
the whole of the Bidvest world and beyond.
Daniele adds he is looking forward to taking
the DAC Bidvest partnership forward to
continued growth of DAC for the next
40 years.
Equipping dealers for change
Emperors Palace recently hosted DEVELOP
SA’s inaugural dealer conference, which
saw 34 attendees coming from across the
country to find out what DEVELOP and the
market have in store for them.
as well as the opportunities in wide-format printing,
finance and scanning strategies.
“We have had a great year with our dealers
and wanted to keep them abreast of new focus
areas for DEVELOP as well as highlight changing
trends in the marketplace,” said Mark. “When the
market makes demands, opportunities arise and
we wanted to be sure that our expanding dealer
Marc Pillay, DEVELOP SA managing director and
network is fully supported with the tools needed
industry stalwart, gave the welcoming address along
to succeed. Preparation is key. Abraham Lincoln
with a trends overview. Subsequent sessions by
famously said: ‘Give me six hours to chop down
speakers from Sasfin, Océ South Africa, Firstcoast,
a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the
as well as DEVELOP gave the delegates an outlook
on future products and services, business solutions,
16
Shane Byren, general manager – sales from Firstcoast,
presenting on scanning solutions and products.
axe’. That is the mentality we wanted our dealers to
take away with them.”
GROUP PANORAMA
From left: Erwin Minnie, Africa sales manager; Michele Snyders, export process manager; Marion Kearns, marketing executive; Alan Coward, CEO and Murray Crow, MD.
Exclusive concept store
On March 13 2014 Home of Living
Brands (HOLB), in conjunction with
Tanzanian agent JD Pharmacy, opened
the first Russell Hobbs concept store
in Viva Towers, Dar-es-Salaam. This
is the world’s first exclusive Russell
Hobbs concept store.
“The move to open in Tanzania was driven
functional design. It also has presence in
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Tanzania, Kenya,
Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Angola.
The relationship between JD Pharmacy
and HOLB will create major opportunities
for all stakeholders including employees,
suppliers, government and consumers.
“We are excited to bring the Russell Hobbs
Traditional Tanzanian dancers.
brand to Tanzania. Our clientèle is the lifeline
of our business and we are committed
by its fast-growing economy, which is quickly
to provide outstanding service to our
making investors realise its potential as a hub
customers,” commented Kiran Pattni, chief
for East Africa. The port facilities are an added
executive officer of JD Pharmacy.
Attending the opening of the concept
benefit and the road infrastructure gives ample
access to neighbouring countries,” said Alan
store from HOLB were Alan Coward, chief
Coward, chief executive officer of HOLB.
executive officer; Murray Crow, managing
director; Erwin Minnie, Africa sales manager;
“The work ethic and diligence of the
Tanzanian people make it a natural target for
Marion Kearns, marketing executive and
future expansion for HOLB,” added Marion
Michele Snyders, exports process manager.
Attending from JD Pharmacy were
Kearns, marketing executive of HOLB.
Kiran Pattni, chief executive officer and
HOLB is strong in all the categories in which
it operates, such as beverage, cooking, food
Sanjay Patadia, managing director. Also
preparation, house wares, personal care and
in attendance were store owners and
more. Russell Hobbs is rated the number one
management from Tanzania Retailers, HOLB
distributors from various African countries,
small appliances brand in the United Kingdom
and is known for its quality and unique
Alan Coward being interviewed by Tanzanian television.
VIP guests and selected media.
17
GROUP PANORAMA
HORECA CSI recognised
HORECA Trade has received a corporate
social responsibility award from the
Dubai Chamber for its commitment
and efforts towards incorporating
CSR activities across all aspects of its
business.
His Highness Hisham Al Shirawi, second vice-
to two camps in Jebel Ali industrial area, regular
chairman of the Dubai Chamber, presented the
support for the Autism Centre and Al Noor training
award to Chirukandath Ragesh, finance director of
centre and continual volunteering by employees at
HORECA Trade.
the Starbucks global community event, Dubai school
“We are committed to supporting our society’s
needs as well as protecting the environment,” says
for disabled children and many more.”
In addition to contributing towards the betterment
Hisham Al Jamil, managing director of HORECA
of the community, HORECA Trade promotes the
Trade. “The CSR initiatives included the happy meal
use of eco-friendly products by offering customers
box, where we prepared and distributed 1 000 meals
a wide range of quality biodegradable products.
Acqua Panna is 450
Acqua Panna and the Tuscany region have signed an official agreement where Acqua Panna bottles
will carry the Tuscany Taste logo created for the 100% Tuscan products of the region.
This year Acqua Panna celebrates its 450th anniversary of purity. Its proud legacy dates back to the Renaissance period, in the
days of the famed Medici family of Florence. The Medicis were known for their sumptuous banquets and their love of fine wine
and food, as well as a constant supply of fresh mineral water.
On July 15 1564 an official proclamation, the Panna ‘bandita’, established the property lines of the Medici estate, intended
as a private reserve for farming and game. Since then, with the exception of the roads, the estate has remained almost
perfectly intact and is still protected today. And this is where Acqua Panna is situated.
To further communicate its strong links with its territory of origin, Acqua Panna has restyled its bottle label to represent
its Tuscan values in over 120 countries where the bottles are distributed. Says Giorgio Mondovì, Sanpellegrino international
business unit director, “We are honoured to brand the bottles of Acqua Panna throughout the world with an emblem that
highlights the strong connection between our mineral water and its native territory on this important anniversary”.
18
GROUP PANORAMA
Voltex showcase
Over 4 500 visitors attended African Utility Week at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from May 13 – 14 2014,
confirming an exponential growth of almost 500 percent over the past five years in areas such as renewable energy and solar power.
Visitors from all over the world, including China,
“We had phenomenal interest in our new
Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, showed interest
products,” says Shawn. “Many attendees
in the necessity for African energy re-evaluation
enquired about MV/LV solutions because of their
towards greener sustainable solutions. Shawn
unique ability to manufacture products to the
Roets, Western Cape regional manager for the
specific needs of customers.” Shawn added that
Voltex group, said, “The resounding interest in
MV/LV Solutions, which is now part of the Proudly
better energy options indicates that people are
Bidvest Voltex group, is a fully SABS-approved
starting to become aware of the necessity to
company. Voltex also exhibited its LSis core resin
invest in long-term solutions.”
transformers. “There was particular interest in this
With two large display stands, Voltex had the
product because of its operation without using oil
opportunity to introduce its newest brands. The
and decreased maintenance requirements,” he
impressive Activar showcased the importance
said. This new resin transformer is environmentally
of using efficient products that assist in power
safe and does not emit oil or toxic gases into the
optimising in order to have a lesser impact on
atmosphere.
energy demand. Not only did the efficacy of the
Visitors also had the opportunity to see the
brands Voltex showcased during the two days
artistic, innovative side of the electrical industry
impress visitors, but it was the endorsement and
through the Voltex Smart Solutions products.
approvals that their product ranges carry that
Envirotel, another division within the Voltex group,
really got people talking.
displayed its efficient metering systems and
The International Electrotechnical Commission
has given official certification to many of the
vending options.
Voltex plans to have an even bigger display
products that Voltex stocks. Voltex is also an
section next year. “The response was so great
affiliate member to Safehouse, an organisation
that next year we will definitely have more
dedicated to protecting consumers and informing
products on show,” said Shawn.
them of sub-standard products.
From left: Gary Paterson, John Carter,
Kim Petersen, Dean Martch and
Shawn Roets.
19
GROUP PANORAMA
Skills development
As part of its corporate social
responsibility, Konica Minolta South Africa
has a skills development programme
focusing on learnership programmes,
particularly aimed at black female
learners.
“We had seven black female learners on the first
sales and marketing course, with four finding
positions at KMSA. Applicants for this year’s
learnership programme are unemployed school
leavers, who have attained a minimum 50 percent
grade in mathematics in their matric examinations.”
As well as imparting its considerable technical,
sales and marketing knowledge to those on the
learnership programmes, KMSA also believes it is
Starting in May 2012, KMSA has run a year-long
critical to equip these young women with life- and
learnership programme on IT technical and system
soft-skills. “These include tips on managing job
support. The courses have been NQF aligned
interviews, how to behave in the workplace, conflict
(levels four and five, respectively) and Media
resolution, personal finance, as well as computer
Information and Communication Technologies SETA
skills. Every year we learn from the previous year’s
approved. Of the 11 learners that have completed
experience and adjust our learnership programmes
these programmes, seven have found permanent
accordingly,” adds Laetitia.
employment within the company, its branches and
“At KMSA, we take a forward-looking view in
dealerships, while others have been taken on by
similar businesses in the IT industry.
terms of training and grooming for succession
Laetitia Coetzer.
The recently launched third technical learnership
planning,” she continues. These cutting-edge
programmes have resulted in the company’s jump
programme, also on IT technical support, currently
with a minimum level three National Technical
from a broad-based black economic empowerment
has six black female participants. Laetitia Coetzer,
Certificate.”
rating of Level 4 to Level 3. “These learnership
special projects manager at KMSA, explains, “All
In May 2013, the company launched a sales and
programmes and their B-BBEE contribution are
students on our technical learnership programme
marketing learnership programme, which is the
about more than just bragging rights; they are about
were unemployed prior to commencing the course
first of its kind in South Africa, registered with the
empowerment and improving the lives of individuals
but had some previous technical experience, along
Services SETA and NQF level four aligned.
and communities in South Africa,” she concludes.
Top global performer
for eighth time
Konica Minolta South Africa has been named International Distributor of the Year for the
eighth time. Konica Minolta Inc. Japan presents this prestigious annual award to its top
distributor based on annual unit purchases and market share achieved.
This year’s award ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and was attended by KMSA’s Alan
Griffith, Marianna Gdanis, Andrew Griffith and Heidi Steyn. “Having our number one position confirmed for
the eighth time is an outstanding achievement,” says Alan Griffith, who accepted the award.
“The award recognises our continued performance and dedication to the bizhub brand and the market as
a whole. The brand is more prominent in South Africa than ever before and has a well-deserved reputation
among customers.
“An increasingly competitive market, coupled with tough trading conditions, makes this award even more
meaningful to all KMSA employees without whom it would not have been possible,” he adds.
20
GROUP PANORAMA
Save with KMSA
Konica Minolta South Africa has
expanded its comprehensive software tool
offering with a new, cost-effective print
management solution, YSoft SafeQ, which
saves up to 30% of printing, copying and
scanning costs.
It enables each user to monitor print usage and
says Mohammed. “With YSoft SafeQ, a company
gives an organisation total control over its printing,
can define rules to specific employees within the
copying and scanning operations. According to
organisation. For example, those with accounting
Mohammed Vachiat, KMSA’s product manager, a
roles may be allowed to print only in black and
benchmarking exercise was performed on a number
white, while those in the marketing department
of print services software tools and the YSoft SafeQ
may be allowed to print in colour. This, in turn,
solution yielded exceptional results.
helps enforce responsible behaviour and leads to
“Unmanaged printing costs can account for
three to five percent of a business’ revenue,”
lower costs and fewer wasted resources,” adds
Mohammed.
Dash 4 Cash incentive event
Lady Luck was once again smiling on Hermon
Vos as he walked away with a cheque for
R120 000 at Konica Minolta South Africa’s
2014 Dash 4 Cash incentive event.
Hermon, a branch manager at Konica
Minolta Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal, was also
the winner of last year’s event. Dash 4 Cash
was held at Scarlet Ribbon in Greenstone Park,
Johannesburg.
Hermon Vos (right) receives his cheque
from KMSA’s product manager, production
solutions, Leon Minnie.
21
GROUP PANORAMA
Saving millions
Higher Education buying departments
expect to save hundreds of millions of
Rands through Purchasing Consortium
Southern Africa online, following
an e-procurement agreement with
mymarket.com in February 2014.
SA’s members to drive tangible cost reductions,”
says PURCO SA CEO Selvan Govender. “As the
platform gains momentum it will deliver significant
process efficiencies and improved financial
compliance.”
Dawood Tagari, managing director at mymarket.
com, says buying organisations can conservatively
achieve savings of 25% or more. “It is not just
buyers who benefit. The platform is free to suppliers
After evaluating more than 40 local and international
until they make a sale and the small transaction fee
e-procurement solutions, PURCO SA selected
is offset by the benefits,” explains Dawood.
mymarket.com to power the new PURCO
Institutions are aware of the need to maximise
SA online platform. mymarket.com is a fully
public funds with which they are entrusted.
integrated, customisable e-procurement and travel
PURCO SA members are committed to achieving
management solution used by 150 of South Africa’s
savings that can be directed to improve academic
top corporates. The solution facilitates more than
programmes and facilitate access to upskill the
21 000 buying transactions daily, from more than
15 000 suppliers.
PURCO SA CEO Selvan Govender with mymarket.com
managing director Dawood Tagari
PURCO SA represents 42 institutions, including
next generation of young South Africans. PURCO
SA online provides tools that arm institutions with
better control, governance and greater visibility into
all South African and Namibian public universities,
its members save almost R100 million through
supplier relationships and purchasing practices. It
as well as FET colleges, private higher education
collaborative contracts.
has identified many opportunities for improvement,
providers and related institutions such as the SABS,
“The new platform will contribute immeasurably
CSIR, NRF and others. In 2013 PURCO SA helped
to leveraging the collective buying power of PURCO
not least savings through greater collaboration with
peer institutions.
Reduce energy consumption
Energy is the basic unit for which Eskom charges. In the case of a lighting
system, energy consumed (kilowatt/hour) = power (watts) x time (hours).
By using occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting, energy consumption can be reduced by
both power and time. With the availability of natural light, a light-dimming system can drastically
reduce energy wastage and save up to 70% on energy waste.
Light fixtures equipped with a dimming system have sensors that detect the amount of
daylight in a room and automatically dim the luminaries up or down to maintain the prescribed lux
levels. This can be achieved through an open-loop system where the sensor measures only the
incoming daylight and calculates accordingly, or with a closed-loop system where both daylight
and artificial light are measured and calculated to maintain the appropriate lux level.
Daylight harvesting controls can be effective in virtually any type of facility in which the lights
operate and a significant quantity of daylight is provided. With the increasing cost of electricity,
environmental concerns and abundance of sunshine in South Africa, there should be a growing
trend to move to daylight harvesting as a primary source of illumination.
Voltex Lighting, together with partner, Hubbell Automation, has a range of occupancy,
daylight-harvesting controls and devices to suit most applications.
22
GROUP PANORAMA
S-Class
silent
generator
Over the past five years South Africans have had
to live with load-shedding and poor maintenance
measures from a utility struggling to manage its
electrical power distribution.
“The S-Class silent generator is not your typical generator,”
explains Jeff Girnun, manager of power sources at Voltex. “It
has a sound-proof canopy, which means business can resume
as normal, with minimal noise pollution for six to eight hours or
longer.
“Running on diesel, this power-machine is easy to use, has low
emission levels and, best of all, it doesn’t have that drilling noise
so common with other generators,” adds Jeff.
Three new Voltex branches
On March 27 2014 Voltex hosted customers at the Namakwari Lodge in Kathu to welcome
new branches in Kathu, Kuruman and Postmasburg in the Northern Cape.
Voltex directors as well as some sales representatives attended the event. Each branch
also held a breakfast run where customers could view products and interact with suppliers
and product specialists. The three stores were previously known as Electri City and will
provide a larger range of products and services to existing or potential customers.
Far left: Kathu
branch.
Left: Jaco Nieuwoudt,
Hennie Fourie and
Stanley Nieuwoudt.
23
GROUP PANORAMA
Lighting the future
with LED
LED lighting is fast becoming the preferred light source, due to the many benefits it has to offer. It is expected that by 2017 LED
lighting will account for more than half of the global lighting market.
Although the cost of LED products is currently
higher than regular lighting systems, the demand
for LED technology is growing exponentially, which
will inevitably result in reduced production and
selling costs. In addition, the life expectancy of LED
products is considerably longer, which can reduce
running costs substantially.
By 2015 consumers may be forced to consider
alternative lighting sources when incandescent light
bulbs are banned.
Know what you’re buying
There are many LED manufacturers offering
products with different wattages, colours and sizes,
all of which promise huge savings. Selecting the
Between 2 700K and 3 000K matches that of the
right product can be a challenging task.
incandescent light bulb. For a clear, white light,
consider colour temperatures ranging between
Unlike incandescent light bulbs in which
consumers select the wattage according to the
4 000K and 5 000K. When comparing the wattages
brightness desired, with LED light bulbs the choice
of LEDs, consumers need to ensure that the colour
is far more complex and does not follow the
temperature is the same.
For example, an LED producing between 2 700K
traditional line of thought.
good way to determine just how efficient an
and 3 000K will generally have a lumen output of
Consider these five factors before purchasing
an LED product:
LED light bulb is. For example, a 100-watt
less than that of an LED producing between 4 000K
incandescent bulb produces 1 200 lm (1 200
and 5 000K. This is due to a phosphor coating
1. Brightness
divided by 100 = 12 lm/W). A 9.5W LED from Voltex
on the LED chips, which produces the different
Wattage does not determine the light output of a
produces 806 lm (806 divided by 9.5 = 85 lm/W).
colours. Once the colour temperature has been
bulb; it is a measurement of how much energy the
Simply put, the higher the efficacy, the more light is
determined, the next necessary step is to look at
bulb draws from the power source. Lumen (lm) is
produced using less wattage and conserving energy.
the colour rendering index. Always look for a CRI
that is greater than 80 because the colour produced
the real measurement of brightness. A traditional
100-watt bulb produces about 1200 lm. Consumers
2. Colour
from a CRI of 80 onwards will emit more natural
must try to match this number when selecting levels
Colour is an important factor when choosing the right
than artificial light. The range of measurement is
of brightness. Efficacy or lumens per watt is also a
light source. It is measured in degrees Kelvin (K).
from 1 to 100 with 100 being sunlight so, the closer
24
GROUP PANORAMA
the CRI is to 100, the more natural the light
Not only are chip manufacturers able to create
will appear.
LEDs with high efficacy, but there has also been a
shift towards controlling the light and reducing glare
3. Not all LED bulbs are dimmable
more effectively.
Unlike incandescent light bulbs, not all LED bulbs
New highly reflective materials and high-
are dimmable. Dimmable LEDs cost considerably
translucent optics are being developed especially
more than non-dimmable ones. Furthermore, not
for LED. This allows designers to be more creative
all traditional dimming switches are compatible
when designing new luminaries. A trend for
with LEDs.
indirect lighting is starting to become popular; this
is the process of shining light at a surface and
4. Beam angles
manipulating it to reflect in a different direction.
LEDs are available in a variety of beam angles. All
It allows for a more subtle lighting effect without
boxes have a beam angle rating, which shows the
having the LED source shining directly in the eye.
degree of width that light is emitted from a light
source. A wide beam angle floods an area with
light and is called a “floodlight”, whereas a narrow
beam angle is a concentrated spot of light, called a
“spotlight”.
Since Voltex constantly reviews, develops and
5. Power factor
tests all new, innovative products and solutions
Finally, the power factor of LED is represented by a
for its ever-growing customer base, the 2014 LED
figure that indicates the efficiency of the source. The
lifestyle catalogue has been published, which
higher the figure, the more efficient the source. It is
includes downlights, ceiling lamps, strip lights,
recommended to use an LED product with a power
floodlights, solar sensor floodlights, deck lights,
factor of more than 0.85.
outdoor wall lights, bulkheads and garden spotlights
as well as a range of retro-fit lamps. All products
V-LED
have been selected carefully to ensure Voltex
Voltex is becoming a leader in offering the latest
customers receive the best possible energy-saving
lighting technological developments to the market.
products at the most affordable prices.
With its recent launch of a range of products known
as V-LED, all the necessary LED requirements
Professional market
for efficient lighting systems are comprehensively
LED technology is advancing at a rapid rate, with
stocked.
new developments frequently being launched.
25
GROUP PANORAMA
My weight loss
transformation
Blessing Gumede, manager of Sprint
Packaging, a division of Bidvest Paperplus,
is a new man since losing 46kg in four
months.
run. My legs were aching but probably saying thank
you. I had been overweight since completing school
and moving from Durban to Pretoria.
“You change your behaviour. You change your
lifestyle. Eating is the most important thing. Eat
healthily. Cut down on fats. That was the main game
It all began with the Bidvest Unity Walk last year.
changer for me. I used to eat meat almost every day
Prior to that, 31-year-old Blessing was doing a bit of
and have cut down to once or twice a week and
gym and a lot of eating. “I was very big but I decided
smaller portions. My wife, son and daughter are so
to do the walk and I was amazed and proud that I
proud of me.”
managed to finish it,” he says.
Blessing then thought, “What if I try to run it?”
Blessing says the Comrades experience is a feeling
he cannot begin to explain. “I wanted to achieve my
He struggled in the beginning but soon managed to
goal and had to run through the pain. There was a
complete a 10 km run. That led to joining Athletics
lot of support on the road. The moment I got to the
for All and running local races, initially 5 km and then
finishing point was wonderful. It was another blessing.
straight on to 21 km. From there he progressed to
I am living up to my name Blessing. “
42 km and went on to join Comrades Marathon.
Next year Blessing intends completing the
He completed his first Comrades marathon this year
Comrades in under nine hours. He would like to
in 10 hours 5 minutes.
encourage other people to take a step and move
with them. “You can achieve what you want in life.
Everything is in you.”
Blessing would like to thank all of his colleagues
forward with their lives. “I want to let everyone know
at Sprint for their support and for keeping him strong
weight. I tried not to eat too much fat and the weight
that anything is possible. I am a different person.
and motivated. A big thank you to the Bidvest Unity
started coming off,” he says. “Running brings a lot
Even at work I do things differently. I am more
Walk, which is where the whole journey began. And
of challenges. Some days I would wake up in the
energetic and I feel healthy,” he says. If anyone needs
to those who are struggling with their weight, don’t
morning and could not walk from the previous day’s
some ideas he is happy to share his experiences
give up. Anything is possible.
“When I began running 21 km I started to lose
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26
GROUP PANORAMA
Farewell to Aunty Cath
There were tears of joy and sadness at Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town Domestic
on May 28 2014 when staff said farewell to Aunty Cath, who has retired after
18 years of service.
Cath was 46 years old when she started working at Rennies Travel after spending
16 years at home as a housewife and mother to nine children. At the age of 48
she was able to fulfil a lifelong dream of owning her own home when she and
her husband were finally able to take out a bond. Earlier this year she made her
final payment on her bond.
During her time at Bidvest Premier Lounge, she tragically lost two of her
sons but this did not break her spirit or affect her dedication to her job. The
staff at Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town are going to miss the mother of the
lounge. Enjoy your retirement, kick up your feet, let your hair down and relax.
How well do you look after your
company vehicle?
The Bidvest Protea Coin staff at
Doornkop proudly show off one of
the oldest vehicles in the company
which is still running and in good
condition. Despite being exposed
to the harshest of conditions at a
mining site, the 2001 Toyota Hilux
bakkie has more than 681 711 km
on the odometer. Do you know of
any company vehicle which is as
old, has as many kilometres and is
still in mint condition?
27
GROUP PANORAMA
Smart car buying
Bidvest Bank tells you how it’s done
Knowing the tricks of the trade can save you time and
money; especially when laying out large sums of cash
on something like a car. But you need to know the
How do you avoid a potential repayment trap like
this?
The insider tip from Byron is to access predictive
software.
The bank has developed what is probably
Byron Corcoran notes: “The smart way to go is
to establish the financial parameters ahead
of time. Then, if rates rise, you can still sleep
at night.”
The bank updates the database regularly to
South Africa’s most comprehensive digital toolkit for
cover e-tolling, fuel price rises and interest rate
Well, when it comes to purchasing a new car,
new car buyers who want to avoid financing shocks.
levels.
Bidvest people could hardly be better connected.
The system gives repayment levels over various
In any event, Bidvest Bank staff can work out
They have friends in the business … Bidvest Bank.
periods at different interest rates; not only the current
the parameters for you and offer the service to all
prime rate, but at higher rates should rates rise again.
would-be buyers. Surprisingly, many consumers fail
right people with the right information.
The bank runs one of South Africa’s biggest
vehicle fleets. Its asset finance staff are specialists in
A prospective buyer looking for leeway in a rising
the smart way to acquire a new set of wheels – and
rate environment simply keys in some variables and
Byron Corcoran, head of fleet and asset finance, has
out jump the projections at the specified rates.
to work out affordability levels ahead of time.
However, the smart buyers – the big fleets – are
very astute at gauging financial impacts. They
a tip for Group colleagues looking for a new vehicle:
If you have internet access, you simply visit
run the numbers before running up big commitments
www.bidvestbank.co.za and navigate to the site’s
the Bidvest Bank system to be doubly sure their
in what could be a rising interest-rate environment.
asset finance segment.
numbers stack up.
Until recently, South Africa maintained rates at
develop their own databases, though they may use
Says Byron: “Most individual buyers prefer a
historically low levels. Then, in January, rates went up
The repayment calculator tells you:
60-month repayment period. Over five years it
by half a percent, perhaps signalling a change in the
 perks tax implications
makes even more sense to check the money
rate cycle.
 credit limits and appropriate price ranges
as well as the car. Financial performance is as
 monthly repayments, allowing for the size of the
important as vehicle performance. To get the
was acquired at the top of their affordability ceiling. If
deposit and length of the deal
optimum deal, you need the data. We can give it
repayments rise, they could be in trouble.
 running costs
to you.”
This is bad news for those with a new car that
28
GROUP PANORAMA
Forum drives IT
across the Group
Bidvest’s newly established IT Forum has
begun work to maximise the power of the
IT knowledge and skills across the Group.
Issues being addressed by the forum
include:
 management of the Telkom Contract
 helpdesk implementation on Sharepoint
 weighing in on the Microsoft licensing
The forum’s focus is to share innovative ideas
strategy
and leverage technologies across the Group,
 enterprise mobility and
to enhance operational excellence and cost-
 establish subject experts and centres of
effectiveness in Bidvest’s IT space.
excellence on topical IT issues and
It will also address the impact on IT of risk,
 benchmark vendor service and price.
governance and compliance-related matters, and
The forum, conceived at the Bidvest Technology
cost of compliance.
Conference last year, has 21 members and meets
Berrington, it’s essentially a platform for CIO
representatives from each division in Bidvest to:
Also planned is a high-level supplier survey by IT
representatives from each company to ensure the
identify potential solutions to lessen the impact and
More specifically, says chairman Lauren
 input to the next Technology Conference.
Group enjoys consistent pricing and service.
“The forum promotes decentralised IT
quarterly, with special meetings called when
management and decision-making strengthened
necessary.
by the power of sharing, wherever it makes
“The forum has developed an intranet site to
sense, information, services, infrastructure and
 leverage economies of scale and buying power
complement its function. It’s a platform to share,
 share knowledge, research and experiences
in real time, information specific to IT across the
 exchange ideas for IT strategies and trends
group,” Lauren says. The site will also help to
concentrates on leveraging common disaster
 solve common problems and explore trends and
spread information discussed at the forum to
recovery infrastructure and sharing hosted
developments
interested parties beyond the forum members.
exchange costs.”
technologies,” says Lauren.
“For this reason, the next quarter’s research
29
GROUP PANORAMA
Not just the home
of cricket
Bidvest Wanderers is a name synonymous with cricket. That’s how
it should be. Nowadays though, the iconic stadium is increasingly
becoming a premier multi-purpose venue.
More and more corporates and individual groups are using the facilities at
the home of cricket for conferences, company functions, product launches,
exhibitions and board meetings.
More and more are its rooms – the 400-seater Long Room and the Balcony,
overlooking the field from the north, for example – being occupied by wedding
guests, partygoers and even parents at children’s birthday celebrations.
“Revenues from functions have trebled in the past year,” says Gauteng Cricket
5 km route at night wearing neon
accessories and body paint.
Greg says the GCB is looking
at ways to accommodate Bidvest
Board’s CEO, Greg Fredericks. “Our function venues are growing in popularity and
Wits football team in matches
we’re working on loads of plans to improve our offering.”
likely to attract bigger crowds
The stadium’s appeal is enhanced by the plentiful parking, the efficient security
and catering by any of six leading companies.
“And remember that no other venue has as a backdrop the famous Bullring,”
Greg adds.
The field, too, is often the scene of colourful mass participation events like the
2014 Holi Festival of Colours celebrated in August, and the Neon Run, South
Africa’s most electric night event, where individuals run, cycle, skate or walk a
30
than its current stadia can
accommodate and is hoping to stage all-day concerts.
On the schedule for March next year is the bizhub Bullring Bash in which
10 corporate cricket sides will be able not only to entertain clients at field side
but also play on one of the world’s most famous cricket strips.
“Naturally, we’d like to see many more of the Bidvest companies using the
stadium that bears the Group’s name,” says Greg.
GROUP PANORAMA
Webjet takes off to
simplify leisure travel
Now airborne and approaching cruising
altitude is Webjet.co.za, the new
Bidtravel travel agency that offers
travellers an innovative total travel
solution – online – at any time and from
any place.
“Webjet.co.za gives prospective travellers
convenience and choice,” says managing
director, Herby Seedat. “Our payoff line says it all:
Travel, any time, any place.”
As consumers rely on greater convenience,
more reasonable pricing and the ability to
manage their selections, Webjet.co.za seeks to
lead the way in online travel tools and technology,
enabling anyone to easily search and book the
best domestic and international travel flight deals,
travel insurance, car-hire, hotel accommodation
The Webjet website page.
and holiday packages worldwide.
Webjet.co.za, launched in April this year and
operating from funky new offices in Rosebank,
Johannesburg, recognises consumers’ growing
comfort with online research of destinations and
travel costs as well as online transactions.
It is part of a Webjet family with a footprint
across Australia, New Zealand, America, the
United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Singapore and
Hong Kong, that enables travellers to set up the
perfect trip at the most affordable price.
The South African operation is licensed to
launch the brand in sub-Saharan Africa and the
Indian Ocean Islands.
Says Herby: “We have used the latest digital
marketing strategies to create awareness
among people researching travel information to
bring them to our site, www.webjet.co.za. We
will follow it with an above-the- line branding
campaign including a competition.
“It’s a portal for all travel needs and is more
The Webjet team from left: Jacqueline Venter, Stacey Horwitz and Tasneem Suliman and back from left: Herby Seedat, Xander
Steenkamp and Belinda Webster.
automatically without human involvement and
customers’ confidence when managing their own
efficient than competitive services in that all
the risk of human error. The website is simple to
travel arrangements,” says Herby.
processes and documentation are handled
navigate, engaging and informative, enhancing
For more information visit www.webjet.co.za.
31
GROUP PANORAMA
Voltex acquires MV/LV
In April this year Voltex acquired MV/LV Solutions, a
major medium-voltage manufacturing company. “It is a
proud moment for Voltex,” says Stanley Green, managing
director. “The acquisition expands our service offering
and our ability to manufacture products to customers’
requirements.”
In addition to the SABS stamp of approval, its creative design team offers
tailor-made products directly to customers. “Construction companies,
the mining industry, utilities, as well as industrial plants will find particular
benefit from the innovative and type tested product solutions MV/LV
Solutions has to offer,” explains Stanley.
As well as its custom designs, Voltex MV/LV Solutions also provides
manufacturing solution products such as panels and switchboards,
distribution boards, mini-subs as well specialised assemblies.
Add pep to your step
It is always exciting to observe great brands bolstering their services by
venturing into new sectors. Puréau has launched an innovative and broad range
of coffee machines to provide customers with even more options when it comes
to great tasting, healthy beverages.
This is exciting news for coffee, cappuccino, espresso and other hot
beverage lovers looking for that pep in their step. Consumers can look forward
to the same service experience, quality and general commitment of excellence
attached to Puréau.
The range complements watercoolers, adding teas, coffees
and numerous sought-after beverage recipes.
Enter the La Vie coffee competition and stand a chance of
winning a Verona pod coffee machine.
What brand of coffee has Puréau launched?
Send your answer to: info@pureau.co.za with the subject
title “Bidvoice competition”.
We look forward to hearing from you. Best of luck!
32
GROUP PANORAMA
Manica Botswana
smooths the way
The annual Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1 000 Desert Race is a
logistical challenge but once again help was at hand this year
from Manica Botswana.
competitors at border posts,” said SANORA chief executive officer
Richard Schilling. “We all know that customs clearance can be a harrowing
experience, but the people at Manica smoothed the way for us in a friendly
and highly professional manner.
“The Botswana Tourist Organisation and customs officials and the Botswana
The organisers, race officials and competitors shifted huge amounts of
police also went out of their way to assist us in the organisation of the event and
equipment between South Africa and Botswana in preparation for the event.
their co-operation removed many potential obstacles.”
Freight going into Botswana included vehicles, spares, tyres, electronic and
This year’s event moved from Kumakwane, on the outskirts of Gaborone, to
television equipment, company branding and other goods which required
rural Jwaneng 160km west of the Botswana capital. Areas in which the race is
temporary import and export customs permits.
held benefit hugely from a financial injection and the move to Jwaneng was at
“Without the valuable assistance of Manica Freight Clearing in Zeerust and
Gaborone life would have been very difficult for the organisers, race officials and
the request of the BTO which was keen for other areas to benefit from what is
Botswana’s biggest annual sporting and social event.
33
GROUP PANORAMA
Jeepers, but they’re safe
The McCarthy Jeep dealers at Menlyn,
Centurion and Wonderboom linked up
recently to show about 70 clients and
their selected guests exactly what various
models of Jeep can do in the toughest
terrain and conditions.
The group spent much of the day at the Gerotek
test facilities near Pretoria sliding the cars around a
skidpan and then taking them cross-country on the
facility’s four-by-four track.
“Our main objective was to show them just how
safe the vehicles are and that Jeeps, and particularly
the Wrangler, can handle slippery conditions and the
toughest off-road conditions,” says the co-ordinator,
Dave Fouche.
“We were very impressed,” was the consensus of
guests, “and we had a lot of fun.”
34
GROUP PANORAMA
Welcome to PCL
Bidvest UK is delighted to welcome
another 900 employees to its
workforce, with the acquisition of
PCL Transport 24/7.
PCL specialises in the warehousing and distribution
of dairy and chilled products in the UK. Its major
customer is Arla, which is the largest dairy
cooperative in Europe. PCL operates more than
300 heavy goods vehicles from three main sites in
the South, West and Midlands of the UK.
The company began from humble beginnings
when founder, Joe Ricotta, knocked on the door
of a nearby Arla dairy and asked if they needed
any help with distribution. He quickly arranged the
required logistics and PCL was born. As the dairy
customers continued to centralise and grow, PCL
grew with them.
Above from left: Shaun Foley, managing
director Bidvest Logistics and Joe Rocotta,
managing director PCL Transport 24/7.
It was at this point that Joe felt he needed
a partner to help take the business to the next
level. Fortunately, he had already been building a
relationship with Bidvest Logistics, partly as landlord
and partly on distribution.
Joe will work alongside Shaun Foley and the
Bidvest Logistics team. The first step will be the
opening of a new site in the NW of England to store
50 000 pallets of chilled products and distribute
them to customers in the north of England.
Returning to
Normandy
Ken Bannister, chairman of the South African Air Force Association was
pleased to accompany 91-year-old World War II veteran, Alex Reith and his
72-year-old carer, Dennis Wepener on a trip to Normandy for the
70th anniversary commemoration of D-Day. The SAAFA branch of which Ken
is a member, helped sponsor this exciting trip. The staff of the King Shaka
Bidvest Premier lounge were delighted to host these special gentlemen.
From left: Mr Ken Bannister, chairman of the SAAFA; Mr Alex Reith, World War II veteran
and a carer, Mr Dennis Wepener.
35
GROUP PANORAMA
Trust me,
I’m a salesman!
It cannot be argued that a sound “to-market” strategy, mobilised and sustained through a skilled, dynamic
sales force is key to the financial and operational performance of all our businesses. We flaunt terms such
as “client centric”, “solution focused”, “strategically aligned” and more, attempting to reflect that we fully
understand and are meaningfully connected to the needs and expectations of our customers.
36
GROUP PANORAMA
revenue-building sales strategies goes beyond
regulation and socio economic factors, all
merely providing product and soft skills training for
play a pivotal role in enabling us to own our
our sales teams. The adage that “training doesn’t
industries.
fix everything” often rings true. As critical as skills
 Benchmark: Understand how you look
development remains in our commercial landscapes
to the market when compared with your
and country as a whole, it provides limited
competition. Are you perceived as a real
operational and fiscal benefit if not positioned as
threat, a formidable opponent? Cutting edge?
part of a larger, more comprehensive sales plan.
Or do you rely on a reputation of being “the
So, how do we change?
The reality is that strategic sales planning and
management are not a checklist process. They
cheapest” to attract market attention and
sales?
 Differentiate: Become noticed! Establish
cannot merely be revised annually along with
brand, product and service standards and
budgets to ensure that they delivers the expected
characteristics that make you stand out from
results; they are not a “language” or “function”
the crowd and build these characteristics into
that lives in the company’s sales department; and
your sales strategy as measures for ongoing
neither are its results! It is a dynamic, fluid function
that requires constant, critical evaluation and the
performance and execution.
 Communicate: Create open channels
of internal dialogue and encourage all
organisational resources and functions to
consider and contribute to the continual
improvement of sales efforts.
 Collaborate, don’t consult: Clients no longer
need your advice; they need your knowledge
and expertise invested collaboratively
into their business in ways that improve
performance, efficiency, service and ultimately
their competitive advantage and commercial
reputation. They expect you to share the risk
and, if successful, share in the reward.
 Innovate: Don’t stagnate. Build “inquisitive”
sales processes that seek to improve the
manner in which we engage and service our
markets and clients. Don’t limit innovation
to product or service development, but
continually evaluate your entire value chain.
 Measure: You can’t manage what you don’t
Grant Botha.
measure! Critically measure the feasibility of
sales activity and outcome. Don’t be afraid to
Grant Botha
collaborative investment of effort and intellect from
Divisional executive, Bidvest Edge (a division of Bidvest
Managed Solutions)
multiple organisational stakeholders.
Sales strategies which link competence and
effect change, adapt to fluid market conditions
and changing client needs.
 People: Invest consistently into the
capability with a strategic vision for the future
professional development of your people.
Are we – however – truly client centric? Do we
embrace learning from the past, an awareness
Create learning cultures by recognising the
build our to-market strategies; mobilise our in-field
of existing realities, and insights into likely future
value of engagement, dialogue, coaching and
activities and efforts off a foundation of intimate
trends. Although complex in its overall design and
environmental, company and customer knowledge?
implementation, companies wanting to reposition
Recognise that we have a unique characteristic
Are we truly innovative, or are we simply re-
their sales capabilities can focus on a few key
that distinguishes us from our competitors;
labelling a collection of products as “solutions”
points:
a characteristic that creates an immediate
in a market that really cannot distinguish us from
 Analyse: Understand the market variables
expectation with current and potential clients of
structured learning programmes.
our competitors? Are we focused on creating
that have an impact on your business.
who we are, how we operate and the quality and
value-based sales strategies, or are we relying
Competitors, suppliers, product and consumer
consistency of product and service that we bring to
on outdated cost-based strategies to remain
trends, pricing and innovation. Consideration
the table. Ensure that it lives “loud and proud” within
competitive in the market?
of macro environmental factors is also key
your sales strategy; the principle of what it means to
to creating sound sales strategy. Legislation,
be “Proudly Bidvest”!
Creating and sustaining true solution-based,
37
group panorama
Custodians of
business compliance
Custodians of all things lawful and proper in business. Keepers of the records. Referees of good practice. Many are the job tags that
might be attached to company secretaries.
of any law affecting their company,”
says Eyvonne.
The job requires the women to
attend four divisional board meetings
and four audit committee meetings
a year per division and record and
distribute the all-important minutes
from the meetings.
Additional duties and
responsibilities include, but are not
limited to, processing documentation
required by law for events such as
changes of directors, lodgement
of various statutory returns with an
organisation called the Companies
and Intellectual Properties
Commission (CIPC), drafting board
resolutions for contracts, leases,
tenders, change of bank details etc.,
and providing documents banks need
for FICA purposes.
“Because we’re privy to confidential
information about a particular
Back from left: Shoeshoe Letsie, Craig Brighten, Alison Frost, Nomnikelo Nogcinisa and Jami van Rooyen.
Front seated from left: Leigh Roos, Eyvonne Lochner and Jacqui van der Walt.
tact and discretion,” says Leigh. “A company
What they aren’t, however, are secretaries that fit
secretary must act in good faith and avoid any
“In other words, the company secretary plays a
the common definition. They’re not PAs to company
pivotal role in a company’s corporate governance,”
executives.
says Bidvest Group company secretary, Craig
Such is the importance of the company secretary’s
duties and so crucial are they to good corporate
governance, that they’re enshrined in law.
The Companies Act makes the appointment of a
company secretary mandatory in public companies
Brighten.
Within the boundaries of Bidvest in South Africa,
that role is fulfilled for some 400 corporate entities by
five ladies (and Craig).
Eyvonne Lochner, Leigh Roos, Alison Frost,
company, we always have to show
conflicts of interest.
“We’re also the first point of entry or exit for any
companies the Group buys or sells,” Alison points
out.
Generally, the women feel that attending meetings
and gaining insight into the workings of the various
diverse businesses in the Group are what they enjoy
and state-owned entities. The King Report on
Shoeshoe Letsie and Jacqui van der Walt, each
most about their duties, although Jacqui confesses to
Governance for South Africa (King III) says a
taking responsibility for a number of Bidvest’s
preferring statutory work because of its diversity.
company board should be helped by a competent,
divisions, ensure the companies’ compliance with all
The most rewarding part of the job?: “When the
suitably qualified and experienced company secretary.
laws and regulations and oversee the many statutory
work we do is appreciated and understood by the
Company secretaries bear a heavy responsibility to
requirements of every subsidiary in the Group.
directors,” says Shoeshoe.
the board, the company, its shareholders and relevant
“Probably our most valuable contribution is
stakeholders, to enforce a compliance framework that
providing the directors of the company collectively
safeguards the organisation’s integrity and promotes
and individually with guidance as to their duties,
high standards of ethical behaviour.
responsibilities and powers and making them aware
38
The most frustrating: inefficiencies and delays
experienced at CIPC.
“It’s an art to record minutes, to create a proper
report that truly reflects discussions and decisions
GROUP PANORAMA
taken, particularly as they may, at some time
later, be fundamental to new decisions or even
deliberations in court,” says Alison. “Unfortunately,
some directors are softly spoken and it is often
difficult to hear what they are saying.”
Company boards could make their job easier
with timeous signature of resolutions, the women
agree.
Understandably, corporate documents need
to be diligently archived both in hard copies and
electronically, for security and quick, easy access.
Former librarian Jami van Rooyen, who has
been with the company for three years, has set
Bidvest Bank partners
with Vodacom
Bidvest Bank has been selected as the provider of the
banking platform for Vodacom’s revamped m-pesa
mobile money offer.
up a system that gives him immediate access to
digitised contracts and various statutory documents
Vodacom has 33 million users in South Africa and will be
processed by the company secretaries.
promoting this fantastic new offer to their customer base. This
The Bidvest company secretaries are neither legal
means Vodacom customers using their cell phones to transact via
advisors, financial professionals nor conventional
the m-pesa service will be using the bank’s very fast and reliable
secretaries. Generally they have CIS qualifications,
systems.
lengthy practical experience in a corporate
Bidvest Bank and Vodacom have added a VISA Card to the
environment and a depth of understanding of law,
m-pesa mobile wallet. This means that the service will now have
secretarial practice and accounts.
access to over 240 000 merchants, points-of-sale and ATMs in
Craig is a Fellow of the CIS and has 20 years’
experience in various listed companies, including
banking and retail and joined Bidvest five years ago
from Ellerines Holdings.
South Africa.
Bidvest people should check out the service and the m-pesa
offering.
It’s fast, it’s convenient and you have added peace of mind
knowing that the systems handling m-pesa transfers are tried and
Company Secretarial Staff
Craig Brighten
The Bidvest Group Limited
Company Secretary
Divisional company secretaries
Alison Frost
Bidvest Properties
Bidvest Rental and Products
Bidvest Services
Bidsport
tested. The system will process billions of transactions a day.
The Vodacom link will add significant volume and presence to
Bidvest Bank. “We expect an additional million customers over the
next 18 months”, says Bidvest Bank MD Japie van Niekerk (right).
SABT retirement
Shoeshoe Letsie
Amalgamated Automobile Holdings
Bidvest Automotive
Bidvest Food SA
From left: Mandy Bessick, financial director;
Jimmy Nell, diesel workshop foreman and
Hampie Lourens, managing director.
Eyvonne Lochner
Bidvest Consumer Products
Bidvest Freight
Bidvest Paperplus
Leigh Roos
Bidvest Electrical
Bidvest Financial Services
Bidvest Office
Jacqui van der Walt
Bidvest Corporate Services
Bidvest Industrial
Bidvest Travel and Aviation
Jami van Rooyen
Digital archivist (electronic document storage and retrieval)
Nomnikelo Nogcinisa
Company secretarial a.dministrator
In April, SABT staff held a farewell lunch at the Durban Yacht Club, for Jimmy Nell who was retiring after
22 years with South African Bulk Terminals. Jimmy worked in the diesel mechanic field. Every good wish for a
happy and healthy retirement.
39
group panorama
SSC at EduWeek
In a country where education is a
major concern, EduWeek, Africa’s
premier education event, is more
than a symbol of hope. Now in its
eighth year, EduWeek continues
to achieve success by attracting
top exhibitors who present the
most up-to-date products and
information relevant to education.
Basic, Higher and Inclusive
Education, Educational Technology,
Publishing, and International Pavilions.
The free Technical Workshops,
organised by the Centre for Education
Innovations South Africa Conference,
delivered a high level of training and
development.
This year’s conference focused on
sharing more strategies from panAfrican governments and universities
on the roll out and implementation of
literacy and numeracy programmes,
e-learning and the shortage of
The 85 exhibitors at EduWeek 2014,
which ran from July 9 to 11 2014 were also able
We were rubbing shoulders with the likes of Intel
qualified teachers in Africa. Other sessions include
to attend free technical workshops and a high-
Education, Samsung, Microsoft, CISCO, BIC,
STEM education, inclusive education, leadership in
level conference. Naturally SSC was among the
Cambridge University Press, and a load of other
educational institutions, exploiting trends in higher
exhibitors showcasing some of the continents and,
impressive organisations.
education, vocational skills training and the latest
indeed, the world’s leading products and solutions.
The expo is split into product sectors, including
educational technology.
SSC at MARKEX Joburg
MARKEX Joburg is revolutionising the way our business people in all sectors see marketing,
including promotions and eventing. Visitors are exposed to the latest trends and innovations,
while exhibitors are stimulated by the exchange of ideas and the challenge of being that much
better than the next.
MARKEX Joburg took place from June 10 to 12 2014 at the Sandton Convention Centre
– a multi-faceted event that appeals to a diverse selection of markets, visitors and exhibitors.
SSC was right up there with bold and eye-catching showcasing of products and services to
over 10 000 professionals and other experts over the three days!
40
group panorama
Hard work pays off
Months of preparation and hard work
have finally paid off for the SSC factory
in Mobeni.
who were trained to work according to ISO quality
standards and align internal policies and processes
with these standards. Internal audits were
conducted to ensure continued progress and to
identify flaws and gaps in the system. This prepared
In June the factory achieved ISO 9001: 2008
the factory for the official external audits conducted
certification for its quality management system –
by the SABS, which is the verification body.
a major milestone in our 120-year history. It shows the factory’s commitment to
continually produce quality products.
The journey towards achieving this certification started in April 2013. Hours
of work and preparation were undertaken by internal auditors and employees,
Producing quality work is a key priority for the factory. The levels of excellence
will improve and bring the factory in line with international standards. The ISO
certification demonstrates that the company wants to ensure the best quality of
work for all its clients.
Stabilo – now NEON bright
Europe’s number one fineliner is
now available in 30 brilliant colours,
including five NEW neon colours.
Join the neon stripe hype by entering our online competition where you can
stand a chance to win great prizes! Create your own neon style on Facebook
by simply uploading your unique photo, drawing, video or comic for a chance
to WIN! Stripe up your life. Get the new neon feeling with point 88. Go to
www.stabilo.com/point to enter.
41
group panorama
Royal Talens studio visit
Brian Joffe (Bidvest CE), Lindsay Ralphs
(Bidvest SA CE) and Mpumi Madisa
(Executive director Bidvest SA) visited
SSC’s head office on Friday, April 11 and
spent some time creating masterpieces in
the Royal Talens studio.
CEO Brian Joffe.
CEO South Africa – Lindsay Ralphs.
Executive director Bidvest South
Africa – Mpumi Madisa.
Ferrari Day hosted by Rapid
Waltons and SSC continue to run exciting incentive
programmes for their sales staff and in June presented a
fabulous prize for the three regional winners – tickets for
the Ferrari Day hosted by Rapid.
The winners, announced by Waltons’ Paula Vieira on July 11, were
Sanette Palm (Inland), Gillian McCary (KZN) and Ashley Williams (Cape).
On July 19, off to the legendary Kyalami racetrack went Gillian and
Ashley who were joined by Gladys Raseroka, to whom Sanette gave
her ticket as she was unable to make it. And what a day they had!
Tearing around the race track in a Ferrari 328GT, the sexiest speed
demon around, being driven by the most dashing drivers – drivers like
Eric Arnoud… making privileged pit stops; what an experience. Well
done to our three intrepid winners!
42
group panorama
Don Nederhand demo at Herbert Evans art store in Rosebank.
Dutch artist visits SA
In May this year, Don Nederhand,
acclaimed Dutch artist and technical
advisor on painting materials, visited
South Africa to demonstrate the art of
Royal Talens’ acrylics and oils.
Don Nederhand presented the workshops, hosted
Royal Talens partnered with art retailer Archneer at the
Pretoria fine art department demo.
by Royal Talens over two days in Pretoria and
Johannesburg. They were well attended by local
professional, amateur and student artists.
Made in Holland, the superior Royal Talens range
of fine art products, which include Rembrandt,
van Gogh and Amsterdam ranges, were used
Don Nederhand demo at Jimnettes art store in Pretoria.
Over and above his exhibitions, Nederhand has
products, showing why they have such a good
also been representing Royal Talens as a technical
reputation in the art world.
consultant since 1992. In this position he travels
Nederhand, who was born in Amsterdam and
around the world, holding seminars and giving
lectures on artists’ materials.
by Nederhand to demonstrate their quality and
currently resides in the Netherlands city of Apeldoorn,
versatility. In the first half of the sessions he spoke
is well known in both his own country and abroad
about the insightful technical aspects of the paints.
as an artist painter, primarily focusing on landscapes
Johannesburg workshops and inspired South African
Then, during the second half, he put paint to canvas,
and portraits in oils. He studied drawing, painting and
artists to think about their own techniques, while
demonstrating not only his own innate talent but
monumental art at the Academy of Fine Arts in the
highlighting the many advantages of using the Royal
also the beneficial characteristics of the Royal Talens
city of Arnhem for six years, from 1964.
Talens range of products.
Nederhand brought his own flare to the
Bidvest Foodservice educates
Bidvest Foodservice Multi-Temp Western Cape was recently asked to
present their business to a group of 45 touring MB students from the
Nyenrode Business University in the Netherlands. They were visiting
South Africa on a fact-finding mission on food and finance.
The group, which was made up of students, professors, business owners and executives
in the food industry in Holland, attended a talk given by general manager Grant Cox and
national key accounts manager Steve Horwitz on the Bidvest Foodservice business model.
The session was so well received that they have now been asked to deliver the same lecture
to MBA students at Stellenbosch University.
General manager, Grant Cox, delivers a lecture to visiting students.
43
GROUP PANORAMA
Car-sharing scheme
Bidvest 3663’s Paddock Wood depot in
South East England, has saved one million
road miles since implementing a car-sharing
scheme in 2009.
In addition, the scheme has saved each participant
an average 30 600 gallons of fuel at a total cost of
£190 000, and 320 000 kilos of carbon emissions have
been prevented from entering the atmosphere.
The scheme encourages staff members who either
live close to or on the same route as each other, to
share the driving and travel to work together, thus
reducing the total number of miles travelled during
the commute to work. The aim has been to reduce
the depot’s carbon footprint and impact on the
environment.
Members of staff have reacted positively to the
initiative and some travelling partners working different
hours will even wait for each other rather than travelling
in two vehicles. People are more aware of their own
carbon footprint and the impact they have on the
Above: Staff participating in the scheme can park their car in
dedicated spaces.
Right: The car share scheme is at Paddock Wood depot.
environment.
Fifty of the 200 car parking spaces in the depot’s
shift) to determine the number of miles saved, the total
car park have been allocated for members of the car-
reduction in emissions and the individual’s savings in
sharing scheme. Members are given a special permit
fuel costs. Statistics are then shared when required.
to display on their windscreen and these permits are
Anyone at the depot who wishes to participate just
checked and recorded daily (and nightly for the night
needs to complete an application form.
Young entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurial excellence has been recognised and honoured at
the inauguration of the Maverick Awards on June 26, marking this year’s
National Youth Month.
The event was hosted by Under-35 Mavericks – a youth-run entity aiming to lead the
accelerated development of young, innovative entrepreneurs.
The prestigious award ceremony drew the country’s brightest and most influential minds
– not only from young entrepreneurs, but also from established politicians and business
pace-setters in both the public and private sectors.
In a country where a significant proportion of our young people are unemployed it is
imperative to acknowledge youthful success and introduce new role models.
The Parker Brand was one of the corporate sponsors of this gala event and the ten
winners each received a Parker Fine Writing instrument as one of their prizes.
44
group panorama
This is
BCD Travel
With a presence in 27 African countries and more than 106 worldwide, BCD Travel
is the third-largest travel management company globally.
We chatted to Kananelo Makhetha, managing director of BCD Travel, who said: “combining global
strength with local service, we offer an integrated technology infrastructure that provides intelligent analysis
of travel data, allowing companies to maximise the return on travel expenditure”.
When considering the ideal travel partner to manage your business travel investment, while ensuring
traveller safety, experience and comfort every step of the way, BCD Travel wants to be your travel
management company of choice.
For more info: +27 (0) 11 274 4000 or email: sales@bcdtravel.co.za or www.bcdtravel.co.za
Mercedes winner
Faizel Karim was announced the
overall winner in Konica Minolta’s
13th and final Key into Colour
competition, which saw 123
qualifiers vying to become the
owner of the car.
The incentive ran from January to June this
year, with all active sales consultants and
authorised distributors awarded points for
new machine sales. Culminating in a game
of chance, point holders were awarded
keys, 494 in total, of which only three
opened the safe holding the keys to the
Mercedes. Of these three keys, Karim held
the key to the Mercedes.
Says Andrew, “The growth and success
of the Key in Colour initiative over the
past 13 years has underscored that of the
business itself. From humble beginnings in 2001, where 220 colour machines were sold, to a
whopping 6 700 sold over the period for 2014 and our most successful year yet, our entire team
must be congratulated for fantastic results, particularly within a tough marketplace. We look
forward to introducing our new software and integration-focused competition in 2015.”
A disbelieving Faizel Karim, sales manager at Konica Minolta South
Africa’s Newcastle branch, is handed the keys to his brand new, bright
red Mercedes-Benz A180, pictured here with Marianna Gdanis, business
unit manager and Andrew Griffith, product manager: office products.
45
GROUP PANORAMA
BPL winner heads for
finals in Istanbul
Fortunate Mboweni of Bidvest Panalpina Logistics is the winner
of the Region Africa Middle East phase of the Young Freight
Forwarder of the Year competition, which is held by the
International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association.
Fortunate’s prize is to attend and participate in the FIATA World Congress in
Istanbul in October. At this congress, Fortunate and the three other regional
winners representing the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe will compete to
become the global winner.
The global winner will receive a total of five weeks’ training in New York and
London, as well as at one of the IATA major centres, with all expenses paid
by competition sponsors, the Transit Trade Club and International Air Transport
Association. The competition was developed to encourage training in the freight
forwarding industry and to further develop the professionalism of young people.
Charles Dey, Dave Walls, Fortunate Mboweni and Basil Pietersen, President of the
South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF).
Winners were chosen from dissertations on how they handle all aspects of the
international movement of goods that are not the usual run of the mill cargo. Fortunate’s dissertation was called “Multimodal transport operations in practice:
radioactives and abnormals from and to South Africa.”
Fortunate is a channel controller at BPL and she is currently studying for the Generic Management NQF level 5 qualification.
Innovative solutions at FESPA
Konica Minolta South Africa showcased its innovative
production solutions at FESPA Africa 2014, which took
place from July 2 – 4 2014 at the Gallagher Convention
Centre in Midrand.
“We wanted to show that KMSA has something for everybody,” explains
Leon Minnie, product manager: production systems. “In today’s printing
industry, commercial business owners are looking for highly versatile
printing platforms that deliver the lowest cost per copy. A tall order
perhaps, but with our award-winning production range we certainly meet
these requirements.
“The show was a platform to officially launch the C1100 as well as the
C1060\C1070 and C1060L, which were well received. We also used the
event to inform our clients about the KM-1, a B2-size cut-sheet digital inkjet
press, which is set to enhance our production range and elevate us into a
segment traditionally available only to litho and inkjet technology.”
46
GROUP PANORAMA
Online presence
Waltons’ recent upgrade of its online presence will strengthen the
placing of orders and drive sales, increasing value for customers.
B2B eLine
During May 2014 and June 2014 the eLine software was updated as follows:
Stock quantity will now be displayed to a user at branch level and not regional.
The approval process has been improved, by linking the approval workflow on account
level and not per user. This will make for simpler approval workflow setup for users
ordering for more than one account.
Tracking will now allow a user to see the time the order is placed and the person who
will approve it. The shadow user login will allow purchase for multiple account numbers,
with a simpler way of identifying which account number they want to use.
B2S Waltons website
Driving direct school sales via the Waltons website has been top priority for the business. Making the website responsive means easy view and use
on all desktop computers, mobile devices and smartphones.
The Waltons website now allows for school lists to be loaded onto the website linked to the school and ultimately the user when placing orders.
The result is a smoother process for placing orders. Delivery to schools using the action sheet is also possible within a relevant time period.
ISO certification for RoyalMnandi
Excitement, passion and enthusiasm
filled the air when RoyalMnandi received
ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management
System certification for its head office in
Centurion.
“When you are providing over a million meals
a month, you cannot afford to take chances.
Our recent ISO certification is testament to our
commitment to achieving Quality Management
Excellence”, says Joe de Beer CEO RoyalMnandi.
“Such certification holds endless possibilities
for RoyalMnandi, including efficient management
processes and defining areas of responsibility
across the organisation. It also identifies and
The team with their certification.
encourages more efficient and time-saving
process for certification. It takes commitment,
processes, highlights deficiencies, reduces costs,
vision and passion to achieve such certification, but
provides continual assessment and improvement as
the hard work is maintaining the standards. The
well as marketing opportunities in all sectors of our
RoyalMnandi team has done a sterling job on this
business”, adds Joe.
project and I have every confidence we will continue
“The central kitchen will undergo the same
to maintain our high standards” concludes Joe.
Joe de Beer accepted the certificate on behalf of the
organisation from Intertek, the external auditing body who
recommended RoyalMnandi for certification.
47
GROUP PANORAMA
Budding opera star
When KMSA Cape Town branch manager
Alten Hulme heard a plea for financial
assistance for a budding opera star on
Cape Talk radio station, he immediately
called to assist.
time she is able to study at a desk and not on a
bed. Her good school marks in her old school were
quite remarkable and the results just continue to
improve.
Several newspaper articles and radio
programmes followed the announcement of the
KMSA sponsorship. Anelisa performed for a
number of VIP dignitaries, including Archbishop
Anelisa Mahlungulu had been discovered by a local
Desmond Tutu, at a recent Nelson Mandela book
community choir master who took her under his wing.
launch, where she had the Archbishop in tears. On
A charity organisation in the township heard about
July 19 she gave her first 90-minute performance in
her rare talent and had her tested by the University of
front of a large audience at a Cape Town outdoor
Cape Town. They proposed that she change schools
venue and received a standing ovation that lasted
as her subjects in the township school would not
several minutes.
enable her to go to University. Wynberg Girls’ High
Alten said that although the company’s primary
was identified as the perfect school, however, school
focus is to see to it that she does well enough
fees would be a problem.
at school to be admitted to university, they also
Alten undertook for KMSA to sponsor Anelisa’s
support her singing career. He has been in touch
schooling and hostel fees, as well as extra music
with Cape Town Opera which is a beneficiary of a
lessons until the end of matric. He also got sister
KMSA sponsorship and they have undertaken to
company, Waltons, to sponsor her stationery,
help her get exposed to real opera and to assist in
transport and uniforms.
her learning process.
Anelisa started her third term in Grade 10 at
KMSA has several projects in place where not
Wynberg Girls’ High on July 21 2014. She has her
only staff members’ children are identified and
own room in the hostel. Having lived in a Cape Town
assisted with schooling, but also children from
township where she shared a one-room shack with
poorer communities who show potential. Anelisa fits
her mom, this is the first time that she has her own
perfectly into that category and KMSA will follow her
bed and three cooked meals every day. For the first
with great interest in the years to come.
Going back to their roots
Since 1946 Cecil Nurse has been the
trusted name in high-quality office
furnishings and accessories. The new
logo which incorporates the original name
of Cecil Nurse is based on a considered
decision to go back to its roots, explains
the company.
products and excellent service to match. Our new
corporate signature is a valuable asset that will
command recognition and respect from current and
future customers. We believe that our new clear and
stylish logo represents our company image,” says a
Cecil Nurse spokesperson.
Cecil Nurse offers a wide range of timeless
furnishings to suit any space or taste. It has
showrooms around the country, as well as in Namibia
and Botswana. All furniture and accessories adhere
“Our corporate identity is the persona of our brand
to international quality and safety standards and are
and an expression of who we are; a company
backed by a five year warranty. Products are eco-
of talented people offering great office furniture
friendly, sourced from 100% sustainable forestry.
48
GROUP PANORAMA
Amazing veggies
With the growing number of vegetarians in
New Zealand, the challenge has been on
for chefs from all backgrounds to create
nutritious, well-balanced vegetarian dishes.
Choice Catering Equipment Ltd, vegetables.
co.nz and Bidvest teamed up in 2014 to set
a challenge for New Zealand chefs to show
their best vegetarian dish.
category with his dish of organic tofu and pea
stuffed potato, smoked tomato and onions. This is
a second win for Jinu as he also won the inaugural
Vegetarian Dish Challenge in 2012. “Since we
have a popular plant-based menu at the Heritage,
including a raw plant-based breakfast, this win
means a lot to me. It is great to have a competition
focused on vegetables only,” says Jinu.
“This dish has been on our menu for over two
years and is one of the top sellers. Vegetarian
dishes are becoming more and more
popular and as a chef I am constantly
Now in its third year, the competition
challenging myself to be creative and
attracted over 200 entries from chefs
develop new vegetarian meals,” he said.
around the country and was judged
Wellington’s Cobar Restaurant chef/
by Glenn Fulcher, NZ manager for City
owner Ryan Tattersall won the dinner/
& Guilds of London, chef Andy Gibb,
fine-dining category with his goat’s
chef Tutor at Nanyang Polytechnic in
cheese, lavender and honey cannelloni
Singapore, Adrian Brett-Chinnery, group
with artichoke egg, artichoke puree,
development chef at Tanoa Hotel Group,
butterkin (a new cross-breed of pumpkin
Fiji and food writer and author, Lauraine
and butternut) and fig. Ryan’s creation
Jacobs.
was inspired by his recent honeymoon in
Auckland’s The Riverhead’s demi-
Provençe, France where the traditional
chef Subhashini Sathanantham won
flavours of goat’s cheese, lavender and
the breakfast category with her inspired
honey are found.
dish of golden kumara and red beetroot
Ryan said, “The vegetables in the dish
tart, quail eggs, cauliflower sausage,
are menu staples for us at this time of
potato toast, garlic-infused vine
year – pumpkin, Jerusalem artichoke
tomatoes, buttered spinach and pumpkin
and kale, all healthy and tasty. I wanted
hollandaise. Subhashini said that the
to add some fun elements in the dish so
win had given her a huge step up in her
I decided to make the cannelloni with
career and she was thrilled her passion
gnocchi instead of pasta and create the
for vegetables had caught the judges’
egg with artichoke and cheese rather
attention.
than just serving an egg.
“I based my dish on a traditional fry up
but wanted to make it colourful, healthy,
“There are so many wonderful
vegetables in New Zealand that we
delicious and cheerful as so many breakfast dishes
are spoilt for choice when it comes to creating
lack the vibrancy of vegetables. It took me several
vegetarian food. We are finding that more non-
weeks to experiment with the dish to achieve
vegetarians are eating vegetarian dishes and we
perfection. People think vegetables are
are putting more effort into
limited to being a side accompaniment to
creating inspiring dishes that
meat but, being vegetarian, I know that you
can be enjoyed by everyone,”
can create so many interesting, delicious
he said.
dishes that are worthy of main meals. It
The three winners each
is important not overcook vegetables to
received a Bidvest gift
ensure the nutritional value is retained and
voucher, a Buffalo heavy-
the flavours are at their very best,” says
duty microwave from Choice
Subhashini.
Catering Equipment and a
Jinu Abraham, executive chef at
mystery weekend voucher.
Auckland’s Heritage Hotel, won the lunch
49
GROUP PANORAMA
Increase in sales
Foodservice sales at
Bidvest Baltics increased
by 33.7% in 2014 thanks
to improvements and
investments implemented
in its three businesses in
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
These include upgrading its
warehouse management, order
placing and business analytic
systems to manage the businesses
better and make the right
commercial decisions. New trucks have been purchased, enabling
delivery of products in frozen, chilled and ambient temperatures. The trucks
300 more products. The retail fish and seafoods category has been rebranded
have been branded Bidvest Foodservice on one side and Nowaco on the other
and the work environment has been improved with brand new offices.
side. All trucks have been equipped with route-tracking systems to save costs
and execute best logistics solutions.
In early 2014 Bidvest Baltics established a customer service department to
improve service to clients. They are now receiving good service from a Proudly
An ambient warehouse was opened in late 2013 and has expanded by
Bidvest company.
Innovative travel leaders
Senior managers from HRG Rennies Travel
enjoyed a graduation ceremony after completing
a two-year management development
programme by the University of Stellenbosch.
The programme was designed specifically for
HRG Rennies Travel and provided experiential
learning that aligned with the company’s strategic
imperative. The programme promoted a level of
national collaboration, making it more meaningful
for the management team and the company.
The ceremony opened with an inspiring
address by managing director Bronwyn
Philipps. Speeches by the directors followed
the motivational theme for managers to create a
legacy of change and growth.
50
The 29 managers were jubilant at having completed this gruelling course and happily posed for pictures in their graduation gear.
GROUP PANORAMA
What a catch!
Southbank Fresh Fish is delighted to
confirm its appointment as fresh fish
supplier to the world famous Selfridges.
products. It will also help customers understand the
complexities of responsible fishery management
and will utilise all of its supply chain certifications
to source products holding Freedom Food and
organic status.
The new contract began in July 2014 and will give
The fresh fish counter holds Marine Stewardship
London shoppers access to a greater diversity of
Council Chain of Custody certification for seafood
fresh, sustainable seafood. Southbank is part of the
traceability. This standard ensures the MSC eco
Direct Seafoods group, the UK’s biggest supplier
label is only displayed on seafood from an MSC
of fresh fish to the catering industry and part of
certified sustainable fishery.
Bidvest Fresh in the UK.
“Selfridges places strong emphasis on
Nicola Waller, director of food Selfridges,
sustainability and recognises Southbank’s
comments, “We are really proud to work with
outstanding work in this field. It is clear that
Southbank Fresh Fish, which has a reputation
consumers want to buy seafood that adheres
of supplying some of London’s most demanding
to strict ethical and environmental guidelines,
chefs and restaurants. I have no doubt that the
which we are perfectly placed to provide,” says
Southbank team will enhance our fish counter and
provide an exceptional service”.
Selfridges has long demonstrated its
commitment to ocean conservation. In 2011 it
launched Project Ocean, a partnership between
Matthew Couchman, sales manager Southbank.
with the Marine Conservation Society in order to
The Southbank team will trace every stage of the
reassure its 30 000 daily customers they don’t sell
supply chain to ensure the fishery is sustainably
or serve endangered fish.
managed, including details on catch methods
Southbank will use its expertise and experience
and where products are landed, as well as where
Selfridges and The Zoological Society of London
in sourcing sustainable seafood, to ensure that
products appear on the fish to eat and fish to
to stop over fishing and pollution, protect oceans
customers of Selfridges have access to a richly
avoid lists managed by international environmental
through the creation of marine reserves and work
diverse choice of delicious and nutritious fresh fish
organisations.
Brian Joffe receives accolade
Brian Joffe, ORT South Africa President,
has been inducted into World ORT’s elite
1880 Society.
From left: Willard Mugweni,
ORT beneficiary: Eastbank High
Alexandra; Brian Joffe, Bidvest
CEO and president ORT SA;
Ariellah Rosenberg, CEO ORT
SA; Thokozile Mohale, ORT
beneficiary: Ithute Primary
Alexandra and Martin Behr,
honorary life president ORT SA.
World ORT chief operations officer Jon Benjamin
presented the 1880 Society Platinum and Lifetime
membership award saying, “Mr Joffe has touched and
influenced many people with his vision and commitment”.
On receiving the award Brian said, “In South Africa, there
is only one solution to creating jobs and that is education,
especially maths, science and English.”
ORT SA has partnered with Bidvest in implementing
educational projects in Alexandra since 2007. The
partnership is aimed at improving the teaching and
learning of mathematics and science in primary schools.
The external evaluation on the ORT SA/Bidvest Maths
Grade 6 project in 2013 shows a positive impact on the
teaching and learning.
ORT SA is one of the biggest educational NGOs in
South Africa and is affiliated to World ORT.
From left: Ariellah Rosenberg, CEO ORT SA; Brian Joffe,
president ORT SA; Darryl Weisz, chairman ORT SA,
Raymond Martin, district director, Johannesburg East
District, Gauteng Department of Education.
From left: Jon Benjamin, COO World ORT holding the 1880
Society Award; Brian Joffe, Bidvest; Martin Behr, honorary
life president, ORT SA and World ORT secretary and Darryl
Weisz, chairman ORT SA.
51
GROUP PANORAMA
Bidvest Deli XL volunteers and elderly people ready for a fantastic day at the dolphins.
Passion for service
Bidvest Deli XL organised an excursion for more than one hundred
elderly people in conjunction with the Nationaal Ouderenfonds, which is
a Dutch fund for the elderly. They visited the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk,
where Bidvest Deli XL employees gave the elderly a fantastic day out.
“As part of our CSR policy, we try to increase the sense of fellowship
among people and combat social isolation,” says Dick Slootweg,
general manager. “By taking lonely elderly people out for the day, we are
expanding their horizons and allowing them to be in contact with other
people.”
Bidvest Deli XL also showed its appreciation of employees who have
contributed to the company’s corporate objectives in striking ways. The
First for Foodservice awards give colleagues an opportunity to nominate
each other for awards, which are presented at a stylish gala event. Ten
employees are placed in the spotlight for their passionate contributions
to Bidvest Deli XL.
Congratulations to this year’s three proud winners: Julia Heiwegen,
first prize, Marcel Steenbergen, second prize and Jaap Willegers,
third prize.
Back from left: Marc Stads, Priscilla Groters, Ed Hess, Dianne Hans and Wilco Keulstra.
Front from left: Karin Smolders, Jaap Willegers (3rd prize), Julia Heiwegen (1st prize), Marcel Steenbergen
(2nd prize) and Sanne van Rijn.
Name change in Belgium
In June 2014, Deli XL Belgium
changed its name to Bidvest
Belgium with a new slogan
‘More than Foodservice’. The
change is in keeping with the
company’s rich history and the
evolution it has experienced
over the past number of years.
Bidvest Belgium has also developed a new online order platform, www.mybidvest.be, as well as revamped
its website, www.bidvest.be.
Other initiatives include a distribution centre in Kruibeke which boasts 30% more storage space, a
sustainable development programme and a culinary advisor at customers’ disposal. By opting for this new
name, Bidvest has resolutely set its sights on the future.
52
GROUP PANORAMA
BPL and Bidvest bank wow
Bidvest made its presence felt at the
SAPICS conference and exhibition, with
strong representation by both Bidvest
Panalpina Logistics and Bidvest Bank.
Africa’s premier international conference for supply
detailing the most cost-effective model for gearing
training to deliver a key element of resilient supply
chains – skilled people.
The presentation, with its dynamic interactive
format and role-play techniques, attracted huge
interest and was one of the hits of the conference.
For its part, Bidvest Bank promoted a wide
chain professionals brings together more than
range of products of interest to importers,
1000 delegates and visitors from all over the world.
exporters and vehicle fleet managers. Our banking
The June event at the Sun City Superbowl was
colleagues also showcased Tradeflow, a joint
a must-attend event for executives in the global
venture with the Lausanne-based Tower Trade
logistics business and Bidvest Bank and BPL each
Group that delivers structured trade finance
hosted a double-stand.
services to the import-export industry.
BPL not only attracted a lot of positive noting at
Tradeflow not only gives approved importers
the exhibition, it also drew favourable comment as
access to trade and supply chain financing, it
a conference presenter with valuable insights on
also enables web-based control of regulatory,
staff development.
document-handling and international payment
The theme of the conference was ‘Resilient
Supply Chains’ and Maria du Preez (BPL’s
processes.
The new product offering allows the bank and
business development director), Dave Walls
BPL to offer a one-stop shop to importers and
(human capital development) and Charles Day
exporters that can simultaneously handle the
(external consultant for education, training and
transport of goods and payments to overseas
development) made an important contribution to
suppliers.
the theme with their presentation on ‘The B-BBEE
Route to Resilient Supply Chains’.
The presenters addressed skills development, a
critical component of the B-BBEE scorecard, while
Awareness of BPL, Bidvest Bank and Tradeflow
was further enhanced by running a competition
in which entrants had to answer easy questions
about the three businesses.
Prestigious collaboration
Global Music Yamaha has announced
a prestigious collaboration with South
African based piano duo TwoPianists,
making Nina Schumann and Luis
Magalhães official Yamaha international
artists.
awareness of Yamaha and of Yamaha pianos
Nina and Luis, who are both piano professors in the
May 29 2014 in Pretoria and was kindly hosted
music department at Stellenbosch University, are
by Ambassador Antonio Ricoca-Freire and his
currently the only South African classical pianists
wife, Joana Miranda. Many dignitaries of the
to represent Yamaha worldwide. “We are extremely
diplomatic corps and representatives of the
excited to have artists of this calibre represent the
classical music industry, both commercial and
Yamaha brand,” said a representative of Yamaha
academic, were in attendance to hear the duo
specifically in South Africa, but will also raise
awareness internationally through their success
worldwide.”
According to Nina, the collaboration is an
absolute honour. “Yamaha has an incredible
international profile and fantastic pianos. They
always go the extra mile for their artists.”
The official announcement was made on
Japan. “Their endorsement will not only increase
Luis Magalhães and Nina Schumann, Yamaha international artists.
perform.
53
GROUP PANORAMA
Bidvest Topturf wins
at conference
Bidvest Topturf attended the
South African Green Industries Council’s
annual conference from June 4-6 2014
at the Farm Inn in Pretoria East.
The event hosted talented and inspiring speakers,
including Hein Wagner, a blind South African who
has achieved astounding milestones in his life.
Hein’s journey has included: sailing from
Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro in the Cape to Rio
yacht race; skydiving; participating in Ironman and
completing the ABSA Cape Epic. Hein is also the
Bidvest Topturf staff attend the SAGIC Conference.
Pieter Gnade receives a gold award of
excellence for landscape maintenance
at the Nedbank Olwazini conference
centre in Gauteng.
current holder of the world blind land-speed record
Other Topturf achievements
at 322.52 km/h. The message we took home from Hein is that anything is
Landscape maintenance category: gold for the Nedbank Olwazini conference
possible if you want it enough. A true inspiration.
centre (Gauteng) and silver for BHP Billiton (KZN), Mount Grace (North West),
The South African Landscapers Institute’s awards of excellence also took
place at the conference. Each year SALI members enter their sites into various
categories, which are evaluated by a panel of judges on the quality and
excellence presented.
Inanda Greens (Gauteng), Investec offices (Gauteng), Fourways Golf Park
(Gauteng) and the Protea Hotel Hazyview (Mpumalanga).
A hearty congratulations to Bidvest Topturf’s dedicated staff on the hard work
put into these sites.
Bidtrack accolades
Bidtrack vehicle tracking and fleet management systems is marking two significant milestones; over 75 000 new tracking units
installed and a stolen vehicle recovery value exceeding R60-million annually.
This dual achievement prompted the launch of bimonthly newsletters and a revamp of the website – www.bidtrack.co.za – via which clients access their internetbased tracking and/or fleet management systems and which now has marketing-related functions.
These include announcing the arrival of new products such as the NIMBL, which is battery-powered and ideal for movable assets ranging from plant and
machinery to trailers and motorcycles, as well as for low-cost emergency backup in hightheft-risk vehicles already fitted with a Bidtrack system.
Bidtrack is free to research, develop and innovate next-generation
systems because all systems are powered by its proprietary smarthardware/software that is a result of 25 years’ in-house expertise.
Tracking-wise, these unique attributes enable installed units to
‘talk back’ to Bidtrack 24-hour control across a one-million square
kilometre communication footprint comprising 7 000-plus GSM
towers. Messages include a range of probable-theft-in-progress
alerts and are accompanied by vehicle-positioning data.
54
GROUP PANORAMA
A Day in the Life
At 10:30 Bidtrack 24-hour control
received a ‘vehicle battery disconnect’
alarm from the Bidtrack Fleet Max unit in
a Toyota Hino 8-tonne truck belonging to
the Johannesburg branch of electrical/
lighting supplier and another fellow Bidvest
company, Voltex.
We polled the installed unit, saw it was near
Roodepoort, then alerted Voltex to the emergency
signal and their vehicle’s whereabouts. They could not
raise the driver on his cellphone but said we should
not immediately launch into action.
At midday Voltex informed us that contact had
tracked the vehicle as it headed east along the N12.
finally been made with the driver and that their
In accordance with protocol we informed various
truck had indeed been hijacked and pulled over
law-enforcement agencies of what was unfolding
at gunpoint on the outskirts of Randfontein. The
and the fugitive truck was blocked, in rather dramatic
assailants had then commandeered the truck and
fashion, before it reached Benoni. The driver was
held the driver captive until freeing him, unharmed,
apprehended.
in the Hekpoort area.
Voltex requested that we initiate a recovery: 24-
The vehicle’s Voltex branding had been removed
and its registration plates changed to suggest
Voltex (Jhb) Dispatcher and Transport Supervisor,
hour control again polled the vehicle, which was also
Mpumalanga-origin. The suspect was in possession
Dick Peach, said afterwards that Bidtrack’s service
fitted with our Nimbl unit as emergency backup
of a Mozambique driver’s licence and allegedly
had been “absolutely outstanding … it was fantastic
and saw that it was now in Soweto. We activated
planned to enter that country via the Lebombo border
how Bidtrack Control regularly updated me on our
the Homing-Beacon transmitter and mobilised
post near Komatipoort or through an ‘informal’
vehicle’s positioning, right up to the moment when it
two recovery teams – one ground, one air – which
crossing-point in that vicinity.
was stopped and an arrest was made.”
Trust is good, control is better
As regards fleet management, case studies show that
a Bidtrack system can deliver vehicle productivity gains
of up to 30 percent and reduce vehicle running costs
by as much as 25 percent. The flagship system allows
customisation of reports that show where, when and
how company vehicles are being driven and also enables
the monitoring of third-party hardware.
Office and schools supplier and fellow Bidvest
company, Waltons, acknowledges that by simply
uncovering negligent driving and wasteful mileage within
its 300-strong Gauteng fleet, Bidtrack systems are
helping the company save R300 000 monthly on fuel
costs. “It’s fantastic, I tell you,” says managing director,
Big Jim Smith.
55
GROUP PANORAMA
Bidvest Protea Coin sponsors
Kilimanjaro summit
In an effort to raise awareness and funds for
breast cancer, four courageous women will
attempt to conquer the great Mount Kilimanjaro
with the goal of raising R1 million.
56
GROUP PANORAMA
Two of the women are Bidvest Protea Coin employees. Bidvest Protea Coin’s sponsorship
forms part of its global CSI programme, with PinkDrive as the main beneficiary.
“We at Bidvest support our fellow colleagues as they embark on this tough, yet courageous
journey in support of PinkDrive,” says Alma Burger, CSI manager at Bidvest.
“The preparation and build-up to the climb has been a tough and memorable one,” adds
team member Liana Munnik. “Not only are we facing the challenge of the mountain, but we
would like to challenge other corporates to raise an additional R1 million, which is what a
new PinkDrive mobile clinic truck costs,” she says. “Thank you to Bidvest Protea Coin for
supporting the PinkDrive cause.”
“To the four courageous ladies, ‘we salute you for your bold and brave commitment
to raising awareness for cancer and helping PinkDrive. We also thank Bidvest for
its many years of loyal support. Without them, we would not be where we are
today’,” says Noelene Kotschan, CEO and founder of PinkDrive.
For more information go to www.bidvestfightlikeagirl.co.za
57
GROUP PANORAMA
A taste of Christmas
Bidvest 3663 has launched its Christmas campaign three months
earlier than last year to give customers time to plan their menus for
the festive season, which starts as early as October for some outlets.
The full product brochure and Taste of Christmas web pages contain over 50 new
products across branded and own brand foods, crackers and tableware. Said Gail Bridgeman, campaign and activation manager, “This year we
introduced Atlantic salmon, which is individually portioned and cooked on a cedar
plank. We also introduced wild boar tortellini and tempting desserts such as prune
Armagnac pudding with sticky toffee sauce. We added a twist to our traditional
classics, for example the 3663 black forest brownie cheesecake mixes two popular
flavour combinations.”
Bidvest 3663 sold over 150 tonnes of fresh turkey last year, a classic British
Christmas dinner meat. British-bred turkey, beef, pork and gammon feature heavily
in the range and are available fresh, frozen or pre-prepared to offer caterers a
choice. Speciality game such as pheasant and guinea fowl are available for caterers
looking to offer something different.
Left: The Christmas brochure contains products, deals, recipe cards, a turkey guide and advice
for selling to various customers.
Below: Christmas launched on the Bidvest 3663 website in July 2014.
Going the extra mile
Martin Winfield, transport manager at Bidvest 3663’s Nottingham depot, received praise in a local newspaper
in July 2014, following the extra mile he went by inviting a local on a tour of the depot.
The local, who is a keen photographer and ex-trucker, had been searching the town for photo opportunities
when he spotted a row of Bidvest 3663 trucks perfectly lined up. After being politely asked to leave when
spotted taking a photo, he sent a copy to the depot transport manager along with an apology letter.
A week later, he was pleasantly surprised to find that Martin had tracked him down and invited him on a
tour of the depot. He was shown around the factory, had the logistics and running of the company explained
to him and received a short drive in a truck, where modern in-cab technology was explained.
Martin’s efforts just go to show that going the extra mile sends out a positive name for a company.
58
A photo of the trucks which appeared to have been parked
using a ruler.
GROUP PANORAMA
Food tour of London
Employees at Bidvest 3663 were taken on a food tour of London in June
this year by the research agency Allegra Foodservice. The aim was to
increase understanding of and appreciation for the latest trends in the
UK food market.
Members of staff across marketing, buying, contracts and tenders spent the day visiting
various outlets and trying foods influenced by flavours from around the world.
The first stop was Caravan, a restaurant in an old grain store, where coffee is a key
focus and is freshly
ground on site. After
examining menus at Grain
Bidvest 3663 staff tuck into a box of baked doughnuts.
Store, which focuses on
vegetables and Kerb, a
collective made up of mobile food merchants serving street food, the group stopped at BoxPark, a
retail and food outlet built from shipping containers in Shoreditch, London. They tried some Durbaninspired street food known as “bunny chow”, which is a loaf of bread filled with African inspired
flavours.
The group had a quick stop at Dum Dum Donutterie, where doughnuts are baked and not fried,
followed by lunch at Meat Mission, a combination of burgers, chicken and chilli fries served in a
Christian Mission building with stained-glass windows and religious-themed menus.
It was then on to Koshari Street, serving an Egyptian-inspired street dish made from lentils, rice
and pasta topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garnished with chickpeas and caramelised onion.
The group had a look at Five Guys, a premium fast-food restaurant which started in Washington DC,
serving Peruvian-inspired dishes and Dishoom, paying homage to old Irani cafés in Bombay and
inspired by traditional Parsi dishes. The final stop was Big Easy, a BBQ and fish restaurant in an old
electrical power station in Covent Garden. Here the meats are cooked slowly and there are over
500 spirits available, of which 300 are whisky.
If anyone is planning a visit to London, be sure to try out some of the latest trends at these
restaurants.
Durban street food – meatballs served in an artisan bread roll.
Make every cup count
As part of its sustainability programme, Bidvest 3663 has pledged its support for a Kenco coffee
campaign. The campaign aims to provide 500 million glasses of clean water to South American
coffee farming communities by the end of 2014.
For every cup of Kenco coffee bought, a glass of clean water is donated to South American
communities. Through this initiative, Bidvest 3663 aims to donate 110 million glasses by the end
of the year.
Shirley Duncalf, head of sustainability at Bidvest 3663, said, “Bidvest 3663 takes sustainability
very seriously. We concentrate on what is real and valuable to our customers. Our sustainability
initiatives are designed to make it easier for customers to make a difference, both now and in
the future. We can do this by providing clean water to these communities.”
Adrian Danks, Mondelez customer development manager at Bidvest 3663, added: “This is
our biggest CSR campaign to date for the hot beverage category within Bidvest 3663 and we
plan to continue activity in depots and across national accounts throughout the year.”
59
GROUP PANORAMA
Swithenbank at Expo
Swithenbank, Bidvest 3663’s fresh and fine
food specialist, exhibited 116 new products
to the foodservice industry at Alexandra
Palace food exhibition in June 2014.
Raised Land Rover with an oven reaching 500oC
was used to bake pizzas made from Swithenbank
products in as little as 90 seconds.
Visitors were able to meet suppliers and find out
more about products, while growers demonstrated
their products with enthusiasm and expertise.
Swithenbank products are designed to add
Suppliers showcased their products in an innovative
and engaging way and visitors could find anything
a special touch to customers’ menus and
from edible champagne flutes and flowers to lessons
include award-winning meze dips and hummus,
on how to make rapeseed oil.
handmade terrines, savoury Italian biscuits,
artisan breads with extended shelf life, cheese
Over 500 companies visited the exhibition this year,
accompaniments, sweet decorative ingredients
100 more than in 2013. There was an abundance
of samples to taste. The street food area outdoors
caused a stir of excitement, where the Born and
A snacking selection from Peppercorns on display at the
exhibition.
and desserts, canapé cases, gourmet popcorn
and adult luxury milkshakes.
Successful
academy
The retention rate for once-unemployed learners within
the Bidtravel group is 90%, thanks to the highly successful
learnership programme. The Bidtravel learnership gives
unemployed learners a qualification in general travel certificate.
The 16 Carlson Wagonlit Travel and BCD Travel Gauteng 2012 to 2013 learners
graduated with much fanfare at the Tsogo Sun Gold Reef City hotel in November
2013 followed by nine HRG Rennies Travel learners in February 2014.
It was an exciting time for these young and vibrant unemployed learners,
who were entertained by Drum Café followed by a wonderful buffet breakfast.
Certificates were handed out and the graduation ended with a motivational
speech from Lindy and Tony of Dyad Training.
Bidtravel extended its training to KZN and the Western Cape. The KZN
unemployed learnership programme commenced in February 2013 and
graduation took place in February 2014 at the Tsogo Sun Elangeni hotel. Host
employers were from BCD Travel, CWT Travel, HRG Rennies Travel, Europcar SA
and Thompsons Tours.
The 10 graduates enjoyed entertainment by the Drum Café and Tony
from Dyad Training. All were very proud to have received their hard-earned
certificates. It is fantastic to see the joy on the graduates’ faces, knowing that
they have gained employment within the travel and tourism world.
Bidtravel learnership academy has 50 learners in four groups in the 2014 to
2015 programme.
60
GROUP PANORAMA
Ongoing support for
PinkDrive
Konica Minolta Medical South Africa has pledged its
ongoing support to the PinkDrive initiative by kitting out
PinkDrive’s new mobile unit with state-of-the-art equipment
to make breast cancer screenings digitally compatible.
Earlier this year, PinkDrive unveiled South Africa’s first mobile women’s
health unit, a fourteen-ton truck, described as a “doctor’s room on
wheels”. It is able to address both cervical and breast cancer, the two
most prevalent female cancers, with qualified mammographers and fully
trained nurses soon to be joined by cervical cancer specialists.
KMMSA’s donation includes a high-performance, high-resolution computed
radiography unit for mammography imaging, a bizhub colour multi-functional
printer for the printing of images and RamSoft imaging workflow technology for
the immediate quality control of images and their distribution to radiologists for
diagnostic reporting. KMMSA also upgraded the first mammography unit by
installing a Ramsoft Mammo Gateway Viewer; this allows both units to connect to
the PowerServer PACS.
To date, PinkDrive has provided over 6 000 free mammograms, completed
more than 60 000 clinical breast examinations in community areas and educated
“We are privileged to be part of this fantastic initiative by helping PinkDrive to
promote early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer as well as good health to
more than 104 000 women.
Says Noelene Kotschan, PinkDrive founder and director, “We cannot allow
local communities that really need it,” explained Juneid Docrat, KMMSA general
South African women to die from preventable ailments such as breast cancer,
manager. “The fact that these units are furnished with the latest high-definition
which can be treated successfully if detected early. It is through the goodwill
mammography equipment is of great benefit to patients as it provides services
of corporate businesses, like Bidvest and KMMSA, as well as individuals, that
to them that they may not otherwise be able to access, supporting PinkDrive’s
PinkDrive is able to help government touch as many citizens as possible, giving
mantra of ‘early detection saves lives’.”
back to our country and our communities.”
Products win bronze
Bidvest 3663 is proud to announce that it won two awards at the British Frozen Food Federation annual ceremony in June 2014.
These awards recognise innovation and product quality in the UK frozen food market, in the catering and retail sectors.
The two bronze awards were for own-brand products; cherry tomato and oregano focaccia and sticky toffee pudding cheesecake.
Both products were launched last year. The focaccia provides customers with an alternative burger bun
and the cheesecake is part of the dessert range designed with a twist.
A number of Bidvest 3663’s own-brand suppliers also picked up awards in the ice-cream, bakery,
multi-portion, vegetarian, starter and buffet categories. The Authentic Food Company Ltd, which supplies
some of Bidvest 3663’s branded and own-brand curries, won the overall award for the night, ‘Catering
Product of the Year’, for butternut squash pakoras, an Indian fritter.
All products were judged by a panel from Craft Guild of Chefs, representing the interests of chefs in
The cherry tomato and oregano
focaccia won bronze in the new
bakery products category.
the UK. The judges rated eating quality, appearance, ease of service, packaging and clarity and accuracy The sticky toffee pudding
cheesecake won bronze in the
of preparing instructions. Innovation was a key consideration throughout.
best new dessert category.
61
GROUP PANORAMA
Cook out challenge
It was another great success at the Cape quarterly
management meeting held on April 16 2014 at
Bidfood Technologies. Richard Bowes and
Collin Jennings delivered stimulating presentations
that encouraged the management team to keep
striving for excellence.
On the agenda was a team-building exercise which
included a Cape masterchef challenge where teams
battled it out courtesy of Bidfood Technologies. The
winners of the challenge received delicious canned
goodies.
Thank you to Bidfood Technologies for
accommodating Waltons at the venue at no charge
and sponsoring all the food for the cook out
challenge. This is proof of what we can all achieve as
a family when we work together.
Above from left:
Constantia branch
manager, Ingrid
Spannenburg and
ITS specialist,
Mandy Botha.
Left: Liezl Norman,
George branch
manager.
Cape Town branch manager Clinton Berry presents his team’s cuisine.
Waltons hosts
breakfast
On March 12 2014 Waltons KZN hosted a Bidvest breakfast which was co-sponsored
by Mustek. The event took place at the luxurious Oyster Box hotel in Umhlanga, north of
Durban. The aim of the breakfast was to showcase the extensive range of hardware that
Waltons stocks as well as promote sales and strengthen the Bidvest Waltons relationship.
During the breakfast lucky draws took place. Shirley Sgunmugam and Yeashnee Bux,
both from Bidvest Bank, walked away with a Mecer 7” tablet and a full HD media player.
From left: Morne van Deventer, Waltons hardware specialist KZN region; Saloshnie Gabriel, Bulk
Connections; Theresa Zsitvai, Waltons consumables manager KZN Region and Linda Sandilands,
Mustek, Toshiba, Acer, Asus and Samsung product manager.
62
Somerset West branch manager Christopher Carelse seen here with some of the
pupils from Somerset House College.
Waltons
sponsorship
Waltons sponsored Somerset House College with medals
and prizes at its hockey and netball tournament. The event
was branded by Waltons and was attended by 670 pupils
and 100 coaches. The Waltons Somerset West branch
community was pleased with the success of the event and
the teams are most grateful for the sponsorship.
GROUP PANORAMA
Assisting the J9 Foundation
On Saturday April 5 2014, Waltons Rustenburg took part in a
charity drive initiated by the Mr SA competition in conjunction
with the J9 Foundation.
The foundation was formed by rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen in aid of
those suffering from Motor Neuron Disease, which Joost was diagnosed with
early in 2011.
The charity event took place at Rustenburg’s beautiful Kleine Khomas.
Branch manager Corrie Botha, Lynda Taylor from telesales and credit controller,
Adri van Meyeren represented Waltons and organised a colouring-in competition
to help raise funds. “It is so important to encourage creativity in children and the
Waltons colouring-in competition gave the children free reign to create and flex
their imaginations,” says Waltons.
Children from the Môrester orphanage filled the Waltons camp and two wellAbove: Nelius du Preez and
Corrie Botha.
Left: Corrie Botha, musician Dozi
and Nelius du Preez.
known local celebrities, musician Dozi and Mr SA contestant Nelius du Preez,
were on hand to assist with the fundraiser. A lucky draw was held for the children
with rugby and netballs handed out as prizes. In total, over R6 000 was raised for
the J9 Foundation.
Farewell to Mike
It is with regret and warm wishes that
colleagues said farewell to Mike Patterson,
who retired earlier this year as manager of
Waltons Zululand.
Joint
venture
Bidvest Middle East has announced
a strategic partnership with the
Fattal group through its Lebanese
subsidiary, Khalil Fattal ET Fils
S.A.L.
KFF is a Lebanese-based group
specialising in distribution and
marketing of premium brands,
including a leading FMCG portfolio.
The partnership between two
Mike joined Waltons as a result of a partnership
leaders in food and beverage
between his business, Mike Pattersons Office
distribution represents a huge opportunity to develop a wide
Equipment in Empangeni and Field and Dain
portfolio of premium brands to cater to the foodservice industry.
Stationers, which two years later merged with Waltons.
Mike’s industry expertise and capacity to get things
done resulted in consistently high performance for
the region. His unflappable demeanour is an example
Bidvest and KFF are confident that this venture has the
potential to efficiently service the foodservice industry in Lebanon
and to contribute strongly to both groups’ performance over time.
This partnership is expected to offer unique synergies and best
of how much can be achieved with passion and hard work. His vision and commitment
practices to all stakeholders. Both companies will be working
propelled Waltons to its successful position in Zululand.
together in Lebanon and later in the MENA region, building
Although his retirement was a loss to the group, it is a well-deserved respite for him after
38 years. We wish Mike all the best in his future endeavours.
on KFF’s regional expertise and Bidvest’s leadership in the
Foodservice industry.
63
GROUP PANORAMA
Sponsorship continues
Sunderland AFC and Bidvest Foodservice
group have announced that Bidvest will
continue as the Black Cats’ main sponsor
next season.
territories is in development as are plans to increase
the club’s presence across Asia and the USA.
Sunderland AFC’s commercial director, Gary
Hutchinson, said: “We have enjoyed a fantastic first
year with BFS and Bidvest as our principal partner.
We want to continue to increase our international
commercial activity to help strengthen our aim to be
In an exciting first season, the side reached its
a top football club. Our partnership with a company
first Wembley cup final in almost two decades
with the global credentials of Bidvest Foodservice is
and pulled off stunning victories over Chelsea,
helping us to achieve our aim. SAFC also partners
Manchester United and eventual champions,
with Bidvest Wits, one of the largest football clubs on
Manchester City, in a season which saw them finish
the African continent.
14th in the Barclays Premier League.
A natural synergy between the two organisations
has seen Sunderland AFC establish itself as one of
the most recognised English clubs across Africa, with
football and business partnerships in South Africa,
Left: SAFC’s Connor Wickham celebrates the 2-1 victory over
Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Tanzania and Ghana. Activity across other African
Gastronomic delights
Gourmet Partners is proud to enhance the Bidvest
Middle East food-service portfolio with the opening of
its first gourmet branch in Dubai in June 2014.
The goal is to source, import and distribute unique
and exceptional gastronomic products to the niche
upper market to meet the needs of Dubai’s top
restaurants and hotels. A close partnership with Horeca
Trade offers the benefits of infrastructure and provides
the know how to provide this ultimate service to
customers.
64
Group panorama
Puréau
Mandela Day
Puréau staff members packed food parcels for the underprivileged at
East Rand Mall for Mandela Day. The Lions Rugby team were there to assist
and a total of 86 boxes was packed which will feed 20 000 children.
Back from left: Francois Marais, Treven Naidoo, Chantolene Motaung, Tumi Mvulane,
Dan Naidoo, Gerhard Rossouw, Natashia Walker, Seipati Mogomotsi and Mzwakhe Manana.
Front from left: Adriaan de Jager, Graham Finch (FD), Daniel Finch, Elizabeth dos Santos,
Paul Levine (MD), Avril Hoskin and Robin Roos.
Annual Potjiekos competition
RoyalMnandi head office enjoyed
their annual Potjiekos competition
in June at the Rietvlei Nature
Reserve in Pretoria. The teams
were requested to nominate a
potjie chef and to be creative
decorating their stands and even
coordinating a fitting theme dance
or song. The best potjie pot
went to the joint team of IT and
Procurement and the best team
spirit went to Human Capital. A
great event, enjoyed by all!
Best Potjie IT and procurement.
Human Capital best team.
Waltons pilots
IT services
Waltons has partnered with Infrasol to offer corporate customers
a range of IT services.
The pilot phase of the offering began in
August 2014 and will allow Waltons to
assess demand for services of this nature. The pilot phase includes installations,
on-site repairs and a 24 hour call centre offering first line support.
This is a first offering to its customer base and will position Waltons as more
than just a box drop organisation. To promote the offering Waltons will embark
on roadshows in all the regions in which it operates. For more information about
the pilot services offering chat to a regional Waltons IT hardware specialist.
’Flu vaccine
South African Bulk Terminals offered all employees the ’flu
vaccine to promote a healthy winter.
65
GROUP PANORAMA
Nkone Maruping Primary.
Asteri Primary School.
Computer literacy
“A child without education, is a like a bird
without wings” Tibetan proverb.
Bidvest is a proud supporter of computer literacy
education through Futurevista’s unique initiative to
provide a solution for the enhancement of education
in Southern Africa. The sponsorship is currently at
23 primary schools, benefiting over 18 000 learners
Once learners are assessed, a report is sent home
and their teachers.
with their academic report to inform parents of their
Training is offered at the computer labs or at
progress.
the Futurevista training centre and a member of
the Gauteng Education Department attends the
workshops. To ensure sustainability of this initiative,
Futurevista offers unlimited electronic support via
email, Skype or telephonically. Continual teacher
training is offered to guarantee that all teachers are
confidently implementing the curriculum.
Included in the Futurevista computer literacy
curriculum are assessment and report templates,
which are vital for teachers to assess the learners.
Some of the ‘thank you’ comments received:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Bidvest for the
generosity of sponsoring the toolkit and ICT curriculum software
via Futurevista. We thank you for advancing e-learning in our
school.” MV Dladla, Itemoheng Primary School.
“We at Nkone Maruping Primary School are so grateful for
the sponsorship. The computer lab coordinator and other
educators now have direction on how to teach computer
literacy from grade 1 to grade 7. Thank you, Bidvest, for
working with us on this great project.” Nkone Maruping learners.
Handover workshop generously hosted at Glenview
Primary School.
“Thank you for your very generous sponsorship of our
computers. Your support is not something we take lightly and
is very much appreciated by everyone in our school.”
Mr Gonyane, computer coordinator, Yeoville Boys.
“Bidvest is not only creating an equal opportunity for all
students in South Africa to receive the highest standards
of computer literacy education, you are assisting a small
enterprise to reach its vision. Together we are making a
difference”. Futurevista team.
Waltons
pitches in
Elvida Klue, sales consultant at Waltons Harrower Road in the
Eastern Cape, arranged a visit for colleagues Richard Bowes
and Kim Spence to the Sapphire Primary School. The school’s
passion for its successful vegetable garden was very evident but
it needed tools to care for the vegetables. The produce is used
to feed the Sapphire Primary School children and those in the
surrounding areas. On June 24 2014, Waltons donated a set of
Damon (far right) next to Elvida Klue and some members of Sapphire Primary School.
66
garden tools so that this great work can continue.
GROUP PANORAMA
Batting for the
winning team
Direct Seafoods, part of Bidvest Fresh in the UK, has signed a sponsorship agreement
with St Helens Town cricket club.
The senior cricketers will wear shirts branded with
the Direct Seafoods logo to matches in Merseyside,
Lancashire, Greater Manchester and North Wales. The
sponsorship money will also support the training of
coaches as well as equipment to help develop players.
St Helens Town cricket club has three junior and senior
sides from under 13 to 21. The club plans to go into
local schools to increase its player base, gain closer local
ties with the community and develop more junior teams.
The club plays in both the Liverpool and District cricket
competition and the Wigan cricket league. The LDCC is a
fully accredited ECB premier league.
The LDCC is the second best league in the country’s
league ranking. It has benefited from the experience and
knowledge of a number of professional cricketers in recent
years, including André Nel (South African fast bowler),
Jesse Ryder (New Zealand opening batsman) and, most
recently, Wasim Jaffer (who scored two test double
centuries for India). St Helens CC is currently top of the
second division. It is a very young side, with the average age being 23 years, making its achievements even more momentous.
The team’s home ground attracts a lot of visitors, particularly in the summer months, exposing the Direct Seafoods brand to more than just cricket players and
supporters. To follow St Helens Town cricket club’s progress visit www.sthelenstown.play-cricket.com.
Janet knits 67 beanies
For Mandela Day this year, Janet Nicholson, HR
manager at Bidvest Topturf’s North West office,
knitted 67 beanies, which were donated to Childline.
Percy Manenzhe and Sihle Sithela from Bidvest
Topturf’s Gauteng office delivered the beanies to
Lynne Cawood, Gauteng director of operations for
Childline, and spent some time with the children.
Janet is a prime example of how one person can
make a difference and we celebrate this type of
initiative in our employees.
Sihle Sithela and Lynne
Cawood.
Janet Nicholson, HR manager,
Sihle Sithela and Percy Manenzhe with children.
Bidvest Topturf.
67
Reaching out
2nd annual ladies’ tea
Bidvest companies in PE enjoyed another
spectacular ladies’ tea. Bigger and better
was the order of the day with the tea
being hosted at the beautiful Running
Waters in Kragga Kamma, Port Elizabeth.
The venue was beautifully decorated
by Angelic Wonders, who managed to
capture the old-school sophistication and
class of the Great Gatsby theme.
to network with each other and clients and to
packed stage presence. Niqui is best known
illustrate the diversity of the Bidvest brand. The
for her unique ability as MC, entertainment and
following companies participated in this highly
comedy and was well suited for the occasion
successful event: Bidvest Panalpina Logistics,
where she wowed the audience.
Konica Minolta, Budget Car and Van Rental, SACD,
Lee-Ann from Cazabella was the gift sponsor
Magnum, Waltons, Bidvest Bank, Steiner, Prestige,
and every lady walked away with a beautiful
Royalserve, Afcom, Rennies, Chipbake, Kolok,
necklace and earring set. The many lucky draw
Patleys, Voltex and Bidvest Laundry group.
prizes included printers, dinner vouchers, spa
An amount of R10 000 was raised for Yokuselo
Haven, a shelter for abused women and children.
Yokuselo also educates NGOs and victim support
treatments and the grand prize of a weekend
away at Thunzi Bush Lodge.
Motivational consultant and published
centres on domestic violence and how to assist
author, Dr Janin Vansteenkiste, completed the
victims and their families. All trainers offer their
entertainment with her inspiring talk. She is very
services for free and the training covers basic
active in the corporate world, motivating business
The annual ladies’ tea is organised by Bidvest
counselling skills, law and women’s rights, self-
teams and facilitating change and her energetic
Panalpina Logistics’ commercial team, who
defence, first aid, police and court procedures.
demeanour was just what the ladies needed. Well
completely outdid themselves once again. The
The wonderful Niqui Cloete-Barrass entertained
event gives Bidvest companies an opportunity
guests with her vocal skills, combined with a power-
From left: BPL's Bernadine Willis, Samantha Surtie, Maren du Plessis and Seugnet Brown.
68
done to BPL for a very successful event.
Ladies enjoying the PE Bidvest charity day.
reaching out
Hope in Harrismith
On Friday May 9 2014, representatives of
Bidvest Panalpina Logistics Gauteng drove
to Harrismith to deliver a cheque for
R60 000 to Hope House.
The Hope House Children’s Home opened in 2004
with the aim of providing a safe haven for children from
the region who were orphaned and without care, either
through neglect or placed in care by the courts. The
facility was restored from a dilapidated and disused
Transnet hostel and is able to provide warm, safe and
friendly care and accommodation for approximately
30 children, from babies to teenagers, who have
nowhere else to go.
The financial management of a facility of this nature
is exceptionally challenging, especially in terms of
obtaining enough funding, either from the Department
Above: Children
currently living at
Hope House.
of Social Development or private and corporate
sponsors. At present there is a significant financial
deficit between funds received and expenses incurred,
Left: Harry Dimo of
BPL hands over a
cheque for R60 000 to
Hope House.
exacerbated by the limited corporate/industrial activity
in the region.
BPL Gauteng has committed to visiting Hope House
on a regular basis, with the purpose of assessing and
engaging in projects to further aid the organisation.
Sandwich donation
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.
It is what difference we have made to the lives of others
that will determine the significance of the life we lead”
– Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela International Day was launched on July 18 2009 in recognition
of Mandela’s birthday. It was inspired by a call Mandela made for the next
generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social
injustices.
This year, the staff of Bidvest Panalpina Logistics Cape Town donated
sandwiches and fruit to the underprivileged children of Beautiful Gate.
This non-profit organisation provides care and support to vulnerable children
and families. Its community-based ministry is situated on the outskirts of
Cape Town, in the informal area of Lower Crossroads.
Debbie Beadle of BPL Cape Town with the sandwiches and fruit collected by staff for the
underprivileged.
69
reaching out
Above: Children gardening and right: receiving food parcels.
Sethani Community
Project
SACD Durban is once again supporting the Sethani
Community project which we believe is a very worthy
cause. A substantial donation was presented to
Sethani and will be used within their five programmes:
Above: Children
receiving school
uniforms.
 Bongimpilo Crèche – accommodating 75 pre-school children
 Resource centre/library – providing access to internet, books,
newspapers and to over 200 community members per month
 Orphan and vulnerable children programme – psychosocial,
physical and educational care to 450 children
 Food security – food parcels to the most needy families and
food garden assistance and farming management to enable
the families to become more sustainable
 Youth Outreach – Life skills, job skills and computer training as
well as awareness workshops and sports events.
70
Bongimpilo Crèche playground
and children.
REACHING OUT
Bidvest Bank staff seize
Mandela Day opportunity
Internationally recognised Mandela Day is an
annual opportunity to follow the example set by
Madiba and commit to the service of others –
an opportunity seized by our colleagues at
Bidvest Bank.
On the first Mandela birthday since the great man’s death
last year, teams at various branches took time out to
celebrate the concept that everyone has the power to
change the world through good works.
The challenge is to commit 67 minutes on the day –
symbolising the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting
for human rights.
The bank’s CSI strategy includes a partnership with
Stop Hunger and, on Mandela Day, volunteers from the
bank spent 67 minutes packing Stop Hunger food parcels
for the less privileged.
Arcadia.
The packing was staged at Sandton Convention Centre
and 82 employees took part.
Several Mandela Day initiatives were staged in other
areas on July 18.
In East London, staff from the Vincent Park branch took
to the streets with sandwiches, chips and cool drinks for the
homeless and hungry.
Colleagues at the Hemingways branch took Steri Stumpies
and Wimpy take-aways to the Beacon Bay Children’s Home
where they spent 67 minutes with the children.
Over in Pretoria, Arcadia branch staff spent their
67 minutes at the Tshwane Home of Hope orphanage,
East London.
East London.
helping to put a smile on the faces of the children.
Hemingways.
71
reaching out
The gift of education
It is said that the gift of education is
the greatest gift that one can give.
Bidvest Premier Lounge has partnered
with the Theo Jackson Scholarship
Fund to provide scholarships
to Johannesburg’s oldest
government school, Jeppe High
School for Boys.
The fund aims to provide
disadvantaged boys who are
either orphaned or come from
single parent families with an
opportunity to enjoy a life which
they would otherwise never
have had. The recipients must
display a unique character and resolve; the type of
From left: Mariëtte Pienaar, Zolisa Faba, Martin Mangwiro and
Amanda van Niekerk.
determination and perseverance which refuses to
be contained by difficult circumstances.
return. It is about helping people live up to their
Spending five years at Jeppe will expose the
potential and become contributing members to
boys to networking opportunities, which will take
society. If they later return the favour by reaching
their careers to new heights in years to come.
out to help others, then we have achieved what we
become good citizens of South Africa. Zolisa Faba
While they will benefit from the Jeppe academic
set out to do.
joined Jeppe Boys High in 2011 on a scholarship
programme, they will also be exposed to new skills
and disciplines.
An investment in this Fund is guaranteed a
The real heroes of the scholarship are the
and is currently in Grade 11. It is exciting to observe
boys who have risen above tremendous personal
the once young boy turn into the gentleman he is
challenges to create a future for themselves and to
today.
400 chairs for
community centre
Four hundred chairs that were used for 2010 World Cup banquets
have been donated by Dauphin HumanDesign®Group to Delft
Community Health Centre in the Western Cape.
The chairs will go a long way towards improving client care at the centre, which treats
33 000 people monthly, according to facility manager Jaco van Heerden. “Delft is an
economically challenged community and the centre is an extremely busy one,” he says.
“As seating has always been a huge challenge for us, the chairs provide a major relief.
From left: Tresia Nontshinga, Delft community centre; Sihaam Moerat, seating
specialist, Dauphin HumanDesign® Group; Nondleko Gwangqa, Delft community
centre and Patiswa Mhlauli, Delft community centre.
72
By improving seating throughout our facility, we are able to create a friendlier and more
pleasant environment for those we serve as well as all who work at the centre. We
extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dauphin.”
reaching out
First swing for
disabled golfers
As an arm amputee of 20 years and
working at South African Golf Development,
Eugene Vorster had a vision – to help
disabled children enjoy the game of golf.
A chance meeting with Lily Reich through her
husband, who had lost his leg 15 years earlier, led
to the two becoming full-time volunteers to roll out a
programme for disabled children.
In March 2012 Bidvest stepped in as a monthly
sponsor. “This sponsorship has had a huge
impact on so many disabled children throughout
South Africa,” says Lily. “Prior to the sponsorship,
they do not even have wheelchairs at home. We
try to reach them with holiday camps, junior deaf
tournaments and interschool competitions. We also
arrange visits to golf courses for career guidance,
chipping and putting and weekly sessions for
juniors who have finished matric. We would like to
help give these children jobs at golf courses when
they finish school.
SADGA also uses the funds received to pay for
golf fees, carts, equipment, balls and clothing, as
teachers and yearly team-building and coaching
sessions for SADGA coaches.
Realising that most disabled juniors are too
the programme was struggling with less than 90
children participating. The funds go to our first swing
the programme was rewritten and divides it into five
programme.
levels of golf.
Each level is for adults and juniors who are blind
and are running 40 weekly programmes throughout
and/or deaf, as well as physically disabled. Eighty
South Africa at schools, homes and golf courses.
percent are previously disadvantaged individuals.
We plan to introduce golf to every disabled school in
“We have created a golf environment that suits
South Africa. It is the most rewarding and humbling
every disability,” says Lily.
job to see the happiness of people who never
Level 1 is for severely disabled juniors who cannot
thought it would be possible to participate in sport,”
leave the school. SADGA sets up mini golf courses
she explains.
at school halls with putting mats, cones, hoops and
Lily says there are hundreds of schools in
FSP Road Show 2014 – Cape Receife School.
baskets.
South Africa for disabled children. Many are disabled
Level 2 is for slightly less severely disabled juniors,
due to a lack of oxygen at birth or foetal alcohol
which takes place on school fields and putting
syndrome. Adult amputees are mostly as a result of
greens where possible.
accidents, such as car, motorbike or boating. The
Level 3 is for juniors who can complete 6 to 9 holes
one school has a wall of stars for children who die
of regular golf and/or complete a mashie course.
every year. They don’t live past 14 or 15 because of
Level 4 is for golfers with an SA Golf Association
degenerative diseases.
official golf handicap and who take part in the SA
SADGA goes on road shows and holds fun golf
well as coaching sessions for physiotherapists and
severely disabled to ever manage 18 holes of golf,
“We have introduced golf to over 1 200 juniors
Disabled Golf Open and official SADGA events.
days at schools, taking over the school halls or fields
Level 5 is for the most talented golfers who have
and turning them into modified golf courses. The
single figure SAGA official golf handicaps and who
entire school is introduced to the game of golf in
compete nationally and internationally.
The Sports Trust SADGA Cape Town – October 2013.
groups of 10 to 30. Thereafter, any child interested in
playing golf attends weekly sessions with a SADGA
“We are extremely proud of our talented juniors. One
coach at the school. The organisation is working
has reached level 5 and taken part in three provincial
with the Department of Education to include golf as
challenges. There are 13 with official golf handicaps
a life skills subject.
(level 4) who are playing regularly. And, for the rest,
“We hear stories from principals about children
who are locked up for the entire school holidays as
we have children who are having unbelievable fun at
these sessions and enjoying the game of golf.
FSP Deaf Tournament 2014.
73
Reaching out
The winning house.
Inter-house sports day
Bidvest Insurance visited its chosen
charity, LIV Village, on June 26 2014 to
support the first ever inter-house sports
day. Various sports items were sponsored,
including house bibs, relay batons, Victor
and Victrix Ludorum trophies, tricycles for
the toddlers and arts and craft items.
Above: Children’s tug-o-war and below: crèche sports day.
Sports day races.
“We were impressed to see how the village had
grown since our last visit in November 2013. It
pupils. The senior sports day followed with talented
encourages all other Bidvest companies in the KZN
recently opened a new health centre as well as an
pupils running their hearts out.
area to visit the village and see the change they are
The day ended with a tug of war between LIV
early childhood development centre,” said a Bidvest
making.
Insurance spokesman. After a tour of the village,
Village and Bidvest staff against all the school
Bidvest Insurance will visit the village again on
the Bidvest Insurance staff went to the sports fields
pupils, who demolished the staff. It was a great day
October 2 2014 to assist with a cross-country
to enjoy the crèche sports day. All the children did
out for all and a blessing to be a part of a wonderful
event as well as visit the surrounding Cottonlands
very well and had great fun cheering on their fellow
charity such as LIV Village. Bidvest Insurance
community where there are many families in need.
Waltons donates to KZN school
When Waltons visited Silindile Primary School in KZN in
March 2014, principal Mr Kumede requested a donation of
stationery for the students. Waltons KZN Back 2 School,
headed by Rencia Smith, donated stationery and school
bags to the school. With the help of Project Hope’s Andras
Namenyi, the goods were delivered to a group of students
who had never owned school bags before.
74
rest and relaxation
New soccer stars
Bidvest Foodservice Botswana
recently started a soccer team,
aiming at keeping their staff fit and
healthy. They are working hard to
reach the goals that they have set
for themselves and have received
the full support of management.
The team is very proud of their
branded soccer kits.
Comrades stars on the run
This year three Bidvest Foodservice employees
took part in the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, the famous Comrades Marathon.
After months of intensive training they finally started their
89km run, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, on
June 1 2014. Unfortunately, Sandile Vilakazi, with only
13km to go could not complete the race due to injury and
had to support his colleagues from the side lines.
Both Sonja Els and Sonja Venter completed the
race in a time of 11 hours and 41 minutes, with Sonja
Els receiving the renowned “Back to Back” medal
for completing the race for the second year in a
row. Congratulations to these three runners for their
commitment and strength, as well as all the other
participants.
From left: Sonja Venter, Sandile Vilakazi and Sonja Els took part in the
2014 Comrades Marathon.
75
rest and relaxation
SSC supports Comrades
Watching the Comrades from the
comfort of an armchair is challenging
enough. So, hats off to our Durban team
who volunteered their time for the whole
of Sunday, June 1, manning a table
sponsored by SSC, and co-ordinated
by James Killoran who was assisted
by management and staff. There was a
wonderful team spirit as our guys and
gals cheered on the runners in this funfilled day.
This was also an excellent opportunity
to market the Croxley brand to full effect.
World Cup fever
With their trophy, are Andile Makaba, Hilton Fernandez, Akhona Stofu,
Bongani Maboza, Moosa Maurice, Jason Adams, Lindela Sathula and
Sphamandla Gijana.
The team at Bidvest Foodservice Multi-Temp Western Cape recently held
their own World Cup tournament. Nine teams participated in an action
soccer tournament which saw the Frozen Day Shift pickers team emerge
as winners. A fantastic day was had by all and it was decided that it
would become an annual branch event.
Supporting Bidvest Wits
Bidvest Protea Coin staff in Durban, armed with complimentary
tickets sponsored by Bidvest, celebrated their first inclusion in the
spectacular Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on
Saturday June 14 2014, where Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits
battled it out for glory. The excitement of staff was not subdued by
the 3-1 loss of their favourites, Bidvest Wits. After the game Bidvest
Protea Coin staff held their heads high as they remained proud to be
associated with Bidvest.
76
BPL employee Moses Tshao with his three children – Bonolo, Thlologelo and Makolonkoane – attended the Bidvest
Wits FC against Kaizer Chiefs at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on May 3 2014.
WINNING STREAK
Competition time 3/14
Win 1 of five R1 000 cash prizes
A transfer of
cash to you
Question 1: How many employees participated in the Bidvest Unity Walk 2014? (page 2)
Question 2: Name the new companies in South America and Europe. (pages 10,16,35)
Question 3: Who is the President of ORT SA? (page 51)
Bidvoice 2/2014
winners
Jean-Pére van Rensburg, Bidvest Steiner
Hygiene – Rustenburg
Neil Palm, Bidvest Managed Solutions
– Polokwane
Entry form
Only employees of Bidvest companies may enter. Only one entry per person. Prizes not claimed after one month will be re-allocated.
Carol Harris, Konica Minolta South Africa
– Cape Town
Answers:
Willem Stone, Bidvest Protea Coin –
Centurion
Deadline: Friday, November 21 2014
1:
2: A
B
C
Wendy Gook, Bidvest 3663 – Basingstoke,
Hampshire
3:
Your details:
First name and surname:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of company (indicate whether head office or branch and location):___________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Send your competition
entries and full name
and address to:
Work street address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Editor, Bidvoice
(by any of the following methods)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Facsimile: +27 (86) 600 3482
Telephone and fax:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
E-mail: noelene@bidvest.co.za
E-mail address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Post: PO Box 87274, Houghton 2041,
South Africa
77
Congratulations to the Proudly Bidvest family
for turning out in force on August 17 to walk
for those who cannot.
Over 300
wheelchairs will be donated to QASA as a
result of your efforts.

- Bidvest

Transcription

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