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PEOPLE CULTURE TRAVEL PROPERTY BUSINESS WINE SPORT ENTERTAINMENT
ISSUE 27 R40.00
Masana Petroleum Solutions is the first

black-owned and managed
energy company of its kind
Staying ahead of the pack The tea maker Shoal me the money The Cradle of Humankind
Lapack has been a ‘leader of the Inside Tanganda Tea Company, uShaka Marine World has South Africa Magazine
pack’ for over 30 years Zimbabwe’s biggest tea grower become a fixture of Durban’s learns more about the
and producer Golden Mile origins of the human race
THE WORLD BELONGS TO
THOSE WHO DARE
Every healthy society needs some people who think out
of the box - people who bring fresh ideas; people who
eDItorIAL
generate added value, make the world a better place editor –
for us all and dare to persevere when not everyone can Ian Armitage
sub editor –
see the point. Marie Toms
Masana Petroleum Solutions has plenty of those. editorial Assistant –
It was the first black-economic empowerment (BEE) Clare Durrant
company to be formed from a significant sale by a writer –
global petrochemical company (BP) and enables Susan Miller
previously disadvantaged South Africans, particularly BUsIness
in rural areas, to benefit from the wealth of the local Advertising sales Manager –
Andy Williams
petroleum industry. researchers –
Masana has had its problems and for a while was Elle Watson
Sandra Parr
mocked, used as an example of why, in the view of Thomas Aras
some, the approach doesn’t work. Stuart Platt
Tom Lloyd
But it has really gotten its affairs in order and times
sales administrator –
have been so good that it has even managed to pay off Daniel George
all its long-term debt obligations. ACCoUnts
The whole business has been given a new lease of Financial Administrator –
Suzanne Welsh
life and shows that you can run a successful enterprise
and empower at the same time. ProDUCtIon & DesIGn
Magazine design – Optic Juice
Read more about it on page 34.
Production manager - Jon Cooke
What makes Masana stand out is perseverance and Images: Getty, Thinkstock
perseverance is a common theme this month, from news: NZPA, AAP, SAPA
Lapack (page 86) to Namibia Quality Beverages (page DIGItAL & It

head of digital marketing &
80). There are several positive examples of how to grow development – Syed Ahmad
a business even in challenging economic environment.
tnt PUBLIshInG
We look at how many local businesses are diversifying Ceo - kevin Ellis
or developing strategies to Chairman - ken Hurst
tap into Africa’s growth. Commercial - David Alstin
Away from business, Publisher - TNT Multimedia Ltd
we delve into the world TNT Multimedia Limited,

of science and have a Unit 209, 16 Brune Place,
London E1 7NJ
fascinating chat with
tntmagazine.com
Lindsay Marshall, curator
enQUIrIes
and human resources Telephone: +44 (0) 1603 343902
manager of the Cradle of Fax: +44 (0) 1603 283602
andy.williams@tntmultimedia.com
Humankind.
sUBsCrIPtIons
Call: +44 (0) 1603 343902
Enjoy the magazine! andy.williams@tntmultimedia.com
www.southafricamag.com
Ian Armitage
Editor
www.southafricamag.com 3
34
40 86
58 18 94
4
22
122
Contents
06 news
All the latest news from South Africa 72 National Cables
General Cables has ambitious plans to
tap into Africa’s growth
14 Interview
Dr Rolf Becker
South Africa Magazine talks to Dr 76 BASF Polyurethanes SA
BASF strengthens Polyurethanes
businesses in SA and sub-Saharan Africa
Rolf Becker, Executive Director of
18
SACNASP
history
80 Namibia Quality Beverages
Charl Coetzee, CEO of NQB, believes
in promoting local products
86
The cradle of Humankind Lapack
Susan Miller learns more about the Manufacturing plastic packaging for the
origins of the human race personal care industry for over 30 years
22 FOCUS TRAVEL
uShaka Marine World
In just a few years uShaka Marine
94 DFM
The widest range of egg packing in
South Africa
World has become a fixture of
Durban’s Golden Mile
98 Izaka Plastics
A specialist in the manufacture and
30
distribution of refuse bags
Lanseria International Airport
Lanseria is an airport on the up
and up – thanks to a multibillion
rand facelift 104
Rotolabel
A product’s label is one of the most
important but often least-valued elements
34 FOCUS ENERGY
108 Fima
cover
Masana Petroleum Solutions South Africa’s leading flexible

The first black-owned and packaging producer
managed energy company of its
kind in South Africa
112
FOCUS SUPPLY CHAIN
40 FOCUS TELECOMS
NetOne
As NetOne continues to rollout
Rollex
A specialist, seamlessly integrated,
international logistics provider with its
core expertise in the air and road freight
broadband services across Zimbabwe, of perishable produce
South Africa Magazine talks to
managing director Reward Kangai
118
FOCUS FOOD & AGRI
50 FOCUS RETAIL
John Craig
John Craig is a specialist in men’s
Ovenstone Agencies
Business success requires a combination
of knowing what you are doing and
capitalising on a good opportunity
clothing and footwear. It has over 60
shops throughout South Africa and
it caters for a mainstream market
122
Tanganda Tea Company
Zimbabwe’s biggest tea grower and producer
58 Devland Cash & Carry

Embarking on an exciting new
expansion having acquired several
Metcash stores
128 Ocean Basket
South Africa’s most popular seafood
restaurant chain
66 FOCUS MANUFACTURING
Mahindra South Africa
132
Border Timbers
Zimbabwe’s leading timber producer
138
CEO Ashok Thakur’s take on the Zambeef
company’s competitive advantage, its Zambeef continues to expand its reach,
new bakkie and plans for the group taking full advantage of the growth in
to grow across the continent Zambia’s economy
All the latest news from South Africa
Business
Toyota begins
assembling Vodacom
popular minibus chief resigns,
taxi in Durban replacement
named
Telecoms giant Vodacom,
which is the biggest
provider of mobile-phone
services in South Africa,
has announced that CEO
Toyota SA has begun assembling the popular Pieter Uys had resigned
Ses’fikile minibus taxi following a R70 after four years.
million investment in its Prospecton plant. He will be succeeded by Shameel
CEO Dr Johan van Zyl said that the Joosub, the current CEO of Vodafone Spain.
operation was set up in half the usual time Joosub will become co-CEO in
and followed an adjustment to the Department September, with Uys leaving Vodacom
of Trade & Industry’s incentive programme for in March 2013, the Johannesburg-based
the motor industry aimed specifically at local company said in a statement published on
production of minibus taxis. the Stock Exchange News Service.
Toyota will have the ability to deliver up to Mr Uys has worked at Vodacom since
15,000 Ses’fikile units to the Southern African the company started in 1993 and became
market each year after the first phase. CEO in October 2008. Mr Joosub was
Initial production volumes were estimated managing director of Vodacom’s South
at 10,000 units. African unit at that time and was named
Dr van Zyl said a total of 300 new jobs as CEO of Vodafone’s Spanish unit in
would be created – 90 at Toyota South Africa December 2010.
and 210 at its suppliers.
6 www.southafricamag.com
Money London Olympics
Economic Semenya to carry

SA flag in London
outlook Former 800m world champion Caster
Semenya will be team South Africa’s flag
‘deteriorating’
bearer at the Olympics in London.
“Caster is an absolute role model for all
says Reserve Bank

sportsmen and women in South Africa,”
said Gideon Sam, the president of the local
Olympic Committee in a statement.
“She’s proved herself to be an absolute
inspiration in the face of adversity and we are
sure that this inspiration will rub off on each
and every member of the Olympic squad.”
We’re all hoping the 21-year-old can bring
back the gold!
The South Africa Reserve Bank has

released its annual report and it makes
pretty grim reading.
Pistorius
to run in London
It warns that South Africa’s economic
outlook has “deteriorated” and inflation will Oscar Pistorius will become the first
probably remain within the bank’s target amputee to compete in track and field at
range through 2014 as the debt crisis in this summer’s London Olympics, running
Europe persists. in the individual 400 and the 4x400 relay
The inflation rate probably peaked in the after being selected for South Africa’s
first quarter Reserve Bank Governor Gill team for the upcoming Games.
Marcus said in the central bank’s annual The 25-year-old, nicknamed “The Blade
report adding that, “The domestic growth Runner” for his carbon fibre, artificial
outlook has also deteriorated mainly due to legs, won a silver medal at the African
the global uncertainties.” Championships in Benin, where he clocked
Marcus said inflation would “remain within 45.52 seconds in the 400 meters.
the target range on a sustained basis over the His time was just outside the official
forecast period.” Olympic “A” qualification standard of 45.30
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has seconds. However, Pistorius met the Olympic
warned that the outlook for Africa’s biggest qualifying standard in March and South
economy is worsening, with manufacturing African Olympic officials decided to waive
and consumer spending data slowing more their requirement of meeting the qualifying
than forecast. mark twice in international competition.
The debt crisis in Europe is eroding export “Today is truly one of the proudest days
demand from a region that buys about a third of my life,” Pistorius said.
of South Africa’s manufactured goods.
Business
Massmart sales top R61m

Discount retailer Massmart has reported a Massmart finalised the purchase of 14 Rhino
16 percent rise in full-year sales. Cash & Carry outlets in March to help it
The firm said in a trading statement that challenge dominant food retailers such as
sales totalled R61.2 billion in the 52-weeks to Shoprite Holdings and Pick n Pay.
June 24. Massmart, which is majority owned by US
The good performance was down to retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc, will release
the inclusion recently acquired stores – its full year-end result on August 22.
May motor Eskom set to

trade raise prices
sales up
Eskom plans to increase electricity tariffs by
between 14.6 percent and 19 percent annually over
16,7%
the next five years according to reports. The proposal
would help fund the utility’s R340 billion power station
build programme.
Eskom said it had yet to finalise the application
that it would submit to the National Energy Regulator
Motor trade sales rose by of South Africa (Nersa) for tariff increases for the
16.7 percent year on year in period from April 1. It said it would do so in the next
May, figures from Statistics few weeks after it had received input from local
SA show. government and the Treasury.
The highest annual growth “This is a document for consultation, it is not a final
rate was recorded for new application,” said Eskom spokeswoman Hilary Joffe.
vehicle sales (27.7 percent), “These are really not final figures; we have to
followed by sales of accessories respect the consultation processes and consider
(15.0 percent), fuel sales (13.9 the feedback.”
percent) and workshop income Opponents say the move would erode the
(13.7 percent) competitiveness of the manufacturing and mining sectors,
In May 2012, seasonally stunt job creation and add to inflationary pressures.
adjusted motor trade sales In 2010 Eskom was granted an annual average 25
increased by 3.2 percent month percent increase in tariffs over three years, however the
on month, following month on tariff hike for this year was reduced to 16 percent after
month changes of 2.6 percent in the government intervened.
April and -1.2 percent in March. Eskom generates about 95 percent of South
Africa’s power.
Money Sport
Reserve Igesund named

Bank cutsnew South
interest Africa coach
rates
The Reserve Bank’s monetary policy
committee (MPC) has unexpectedly
decided to drop the interest rate at
which banks lend and borrow among
each other and the Bank by 0.5
percent to a record low five percent. Gordon Igesund has been named new coach of Bafana
Reserve Bank governor Gill Bafana, six months before South Africa hosts the 2013
Marcus delivered the statement in African Nations Cup finals.
Pretoria following the committee’s 55-year-old Igesund, the 17th coach in 20 years
fourth three-day meeting of the year. for South Africa, replaces Pitso Mosimane who was
The decision went against sacked this month after a poor start to the 2014 World
the expectations of most leading Cup qualifiers.
economists, most of which failed to He has been offered a two-year contract.
predict a rate cut.
Lifestyle
Winnie praises Malema

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has praised suspended ANCYL spokesman Floyd
expelled ANC Youth League president Shivambu, the league’s suspended secretary
Julius Malema for his effort to bring about general Sandiso Magaqa, as well as her
economic freedom. daughter Zinzdi. They were at the official
The Sowetan newspaper reported that the opening of a block of rooms at the Mzontsha
former wife of Nelson Mandela told Malema Child Care Centre as part of celebrations for
in Nqgeleni in the Eastern Cape that his former president Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
efforts to economically liberate the country The home was donated by the Mandela family.
had been noticed. Madikizela-Mandela referred to Malema
She was accompanied by Malema, as her grandson.
Sport Lifestyle
PSL facing Happy Birthday

ref crisis Madiba
South Africa has celebratied the 94th
birthday of Nelson Mandela.
The celebrations started in style with
nearly 12 million school children singing
‘happy birthday’ to the country’s most
famous statesman and former President.
Across the country, people marked the
occasion by doing good deeds - pledging
some time in recognition of his 67 years
Just when you think things can’t get any of service.
worse for South African soccer something The ‘Mandela Day Pledge’ received
new happens. international backing and support
That “something new” happened when all from the likes of Desmond Tutu, One
but one of South Africa’s top referees failed Direction, Eddie Izzard, Jamie Oliver and
their pre-season fitness tests, plunging the Lewis Hamilton, with hundreds more
new Premier Soccer League season into a stars set to join them, along with their
crisis before a ball has even been kicked. millions of fans.
A total of 14 of the 25 referees who Achmat Dangor, the Chief Executive of
underwent the test failed and, by rights, are the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory,
now ineligible to blow the whistle in PSL or said: “Each one of us can do something to
the National First Division matches for the make this world a better place.”
next six months. “We celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy
Respected and experienced referees best and we honour him best by taking
like Jerome Damon, Lwandile Mfiki, Victor action and becoming part of this global
Hlungwani, Buyile Gqubule and Charl Theron movement of good.”
all failed. Eddie Izzard, comedian and Nelson
“It was carnage on the track,” one Mandela supporter signed his pledge:
official said. “Nelson Mandela is my greatest
Authorities can bend the rules and allow inspiration and on July 18th, his 94th
the tests to be taken again, so as to get more birthday, is still a shining example to the
experienced referees onto the panel before world of what is possible. That is why I
the start of the new season, but that is likely am joining millions building his legacy -
to ruffle a few feathers with a row erupting Nelson Mandela’s global movement for
between the PSL and Safa. good at www.MandelaDayPledge. I urge
It’ll be interesting to see how this one you to do likewise.”
plays out.
Business
Record rail volumes

lift Transnet
State-owned freight and along with an increase in
logistics firm Transnet staff numbers.
has reported record rail Transnet spent R22.3
volumes of more than billion under its capital
200m tons for financial expenditure programmes,
year to the end of March. which is the most the
It also reported an logistics monopoly had
increase of 20 percent in invested in a single year,
revenue to R45.9 billion. Molefe said.
“For the first time we Cash generated from
have broken the 200m-ton operations rose 24.3
volume ceiling, which has percent to R22.7 billion.
eluded us for years,” CEO Transnet is currently
Brian Molefe said. “This is investing R300 billion,
the biggest jump in volumes to R4.1 billion in the year as spread over the next
in the past five years.” a result of higher operating, seven years, in infrastructure
Net income fell 1.5 percent material and energy costs, and capacity upgrades.
Lifestyle
Mpumalanga train crashes

into farm truck killing 19
At least 19 people were killed and 24 others department, told the AFP news agency that
injured when a truck collided with a train at at least 30 people had been killed.
a level crossing in Malelane, Mpumalanga. “It would appear as if the truck driver may
According to the News24 website, the have crossed the railway line without having
truck had been carrying farm workers on a proper look-out and as a result the train hit
the N4 when it collided with the train at the him and then pulled him for a kilometre to
Tulluh level crossing. two kilometres,” Sibuyi said.
Thulani Sibuyi, head of eastern “The bodies are lying all over the scene,
Mpumalanga province’s community safety people torn apart.”
Lifestyle Business
Realise Mandela’s iGoogle

dream: Zuma shake-up gets axed in
Former president Nelson we are still confronted by

Google says it is
Mandela’s dream of an the persistent challenges
discontinuing its
economically free South of poverty, inequality and
iGoogle page designed
Africa still needs to be unemployment.”
as a web “portal”,
realised, President Jacob Zuma said South Africa
saying it had become
Zuma says. had “done very well” in
less relevant in the age
“From the 1940s until the transforming the country,
of the mobile internet.
dawn of freedom, he inspired but had not achieved the
The portal, which
millions of our people to fight “dream” of economic
allowed users to
relentlessly to bring about freedom Mandela described
personalise their start
freedom, democracy, peace in his first state of the nation
page, will be cut in
and stability,” he wrote in an address in 1994.
November 2013 and
open letter to Mandela ahead The African National
was among a handful
of his 94th birthday. Congress’s policy conference
of products axed by the
“We are proud to have had pointed out a path to
California tech giant.
achieved democracy, achieving Mandela’s dream,
“Technology creates
peace and security, but Zuma said.
tremendous opportunities
to improve people’s lives.
South Africans But to make the most of

them, we need to focus
- or we end up doing too
flocking to buy Fifty Shades much and not having the
impact we strive for,”
Thousands of South Africans - mostly women Google’s Matt Eichner said
- have been flocking to bookshops around in a blog post.
the country to buy copies of the Fifty Shades “So last fall we started a
trilogy of erotic novels. spring clean, and since then
Since its launch, Fifty Shades of Grey, the we’ve closed or combined
first in the trilogy, has sold 17603 copies locally. more than 30 products.
The second, Fifty Shades Darker, and Today we’re announcing a
third, Fifty Shades Freed, have together sold few more closures.”
13406 copies. Among other products
In the week ending July 7, the trilogy had 11.5 percent of being eliminated are
the market share of the top 1000 book titles sold locally. the Google Mini search
E L James’ erotic novels have become global bestsellers, service for businesses,
shifting 31 million copies worldwide since March. Google Talk Chatback and
Google Video.
Travel Lifestyle
Tourism SA man claims

boom: to have found
SA visitor
numbers rise
Madeleine
Overall tourist
McCann’s ‘grave’
arrivals to South
Africa grew by 10.5
percent in
the first quarter of
this year, it
has emerged.
Tourism Minister
Marthinus van Schalkwyk praised
“strong growth” across all regions -
January, February and March saw a
total of 2,267,807 tourist arrivals to British detectives are examining an extraordinary
South Africa, 216,031 more than in claim made by a South African man that Madeleine
the corresponding period in last year. McCann’s body is buried near the holiday
Mr van Schalkwyk added, apartment from where she vanished five years ago.
“Emerging markets continued their Self-styled investigator Stephen Birch said he
robust, positive growth of 2011, took radar scans in Praia da Luz, the Portuguese
while traditional markets recovered holiday resort where three-year-old Madeleine
the lost ground of the period 2008- disappeared, according to a report on news.sky.com.
11 and bounced back to reach He had given the scans to Scotland Yard
positive growth in the early part of detectives and Portuguese police, the report said.
the year.” “I’ve had the scans analysed and they show
Tourist arrivals from Europe digging, a void and what could be human bones,” he
grew by 11.9 percent or 394,716 told Sky News.
tourists in the first three months of Birch is a commercial property developer in
the year. South Africa and is obsessed with the Madeleine
The UK, which is South Africa’s McCann case.
biggest overseas source market, He claimed he spent R507,100 on the scanner and
recovered from an overall decline being trained to use it.
last year to post positive returns “All I want to do is solve the mystery and bring
of 9.5 percent — an impressive closure to Madeleine’s family. I am convinced she
133,729 tourists in the first three lies where I have scanned,” he said.
months of the year.
I N t ERV I EW:
DR ROLF BECkER
South Africa
Magazine talks to
Dr rolf Becker,
Executive Director
of the South African
Council of Natural
Scientific Professions
(SACNASP).
By Susan Miller
Dr rolf Becker IntervIew
G
reen issues
are paramount
and the subject
of heated
debates. However to my
arts-orientated brain, they
are also hard to grasp, so
chatting to Dr Rolf Becker,
Executive Director of the
South African Council
of Natural Scientific
Professions (SACNASP) since
April 2011, was a bonus.
What would a layperson

understand about natural
scientific professions?
Scientists working in
what we would call the
natural sciences: physics,
chemistry, biology, geology country in bringing more
– anything that has got to do scientists onboard and making
with nature. sciences more accessible.
Does their work affect How do you think science is

ordinary people? currently seen?
Virtually the whole of Political and social issues
the modern economy is make the headlines more
connected to science. readily than science does. We will work to
On your website you say a How important is scientific actively protect
‘new-look’ organisation was
unveiled in March?
thought for a country?
Essential. If you look at
the public
We reinvented ourselves to successful economies and from rogue
focus on the needs of societies they are all based
South Africa. on very strong science.
practioners
and fly-by-night
How will that happen? You’re a legislative
We will work to actively regulatory body. Has that environmental
protect the public from rogue
practioners and fly-by-night
always been the case?
In 2003 it became legislated
groups
environmental groups. We that anybody working
also have to look at how we in the natural sciences
register people that come must register and it’s on
from outside the mainstream that basis that SACNASP
and how we can assist the functions now.
What can the Council do if people aren’t
registered and are still operating?
It’s a criminal offence.
Have you carried out criminal proceedings?

Yes, there is a court case in the Gauteng High
Court. We are extremely short-staffed so we
rely heavily on the scientific communities
regulating themselves.
What numbers of membership do you have?

We have just over 5000 registered natural
scientists. We grew by about 18 percent
since April last year. About 40 percent of the
registered scientists are geologists because
they have been promoting membership of
SACNASP.
So the membership leapt by 18 percent

since you joined?
It’s my good looks (laughs). No, it really
started with the new Council that was
appointed about three years ago.
So legally you shouldn’t be practising as a

natural scientist in South Africa if you don’t
belong to SACNASP Are you funded by Government?
That’s right. It’s like the medics or the We are totally funded by the annual funds of
pharmacists. They all belong to something. our registered members.
What damage can people do if they So you are totally independent of any
are not regulated? political links?
Let’s say a geologist assesses an ore body and Absolutely, we are able to judge matters on
maliciously inflates the minerals that might scientific merit and nothing else.
be in that body. The company lists on the stock
exchange, people invest money and you’ve What is your relationship with Government?
got a fraudulent scheme. One can carry on ... I think we have got a very, very good working
nuclear physics – if people are not doing their relationship with the State.
jobs properly you could have major disasters.
So what Ministries would you work most
Would the body take sides on an issue closely with?
like fracking? Our mother Ministry is the Department of
We promote open debate. We would have Science and Technology – we also have natural
registered scientists who would argue on scientists in the fields of agriculture and mining
both sides of many debates and arrange and minerals because of our geologists – so
forums for that. we’re spread across a vast number of ministries.
Dr rolf Becker IntervIew
Our mother Ministry is the

Department of Science and
Technology – we also have natural
scientists in the fields of agriculture
and mining and minerals because
of our geologists – so we’re spread
across a vast number of ministries
And academically is there a strong went into management – the first school
relationship with the research universities? of Molecular and Life Sciences at the
Yes, we interact at two levels. We interact University of Limpopo for some six, seven
with the Council on Higher Education years and I retired in 2008. I realised I
which accredits all the university degrees retired too early and I felt I still had a lot to
in South Africa and have negotiated that give back.
the CHE will not approve new degrees or
any major changes to existing degrees What are your hopes for the organisation?
unless there is first an interaction That the SACNASP over the next 10 years
between the tertiary institution and is going to grow and the experts that form
the Council. part of our various sciences will make more
From time to time we interact and engage meaningful contributions.
with the universities. By law we have the
right to intervene right up to syllabus How far do we have to go to
level but we prefer to keep their academic demystify science?
freedom and at the same time advise. There are several agencies in SA working on
that – in conjunction with the Department of
What is your background? Science and Technology. They have science
I was a Professor of bio-chemistry for weeks and science centres and we are
some 15, 16 years and then I ‘sold out’ and looking at making a contribution there. enD
Inside the Cradle of
origins of
A fr ic a M ag az in e le arns more about the
South
the human race.
By Susan Miller
Inside the Cradle of humankind hIstory
M
ove over Prometheus - just institution but a visitor’s centre that
an hour’s drive away from provides the public with access to scientific
Johannesburg or Pretoria is information that is both fun and informative.
The Cradle of Humankind, My role is not academic in nature but
which includes Maropeng, the visitors centre rather a liaison and marketing role. I work
and the Sterkfontein Caves, famous home to closely with Wits University and other
‘Mrs Ples’, the skull of an Australipethecus academic institutions to put on temporary
africanus that is more than two million years old. fossil displays at Maropeng. I oversee
Maropeng means ‘returning to the place the main exhibition at both Maropeng
of origin’ in Setswana and visitors get to and Sterkfontein Caves. I also do a lot of
return to the birthplace of humanity where marketing that involves scientific content.
our ancestors have lived for more than three Having both a scientific and business
million years. background I can act as a conduit between
We chatted to Lindsay Marshall, curator the two.
and human resources manager of the Cradle By building relationships with academia I
of Humankind from 2007. can ensure that we provide exciting offerings
to our customers at Maropeng and a platform
How do you define your job? for young South African and international
Maropeng is unique. It’s not an academic scientists to showcase their work
Do you still do both jobs? studies and HR experience (PHEW!) Do you use the
Yes. My career background was degrees and would you recommend youngsters still
HR and my academic background study those subjects?
Archaeology. In a way they My background has proved critical in working with
complement each other. And through the academic community. They need to know that the
my work with our amazing staff I science is understood and can be disseminated to
am able to teach them about the others. Part of my personal mandate is to make sure
incredible place they work and that more youngsters study these subjects. We sit on
why it is so important. Part of staff a wealth of ancient history yet the number of people
induction is to go on a tour through coming into the field is abysmal.
the Maropeng exhibition and the My wish is that world-renowned scientists of the
Sterkfontein caves. future got their inspiration from visiting Maropeng.
How have things changed since May Is the SA scientific community and the work being
2007 to the present? done recognised by peers worldwide?
There is more interest from the Very much so, our palaeoanthropologists are at the
public in human evolution and our forefront. Of course Professor Phillip Tobias who
palaeo heritage so the search is on passed away recently was a pioneer.
to provide new offerings. I have got
more scientists involved in doing What are the best and worst aspects about marketing
tours which the public appreciates. SA’s paleontological and archaeological heritage?
The best is that after 10 years I am doing what I love
What does Maropeng offer and getting the chance to give a platform to South
South Africans? Africa’s amazing scientists. The worst is not having
South Africa has a poor museum enough time to do all that I want. I would love to see
culture, people get easily put off money coming in to fund youngsters in the field
by too much dry science but this
is a wonderful day out and offers
the opportunity to learn about key
aspects of human evolution in a way
that is fun and informative.
What kind of visitor numbers do you

get there?
We average around 200,000 a year, a
large proportion are school groups.
As curator what do you see your

contribution as being?
Instilling in the public and staff a sense
of wonder and pride in our heritage.
You have a BA in archaeology and

social anthropology, an honours
degree in archaeology, a post-
graduate diploma in heritage
Inside the Cradle of humankind hIstory
What does being declared and putting on awesome

a UNESCO World Heritage displays. I hope to publish
Site mean? this year and speak at
It is internationally conferences on
recognised for its the positive impact
contribution to the scientific Maropeng has played in
understanding of our human sharing our incredible
ancestry. This allows for a and rich heritage with the
degree of protection of the country and the world.
It is site that local government
internationally has subscribed to. You are a mom – how do you
cope with such a big job and
recognised for How supportive is the being a mom?
its contribution national and Gauteng
government?
It is a wonderful combination
because both my “jobs”
to the scientific It is a critical site for the are absolute passions of
country and the world mine. And my son loves that
understanding both in terms of science I talk about fossils at my job.
of our human and tourism. This is well I commute each day against
understood by government. traffic and the views a
ancestry mere 45 minutes from our
What next for you and for home are breathtaking.
Maropeng? I consider myself very
Hopefully an upgrade of the fortunate indeed.
main exhibition, getting our
tour guides well qualified www.maropeng.co.za enD
Shoal me
THE MONEY
South Africa Magazine talks life aquatic, fun,
theme parks and how to increase footfalls
and revenue with Shawn Thompson, the chief
executive officer of ushaka Marine world.
By Ian Armitage
ushaka Marine world FoCUs TRAVEL
I
n just a few years uShaka Marine You might say Mr Thompson is having a whale
World has become a fixture of of a time – revenues and visitor numbers are
Durban’s Golden Mile, allowing up and the future is looking bright.
visitors to not just view but also get “I think there are a few factors behind
among sea creatures. it,” he says. “Certainly our marketing
But there’s nothing fishy about this strategy has played a part. We’ve become
success story. a more focused in terms of the market
“uShaka Marine World has certainly segments we’ve targeted and we’ve
positioned itself as a key attraction,” says worked on ways of penetrating those. We
Shawn Thompson, the chief executive tailor our campaigns to ensure we get the
officer of uShaka Marine World, which results we want and have had some very
opened in 2004. good recent successes - there’s been a lot
The park comprises four sections: uShaka of time and effort put into segmenting the
Sea World, uShaka Wet ‘n Wild, uShaka Kids market into various demographics, by race,
World, and uShaka Village Walk. These four age, income and then targeting those. We
components are adjacent to the uShaka use various media to get people to
beach, which is Durban’s number one rated come to Ushaka Marine World. We also
swimming beach. have a huge digital presence - our website
It is hugely successful, attracting is visited by 45,000 new visitors every
over 500,000 visitors during the festive month and our Facebook page has over
season alone. 35,000 followers.”
uShaka Marine World focus TRAVEL
The introduction of new and have a coffee or watch a

attractions has helped too.In bit of sport and let the kids Much loved
the last year uShaka Marine run amuck outside! So I think seafood brand to
World has introduced the that whole component has sponsor popular
Snorkel Lagoon and
Splish Splash Sprinkler Island, taken off very well.”
Ocean Walk
the New Seal Show, Anaconda The Dangerous Creatures
Photo Shop, Dragons, Popup exhibit inside Village Walk I&J is a long standing
supporter of marine
Tank, New Mascot Show and has proved tremendously
education initiatives and
Animal Encounters. popular too. “Oh it has, so it comes as no surprise
“We’ve put in a significant very much so. And we keep that it has entered into a
investment with Ushaka Kids adding new things to it. Just sponsorship agreement
with uShaka Marine World,
World and then just recently two months ago we brought one of the key tourist
we introduced the Splish in two Komodo dragons attractions in Durban and a
Splash Sprinkler Island from Indonesia. They have strong supporter of marine
education and
for under 12 year olds - an been put in an enclosure
conservation programs.
interactive play area that’s directly outside the entrance
proved very popular. Inside so it really stops people in I&J will be sponsoring the
Kids World is the Duzi River their tracks and that’s been Snorkel Lagoon as well as
the Ocean Walk attractions.
Lounge. Adding this coffee quite exciting. The soon to be re-named
shop means that when “We experiment all the I&J Snorkel Lagoon and
mums and dads want a time with temporary exhibits Ocean Walk offers visitors
to uShaka Marine World an
little bit of time out they can and we’re always looking at
opportunity to experience
actually sit within Kids World creating more fun. Over the the awe and wonder of the
marine environment up
close. And, by seeing and
experiencing the colour and
splendor of a coral reef,
visitors are likely to leave
uShaka Marine World with
a new understanding of the
marine environment, and
the need to manage and
conserve it into the future.
Having fished successfully

in South African waters
for more than a century,
I&J is equally aware of
the responsibility it has to
manage fish stocks carefully
and harvest them with a long
term vision and commitment.
That is why “respect,
care and concern for the
environment” is one of the
core values of the I&J brand.
To find out more about I&J’s

commitment to sustainable
fishing, please visit
www.ij.co.za.
I&J SIGNS LANDMARK AGREEMENT WITH WWF-SASSI
I&J, a leading South African fishing company, has further Du Plessis says, “This is a leading and positive step in
demonstrated its commitment to the environment by achieving sustainability in the seafood industry. WWF
signing a landmark participation agreement with the believes that corporate engagement is key to transforming
WWF-SA Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative markets and for adopting and promoting sector-wide shifts
(WWF-SASSI). This enhances I&J’s long history of to sustainable development and corporate best practice. The
responsible fishing where it has provided clear leadership transformational nature of this partnership is highlighted by
through, amongst others, its commitment to the Marine the commitments to sustainable seafood that I&J have made.
Stewardship Council (MSC), its active role in the We congratulate I&J for leading the way in setting these
Responsible Fisheries Alliance (RFA) and its continued tangible conservation goals for the fishing sector.”
support of the Responsible Fisheries Training Programme.
I&J is a major stakeholder in the South African fishing
I&J’s participation agreement represents a formal commitment industry. The company is the largest right-holder in the
to sustainable seafood by the company to work with commercially important hake fisheries and trades in both
WWF-SASSI towards the goal of ensuring that, by December whole fish and value added seafood products. I&J played an
2015, I&J will only sell seafood products that are: integral part in the MSC certification of the South African
• Certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild hake trawl industry. Furthermore, since 2004, I&J have held
capture species (the world’s leading eco-label for wild an MSC Chain-of-Custody certification resulting in the MSC
caught seafood) or; ‘eco label’ appearing on I&J’s South African trawl hake
• Certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for products. This gives consumers an on-product assurance
species originating from aquaculture operations (the newly that these products comply with the MSC’s principles for
launched eco-label for responsible aquaculture production) or; sustainable seafood production.
• Green-listed by WWF-SASSI; or
• The subject of a time-bound fishery improvement project or “I&J have an important contribution to make towards the
by catch management plan as approved by WWF-SA. sustainable management of fisheries, not only in South Africa,
but in every country where we do business,” said Fasol.
In making this public announcement, I&J becomes the While the WWF-SASSI agreement captures I&J’s
first fishing company in South Africa to make such a commitment to sustainable fishing and the trade in
strong commitment to sustainable seafood. In what sustainable seafood products, the company also has an
WWF-SA believes to be an industry leading initiative, the internal Sustainable Seafood Policy (SSP) that guides its staff
scope of the commitment extends beyond the seafood in the procurement and sale of seafood products. The SSP
species that I&J procure to incorporate all of the species was developed in consultation with WWF-SASSI and is
from their fishing operations as well. As an active available for scrutiny at www.ij.co.za
participant in the WWF-SASSI Retailer/Supplier
Participation Scheme, the company will actively engage It sets out clear guidelines with respect to product quality,
with its own fishing operations and suppliers to make this safety, traceability, labelling and the education and training
vision a reality. of I&J staff.
“These sustainability goals are a clear statement of intent by The WWF-SASSI Participation Scheme is an initiative that
I&J to drive positive change by formalising the company’s engages key role players in the seafood supply chain with
commitment to sustainable fishing practices and meeting the aim of transforming the landscape of the seafood
hard and fast targets,“ says Ronald Fasol, Chief Executive industry in South Africa. The Scheme has been running since
Officer of I&J, who, together with WWF-SA CEO Dr Morné du 2008 and currently engages with a number of South African
Plessis, signed the agreement. retailers and suppliers.
I&J Consumer Services Tel: 0800 210 279

Private Bag X1 Email: talk2us@ij.co.za
Proud to be associated with uShaka Lyndhurst 2106 Web: www.ij.co.za
Rare-Pix
Our passion for fun drives
our photography, and isn’t
that what it’s all about?
We have one of the most

creative studios in Kwa-Zulu
Natal region, being based
within uShaka Marine World.
Being part of an underwater
world and being able to
incorporate it into our
photography is an incredible
blessing. The people that we
shoot and whom choose to
do their portfolio with us get
to share in this experience
and we photograph many
animals including dolphins,
sharks, seals and penguins.
This makes the perfect

backdrop to an awesome
shoot. Let us show you
to a magical place that
allows us both as client and
photographer to share in
what others only dream of
holiday period we had The House of Fear, a spin- being part of.
off on Halloween and our teenage and young adult
market absolutely loved it.” Our equipment ranges from
underwater camera gear
Fortunately for Durban’s residents and visitors to professional lighting and
alike there’s more to come. studio facilities that allow
Thompson says it is uShaka Marine World’s you to express your look
and feel and state of the art
business to lead the way when it comes to thrills.
video and editing facilities
“We have to keep surprising our guests to keep allows us the opportunity to
them coming back for more. We pride ourselves on produce and create whatever
going all out to add new elements to our offering, to your needs may be.
create new attractions and re-invest in the park. So Join us for the challenge
in addition to adding fascinating attractions such as and create your own
animal encounters, shark dives, the Ocean Walker commercial shoot, video,
music video, portfolio or
and Meet a Dolphin, we created our Dangerous
just your family shoot.
Creatures exhibit, which I’ve mentioned, and installed Various packages allow us
Africa’s largest jungle gym at uShaka Kids World. to be versatile and travel
“And pretty soon we’ll be installing the scintillating wherever you may need us.
body tornado water slide which will be the first of its
kind in South Africa and an attraction that will put us
on a par with the best in the world.”
The Tornado slide will join uShaka’s Plunge
Freefall Slide, Kamikaze ride and the Drop Zone -
Africa’s highest water slide.
One Stop
Photographic
Suppliers
Official Photographic suppliers
to uShaka Marine World
Durban, South Africa
Studio, Underwater,
Commercial, Fashion, Street
Culture, Wedding,
Conservation, Sporting
Events, High Speed Action
and Function/Event and
Green Screen Photography
Tel: +27 31 328 8077

Mob: +27 83 661 8081
Email: info@rare-pix.com
Web: www.rare-pix.com
“This is at the heart of why in terms of going into our

uShaka Marine World is upcoming strategy session Vusa-Isizwe
Durban’s major attraction, and talking about the next Security Services
especially in the all- phase in the park’s life cycle. (Pty) Ltd
important youth market.” “Theme parks work on Vusa-Isizwe Security
He says the aim of uShaka what’s called a recapitalization Services (Pty) Ltd, a
subsidiary of Intuthuko
Marine World is to deliver an model which means that
Holdings (Pty) Ltd, has been
unmatched, fun experience periodically you have in operation since 2002.
to all its visitors. incremental investments and Our company is 100% black
The park has been rated smaller things to keep it fresh owned and managed with its
directors having a combined
“the Coolest, Fun Destination” and maintained and then experience of over 35 years
in KZN over the past five every major phase you have a in the security industry.
years by The Sunday Times significant addition. Certainly
Currently operating in
Generation Next Survey. in this next phase, the next
both Gauteng Province and
“I think the park has now ten-year cycle, we would look Kwazulu-Natal, we employ
reached maturity in terms for a significant addition. over 1200 security personnel.
of phase 1,” Thompson says. “One significant addition
We are a quality driven
“We’ve spent R50 million that’s under consideration is a organization and are
on upgrades over the last crocodile enclosure including working towards achieving
three years. Now, we have interacting with crocodiles both ISO 9001-2000 quality
standards in conjunction
to look at a phase 2 and and diving with them. That
with an empowered rating
look at the next ten years. could be a very, very exciting and is a National Key Point
What’s exciting for me is addition from the Sea World service provider.
the chance to look at a hard side of things.
The main benefit to our
ride component - it could be “The people of Durban clients is a comprehensive
a cable car, a giant Ferris have a lot to look forward to!” and competitively priced
wheel like the London Eye, The success at uShaka service, delivered to
you and ensured by our
an expansive zip line or a Marine World shows no sign
dedicated management team
roller coaster. There are a of clamming up and it really and also a personalized
couple of ideas I’ve been is one of South Africa’s best customer care program
exploring over the last year days out. enD to accommodate all
your security needs
and requirements.
Without losing focus on

our service delivery,
we strive to create job
opportunities, therefore
effectively contributing to
our country’s economy.
To learn more visit

www.ushakamarineworld.
co.za.
KwaZulu Natal
399 Mahatma Gandhi Road
Durban, 4001
T: +27 031 3687414, F: +27 031 3685064
E: services@intuthukoholdings.co.za
Gauteng
Munpen Building
78 Howard Avenue
Benoni 1501
T: +27 011 8452749, F: +27 011 8452750
E: viss@intuthukoholdings.co.za
Current Services Provided by Vusa-Isizwe Security include, Some of our new Seta accredited training
but are not limited to: courses include:
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: :::::::::::: : :::::::::: : :::::::::: :::::::: ::::::::
: :::: ::::::::::: : :::::::: ::::::::
MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLYING INSTITUTIONAL,

INDUSTRIAL, AND SPECIALTY CHEMICALS SINCE 1992
AND VERY PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH USHAKA
MARINE WORLD
SERVICES QUALIFICATIONS
· A complete range of advanced cleaning products · Established in 1992
for the Food Service Industry · SABS/SANS Mark products for the Food Service
· Optimized chemical solutions by way of managed Industry
and dispensed systems · ISO 9001-2008
· Expert advice about HACCP, food safety, · Level 3 BBBEE status allowing customers to claim
food-handling procedures, and personal hygiene 110% procurement recognition
· Responsible Care signatories
STRATEGIES · FEDHASA members
· Competitive prices and consistent added value
· Prompt deliveries and regular service calls
· Introducing green chemistry
· Product guarantee
www.geochem.co.za GeoChem (Pty) Ltd.

info@geochem.co.za 135 Shepstone road
New Germany
3610
Tel +27 (0) 31 7052711 Kwa-Zulu Natal
Fax +27 (0) 31 7052870 South Africa
Flying
h ig h !
Lanseria International Airport continues
to expand. Next up, a new 45m wide and
3km long runway.
By Ian Armitage
Lanseria International Airport focus travel
O
verall tourist
arrivals to
South Africa
grew by 10.5
percent in the first quarter of
this year.
Tourism Minister
Marthinus van Schalkwyk
praised “strong growth”
across all regions -
January, February and March
saw a total of 2,267,807
tourist arrivals to South
Africa, 216,031 more than in
the corresponding period in
last year.
Emerging markets
continued their robust,
positive growth of 2011, Gavin Sayce, Lanseria’s including the construction
while traditional markets manager, says the expansion of a new runway at a cost of
recovered the lost ground underlines the significance R160 million to improve the
of the period 2008-11 and of the airport in the South airport’s capacity.
bounced back to reach African domestic and “It is a 12-month project.”
positive growth in the early regional air traffic arena.   Sayce says the new
part of the year. “Lanseria is in close runway will be 45m wide and
Tourist arrivals from proximity to the northern 3km long runway.
Europe grew by 11.9 percent. suburbs of Johannesburg, It will “enhance”
It was fantastic news to Pretoria and to the West airport operations and
for airports like Lanseria Rand. The ease of use increase efficiencies.
International Airport, located makes it the preferred “It is all down to the
near Johannesburg. But it airport for many.” increase in passengers.
wasn’t exactly new news - it Another benefit to using More people requires greater
has known for some time the airport, Sayce says, is capacity and greater efficiency.
things have been going well, the fact that infrastructure We want them to enjoy the
with passenger numbers around it, particularly the ultimate travel experience.”
increasing annually in the roads, have been upgraded. At one time Comair
lead up to, and following, the It is an attractive option; held exclusive rights to fly
2010 World Cup. a fantastic alternative to from Lanseria.
The billions of rand OR Tambo. Six years ago, domestic
invested in its drastic facelift “We are privately owned airline Kulula started at the
stand testiment to that. and have experienced airport with a daily return
What’s clear is that significant growth over the flight to Cape Town, which was
Lanseria is an airport on past five years. extended to include Durban.
the up and up – thanks “This year will see the In July 2011, Mango also
to that facelift and the implementation of a series introduced a scheduled
corresponding expansion. of development projects, service to serve Cape Town.
Lanseria International Airport focus travel
“We had 1time here for a while but

they elected to withdraw from the Serving our customers and
ensuring efficiencies in safe skies
market. They’ve indicated that they’re
going to come back.”
It continues to grow.
“We have grown significantly,
hugely, in terms of the domestic
market,” says Sayce, who says the
regional market is next.
That will obviously involve yet
more investment.
And Lanseria is obliging – several The Air Traffic and Navigation
Services Company of South Africa
expansion projects are underway. (ATNS) was incorporated in terms
“In addition to the new runway of the ATNS Act, Act 45 of 1993, and
we’re also expanding the airport’s is mandated by the State to provide
safe, expeditious and efficient air
domestic departure lounge with a
traffic management solutions and
new 200m pier to accommodate associated services within the South
increasing passenger numbers. African airspace in accordance
“We have had an exponential with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) Standards and
increase in passenger numbers and Recommended Practices and the
airline schedules during the last few South African Civil Aviation (SACAA)
years. Today, the airport hosts close Regulations and Technical Standards.
to 1.8 million passengers a year. That
Standing proud with over 950
requires improvement and investment.” dedicated and professional
The airport, which started off with employees, ATNS safely manages
one passenger lounge, now features more than half a million aircraft
arrival and departure movements per
five lounges and departure gates. year. ATNS operates at 22 aerodromes
The construction of a multi-storey across South Africa and is responsible
parkade, close to the main terminal for 10% of the world’s airspace.
building, is on the cards.
The ATNS service offering extends
Lanseria’s car park has been further than air traffic control
extended on a number of occasions services into the provision of
to cater for the growing demand. vitally important aeronautical
information used for all flight
It is never ending. planning purposes as well as search
“We also recently completed the and rescue coordination activities
commissioning of a common use and the maintenance of a reliable
navigation infrastructure. ATNS’
self-service kiosk check-in system to
Central Airspace Management
speed up the check-in process. That is Unit (CAMU) is responsible for the
something we are very proud of. management of the flexible use of
“Manual check-ins were becoming airspace and also provides support
for special air events and special
time consuming and the new requirements such as test flights and
automated systems make the whole demonstration flights. The Aviation
check-in process a lot more user Training Academy actively trains
licensed air traffic controllers and
friendly and convenient.” END
technical staff for both ATNS and
international delegates.
To learn more visit www.lanseria.co.za.
South Africa Magazine profiles Masana Petroleum
Solutions, the first black-owned and managed energy
company of its kind in South Africa.
By Ian Armitage
Masana Petroleum Solutions FOCUS ENERGY
B
lack and fuels to the business-
empowerment to-business commercial,
joint venture industrial, mining and
company Masana construction sector.”
Petroleum Solutions That deal was the first
is a unique symbol of time a major oil company
transformation and growth. had taken a minority share in
It was born out of the an empowerment venture. It
belief that BEE is about was a real milestone. A true
“creating a sustainable, partnership was born.
diverse and competitive “The business is a
economic climate that partnership between
reflects the cultural BP Southern Africa, the
constitution of South Africa.” Mineworkers Investment
That was 2005. Our customers Company (MIC), the Women’s
By 2008 it looked impossible Development Business
- the dream shattered. include Investment Holdings (WDB)
But Masana wasn’t about
to roll over.
strategic and staff,” says Elie. “We boast
a level 2 BBBEE rating and is
Today this wholesaler partners constantly working towards
of petroleum products achieving level 1 status.”
supplies the bulk needs
like Imperial, The company is 45
of large corporate clients, BHP Billiton, percent owned by BP and
chiefly meeting their diesel
requirements, though its De Beers,
portfolio extends to other
fuels - bitumen and gases.
Transnet,
It supplies more than Unitrans and
800Ml of petroleum products
per annum.
Eskom
What it has achieved
is remarkable.
“Masana was born
through the acquisition of
the business-to-business
division of BP South Africa
and has been operating in
this space for the past seven
years, since May 2005,” says
Head of Sales Trevor Elie.
“Our customers include
strategic partners like
Imperial, BHP Billiton, De
Beers, Transnet, Unitrans
and Eskom and we market
and sell BP branded oils
35 percent co-owned by the MIC and WDB “It was about greater rigour around risk
Investment Holdings. management, a focussed approach on quality
Management and staff own the remaining customers, clear plans on significant cash
20 percent.Masana is a real phoenix from the flow improvements and the optimisation
flames story. of resources,” says Elie. “We don’t have
“In 2008/2009 the business went through refineries or service stations or boast
absolute turmoil and the write down of R120 of a prominent brand. We are a people’s
million bad debts almost caused the demise organisation. Our key competency lies in how
of the Masana business – it is due to the we manage the relationships with our clients.”
tenacity and resilience of the Masana people He says that becoming best in class
that a successful turnaround has been in managing customer relationships is a
achieved in a such a short period of time. strategic priority for Masana.
“2010 and 2011 were hugely successful “There are specific behaviours that
years,” Elie says. contribute to success in business-to-business
Masana has really gotten its affairs in relationships,” Elie explains. “”It is therefore
order and times have been so good that it critical to establish a relationship advantage
has even managed to pay off all its long-term which has a solid relationship foundation
debt obligations. necessary for success. Customers see value
The whole business has been given a new from suppliers who demonstrate specific
lease of life. competencies in their relationships in the
Masana Petroleum Solutions FOCUS ENERGY
business-to-business
world. It is these customers
that reward their high
competency suppliers with
their business. And it is for
this reason why Masana is
striving to operate in the rare
air of best in class suppliers.”
Customers Growth is a key
strategic priority. During
see value from 2011 Masana pursued
its growth strategy by
suppliers who identifying the sectors with
demonstrate the greatest opportunities
and by conducting a
specific comprehensive customer
competencies in needs analysis.
“We completed a Market
their relationships Development Plan which
outlined the South African
in the business- petroleum market in terms
to-business of geography, product
mix and target industries
world. It is these and this supported well
customers that in setting realistic growth
targets,” Elie says.
reward their “Furthermore, a pipeline
of potential clients, ranked
high competency by propensity to switch to
suppliers with Masana has been developed
to provide the necessary
their business. traction in 2012 and beyond.
And it is for this The new business volume
target that has been set for
reason why 2012 is tracking very well at
just over 50 percent during
Masana is striving the first half of the year
to operate in the and with the current plans
in place it is clear that the
rare air of best in target will be achieved at
class suppliers year end.”
I’m sure we’re all watching
Masana with interest. END
To learn more visit

www.masana.biz.
NetOne
FOR ALL
As netone continues to rollout
broadband services across Zimbabwe,
South Africa Magazine talks to
managing director Reward kangai.
By Ian Armitage
G
overnment-owned mobile
telecommunications company NetOne
is on a voyage of transformation.
It claimed around 16 percent of
Zimbabwe’s 9.8 million mobile users at the end
of March 2012, according to TeleGeography’s
GlobalComms Database, and has the
largest network coverage nationally, but
has suffered from poor infrastructure
investment and maintenance.
It has had a hard time. But it is
determined to improve.
And it has started with its broadband
services says NetOne managing director
Reward Kangai.
Its services are currently available
in all Matabeleland provinces, Midlands,
Masvingo and parts of Harare.
Efforts are underway to expand coverage
and improve 3G services using a $45 million
NetOne focus TELECOMS
loan secured from the China Export and

Import bank.
“The 3G expansion is countrywide,”
says Kangai. “We are trying to get as many
customers as possible to connect to the
web through both our 3G and GPRS/EDGE It is fundamental
networks. That’s the current effort. We
started in the west and are moving east,
for the economy,
connecting people as we go. A substantial for social mobility,
portion has already been connected to the
3G networks. It is part of our exercise to for growth
provide internet access across the whole
country and to support the programme we
have leased very high capacity bandwidth
from the six network providers accessing the
EASSy cable system and we are also hoping
to hook up to the WACS cable.”
He says improved Internet access is vital
to Zimbabwe’s future.
“It is fundamental for the economy, for
social mobility, for growth,” Kangai explains.
“That’s why we’re making sure this is
countrywide and not just in populated areas
or tourist hotspots. This is about the rural
communities too.”
NetOne is certainly heading down the right path.
But this isn’t the only improvement.
Work too has centred on improving the
customer experience and an investment has
been made into a new billing system.
“We do have a new billing system we are
rolling out and it comes from a Finish IT firm
called Tecnotree. Why have we made the
investment? To improve billing. To improve the
customer experience. To ultimately win back
market share that we have lost in recent years.
“We have to have a fair way of charging
our customers. We’re not just providing voice
and SMS services but Internet content and we
have to change with the times and reflect that
fact. Those services require a different billing
architecture, a solid architecture and so we
purchased a convergent customer care and
billing system for our pre-paid and post-paid
operations. The new system is expected to
be installed by year-end. It is a transparent
Celebrating your achievements,
and appropriate billing system and we are privileged to be
certainly an upgrade on existing associated with you.
systems that are no longer adequate
in terms of our expansion.”
The Tecnotree solution has
been tailored to NetOne’s unique
requirements.
“As we look to cover more of the
country and offer services to more
people, we have to improve and this
is an important step forward in that
respect,” Kangai says.
“We have no doubt that it’ll help
improve our competitive advantage
as we reach out to every Zimbabwean
and enrich their lives.”
In a bid to improve further still
Kangai says the firm is looking for
investment from abroad.
“We are on the hunt for a strategic
partner to help turn around our
fortunes. We have had quite a lot of SSCT Services PVT Ltd
Civil and Structural Consulting Engineers
interest from various companies who
Tel: +263 4 870601 Cell: +263 712 214 668
Email: info@ssctengineers.com
want to partner with us and have worked to
resolve several issues to make us a more
attractive proposition.
“That said I think there is also a realisation
of the strategic importance of NetOne and
Zimbabwe will certainly benefit.”
NetOne has been an actively engaging with
financial institutions to come up with a debt
clearance strategy.
According to Kangai, the company has
defaulted on some loans since 2002.
“It was inherited from first unbundling
of the then Posts and Telecommunications
Company, which NetOne was part of, and
then to aid the company in its development
soon after inception.”
He says NetOne is in talks with the foreign
lenders to find ways to retire or at least
reduce the debt.
netone FoCUs TELECOMS
We are on the hunt for a strategic partner

to help turn around our fortunes. We have
had quite a lot of interest from various
companies who want to partner with us
and have worked to resolve several issues
to make us a more attractive proposition
“We are negotiating. And not only that - we are trying

in all we do to maximise all possible economies of
scale to strengthen our business. Remember the
telecoms industry is capital intensive and we need a
strategic partner in order to get the funding to gain
the necessary economies of scale.
“From a user perspective, the kind of partnership
that we are contemplating will give them a much
broader reach in terms of services, not just within
Zimbabwe but across the African continent and
beyond. Those services can only be obtained from the
kind of strategic partnership we are looking for.”
NetOne has an estimated 1.6 million subscribers
and is Zimbabwe’s third largest mobile operator
behind Econet Wireless and Telecel.
NetOne, formed in 1996, is the country’s first
mobile operator. enD
To learn more visit www.netone.co.zw.
Driving customer loyalty across Africa
By Ed De Clercq, Regional Director, Convergys
The African mobile phone market remains service revenues in spite of such strong
fiercely competitive. Retaining customers competition, African operators need the
has never been more crucial for African ability to not only implement their own real
operators. This means that wireless operator time loyalty generating offers, but also react
price wars across Africa are becoming to competitive offers from rivals in real-time
increasingly common—a battle that, to minimise their impact on their existing
according to the GSMA, has seen prices customer base and prevent churn. These
decrease by 18% between 2010 and 2011. offers can vary according to the subscriber
Prices can’t get much lower. Wireless in question but can often include making
operators are therefore looking for innovative additional new services available to specific
ways to build market share. This includes subscribers, reductions in tariffs, additional
trying to find ways to build loyalty in an credit, enhanced voice and SMS packages or
increasingly impulsive consumer market. discretionary below-the-line offers.
No such thing as customer loyalty in Africa, A valuable inevitability

a prepaid market
Customer loyalty solutions will be instrumental
According to a report released by industry in putting the brakes on customer churn, and
analysts, Strategy Analytics in April 2012, on increasing operators’ average wallet share
globally, the average mobile customer with existing customers. The technology gives
switches service provider every 27 months, mobile operators the flexibility to react in
more than twice as frequently as a decade real time to changing market conditions with
ago. The same analyst firm also revealed targeted offers aimed at specific groups of
that global mobile customer churn reached a users, or down to the individual user based
staggering 44% at the end of 2011—its highest on real time usage. On an outbound basis,
ever level. While this appears to be a worrying it also enables operators to reach millions of
trend facing wireless operators, it gets a great customers per campaign and monitor user
deal worse for African service providers. trends in terms of their propensity to accept
or decline these offers. This includes any
Prepaid has been key to the growth subsequent follow-up promotions to specific
of mobile telephony in Africa, with customers. Customer loyalty solutions are a
approximately 96% of all subscriptions cost-effective, measurable means to actively
sold. Wireless operators realise that reduce churn and grow incremental revenues
retaining these customers is more worth hundreds of millions of dollars every
important than ever. According to Strategy year. Given the current market climate and
Analytics, average prepaid customer competitive trends in Africa, mobile operators
lifetimes have halved over the last five will surely deem this technology to be a
years to just 17 months. valuable inevitability.
Customer loyalty solutions—automating As a leader in customer management for over

the process 30 years, Convergys is uniquely focused on
helping companies find new ways to enhance
There has been a surge in demand across the value of their customer relationships and
Africa for technology solutions that can deliver consistent customer experiences
provide loyalty-enhancing capabilities, and across all channels and geographies. Every
more recently in real-time. This technology day, our nearly 75,000 employees help our
enables service providers to translate clients balance the demands of increasing
customer information into action and create revenue, improving customer satisfaction,
targeted interactions with subscribers. This and reducing overall cost using an optimal
empowers operators to build meaningful, mix of agent, technology, and analytics
ongoing relationships that are personalised solutions. Our actionable insight stems from
with timely communication regarding relevant handling billions of customer interactions
offers, rewards and service activations. In annually for our clients.
the battle for increased market share and Visit www.convergys.com to learn more.
John Craig FoCUs RETAIL
Dressed to
t h RI LL
If you care about how you look you’ll know John Craig,
a retail chain that truly puts the customer first.
By Ian Armitage
I
t has been an exciting “We’ve had a good year and These customers are
12 months for John things are getting better – we comfortable with John Craig.
Craig. Founded 70 intend to continue opening The plan is to get the word
years ago, and with its new stores as we ramp out, cater for a wider audience,
origins as a Jewish, family- up our expansion,” says and get into provinces it hasn’t
run men’s outfitter, it is a marketing manager Nicole reached yet.
niche player but it’s a large Van Doninck. “We are looking at a few
and significant niche – and it A typical customer would locations in the Cape area,
is growing steadily. be a mature male, over 30, and when we find out where
John Craig is a specialist in with a good career and all our target market does its
men’s clothing and footwear. It the aspirations that go with shopping we will be setting
has over 60 shops throughout the expanding South African up there,” says Van Doninck.
South Africa and it caters for a middle class, among whom “There is a lot of potential
mainstream market. incomes have trebled in the to expand and we are
It competes neither last decade. carefully selecting the
with the cheap clothing He will probably have best locations.”
sheds at the bottom end a growing family and the Several key words sum
of the market nor the high responsibility of a house, up John Craig: trust, loyalty,
fashion boutiques favoured but he needs to maintain his integrity, sincerity, style,
by the wealthy. image socially and at work. quality, and exclusivity.
John Craig focus retail
Soviet
SOVIET has been a trusted
brand within the fashion
industry, following suit after
its strong descent from
Mother Russia.
SOVIET represents urban

expressionism; a lifestyle
that inspires SOVIET to rise
beyond expectations of a
fashion forward society and
honour the every-day,
trendy people whose voices
are expressed through
their clothing accessories
and footwear.
This season SOVIET is

honouring urban culture
with their incredible
collection for winter 2012.
Let SOVIET be the brand that
is a part of your freedom,
thrill and lifestyle.
SOVIET only has one wish

for you; for the freedom to
express your individuality in
SOVIET wear.
We should add ‘personal

service’ to that list.
“Personal service of a
practical nature is what
typifies a visit to a John Craig
branch,” says Van Doninck.
Appreciating that no two
men are the same shape Personal service of a practical
as each other if any suit
or formal trousers bought nature is what typifies a visit to a
at John Craig needs to be
altered to make a perfect
John Craig branch
fit, those alterations will be
carried out at no charge,
very often on the same day.
Most of the clothes John
Craig sells are international
brands that have proved
popular over the years. This
range is updated but only
Tel: 0027 11 061 0500
Email: info@sovietclothing.co.za
www.sovietclothing.co.za
John Craig FoCUs RETAIL
very selectively: even so, there are occasions “We can’t open as many
when lines that sell well abroad aren’t quite as we’d like because
right for South Africa. When a gap is spotted the property isn’t there!
it is filled with one of John Craig’s own brands Eventually we’ll get there –
like Muratti or Carano. there are a number of mall
“We are always looking to improve and so developments springing up
have altered the layout of some stores,” Van around the country.
Doninck adds. “The store fittings used to be “From Johannesburg’s
a lot more fixed – one area was dedicated financial district, Sandton
to formal products, another to footwear and – the richest square mile
another for causal, for instance. We’ve mixed in Africa – to dusty mining
that up a bit, depending on the location. towns in remote provinces,
“In terms of customers we are still very there is nowhere South
much catering for the sophisticated gent, who Africans would rather
wants to be smart and is aspirational. work, eat or unwind than a
“One trend we’ve noticed in recent months sparkling new shopping mall.
is that men are going out and buying footwear “New complexes are
that is a bit more fashionable, especially in currently planned for every
terms of colour. There’s been a big change corner of the country so
there. It’s not a huge drift, but there is a there is a lot of potential for
slightly more fashionable element that has the business.” enD
come into play.”
Van Doninck says the goal is to have 100 To learn more visit
John Craig stores across the country. www.johncraig.co.za.
Company name FoCUs ???????
FMCG
THE NEW kINGS OF
After 44 years of trading

Metcash has been forced by
creditors to sell off its stores.
Rivals have been cashing in.
Indeed, several stores were
brought by one of South
Africa’s fastest growing FMCG
distributors, Devland Cash
and Carry. Managing director
Yoosuf Gathoo tells us more.
By Marie Toms
Devland Cash and Carry FoCUs RETAIL
D
evland Cash and Carry is one of
South Africa’s fastest growing
distributors of fast moving
consumer goods (FMCG). It is
benefiting from higher disposable incomes
and a middle class that is growing to the next
level. Within that context, consumer goods
companies can make huge profit – they’re
selling products on large scale quickly and at
relatively low cost.
Family man and renowned businessman
S. Gathoo runs the firm. He knows this all too
well. Devland Cash and Carry is his family’s
business, started by himself and his brother
in Devland, Soweto.
It started small, modest. But now it is
embarking on an exciting new expansion
having acquired several Metcash stores.
“We’ve been around for the last 20 years
and we’ve had a little small cash and carry
which has grown organically over time,”
managing director Yoosuf Gathoo says, taking
up the story. “We did a little acquisition of
some of Metcash’s Trading Africa PTY retail
and whole stores in April of this year. Eight
stores to be precise.
New Clover long-life milk

packaging way better than before
Long-life milk is set to receive an elegant
new makeover thanks to the recent
launch of Clover’s new long-life milk
packaging. Designed with improved
functionality in mind, Clover long-life
milk will not only continue to taste
great, but will offer enhanced opening,
pourability and resealability features
making it way better to handle than the
previous pack too.
Packaging Perfect
“At Clover, we consider our products
from our customer’s point of view,
which is why we decided to address
the spillage that sometimes occurred
with the current Clover long-life milk
packs. We conducted research in various
countries around the world to evaluate
the functionality of different packaging.
The new packaging which will be found
on-shelves soon was deemed to be
the best option for our long-life milk,”
explains senior brand manager at Clover,
Sherian King.
Easy to Open, Easy to Pour

and Easy to Store
“It is a big forward step. The catalyst for the growth The unique and elegant shape of the
I think has been the grace of god for the most part. new pack is simpler to hold and weighs
less than our current long-life milk
But we’ve also been ambitious and wanted to grow.”
packaging. The larger cap is another
Local retailers’ expansion into under-serviced innovation that is more comfortable to
areas such as townships led to the collapse of grip, it also cuts the inner foil seal as you
Metcash. It was once the biggest wholesale business twist it and tucks the foil neatly under
the lid, negating the need for a ring pull
in Africa. But after 44 years Metcash is no more. opening. The seal is also tamper proof
It leaves a gap for astute players to step into, and features a tamper proof evidence
Gathoo says. ring. With a 30-percent larger pouring
area, less gulping occurs allowing for
Indeed, from 59 stores earlier this year, Metcash
smoother product flow. In short, Clover’s
now has only about 12 stores left to sell as years of new packaging is easy to open, easy to
poor trading conditions and sales declines led to its pour and easy to store.
financial backers refusing to extend further credit.
Clover, Way Better
In 2005, the company boasted sales of about Clover’s full cream, 2% low fat and fat
R16 billion, but as more and more retailers such free variants will soon be found on shelf
as Shoprite and Pick n Pay set up in wholesalers’ in the new and improved packaging.
traditional markets, sales growth stalled.
While Clover has the wellbeing of your
As these retailers gained momentum, street family at heart, convenience, ease of use,
vendors and spaza shops that purchased mainly from quality and hygiene are also top of mind
cash-and-carry-type stores were forced to close. for the dairy brand that cares. So give the
new long-life packaging a try; it’s way
“It is now an opportunity for us to grow,” Gathoo better than before.
admits. “Metcash has been selling off a lot of
stores. We saw an opportunity there

to procure some of those. We acquired
some of their smaller stores and we did
so because we needed to get a footprint
into regions. What has happened is
that because the chain stores in SA
have grown so huge they’ve essentially
grown too big and have put some
smaller stores up for sale.
“Before the Metcash store
purchases we had two retail stores,
which obviously wasn’t a lot, so
when we saw they were shedding
their stores and selling off their
businesses we saw it as a great
opportunity to expand across the
country. It was a big investment
and we’ve been doing everything
that was needed to turn these into
our own shops.
“We needed to get a foothold
in the townships and this was a
perfect opportunity. This industry is
so competitive so we and to expand The catalyst
to accommodate our margins
“We’re poised for big things going for the growth
forward,” he says. “There is huge
growth in the wholesale market
I think has
model. Metash didn’t realise that.” been the
According to Gathoo, Devland
Cash and Carry also operates
grace of
internationally and “Zimbabwe is a god for the
growing market”.
“Zimbabwe is one of our big most part.
markets, a huge market,” he says.
“We’ve also got our own operations
But we’ve
in the country. The challenge we also been
see here is that there is a huge
credit risk. But we are able to
ambitious and
pursue opportunities like this wanted to
because we are a family business,
we’ve got strong management and grow
we know how to grow a business.
We have a strong team of people
behind us.”
Tiger Brands is proud to be associated with
Devland Cash & Carry, and wishes to thank them
for their continued support.
Tiger Brands is the proud Tiger Brands Limited

manufacturer of leading brands in a 3010 William Nicol Drive
Bryanston
wide range of food, home care, Tel: 011 840 4000
personal care, baby and stationery Email: tigercsd@tigerbrands.com
categories in Africa Web: www.tigerbrands.co.za
Devland Cash and Carry focus RETAIL
He is very happy with how You wont find Devland Cash

things are turning out. and Carry on the web. The
“We’re very happy with
We’re very reason for that is simple
where we are at the moment. happy with Gathoo says. “People
Obviously we’ve invested a lot of understand what we do and
capital into the new stores and where we are we’ve never really had to
it’s about maximising what we at the moment. market it. Every now and again
have there and maybe we’ll look we do something to raise the
at adding more in the future.” Obviously we’ve profile. Basically we try to be
as efficient as possible and get
What’s the secret? “We’ve
put in a good culture that allows
invested a lot the job done and customers
us to communicate efficiently of capital into recognise that. We work with
and make efficient moves. many big names like Tiger
Our structure, being family- the new stores Brands and Clover Industries.”
owned and operated, enables and it’s about Devland Cash and Carry
us to work very well and make has also been involved in
decisions. That has played a maximising several charitable initiatives
significant part in our growth. It
is not like with a multinational
what we have in the past, helping those
beleaguered with poverty.
corporation with several there We wish it every success
management layers and many and look forward to
shareholders to please. We’re bringing you an update on
small and able to adapt.” the expansion. END
Your
is the
strength
of our
pick up A
for S A ’ s auto
industry
Mahindra South Africa CEO Ashok Thakur
tells us more about the company’s competitive
advantage, its new bakkie and plans for the group
to grow across the continent.
By Ian Armitage
Mahindra focus manufacturing
I
n May Mahindra South Africa added its
lowest-priced Scorpio offering to the
range of sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
available in South Africa. The rear-
wheel-drive, seven-seater derivative, with
a 2.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, was
priced at R209,900 – R20,000 less than the
lowest-priced diesel-engine variant.
It brought the firm’s local Scorpio SUV
line-up to five models.
It was a watershed moment.
“The turbocharged 2.2 litre mHawk
petrol engine was developed from the
CRDe turbo-diesel engine of the same
capacity in a joint venture involving our
own engineers and those from global
powertrain specialist AVL, of Austria,”
the company says. “The introduction of
the mHawk petrol engine, in addition
to the recently upgraded mHawk
CRDe diesel engines on the Scorpio
range, is in line with Mahindra
South Africa’s policy of ongoing
improvement to its vehicles
based on customer feedback.”
Mahindra SA is a fully-
owned subsidiary of Mahindra
& Mahindra of India, which was
established in 1945. Apart from
vehicles, it also sells a range of
tractors on the local market.
The company has more than 50
dealers spread across the country and
has sold around 16,000 vehicles since its
inception in 2004.
It has dealers in all nine provinces and
has also expanded into other Sub-Saharan
countries, exporting to Zimbabwe, Zambia,
Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia.
Further growth is on the cards.
“We have a growing national
footprint that is moving ever deeper into
communities,” says Mahindra South Africa
CEO Ashok Thakur. “Our drive is to offer
value-for-money products and services to
all of our customers.”
Partnerships
December 2011 saw the
acquisition of Berco Express
(Pty) Ltd by Aramex. As
part of this global company
Aramex South Africa,
incorporating Berco, is
able to provide a more
comprehensive range of
services through the
global offices and strong
alliance network.
“We believe in partnering

with our clients to provide
them with cost-effective
tailor-made solutions to suit
their business. We employ a
team of dedicated experts in
our Business Solutions
Team to provide smart
flexible solutions,” explains
Nick Brown, Business
Solutions Executive.
“A good example of this

partnership is Mahindra.
Mr Thakur is clear about the
Since 2007, we have
firm’s competitive advantage, “Our stored, managed and
latest price positioning enables distributed over 6000 line
us to undercut the prices of the items to 28 Mahindra
dealers nationwide.”
traditional major players in the
South African bakkie market, while “We are continuously
still offering a very robust, reliable striving to improve the
service we offer Mahindra,
and durable product that has been
well proven operating in South We have allowing them to focus on
their core business.”
African conditions.” a growing Warehousing and storage
The local vehicle market is one
of the largest and most dynamic national represent a strategic
business tool that gives
in Africa.
Mahindra South Africa sold
footprint many Aramex customers an
edge over their competitors.
1761 vehicles in 2010, which grew that is It’s about more than just
cutting costs!
to 2558 vehicles in 2011 – a 45
percent increase. moving ever
That is rising. deeper into
“Our product portfolio includes
Bolero Pick Ups, Scorpio Pick Ups, communities
Genio Pick Ups, Scorpio SUV, Xylo
MPV, Xylo panel vans and Thar,
and of course the new Mahindra
XUV500,” says Thakur.
The Mahindra XUV500, which was showcased
at the Johannesburg International Motor
Show, has been a huge success making a big
impression in South Africa.
“It has attracted a considerable
amount of interest with over 100
units being retailed per month,
making it one of the top ten
compact SUV brands,” says
Thakur. “We are delighted
with the sales figures and
the strong interest in
our new product.”
The Mahindra
XUV500 is all-new
from the ground
up and aimed at
both the Indian,
South African
and international
markets.
Needless to say,
times have been good for
Mahindra as a result.
It is targeting 50 percent sales

growth this year. BDO
“We do aim to improve vehicle
BDO clients experience
sales,” says Thakur. “Something like a distinctive level of
50 percent. I think it is achievable.” service based on strong
It might seem ambitious but he is relationships and trust.
confident – Mahindra SA has what he We provide solutions that
calls a “growing model range, keen are practical and workable,
pricing and added value offerings”. and not overcomplicated by
unnecessary process.
Another reason for the optimistic
growth target is that Mahindra SA We are agile, innovative and
has taken over the distribution dynamic, thereby allowing
of SsangYong vehicles in South us to adapt to each client’s
particular needs because
Africa off the back of its Indian “what matters to you,
parent company obtaining the matters to us”.
majority shareholding in the Korean
manufacturer.
“We sold over 2,000 vehicles in
2011 and are targeting 5,000 unit
sales this year, rising to 7,000 in
2013,” says Thakur.
We sold over 2,000
vehicles in 2011 and
are targeting 5,000
unit sales this year,
GREAT RELATIONSHIPS
rising to 7,000 in
CREATE GREAT RESULTS.
2013
Audit • Advisory • Tax
When Mahindra decided to invest

in South Africa, they turned to our
partners for audit services – and “We are aware this is ambitious, but
BDO in South Africa is proud of our are confident of being able to achieve
these sales.
association and involvement with
“Some of our dealers — and
Mahindra. Over the years, we have we have 50 in SA — are reporting
built an exceptional relationship increases in market share. We
based on a deep understanding of – are also getting more and more
and involvement with - their business. applications from businesspeople
looking to become Mahindra dealers.”
Understanding client needs and Mahindra SA is also working
requirements is at the forefront of our on growing the number of African
client service philosophy, and we have countries it services.
“Expansion is planned into
a diversified set of tailor-made service
the Southern African Development
offerings in order to better meet the Community.
needs of our customers – across all “We want to become an increasingly
continents. significant player in the region.
“Going forward, we will continue
To experience the ‘BDO difference’, to extend our range and provide
contact us today. added-value offerings to our
customers,” says Thakur. END
To learn more visit

www.bdo.co.za www.mahindra.co.za.
guys
C able
National Cables focus manufacturing
G
South Africa Magazine
eneral Cable is a
profiles National Cables global leader in
(Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of the development
General Cable Corp – a and manufacture of
copper, aluminium and fibre optic
leader in the development,
cable for the energy, industrial,
design, manufacture, speciality and communications
marketing and distribution of market. With manufacturing
units in South Africa, Zambia and
copper, aluminium
Angola, it services the Sub-Saharan
and fibre optic wire and market thought its majority-owned
cable products. distribution unit National Cables,
By Marie Toms based in Johannesburg
General Cables has ambitious
plans. Plans to tap into Africa’s growth.
It sees South Africa as
strategically important, a
“springboard to Africa” - a continent
where it has been making several
acquisitions in recent years.
It is looking to maximise those
investments and enhance service
levels to its regional customers.
“We are investing in our
manufacturing facilities and
manufacturing capacity both in
Durban and Zambia,” says National
Cables managing director Gary
Bateman. “This investment will
increase capacity of both low
voltage and medium voltage cable,
as well as add capability for an
extended range of aluminium cable,
flexible power cable and rubber
trailing cable.”
The expansion programme will
be completed by Q1 2013, he says,
and together with an integrated
regional ERP solution will enhance
General Cable’s service level to its
regional customers.
“Our cables have a wide range of
applications,” Bateman adds. “As
the largest stockist and distributor
national Cables FoCUs MANUFACTURING
Truckafrica South
Africa (Pty) Ltd
Truckafrica South Africa
(Pty) Limited is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Imperial
Group (Pty) Limited.
The over border flagship of
Imperial, is an “overland”
haulage company serving
a variety of destinations
and equipment to handle
specialty consignments.
Truckafrica’s superior
infrastructure guarantees
of cable in the region and with a the elimination of most
global link to 46 manufacturing risk involved in using road
transportation to Africa.
units on six continents, we are
able to supply cable to most Services consist of:
international standards. Cables · Consolidation
can also be manufactured or · Full loads
· Abnormal loads
cut to suit the customer’s · Containerized cargo
project lengths.” · Handling of sensitive products
The General Cable manufacturing · Satellite tracking
· Documentation and clearing
unit in South Africa produces
· Tailor made solutions
medium voltage aluminium and
copper power cable, and by the
completion of the expansion
programme will be able to produce
low voltage power cable, flexible
power cable, rubber trailing cable
and paper insulated cable.
Bateman says the Zambian
manufacturing unit produces mainly Our mission is to
low voltage power cable but also has
capability to supply aluminium and
exceed our costumers’
telecommunication cable. expectations by means
It is also one of the largest
manufacturers of copper rod in Africa. of an excellent service
“With significant opportunities
opening up in Sub-Saharan
and the most advanced
Africa due to mining project and technical solutions in
infrastructure investment, General
Cable, through strategic global
design, development,
relationships combined with a strong production and sale
South African base, is uniquely
positioned to take advantage of the of cables
market growth,” Bateman says.
Delivering world-class and
international inter-modal
systems critical to the
continent’s growth and
competitiveness.
Warehousing and distribution

• Terminal management (bulk and containers)
• Bond storage
• Inventory management
• Materials / cargo handling and palletisation AFRICA DIVISION
• Container stuffing / loading, securing and destuffing / unloading Tel: +27 11 821 5500
Groupage / Consolidation E-mail: info@ilad.co.za
Multi-modal transportation (direct modes and/or transshipments) www.imperiallogistics.co.za
• Shipping and port related services
• Rail logistics Winner of the 2011 Mail & Guardian
Greening the Future Awards
• Road Companies and Organisations with
innovative Environmental Strategies that
Freight forwarding & clearing / International logistics improve Business Performance.
Servicing markets as diverse as

mining, power, oil and gas and
telecommunications, he adds, the
key to its success lies in “global
support” structures.
“Our success lies in global
support in areas of lean
manufacturing, material science
advances and innovative technology Clients include mines, municipalities,
resources. These have played out in utilities, electrical contractors and
General Cable’s improved financial wholesales. It also works with power
performance in the region, resulting utility Eskom.
from higher market penetration and General Cable has “the broadest product
growing appreciation for a global and global reach in the wire and cable
brand operating locally.” industry” and it is an innovator. It’s all about
The cables the firm makes new technologies and no matter where you
and stocks are typically used are it “has got you wired”.
for generation, distribution and Bateman says, “We believe in
transmission in sectors like energy, continually improving.”
surface and underground mining,
utilities and telecommunications. To learn more visit www.generalcable.com
BASF strengthens
Polyurethanes
businesses
in SA and
sub-Saharan
Africa
Christian Mirangels
outlines BAsF
Polyurethanes South
Africa’s growth strategy
and plans to increase
BASF’s presence in
growing African markets,
taking advantage of its
global leadership position
in polyurethane systems.
By Ian Armitage
BAsF Polyurethanes FoCUs MANUFACTURING
W
e use polyurethanes in one form
or another every day – at home, in
our offices and cars, for sport and
leisure activities and on holiday.
They’re versatile, modern and safe and are used in
a wide variety of applications to create all manner
of consumer and industrial products that play a
crucial role in making our lives more convenient,
comfortable and environmentally friendly.
Global chemical manufacturing company BASF
Polyurethanes is a leader in this field, particularly
In terms of here in South Africa.
“It (South Africa) is a key market in Africa for
polyurethane BASF and is a role model for the rest of the African
consumption in continent,” says BASF Polyurethanes South Africa’s
new managing director Christian Mirangels. “We
South Africa it expect significant growth. The company’s sales have
grown despite difficult global conditions owing to
is around one new business and because customers have seen the
kilo per capita benefit of our local presence.
“There is lots of potential,” he adds. “In terms of
per year. In polyurethane consumption in South Africa it is around
Europe, it is one kilo per capita per year. In Europe, it is around
five kilos per capita. So there’s clearly a lot of room to
around five kilos grow and a lot of potential.”
BASF has had a presence in South Africa for over
per capita. So 40 years. In 2006 it brought into CHC Elastogran, a
there’s clearly polyurethane systems house that was established
as a Joint Venture between CHC and Elastogran.
a lot of room to The business grew steadily and it was renamed
grow and a lot BASF Polyurethanes South Africa (Pty) Ltd in 2010.
Beginning of 2012 BASF acquired the rest of the
of potential shares from CHC - now the company is a 100 percent
BASF subsidiary.
“My career spans over 17 years within BASF
Polyurethanes and I’ve held senior positions in
a number of successful entities, including BASF
Polyurethanes Turkey where I served as managing
director. I’m very excited now to be working and living
in South Africa.
“My focus is on the overall operations of the
South African systems house, with a strong focus on
business development within South and Sub-Saharan
Africa of projects in selected industries.”
Mirangels, who took over two months ago, says
sales growth remained positive for the company
despite the effects of the global economic be able to even further support our customers
crisis and believes it is thanks to an ability to and to enhance our market position.”
supply products to a diverse industry base, The company’s target is to more than double
which includes the automotive, construction, sales in Africa by 2020. Its sales, excluding oil
footwear, mining and ‘white’ goods sectors. and gas, were around 1 billion euros in 2010.
He believes that the company’s It is ambitious.
growth has been buoyed by its continual But the demand for polyurethane, and its
investment in technology and production other chemicals, is strong.
capacity aimed at developing high-quality “There is strong demand for polyurethane,
and efficient polyurethane systems for particularly in areas like construction where
application in a number of industries. That South African and Sub-Saharan African
investment will continue. construction firms are starting to pursue
“We’re developing our site in Elandsfontein green practices and projects.
and over the next years we’ll continue to “There is also increased demand in mining
modernise and invest in new machinery.” and a number of other industries.
According to Mirangels, South Africa is “In terms of polyurethane, the market is
playing an important role in BASF’s Africa more established in South Africa than it is
expansion. The firm has been increasing its in Sub-Saharan Africa, but that represents a
presence in the growing African markets growth opportunity. The market will become
and recently opened a new office in Nairobi, more established and we are working on
Kenya, to serve customers in East Africa and that, raising the profile of the material – after
Sub-Sahara. all, few realise that it is all around us and
“Africa is a huge continent with a wealth how it can be applied.
of raw materials and a growing population. “Also, I would say the company is certainly
At the same time, the dynamically growing profiting from a growing middle class with
economy has enormous potential. Through rising consumer aspirations and that is true
establishing a stronger local presence we will right across Africa.”
BAsF Polyurethanes FoCUs MANUFACTURING
Key to the company’s successes in Africa “The aim is to develop in line with our global
are its new East and West African divisions goal of ‘Best Team in Industry’ and to create
- BASF West Africa, headed by former value for our stakeholders,” Mirangels says.
BASF Polyurethanes South Africa managing “We also want to continue contributing to our
director Andrew Bailey, and BASF East customers’ success and to do all of this in a
Africa, which we’ve mentioned. sustainable way.
“This will help us establish stronger “I’m excited by the future and the
local presences in key growth markets and challenge ahead, helping also to make
we’ll also be able to offer local support to meaningful social contributions through
customers. This combined effort will see us BASF and improve people’s lives.”
develop considerably in sub-Saharan Africa Mirangels forecasts growth in South
in the next few years.” Africa “this and the next years” and says
BASF’s success is down to having the new energy efficiency regulations, which are
right team, the local presence and the right in place for all new buildings being built in
skills and processes in place including a South Africa, are a contributing factor. enD
world class product and R&D team. The
future is bright. To learn more visit www.basf.co.za.
My focus is on the overall

operations of the South
African systems house
"Only our service beats our rate"
with a strong focus on Dasa Logistics was started by Dean Moodley in 2001 and has
business development grown from 1 vehicle operation to a large ﬂeet of vehicles.
The company is currently able to deliver on various sizes and
within South and Sub- types of contracts.
Dasa is also a 100% black owned level 2 BEE supplier as well
Saharan Africa of as being registered for Responsible Care with the Chemical
And Allied Industries Association.
projects in selected Dasa Logistics Services include:
industries - Chemical Services
- Bulk Tanker Services, liquid and dry
- Retail Services
- Special Project Services www.dasagroup.co.za
552 Boxer Road T: +27 11 310 3870
Glen Austin Ext 3 M: +27 83 212 9212
Midrand F: +27 86 622 4860
South Africa 1685 E: info@dasalogistics.co.za
I’ll
drink
to that!
namibia Quality Beverages FoCUs MANUFACTURING
N
amibia relies heavily upon
imports to meet its needs, with
an estimated 48 percent of
talks to Charl Coetzee, the GDP being spent on goods
CEO of namibia Quality produced outside the country.
Beverages, a man who Unsurprisingly it is flooded with
imported goods, many from South Africa.
believes in promoting No more is this true than in the world of
local products and that soft drinks.
Namibian businesses have However, Namibian Quality Beverages
(NQB) has managed to turn the tide through
a lot to offer. its supply of a unique brand ‘4 U’, which has
By Ian Armitage been warmly welcomed by the local market.
The firm specialises in manufacturing,
import, export, sales and distribution.
It produces local, quality products and
opened its doors in 2008.
“Our brand name is ‘4 U’, implying ‘for
Namibians by Namibians’,” says Charl
Coetzee, CEO of NQB, which started by
manufacturing juice, then expanded to add
in YKP Fire balls, YKP Cheese Curls and
Hi-pro Dog food.
The juices come in three ranges: 100%
fruit Juices, Lite Juices and Nectars and
have recently introduced ice tea made from
Rooibos extract.
Juice ‘4 U’ is sold in more than 30 retail
shops around the country.
“We are a fully owned Namibian
company and believe in promoting local
products,” says Coetzee. “We are proud
of what we as Namibian manufacturers
have accomplished over the past few years
against huge odds. Namibia used to import
absolutely everything and still depends on
imports but we’ve seen an increase in the
number of local people buying Namibian
products and I think there is a growing
hunger for locally produced goods. That
has certainly helped. Before we started as
a business we looked at the local economy,
local industry, and we looked at what
other companies were doing right and we
developed a solid game plan before we
kicked off. We continue to analyse what’s
Namibia Quality Beverages focus MANUFACTURING
happening and have been generally supply these –

active in finding new areas they’re able to sell quantity
for growth. We change while their expenses are
according to the market.” This helps to kept to the minimum.
Coetzee says that the “A typical supplier in
prices on the shelf are create more South Africa, in Joburg for
mostly governed by well local jobs and example, has more than
known imported brands, seven or eight million
and the manufacturers many other consumers in a 300km
radius. A local producer
carry the loss.
That is a challenge.
economic here in Namibia has a
So too is an annual benefits that consumer base of only about
increase in prices of local two million, spread across
products which is linked to lead to the the whole country.
the country’s inflation rate. things people “To be able to compete,
Coetzee says the local producers need to
greatest challenge to the want - service grow to a point where
they can export and
local producer remains
to be able to compete
improvements compete on the doorstep
against imported products and inflation of the opposition. That is a
flooding the market. challenge. So too is growth
Huge companies with a dropping and finding investment
consumer base of millions capital. In a small, emerging
Granor Passi is a proud supplier of Namibia Quality Beverages
economy like Namibia attracting investment
can be a challenge.”
However, local produces are still in demand.
“Consumers want what we are making and
selling. I think there is a real awareness that
if people buy locally, wealth is created as the
money is kept in the country.
“This helps to create more local jobs and
many other economic benefits that lead to the
things people want - service improvements
and inflation dropping; that sort of thing.
“And if you manufacture locally all the
money stays in the country instead of leaving
like it does with imported good.”
So could more be done, particularly on a
governmental level?
“I think the government does a wonderful
job – they certainly put money into start
ups. The issue is that a business reaches a
point where it becomes too big to be small
and too small to be big. It needs next level
funding. That funding is difficult to obtain and
normally after three or four years a business
will fold because it grows faster than it can
manage and ends up in huge debt or reaches
the point where it restricts or limits growth.”
That is the challenge NQB is faced with. It
needs next level funding.
“At the moment the shareholders are
covering it but we have reached the point
where it is limiting growth,” says Coetzee.
Nonetheless, the future is bright. NQB is
currently working on a very exciting long-
term project in which they want to make oil
from local fruit called ‘project nut’ and the
oil-made will be used as a cosmetic oil for
skin care and secondly for cooking. This is
part of NQB’s social responsibility and a way
to plough back into the market, the economy
and the country.
“The business plan revolves around
three pillars. The centre pillar is the actual
company itself, which will be extracting
the oil - Namibia Quality Oils. It won’t
really employ a lot of people - probably the
maximum of 10-20 people. The primary
Namibia Quality Beverages focus MANUFACTURING
Long-term it
should grow,
we foresee,
to over 1000
people and all
of them will be
basically self-
employed
pillar would be where we we foresee, to over 1000 beverage producer. We’ve

actually go into rural areas people and all of them will thought about having
and set up a less formal be basically self-employed. another name but what
small medium enterprise The third pillar that we’re we are looking at, most
where these people will looking at is from that there probably in the future, is to
gather the fruits and then will be spin-offs for the create a holding company
sell it to us so they will upcoming entrepreneurs; and then have Namibia
have their own community we will assist them in Quality Beverages, Namibia
business. In the short- setting up small medium Quality Foods, Namibia
term that should create, enterprises in industries Quality Oils and then maybe
we estimate, about 100 that our waste products, for Namibia Quality Cosmetics.
people jobs. That should instance, will spawn. That is It is something that we’re
grow extensively as the further job creation.” thinking about and is in the
product starts selling. The name NQB is pipeline. We’ll see how it
These are people with perhaps a bit misleading plays out.”
absolutely no skills - rural then, at least to the We wish them luck. END
poor communities and the untrained eye?
previously disadvantaged. “I suppose it is. We’re To learn more visit
Long-term it should grow, much more already than a www.namibia-beverages.com
S taying ahead of
t h e pack
Lapack FoCUs MANUFACTURING
A
common trend of many
A self–proclaimed of the businesses we
“leader of the have featured this month
is that they started small
pack” Lapack – from Ocean Basket to Zambeef.
has been Lapack is no different.
manufacturing Its life began in 1981, formed by
brothers Bob and Eric Smith, who
plastic packaging ran the operation from a small shop
for the personal in Johannesburg. 30 years on, the
care industry for company is almost unrecognisable
and is now a leading provider of
over 30 years.
personal care packaging across
By Ian Armitage South Africa.
“That we are,” says executive
director and second-generationer
Mark Smith. “We supply
companies like Tiger Brands,
Revlon, Colgate, Johnson &
Johnson, Unilever and Loreal.
“Lapack is a family owned
business that has been
manufacturing plastic packaging for
the personal care industry for over
30 years,” he adds. “We started with
just the family running the business
from manufacturing the moulds to
producing and printing and through
hard work and some tough times
we slowly grew the business to what
it is today. Lapack is now one of
the biggest privately owned plastic
packaging companies in South Africa
in the personal care industry. We
pride ourselves on manufacturing
quality packaging for the personal
care industry and it shows with our
client base being some of the blue
chip companies in the world – the
likes of which I’ve mentioned.”
According to Smith the company
has more than 400 staff today but can
proudly say that some of the original
staff compliment still work there.
“It says something for family run
businesses and as we go through
Lapack focus manufacturing
a really difficult period “In plastics its experience

worldwide in this industry. that makes the difference.
It’s the family business’s that It’s on the floor knowledge
can survive due to the simple that allows the man at
fact that the family has total the top to make the right
control and understanding of decisions in this industry and
We supply the business. with all family businesses
companies like
Tiger Brands,
Revlon, Colgate,
Johnson &
Johnson,
Unilever and
Loreal
Our clients can

take comfort
in the fact that
they are dealing
with a company
that has the
experience
from the shop
you start on the floor and even if you are floor to the very
CEO you still are part of those on the floor
decisions every day.” top and that
Sadly perhaps – and maybe even we continually
devastatingly for the plastics industry
and wider economy - businesses like reinvest into
Lapack are being swallowed up by the big
corporate companies.
our business
They’re becoming something of a rarity. and staff
Smith says the result is a lot of experience
and knowledge is being lost. ensuring
“That has a happy consequence for us - longevity and
our clients can take comfort in the fact that
they are dealing with a company that has sustainability
the experience from the shop floor to the
very top and that we continually reinvest
into our business and staff ensuring
longevity and sustainability.
“The personal care market in South
Africa has been adversely affected by the
recession and the continued high price of oil
and exchange rate has had a negative effect
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Hestico (Pty) Ltd.

Hestico are pleased to be
associated with the Lapack
success story who are
excellent customers and
have been for many years.
Lapack believe in using the
state of the art equipment
(Aoki; Uniloy; Maguire and
Yudo) which traditionally
Hestico supplies into
the African Market. This
state of the art equipment
enables Lapack to run very
efficiently providing top
quality moulded containers
to their customers in the
Personal care, cosmetics
and Pharmaceutical
industry. We wish Lapack all
the very best for the future.
on the plastic industry as a whole.

You cannot expect an overnight
recovery and it’s going to take a
few years for our industry to get
back to the profitability of pre
2008. Like I said, it’s going to be
about knowledge in the running of
your company and about servicing
your clients.”
Over the next five years
He believes that a bright future we plan to ensure that
is in store for Lapack.
“Over the next five years we we remain leaders in the
plan to ensure that we remain personal care industry in
leaders in the personal care
industry in South Africa. South Africa
Through innovation and design,
we want to be leaders and not
followers. Through the help of
our customers and suppliers
we can maintain our position in
the marketplace.
“We are looking to expand into Africa.
Emerging market is constantly used
to describe Africa and yes in certain
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are ongoing.” enD Very smart.
To learn more, visit our website

Lapack is a technology-driven,
www.ingersollrandproducts.com
award-winning packaging
company. To learn more visit
www.lapack.co.za.
Egg-cellent pac k aging
solutions

profiles DFM, a company
that has taken the lead
in development and now
supplies the widest range of
egg packaging in the country.
By Ian Armitage
Dynamic Fibre Moulding focus manufacturing
D
FM (Dynamic Fibre Moulding) started
operations in 1994 in Mandini, KwaZulu-
Natal, and in the near two-decades
since it has become a preferred
supplier of moulded natural fibre egg packaging in
South Africa.
It is a company that has taken the lead in
development and has reaped the rewards.
It now supplies the widest range of egg packing in SA.
Significantly, it uses scrap paper as raw material.
“The business was born from an increased
demand for moulded fibre products and has
grown over the years to become a leader
in the field of moulded fibre packaging,”
says technical services manager Dave
Gait. “We offer the widest range of
egg packaging available in South
Africa and we supply more than 90
percent of the country’s formal egg
producers. We don’t just do eggs – we
also have dairy packaging, distribution
packaging, protective packaging and
cushion packaging.”
Moulded fibre’s properties make it
increasingly popular he says.
Growth is on the cards.
“Moulded fibre is establishing itself internationally
as a preferred form of industrial cushion packaging
due to growing pressure from public and politicians
on environmental and waste disposal issues.
“Dynamic vision and enthusiasm have driven
this business forward over the years, resulting in
the new technology of thermoforming natural fibre
for cushion and locative packaging. This rivals
the existing polystyrene and plastic forms used
today with the added benefit that these elements
are manufactured from recycled material and is
biodegradable and recyclable.”
Off the back of this, DFM has managed to
maintain its market position and strength, despite
the local market suffering the effects of a
double-dip recession.
“The market has been tough in the last year as a
result of the worldwide recession. SA certainly had
that double dip but the company has maintained its
strength in the market and on the egg packaging
Dynamic Fibre Moulding focus manufacturing
side. It’s been going very well actually,” Mr Gait

says. “Consumers are still buying but they are
buying down and the rand isn’t stretching as far as
it used to. We’ve noticed smaller configurations are
moving better.”
To grow the business above organic levels, new
markets have been investigated and served, he adds.
“We have been diversifying and have developed
trays for the dairy industry and have enjoyed success
in that market.
DFM has been
“Over the next few months we’ll be launching going from strength
a number of new products on the fruit packaging
side – and we’ve noticed that in terms of
to strength.
environmental awareness SA is certainly waking Generally year after
up. Moulded fibre has a lot to offer in that respect
and we’re trying to capitalise on a shift towards year we grow
sustainable food produce.”
Moulded natural fibre packaging is cellulose, or
- more simply - raw woodpulp fibre, obtained from
either pulp or recycled paper. It is drawn onto fine
mesh moulds by vacuum, leaving a thin layer of pulp
adhering to the mould. This is dried in an oven to
produce common egg box packaging.
P.V. TRANSPORT Lot 805, Old Main Road
Stanger 4450
South Africa
Tel: 0027 32 551 4260
Fax: 0027 32 551 4277
Email: pvtransport1@telkomsa.net
Your road to professional excellence
P.V. Transport was formed in 1992, initially as a Our vision to our clients is to give them:
broker company, eventually expanding its wings
into a general cartage contracting company. · Quality service
· Appreciation and respect for all clients
In 1998, the directors made a decision to · Providing a service that will enable clients to
implement further changes, changing the name increase their growth and sales
from P.V. Transport to Kugan Consultant CC t/a · Building on existing relationships, and
P.V. Transport. building good relationships with new clients
· Expand P.V. Transport’s growth, whilst acting
Our main objective is to provide an excellent and in an ethical and responsible manner
dedicated logistical service to satisfy our clients
total requirements, and to do this we offer the P.V. Transport are proud
following services: to be associated with
Dynamic Fibre Mouldings
· Local, long distance and cross-border haulage
· Overnight freight services
· Warehousing & Distribution
DFM is well aware of the “Most of our people Staff turnover is low,
benefits of the natural fibre commute – many live on the he adds, and the company
raw material, the use of North Coast. It’s just the is very optimistic about
which is growing because nature of the business. What its products and the
of its huge environmental we have been doing over the future.
advantages - the products, last few months is upskilling “DFM has been going
made from recycled and we’ve had an intensive in from strength to strength.
material, are themselves 100 house training programme Generally year after
percent recyclable and 100 for our machine operators. year we grow and we’ve
percent biodegradeable. Because the industry is well positioned ourselves
Productivity increases small – there are only two for the next few years
created through efficient main players – there isn’t to handle rapid growth in
operating have also given a standard training manual the future. We’re definitely
DFM reasons to be excited. so we have spent a couple very positive about
“Over the last six months of years searching for a new the future.”
we’ve upgraded the efficiency development and training DFM is a fully compliant
of our machines and probably manager and his remit has Level 7 BEE registered
in the not too distant future, been to develop that side of Company and it’s quality
maybe the next year or things. We are probably two- systems are certified to ISO
two, we’re looking at new thirds of the way through 9001: 2008. END
equipment and hiring people.” getting all the staff on this
DFM employs over 200 new training manual that To learn more about DFM
permanent staff in Mandini. we’ve developed.” visit www.dfmsa.co.za.
bag! IT’S IN THE
Izaka Plastics FoCUs MANUFACTURING
Izaka Plastics is a specialist in the manufacture and

distribution of refuse bags.
By Ian Armitage
P
inetown-based Izaka Plastics – Izakhamzi Plastics
(Pty) Ltd – is no stranger to South Africa Magazine.
The firm is a leading manufacturer and
distributer of refuse bags and produces HDPE,
LPDE plain and printed refuse bags and other plastic bags.
Since 2001, it has invested heavily in providing exceptional
products and services through design, extrusion, printing,
laminating and conversion of flexible packaging.
It is a great example of how to start up and then
succeed in business.
“We’re ‘hands-on’, assisting clients from the initial product
planning and design stage, right through to completion,”
says Production Manager Anwar Hayath. “We’ve got the
tools, skills and resources – under one roof – to get any
job done, efficiently and effectively and our equipment is
professionally maintained to ensure minimal down-time and
our experienced staff are energetic.
“That is important as the flexible packaging arena is
saturated and competition is fierce. It is very price competitive.”
The company has been an ISO 9001:2008 accredited
company since 2009.
It is a specialist, dedicated to innovation and the
development of modern flexible solutions for a wide
range of Industries.
Izaka Plastics focus manufacturing
“I think we are recognised for our

quality, service and professionalism,”
Hayath says.
Sibusiso Michael Maziya founded
the firm. In the early years, and
as an environmentally conscious
We’ve also got an exciting businessman, the company was
development in respect of a only engaged in the manufacture of
refuse bags.
six-month plan to develop an Today it has grown considerably
in-house brand and expanded its operation to

extrude and print on various types of
bags, tubing and shrink film.
It is quite the success story and
Izaka’s plant currently comprises 12
bag-making machines, 11 extrusion
lines, two co-extrusion lines, a slitter
and three C I printing machines.
Further growth is on the cards
- according to Hayath, innovative
expansion plans are being proposed
and new equipment could well be
brought in.
“It is an exciting future,” he says.
“We will be looking at investing in
some recycling equipment that we’ll
bring in to reduce costs.
“We’ve also got an exciting
development in respect of a six-
month plan to develop an in-house
brand. That is very exciting and
we expect to increase production
capacity and output in the region
of between 28 and 30 percent.
Turnover will go up. And we’ll look
to align ourselves with some of the
big guys in South Africa such as
Unilever and Tiger Brands. We’ve
made initial contact so in the next
three or four months we’ll start
getting work from these blue
chip brands.”
A willingness to invest and try
something new has helped define the
business, Hayath says.
“Over the last few years we have
Manuchar sources a comprehensive range of
products, but in all cases the common factor
is service in the supply chain. We deliver the
materials you need, at competitive
conditions. Our product and market
experience, efficient logistics and close
follow-up allow us to reduce the time
between order and shipment. Moreover we
are able to add value in the form of trade
financing and market knowledge.
We offer products in the following sectors:

• Chemicals & Fertilizers
• Forest Products & Building Materials
• Minerals & Ferro-alloys
• Pharmaceuticals - LDI International
• Polymers
• Pulp & Paper
• Spare Parts & Mining Products - PTC
• Steel
• Special Steel and Metals - Baubur
Manuchar South Africa is an active and

dynamic player in the supply of raw materials
and logistics services to the mining,
detergent, glass, food, candle, steel,
polymers and various other industries.
We are serving the entire South African

market from our commercial and logistics
offices in Johannesburg and Durban.
With a total of 30,000 m2 of warehousing

space in 4 different locations in South Africa,
Manuchar South Africa can deliver
world-class supply chain services
throughout the region.
160 Jan Smuts Avenue

3rd Floor, North Wing
Rosebank, South Africa
Tel: +27 861 333 558 Fax: +27 11 442 1265
Email: southafrica.contact@manuchar.com
Web: www.manuchar.com
invested in equipment upgrades and have the company will benefit in the long run and
increased staff numbers as a result. the added bonus is that the staff that receive
“Going forward we are looking to create training are able to pass that knowledge on.
more employment opportunities and training It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
opportunities.” “We’ve been moving previously
Izaka Plastics recognises that training and disadvantaged people up into management
development of staff is paramount to success. positions. That’s all about empowering
MERSTA funding allows it to continuously people and offering the chance to learn new
train and develop staff and all staff skills. That is key to us.”
members are trained through the Plastics Izaka is committed to the betterment and
Federation of SA, as well as the Packaging development of its staff and the nation.
Convertors Association. It has been independently rated by
“We’re investing in skills development and DRGSiyaya in terms of Broad Based Black
staff are receiving extra training. If you are Economic Empowerment codes of good practice
a machine operator your skill level doesn’t and is a Level Three Contributor to BEE.
need to be particularly high. You don’t need “We at Izaka Plastics acknowledge
higher education diplomas. All you need that Black economic empowerment as
is to understand how the machine works. defined in the BEE Act constitutes: “…An
Although there is a lot of chemistry involved integrated and coherent socio-economic
in making plastics, machine operators are process that directly contributes to the
not really involved in the process. We think a economic transformation of South Africa
little differently. And we encourage learning. and brings about significant increases
The extra training is costing us money but in the number of blacks that manage,
Izaka Plastics focus manufacturing
own and control the country’s

economy, as well as significant
decreases in income inequalities,”
the company’s website says. “We
are committed to Broad-Based
BEE, aimed at the economic
empowerment of all black people
(including women, workers, youth,
disabled people, and people living
in rural areas) through: ownership;
management; employment equity;
skills development; preferential
procurement; and enterprise
development.”
Hayath says the company is a
socially responsible enterprise and
makes various contributions to a
number of charities and special
programmes. “This is
part of our social responsibility to
the community.”
All printer cartridges are donated
to ProjectPlus helpus2help.com in
aid of the Endangered Wildlife Trust,
for example.
“All scrap generated from
production is disposed of in a
controlled manner. Recyclable
scrap is recycled by a contractor
and returned for use in production.
Other waste is dumped at DSW
dumpsites. Solvents are recycled
for further use in production. We
have also formed an alliance with
Mondi Paper and DSW to install
collection points throughout KZN
especially to areas that were not
previously accessible.
“We also encourage end users
to separate waste and recycling
products in an acceptable manner.”
Izaka Plastics incorporates in its
business model a strict adherence to
environmental best practices. END
To learn more visit www.izaka.co.za.
success?
THE LABEL OF
A product’s label is one of the most important but

often least-valued elements. Consider a bottle, can,
box, jar or any other package. What identifies it?
The label. It is a vital component. Or is it? South
Africa Magazine talks to rotolabel, a high quality
self-adhesive label manufacturer, to find out.
By Ian Armitage
rotolabel FoCUs MANUFACTURING
C
ape Town-based The approach works. And it
Rotolabel is both is one that founder Simon
familiar and Gilbert developed way back
anonymous. Its in 1982.
high quality self-adhesive “We’ve always had a clear
labels are all around us. vision, solid plan,” says
From award wining South Mr Watson. “We wanted to
Africa wines to the aisles and lead the market in terms of
shelves of top retailers, its quality, customer service and
creations are everywhere – consistency. We’ve also been
packaging that cries out for flexible in what has become a
our attention. saturated market.”
It is a top producer in its Indeed it has – there is
niche. A frontrunner. very little organic growth
“We specialise in high in this niche industry.
quality pressure sensitive That’s a challenge, one that
label printing,” says sales demanded flexibility.
director Grant Watson. “It is a challenge,” Watson
“We supply the food, wine adds. “The organic growth
and hygiene industries is not there. But we never
predominantly and have whinge. We simply face it.
built a reputation for total And we overcome.”
commitment, total dedication Another issue is that
to service and absolute quality. many overseas players and
“Labels are absolutely new players have come into
essential - What tells you the South African market
who made it and what’s because they think it is a
inside? The label. Where gateway to Africa.
do you find the alcoholic “It could be – in other
content, the grape and forms of packaging definitely
the originating vineyard – but in self-adhesive labels
of a bottle of wine? On I don’t see it,” Watson says.
the label. It may also list “Another trend or concern is
ingredients, how to handle that retailers are tending to
the product and how to go one layer, blindly believing
store it for best results.” it will reduce cost. That is
He says Rotolabel deals not always the case – you
right across the spectrum. have to consider the context,
“We collaborate with the whole life. There are
top companies and brands instances where it is more
of course but we deal expensive. Okay, some are
right across the board, doing that for green reasons.
treating every client exactly Whether it is greener or not
the same where that’s a is open to debate, but people
multinational blue chip or a see it as one less layer, and
guy off the street.” less material, so it must be
greener. The other reason is labour.
“What I’m getting at is that it is
very important to look at total cost,
not just the cost of packaging but
also the cost of issues like minimum
quantities, stock and re-orders. With
labels you can order less stock and
have changeovers in design, product
or legislation.
“Yes a printed product could be a few
cents cheaper than a label and a product,
but look at the total cost implication.
“Unfortunately though, we’ve lost
a lot of labels to direct print.”
So where might growth come
from? And what is Rotolabel doing
in response?
A lot actually. Investment in new
technology is enabling it to respond
more effectively to customer needs
and to maintain its leading position in
a competitive market.
“Technology and innovation are
key, something we live by,” Watson
says. “We are a world-class company
when it comes to consistency and
quality. Anyone can print a good label
but doing it consistently is another
ball game.
“We have advanced printing
technology and offer innovative
finishing techniques such as
foiling, varnishing and a range
of other value-added processes
to produce world-class labels.
We’ve also been a pioneer and
a frontrunner in digital printing. We are a world-class
Digital of course can respond company when it comes
quicker to the market since it
is competitive on smaller runs, to consistency and quality.
stock is better managed and
the quality is superb. It’s also
Anyone can print a good label
interchangeable, which works but doing it consistently is
great here in South Africa where a
percentage of the average runs are another ball game
less than 2,000 metres.”
Rotolabel focus manufacturing
So is the market demanding? “Very but we always go out of our way to meet and
much so, especially on digital print exceed expectations.
where the lead times are incredibly “But I come back to our people. They are a
short. It is driven by the economy and defining factor. We’ve a number of long servers
with things the way they are everyone and their grasp of the business is tremendous.
is trying to keep inventory lower. They enjoy what they do and it tells.
Expectations of printers are almost “We also keep it simple. Simplicity is the
like a mall now – everything is on the key to success. We try to stick to the basics,
shelf and South Africa is over-traded. live by being honest and act with integrity
“People do not understand why and do things right. We are very professional
lead times exist in manufacturing and have superb expertise. Wherever you are
and they expect to pick up a phone coming from we are committed to you.”
and have labels within a day or two. The market isn’t giving two-month orders
We have to try and meet that. This any more; they’re ordering for two weeks –
need of the market is the prevalent and don’t want to pay any more for it.
one and lead times are becoming Rotolabel is meeting the challenge head
more demanding. You have to be on and continuing to deliver the quality it is
hungry for the work or someone else renowned for. END
will take it.
“Our lead time in digital at the To learn more visit www.rotolabel.co.za.
moment is three weeks because the
demand is so high – yes it gets the
job done quicker than conventional,
but there is a queue of people in front
of you.
“The pressure is to get things
out quickly and that is driven by the
Congratulations to Rotalabel on their 30th Anniversary.
economy and the customer.
Synchron is proud to be associated with a leader in the
“Our ability to interchange label industry.
between conventional printing and
digital has really served us well With suppliers who are world leaders in their respective
during this period where we have to areas of expertise, Synchron will continue to source
adapt quickly to the client. innovative products that differentiate the end users’
“It’s about quality and reliability brands and provide tailor made solutions. We do not
and also flexibility and adaptability.” compromise on quality and offer consistently excellent
A secret to success? Manifold.
service to our customers.
“It’s a few things. I’ve touched JUST IMAGINE finding ONE company that can help build
on our values – I think we have very your brand in every visual space.
good values. We are known to be
professional, fair. We build long-term
relationships. We like to play in a niche.
“We are a business driven by a
desire to please. I know it is cliché,
but we really go out of our way for
the customer to ensure their lives
are hassle-free. They are demanding Tel: +27 21 5277100 Fax: +27 21 5525291
Website: www.synchron.co.za
Email: info@synchron.co.za
future
Focused on the
Fima FoCUs MANUFACTURING
A
n after dinner mint, your
Fima is South Africa’s
favourite chocolate bar or
leading flexible packaging a 25kg sack of cement; the
producer and is performing likelihood is the wrapping
comes from Fima, South Africa’s leading
very well thanks to
name in flexible packaging.
CEO Andre Annandale’ The firm, formerly known as Treofan South
turnaround strategy. Africa, has forged an enviable reputation as
By Marie Toms one of the leading suppliers of high-quality
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), with
a local production plant at its headquarters in
Chamdor, Johannesburg.
BOPP is a must-have packaging
solution; its extensive benefits including
unique combination properties such as
stiffness, balanced shrinkage, transparency,
sealability, barrier, shine, and twist retention.
Applications include flexible packaging,
pressure sensitive tape, printing and
lamination, stationery, metallising, flower
sleeves, cable wrap and insulation and Fima’s
films are used for the packaging of snacks,
chocolate bars, baked goods, confectionery,
hygiene products, as well as wrap-around
labels for the beverage market and carton
overwraps for the tea and tobacco industry.
“We’re a leader in flexible packaging
solutions,” a company source told South
Africa Magazine in June. “We develop
innovative products for our customers and
partners with a range of clear, white, matt
and metalised products for packaging,
labelling, and carton overwraps, as well as
alternative packaging solutions.
“The company is doing very well and our
turnaround strategy has been successful. The
factory is exceeding all production targets
and we have confidence of a continued
positive outlook,” he added.
During 2011 Fima embarked on expansion
plans that will see production at 31,000t of
film at plate capacity per annum by 2013.
Backed by the Industrial Development
Corporation and funded by local banks, it is
pitched towards beating imports and creating
jobs in the supply chain.
Fima FoCUs MANUFACTURING
In July 2011, Fima placed an order

for an 8.7 metre BOPP line, as well
as an 8.7 metre Biaxially Oriented
Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET)
line with the Andritz Group - with
a capacity to produce 31,000 and
25,000 tons respectively at its
Chamdor plant.
“Our ultimate goal is to be able
to meet the demands of the South
African market,” the company told
South Africa Magazine (see SA Mag
issue 17). It added that South Africa
was seeing a big push to replace
glass and paper with plastic products
and that the growth of BOPP across
Africa was estimated at 12 percent
over the next 10 years.
“Our vision is to give the market
what it wants, work closely with
our customers and give them a
packaging solution at a reasonable
price, tailored to their needs and
requirements,” the company said.
“We want to be seen not just as a Part of the Treofan Group for over 25 years,
supplier but as a partner, educating a 2009 management buyout gave the local
and advising our customers and company financial control and Treofan SA re-
industry about our products, their launched as Fima.
features and benefits. In the flexible A year later a Black Economic Empowerment
packaging field we are the experts” transaction saw Wendile Investment Holdings - a
At the time Fima’s two lines were 100 percent black-owned company - as majority
producing 11,500 tons of BOPP film, shareholder. The Treofan Group link remains
meaning it could serve only 30 percent close, with Fima having exclusive selling rights
of the South African market with in Sub-Saharan Africa.
locally produced film. The balance In November 2011 it was announced that
was met by imports, whose scale and Mr André Annandale, who was acting CEO,
cost are a constant challenge. had given the role full-time – he became CEO
“We must ensure we give our officially on January 1, 2012.
customers the best product, price He has helped guide Fima though
and service to also make them more its turnaround strategy, cutting costs
competitive globally. Our challenge dramatically and improving production.
at the moment is focussing on 2013, For the future he is keen to build on
and our short term strategy is one of these successes, investing in further new
satisfying our market by putting out machinery and production efficiencies. enD
products that they want to seed the
local market,” the company said. To learn more visit www.fima.co.za.
Disaki Cores and Tubes is a leading manufacturer of spirally wound
tubular cardboard cores in South Africa and amongst its valued
customers are well-known paper mills and textile suppliers.
We are a major supplier of cores and tubes and with our dedicated team
and improved production processes, we run a fully automated core
winding and cutting operation. Our focus is to deliver affordable
solutions timeously while ensuring that our customers are supplied with
a superior quality product.
NEW Product ranges added:
· Cones (textile industry)
· Angleboard (fruit packing industry)
· Dufaylite (used during the manufacture of doors)
· Cardboard Partitions (mostly used in the wine industry)
· Composites (for the food and medical industry)
Transpaco Contact Details

374 Bergvlei Road
Wadeville EXT 4
Germiston 1401
Tel: 011 902 1528
Fax: 011 902 6700
Email: charly@transpaco.co.za
On a Roll
Rollex FOCUS SUPPLY CHAIN
Y
ou may not recognise the
company’s name. But
you’ll certainly know its
products. If you eat fruit
and vegetables, the chances are your
fridge is packed with produce grown,
cut, packaged and delivered by Rollex.
Despite the low profile, the
company has had a powerful impact
on southern Africa. It has developed
a clear, simple and precise logic – to
empower African growth by investing
in its people – and that commitment
has made it a champion of the
African market place.
Rollex’s continental scope is
Africa is the future, says Toby impressive to say the least. It has
spent the past 15 years defining
Williams managing director and redefining its focus and today
of agri-processing and stands out as a pioneer in the
logistics company Rollex. industry of perishable logistics. It
offers a cost-effective service in air
By Ali Barnard and road freight, focusing on fresh
fruit and vegetables from across
the Sub-Saharan region and, not
satisfied with just transportation, it
has expanded its involvement into
implementing dozens of successful
farming projects. Rollex takes
responsibility from start to finish
– growing, sourcing, packing and
finally delivering fresh food to some
of the world’s biggest retailers.
Managing Director Toby Williams
says: “We’re primarily involved in
the business of sourcing, packaging
and delivering produce – vegetables,
fruits, salads, organic produce, fish
and a variety of cut flowers - from
across Africa to a network of high-
profile retail clients. These include
Pick n Pay in Southern Africa, as
well as the provision of services to
Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury,
World Flowers, TFC Holland and
Univeg in Europe.”
Rollex focus supply chain
However, it is Rollex’s the region as a whole. All

grassroots commitment to companies within the Lonrho Elegant Fuel
the African economy that group share a similar vision Elegant Fuel would like to
makes it stand out from the – to unite the continent by congratulate Rollex on their
rest. This determination to investing in its people. outstanding performances
over the years. It gives us
give something back to the “We grow the produce, great pride supplying Rollex
African people is a legacy we slice it, dice it, ship it, with the best available fuel
inherited from its parent truck it, air freight it and at the best price to give
them the competitive edge
company, Lonrho. everything in between,” says
over their competition.
Rollex was partially Williams. “We also strive to Rollex only demands the
bought by Lonrho in 2008, provide the best cold chain best fuel for their fleet and
and fully acquired in 2010. in Southern Africa with Elegant Fuel is in the unique
position to access the whole
Today, Rollex falls under the trucks, fridges and our petroleum grid.
Lonrho’s agriculture division services. That’s our business
and has grown by leaps and and what we are trying to We strive to diminish stock
out situations and through
bounds since the acquisition. sell – a vertically integrated
careful strategic planning,
“We needed to expand and model that can provide deliver fuel in quantities
that’s where Lonrho came in. tailor-made solutions.” and at times that suit them.
They gave us the opportunity As a result, Rollex has We believe in building
long term and mutually
to leverage our position to thrown itself into nurturing beneficial partnerships. The
put together the farming local communities and relationship between Elegant
operation and the necessary encouraging commercially Fuel and Rollex speaks
volumes in this regard.
developments within the viable agricultural businesses
business,” says Williams.
“I suppose this is now a
new business with a new
face but it is an enlarged
version of the original model
which we have proven over
the last 15 years.”
Rollex has clearly
benefited from Lonrho’s
input. An international
company with an
international scope, Rollex
has emerged as a leader
it its field with the help of
several valuable principles
adopted from the Lonrho
group. Rollex and other
Lonrho-affiliated companies
encourage initiatives for
communities to thrive on
their own terms, generating
significant and lasting social
and economic benefits for
Leading the way in fuel wholesale and distribution
The company was born from the need that existed to look after “Through the use of state-of-the-art bulk tankers, we
smaller users of petroleum. Elegant Fuel only delivers pride ourselves in unmatched levels of service and
depot-certified product to its clients over a vast area that includes industry expertise gained from our industry leading
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West province. Due partnership with Faith Wheels tankers.” “Elegant Fuel
to its attention to detail and personal service, the company has always strives to put the customer first by introducing
seen month on month growth for a few years running and is the industry-leading cost-cutting measures and passing these
preferred non-refining wholesaler to diesel depots, mines, garages, savings on to our customers.” “It is interesting to note that
the agricultural sector and even public transport operators. It has in these financially troubled times, Elegant Fuel is still seen
even come to the rescue of branded garages when they have run as a lucrative investment opportunity with low risks and
out of fuel. “Drawing from hard-earned experience and a high rewards by investors from both the public and private
never-say-die attitude of its founders, Elegant Fuel has established sector.” Elegant Fuel also enjoys a Level 4 BEE rating and
itself as the foremost supplier of petroleum products in the is certified by the Department of Energy, speaking volumes
northern provinces of South Africa,” of its commitment to transformation within the petroleum
industry. Doing business with Elegant Fuel has now
“With a customer satisfaction mindset, it has its finger firmly on the become even easier, with online orders allowing increased
pulse of the economic, industrial and agricultural heartbeat of the ease of purchase. Also available online is a list of
province.” Through excellent strategic planning and communication, representatives that cover the various areas.
Elegant Fuel strives to deliver the best quality products to its
discerning customers. Customer satisfaction is front of mind across The company prides itself on its 100% no contamination
the product range, from low-sulphur diesel to high-octane fuel. record, which speaks volumes of the quality of the
Elegant Fuel retains its logistical edge on the competition through products and the integrity of management. Given the
agreements with all the major petroleum depots in the country, integrity, expertise, passion, hard work and commitment
including Sasol Secunda, Sasol Natref, Total Waltoo, Total Alrode, produced by the Elegant Fuel team, our market-leading
Shell Alrode, Caltex Alrode and BP Waltloo to name a few. performance comes as no surprise.
Email: elegantfuel@gmail.com Tel: 015 5161834

Web: www.elegantfuel.com Fax: 015 5161270
across the southern African
region. It does not hold back
when it comes to little ideas
with big potential, and works
closely with small scale
farmers, encouraging job
and skills creation in order to
raise the standard of living in
rural Africa.
“We’re committed to
striving to be the best, to
training the best, investing
in the best practice, the
best equipment and best
processes – and thereby
delivering the best.
Everything we do centres
on that,” says Williams.
And it means Rollex has
had no trouble keeping its
head above water in today’s
economic climate. Williams
attributes the company’s
success to the African
Rollex focus SUPPLY CHAIN
market place, where he believes it is perfectly

positioned to thrive. “Africa is the future,” he says.
“The reality is that we’re probably better placed
than anybody.”
He is enthusiastic about future prospects.
“We’re in the process of developing the
strawberry business within Southern Africa,
based around currently providing strawberries
to South Africa in summer where they are out of
season. That’s a huge potential market which is
as yet relatively untapped and we’re a year and
half into our project. From a market development
perspective we like to take what we’re good at
currently - the fresh fruit, the fresh vegetables -
and expand horizons into the US, the Middle East
and the Far East.”
Rollex’s ethos may be simple, but it has
already created a legacy of hope, progress and
development within Southern Africa. All that
remains is3329
to continue that upward climb. END 2 2012/07/13
Garrun Ad-1-4 page ad f-aR1.pdf 1:12
National strength. Local signature.
C
Short-term
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Insurance Brokers
Y
HEAD OFFICE: 33 Central Street, Houghton, 2198

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T: 011 694 5000 F: 011 694 5111
MY
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CY GAUTENG Garrun Employee Benefits, Garrun Pretoria,

Manny Garrun & Sons, Seabelo Garrun
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www.garrun-group.co.za An Authorised Financial Services Provider

your lobster
T he world is

talks to Ovenstone
Agencies’ Dorrien Venn.
By Ian Armitage
I
f business success requires a Tristan da Cunha, Gough, Nightingale
combination of knowing what you and Inaccessible.”
are doing and capitalising on a good He says there has been a commercial
opportunity, then Ovenstone Agencies lobster fishery on the Island since
wrote the book. 1948 and it is a mainstay of the local
It has a unique product, craved by economy, employing many of the people that
consumers the world over. live there.
And it knows how to get it to them, without Production is split between the island
compromising on quality. facility and a longline freezer vessel, which
“We are the sole concession holder for the sails from Cape Town.
Tristan da Cunha’s lobster,” says Ovenstone “This is a unique business on a
director Dorrien Venn. “That means we’re the unique island.”
only fishing company able to fish Tristan rock The annual catch is in the region of 450
lobster in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) tonnes and is sold mainly to Japanese and
of Tristan da Cunha group of islands - American markets.
Ovenstone Agencies focus food & agriculture
“The US is one of our main markets and it is demonstrate its commitment to sustainable
where lobster tails are mainly distributed to seafood management practices.
restaurant and hotel chains and we also sell “That is very important to us – we are a
a lot to Japan where whole cooked lobsters well-run fishery with a conservative resource
are a traditional wedding dish. The Australian management strategy.”
market is a new outlet for us where Tristan You might be tempted to think it’s been
lobster is used as a substitute for their local easy for Ovenstone – it’s a leader in a niche
lobster, following a decline in their west market, with an almost monopoly if you
coast catches.” consider it is the only firm permitted to catch
It is an exciting time. and sell Tristan de Cunha’s lobster - but you’d
“Ovenstone has held the Tristan Lobster be wrong. Life has sprung a few surprises.
concession since 1997. We fish at Gough, In 2008 a fire ripped through the factory –
Nightingale and Inaccessible with a that’s why it was rebuilt in 2009.
freezer factory longline vessel, the The fire struck on Valentine’s Day of all
Edinburgh, and her four dories, which fish days, gutting the business.
the inshore grounds,” adds Venn, who Statistically the odds of recovering from
says fishing on Tristan is conducted by such a disaster are low, but Ovenstone
Islanders employed by Ovenstone, using nine overcame the challenge in conjunction with
dories owned by the company. “Tristan da the Island Community.
Cunha is a British Overseas Territory deep in “The factory was destroyed by fire - there
the South Atlantic Ocean and is home to the was nothing left. But within a year we’d
world’s remotest island community. Despite commissioned and built a new one.”
the challenges and difficulties we face, we Fire wasn’t the only thing the business
operate a well-run and sustainable fishery.” had endured. According to Venn there was a
Catches on Tristan are delivered volcano on the original factory site in 1961.
to Ovenstone’s new factory that was And if that wasn’t enough, in 2011, MS
commissioned in July 2009. Oliva ran aground at Spinners Point off
It is a state-of-the-art facility, Nightingale Island.
built with an eye on
selling into the
European market.
“We control
all aspects of
the catching,
processing,
marketing and
export of Tristan
lobster,” says Venn.
“We’re incredibly
unique in that we are
able to exclusively offer
Jasus tristani to
our markets.”
Ovenstone is Marine Stewardship Council
(MSC) certified and is able to display the
blue MSC eco-label on its products to
Ovenstone Agencies focus food & agriculture
That is very important

to us – we are a well-
run fishery with a
conservative resource
management strategy
The 75,300 tonne vessel was sailing to compliant by the end of the year at the latest.
Singapore from Santos in Brazil carrying “Yes the factory was devastated by the
soya beans. fire in 2008 but it has enabled us to build the
“It caused a fair bit of disruption to our new plant and modernise everything with EU
operations. It was a bulk carrier on its way access in mind.”
from Brazil to Singapore and ran aground on The reason Ovenstone is so keen to get
Nightingale. Subsequently the vessel broke into Europe is simple – it spreads the risks
up and dispersed 65,000 tonnes of soya into inherent of a cyclical industry and opens the
the water as well as 1,500 tonnes of heavy product to a larger audience.
fuel oil. We obviously had to stop fishing in “The lobster business can be very cyclical.
the area and the Tristan Government closed EU access would be good for our business.
the fishing ground at Nightingale until such “We continue to look at way of maximising
time as it can be assessed that the resource the value of our quota and are developing
has recovered from the impact of the Oliva new product lines such as sashimi frozen for
and the resource is at the level it was before the Japanese market and we are looking to
the grounding. It means we have lost a sell our lobster tails into the retail sector in
significant portion of our annual quota at the US.
Nightingale as well as Inaccessible Island “We are excited about the future prospects
where the quota has been reduced as a for our business, despite the recent setbacks
precaution. Both islands had significant oil and challenges which lie ahead.”
pollution at the time. It has been a blow.” Venn says Tristan lobster is highly
These things don’t keep Ovenstone regarded, with a reputation for excellent taste
down though. and quality.
Looking to the future, Venn is optimistic, “They sell themselves.”
hopeful of gaining access to EU markets. So readers, go out and buy some! END
“We’re focused on the EU and are in the final
stages of the process and hoping to be fully EU To learn more visit www.tristandc.com.
C M
COASTAL MARINE
& INDUSTRIAL
REFRIGERATION I R
We are a service orientated (mainly marine)
company based in Cape Town for the past nine
years. Our primary customers are most of the
big fishing companies in SA, also salvaging and
research vessels, land based companies. We are
capable of operating both ashore and at sea and
repair and maintain all types of refrigerant
systems with our SAQCC Gas registered
technicians. Our commitment to continuous
training assures our delivery of professional and
prompt service 24 hours per day.
Physical Address Tel: 0214489057

54 Foundry Road Fouche Conradie Steven Livesey
Salt River Tel: 0027 83 4599712 Tel: 0027 82 3270409
7945 Cape Town Email: fouche@coastalmarine.co.za Email: steven@coastalmarine.co.za
The tea
maker
tanganda tea Company FoCUs FOOD & AGRICULTURE
A
nywhere you go in the world
you can always find a shop
selling tea.
Tea was discovered
in China over 5,000 years ago and its
popularity quickly spread.
Today, it is in most offices and homes
and millions enjoy a good cuppa.
If you wondered who to thank odds
are you needn’t look further than the
Tanganda Tea Company, Zimbabwe’s
biggest tea grower and producer.
It is the best-selling brand of tea in the
country and central Africa and it exports
bulk tea leaves all over the world.
It’s even claimed that six out of every
ten cups of tea drunk in Britain every day
are brewed from a blend containing leaves
from Tanganda’s estates.
That’s a mean feat.
“As the name gives away, we are
primarily involved in the production,
We have a lot to thank packaging and distribution of tea,” says
tea for – it refreshes your MD Tim Fennell. “Our major brand is
Tanganda but we have many.”
body, fuels your energy Unfortunately, times in the tea trade
and, of course, the British have been tough of late.
Empire was built on it. Sure, there is always a huge demand,
but low prices have been prevailing on the
Jokes aside, it is the world market.
favoured beverage of It has seen Tanganda diversify into
millions around the globe. new crops - avocado and macadamia nut
farming in particular - to increase earnings.
It is also responsible
“Why have we gone down this road?
for the fortunes of the Well, tea production costs have been
tanganda tea Company, rising, yet prices on world markets have
been stable, making the crop marginal.
Zimbabwe’s biggest
Frequent power outages, poor weather
tea grower and and increasing labour costs have also
producer. However, as affected production. As a result, we saw it
we’ll learn, tea isn’t the viable to diversify into other crops.”
The cost of labour in particular remains
only kid in town. a significant challenge and discussions
By Ian Armitage with the relevant authorities for a
tanganda tea Company FoCUs FOOD & AGRICULTURE
sustainable wage are being “We identified macadamia

progressed, Mr Fennell says. nuts, avocadoes and coffee ZFC Limited and
“It’s an ongoing challenge. as the best and most Tanganda Tea Company
Wages have increased complimentary crops. What It takes two!
dramatically, perhaps to the we’ve done is we’ve basically
point that it starts to become embarked on the first ZFC Limited is the
a little bit of a worry, as it’s stage of our diversification dominant manufacturer and
distributer of Fertilisers and
a viability issue. That’s one programme - the building
Agrochemicals in Zimbabwe
reason that we have to grow of nurseries and growing of and at the same time a
more profitable crops.” seedlings. That is obviously major player in the regional
Power is another problem. quite a process but we hope market. ZFC Limited and
“We’re now so expensive in to have about 700 hectares have a long standing
world terms for electricity.” of macadamias planted, 300 business relationship
Tanganda Tea Company hectares of coffee planted and dating back two decades.
For the Tanganda cropping
owns and operates five estates 500 hectares of avocadoes
enterprises that include
covering 2,600 hectares tea planted by March 2013. We Tea, Coffee, Macadamia
with additional land being intend to expand that. and Avocado, ZFC Limited
developed for the new crops. “The first 150 hectares has provided Fertilizers
that include Tea Fertilisers,
The Group is divided into of coffee that we planted Coffee Blends, Compounds,
two main operating divisions last year will come into its Fruit Fertilisers; Gypsum;
- Agricultural and Beverage. first small crop in 2014. By Lime and Foliar Fertilisers.
Agrochemicals also provided
Fennell says it plans to put 2015 that project will be in
to the estates are in the form
several hundred hectares full swing. The avocadoes of Fungicides, Herbicides
under macadamia nuts and we planted this year and and Insecticides.
avocados and coffee. obviously we’ve got major Apart from Fertilizers and
Agrochemicals, ZFC Limited
also provides a strong
Agronomic Support Team of
agronomists that work hand
in hand with estate managers
on all the Tanganda Tea
Company estates and
assist with product back
up services, the servicing
of customer enquiries, soil
We’ve sampling as well as research
and development of new
basically products that can be of use
on the estates.
embarked ZFC Limited continuously
on the first thrives to improve its product
quality by working hand in
stage of our hand with Tanganda Tea
Company and as a result of
diversification the existing strong business
relationship between the
programme two companies; ZFC Limited
has established substantial
business opportunities with
Tanganda Tea Company.
Tanganda Tea Company focus food & agriculture
G&W Industrial Minerals and

Since 1969, G&W Industrial Minerals
Zimbabwe has been producing and supplying
dolomitic and calcitic agricultural limes to
many estates around Zimbabwe including
Tanganda Tea Estates for the production of tea
(camellia sinensis), macademia, coffee and
other crops. On average Tanganda Tea Estates
has been using not less than 2 500 tonnes of
lime annually.
Benefits of lime on Tea Quality

Tea is a widely consumed beverage. However,
recent studies reveal that there were an
increasing number of cases of tea products
exceeding the maximum permissible
concentration (MPC) usually (2mg per kg).
Tea Lead (Pb) contamination is an issue
affecting trade and consumer confidence. Root
uptake of Pb could contribute significantly to
Pb accumulation in tea leaves due to strong
acidity of many tea garden soils.
Agricultural lime is a very important crop
plantings that will take place between August
input, which is often overlooked by many
and December after our winter and those will farmers with the consequence that their
come into what I would say is a meaningful overall yields continue to decline over time.
production, probably 2017. The macadamias Addition of CaCO3 significantly increases soil
pH thereby decreasing soil extractable Pb
will only really come into proper production in by up to 32%. The Pb concentration in fine
2018-2019. roots, stems and new shoots of tea plants is
“We do have areas under tea that are not significantly reduced after liming the soil. As
a result tea quality is enhanced and consumer
particularly suitable from a terrain and water
satisfaction increased.
point of view so there is a possibility that we
could remove some tea and increase the Other Beneficial Effects are:
other crops, but not as a policy to remove tea. • Improved fertilizer use efficiency by
your crops. Use of fertilizer alone
Currently we have 2,600 hectares of tea. We without lime will result in poor fertilizer
may bring that down to 2,400 and simply take uptake and reduce the economic benefit of
out marginal areas. using fertilizer.
• Application of lime improves the availability
“Of course the other thing that we would
of soil nutrients to plants. At low pH, these
always look at, which is not easy in Zimbabwe nutrients will remain insoluble and hence
at the moment because of the various land inaccessible to crops.
issues and so on, but we would definitely
An important point to note is that the
look at purchasing more ground in order to effectiveness of agricultural lime on your
develop more of the new crops.” soil depends on its purity, its fineness and its
He expects Tanganda to reap massive neutralizing value.
benefits from diversifying into those crops.
G&W Industrial Minerals (Pvt) Ltd are proud to
“As I said, we are increasing our hectarage inform you that our lime is purer, finer and of
for macadamias and are embarking on highest neutralizing value, it will give farmers
a substantial development of avocados, high value for money.
and this will also be included in our out-
No 12 Tilbury Road
Willowvale
Harare
Tel: +263 04 6116518
Fax: +263 04 611650
Producers of High Quality Agricultural
Lime and Industrial Minerals Email: sales@gwzim.co.zw
Calcite for Improve yields with

stock feeds G&W agricultural lime
Develop the roots and enjoy the fruits
grower programmes. Of course we have an Tanganda certainly has an incredible history.

extensive tea out-grower scheme involving “The first tea was planted in the Chipinge
small-scale farmers around our estates. We area in 1924 and the Tanganda Tea Company
expect good returns on this investment – that we know today purchased that company
these crops are pretty good money spinners in 1943. Its development and so on has
if they’re done properly.” basically been going on since then.”
Fennell is certainly hoping Tanganda can And it has a bright future.
profit from its pastures. “Although the tea industry has been in
“These are very much complementary crops, the doldrums for the past few years we
especially in terms of the time of year that actually see a bright future for it and the
they’re reaped. When you’re only harvesting tea main reason for that is the development
you’re incredibly busy from December to June in the tea drinking market in places like
and quiet for the rest of the year. With these China and the ability of people to be able
new crops we’ll get a 10-month inflow of cash to afford to be able to drink a cup of tea,”
over 12 months because of the variation of the says Fennell.
reaping times. It no longer means the labour “Not in the short-term but in the medium-
force is busy for a certain period and then term we hope to see hopefully a big growth
there’s no work for them. This is the heart of the in world tea consumption which will be far
complimentary crops.” greater than production and therefore the tea
Tanganda, which was founded in 1930 and industry as a whole will become viable as we
is based in Harare, is a subsidiary of Meikles go forward.” END
Africa Limited.
Meikles was the first company to comply To learn more about the Tanganda Tea
with Zimbabwe’s indigenisation regulations. Company visit www.tanganda.co.zw.
sole THEY’VE GOT
ocean Basket FoCUs FOOD & AGRICULTURE
W
South Africa’s most popular hen we last talked
to the folks at
seafood restaurant chain
Ocean Basket,
is ocean Basket and it has South Africa’s most
grown into an international popular seafood restaurant chain,
franchise. Marketing manager it was about to celebrate its 15th
birthday – a real landmark I think
Brendan McGhee takes South you’ll agree.
Africa Magazine through the It marked the occasion in some
secrets of its success. style, selling fish and chips at the
same price it was in 1995 when
By Ian Armitage Ocean Basket first opened its doors.
For only R10 customers could
enjoy a rather generous portion!
Unsurprisingly perhaps, 77,000
consumers made use of this
remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime offer
(I was one).
It was a roaring success.
Television and newspaper ads
were shown one day before the
promotion to drive up interest.
Twitter and other social media
sites played their part too, with
news spreading like wildfire (Steers,
please take note).
Steers jokes aside (I’m only upset
because I wanted a cheap rib burger),
when we last visited Ocean Basket it
had 133 outlets and it was opening
an average of seven new restaurants
a year.
Fast-forward just over 12 months,
it now has 150 outlets and is
expected to open more by the end of
the year.
Business has boomed.
And Ocean Basket rode the wave
(excuse the pun).
Growth was driven by demand
overseas and at home, marketing
manager Brendan McGhee says.
“We’ve expanded our footprint.
We can be found across South Africa
and have a presence in several other
African countries, in Zimbabwe,
Ocean Basket focus food & agriculture
We’ve
expanded our
footprint. We
can be found
across South
Africa and have
a presence
Zambia and Botswana for the value and entry-level price in several
instance, as well as the points of great meals, not
Middle East and Europe. cheap and nasty meals. We
other African
“We’ve opened a couple have been doing this now for countries, in
of new outlets in Cyprus and the last couple of years. It has
Dubai International airport paid fantastic dividends.” Zimbabwe,
and we’ve also opened one Although Ocean Basket Zambia and
in Mauritius and a couple of has come a long way it has
outlets in metro areas and never forgotten its initial Botswana for
small towns locally.” promise, McGhee says.
The fact Ocean Basket “When we first opened
instance, as
continues to grow is our doors only a privileged well as the
remarkable, especially in minority could enjoy seafood.
light of the economic context We made seafood affordable Middle East and
of the last couple of years. and haven’t changed our Europe
McGhee says the company pricing strategy since day
saw what was happening one. The key to our success
early and developed a is simplicity and we aren’t
strategy that has not only overly complicated.
seen it through, but has seen “Our message has been
it expand. consistent in terms of our
“We planned in terms of our offering value for money.
key value items. We have been We have invested more
communicating to the market in communications and
advertising to remain at part in the firm’s continued is always appealing. It is
the front of minds and we expansion, particularly over certainly very profitable. We’re
haven’t compromised on the last year. excited by the brand’s future.”
the quality and service. Our “This is a strategy that we Yet, no matter how big
customers have rewarded have pursued and got some it grows, or how many
us because we have seen fantastic results from it,” outlets it opens, Ocean
growth in real terms. We says Mc Ghee. “To give you Basket will not forget its
have also seen an interesting an example, we opened a promise of ‘great tastes and
phenomenon where the restaurant in Lephalale and outstanding prices’.
top end of the market have it is doing phenomenally, “That we will never do
become more value driven paying fantastic dividends to - we will always commit to
and are shopping down. They the franchisee.” that promise of great tastes
ordinarily wouldn’t come to Things are clearly going very and great prices,” says
our stores but now they are.” well for Ocean Basket at the Mc Ghee, who adds that
Ocean Basket is moment and more expansion is in every Ocean Basket, no
continually looking at further just around the corner. matter in the world it is, you
growth throughout the world. “We plan to open will find the same formula
However, it has also worked something like 22 new outlets for success - simplicity,
hard to drive down set up by year-end worldwide. It’s value for money and quality
costs to make it affordable weighted more towards seafood served piping hot
to open outlets in smaller South Africa, looking for from the pan.
South African towns of 60- more opportunities like
200,000 populations. those in Lephalale. Of course To learn more visit
That has planned its international expansion www.oceanbasket.co.za. END
woods?
O U t OF t h E
B
order Timbers is backdrop of power, liquidity and
Zimbabwe’s leading law and order chaos, as well as a
timber producer – tax authority that it’s chairman said
in 2011 it reported “assumes impunity”.
increased revenues and annual It also came under increased
turnover, buoyed by improved cost pressures.
local and regional demand for its All in all it was pretty challenging.
products growth. But Border Timber’s achievements
It core business, for those have been many - improved
that don’t already know, includes production, improved silviculture,
growing, milling, manufacturing, improved capital allocation, improved
and selling of hardwood and industrial relations, and importantly
softwood timber in Zimbabwe an improved profitability.
and exporting. That profitability would’ve been
What the company achieved in higher if a strong rand hadn’t added
2011 is remarkable, set against a roughly six percent to its cost base.
Border timbers FoCUs FOOD & AGRICULTURE
Zimbabwe’s leading timber producer, Border

timbers, has a lot to contend with as South
Africa Magazine discovers.
By Marie Toms
“The increase in revenue is a 193,000 ha of planted area, the bulk

very rewarding conclusion to the of which were arson-related.
year and I would like to commend Fire damage continues to be a
all concerned for achieving a major concern to the long-term
much improved production,” said viability of the forests.
chairman Kenneth Schofield in Power outages at the factory
the firm’s annual report. “Looking have also caused problems, as have
through to the cash generated, the prices it has to pay for diesel,
it is clear that we have some way which made diesel-generated
to go to convert production to power uneconomic.
cash in the bank – or at the very “Power supply has been part
least - cash invested back into of the competitive advantage
the assets.” enjoyed by Zimbabwe in the past
Sadly though, the future is uncertain. in building an industrial base.
Firstly, Border was hit by a major Government must define the role
fire during 2011 and the group lost of power in the development of the
Border Timbers focus FOOD & AGRICULTURE
future of the country in a taken over by villagers who

clear and focused way that have parcelled themselves
allows industry to plan its pieces of land. Our hands are
own investment. Diesel tied because the invasions
generation is not the way – are being coordinated
unless we plan on Somalia by politicians,” an estate
being a role model for manager who refused to be
development!,” Schofield’s The increase named for fear of victimisation
annual chairman’s told reporters at the time.
statement says.
in revenue According to those reports,
As if that wasn’t enough, is a very the affected estates were
at the turn of the year Zipras, Chinyai and Skyline
scores of villagers settled rewarding where the illegal settlers
in the company’s timber conclusion to cleared all the timber and
plantations. substituted the trees with
Plantations at the Charter the year maize and rapoko crops.
estate in Chimanimani were Company officials also
worst affected. accused the invaders of
“About 2,500 ha of our causing veld fires which
estate has been illegally destroyed newly planted trees.
To us the odds are not determined by the contents of your package.
It’s about getting the package there, whatever the size, through whichever means,
to whatever the destination.
F REIGHT S ERVICES
Freighting Naturally, Across the Globe.

Border timbers FoCUs FOOD & AGRICULTURE
ABOUT
Border Timbers Limited was
incorporated in 1979 through
an amalgamation of three
companies - Border Eastern
Forest Estates, Renfee Timbers
(Pvt) Limited and Forestry
Management Services. The
company has three divisions
- Forestry, Sawmilling and
Manufacturing. The forestry
division manages a total of
five estates. Tilbury, Charter
and Sawerombe are in the
Chimanimani area to the
south of Mutare town, while
Imbeza and Sheba are to the
north in the Pennalonga area.
Logs harvested by the division
are processed at the three
Having survived the chaos of the
sawmills in Charter, Tilbury
past decade that has devastated the
and Sheba. The first sawmill
Zimbabwean economy, it would be a
shame to see Border Timbers go as a
was established at Charter in
result of this. 1953 and today it is one of
But that is just a possibility. Not the largest and most modern
a reality. Border is in the middle sawmills in Southern Africa. The
of a rebuilding programme and its sawmilling division has capacity
positive results for 2011 showed an to process 300 000m3 of saw
increase in demand for transmission logs annually. Most of the timber
poles with enquiries coming from as produced from the sawmills
far afield as Uganda. is further processed into
Border is recognised as one of valued added products by the
the premium suppliers of poles in manufacturing division which is
Southern/Central Africa and as Africa’s made up of Paulington factory,
economies continue to grow, the Border Timbers International as
demand for electricity will be a strong
well as a Pole treatment plant
driver of demand for its products.
all in Mutare. The manufacturing
There was also a firm market
division exports most of its
demand with the group continuing to
output into both regional and
maintain its position as the premium
supplier of kiln dried timber to the
international markets.
local market.
Address: Ground Floor
Anglican Diocese of Manicaland Building
113 Herbert Chitepo Street, Mutare
Email: jmuchakata@freightzone-logistics.com
Website: www.freightzone-logistics.com
Tel/Fax: 020-62919
Cell: 0772 874 408
We take you ahead of the customs clearing game

Shawshanks Enterprises Private Limited is a company specialising in customs clearing services
and started trading on the 21st of December 2010 trading as FreightZone Logistics. We are a
Zimbabwean company and eager to excel and expand. This has seen our company
growing from an establishment of two staff members to the current seven employees
in only one year of operation.
Our Business Relationships
We have forged ties with many companies, including Continental
Logistics & Freight and Border Timbers.
We offer the following services:
· Customs Clearance for imports and exports
· Customs consultancy services
· Delivery of cleared consignments – Within Harare
and Harare to Mutare
· Removal in Bond or Transit (To and from
Forbes-Chirundu and Chirundu to Beitbridge)
· Commercial goods and vehicle guarantee (CVG)
· Consignment tracking
“Prices have in the export international finance to

market recovered and safeguard its operations.
the Group is geared to In 2011 it planted 1,276
take advantage of this hectares as against 562
development. South felled and the firm made
Africa and Botswana have several improvements in
remained the Group’s its sawmills, with a focus
leading export market,” on investing in
Border said. South Africa new equipment.
Zimbabwe is a country The South African
where there has been
and Botswana lumber market grew by
substantial wealth have remained nearly eight percent in
accumulation in the hands 2011, while Mozambique
of a relatively small number the Group’s in particular has seen
of people and a growing leading export huge potential investment
underclass of poor who will in forestry and Zimabawe
pressure for a part of the market has the opportunity to
“better life” that is simply re-establish itself as a
not being provided. key player in the regional
Border is hoping forestry sector. enD
for some dramatic
improvements in the near To learn more visit
future and is seeking www.bordertimbers.com.
cow!Zambeef continues to expand its reach,
taking full advantage of the growth in
Zambia’s economy.
By Ian Armitage
Z
ambeef needs little introduction. It is a real giant, involved in the production,
It is of course one of Africa’s processing, distribution and retailing of beef,
biggest agribusinesses and chicken, pork, milk, dairy products, eggs,
food producers. edible oils, stock feed, flour and bread.
It comes from humble beginnings – It also has large row cropping (maize,
starting out as a small butcher shop in soya beans and wheat) operations and
Lusaka in 1991. has increased its presence in West African
Today it produces just about anything. countries like Nigeria and Ghana, in
Place “Zam” in front of a food product and conjunction with Shoprite, as well as invested
there is a pretty good chance Zambeef in an ambitious palm project within Zambia.
Products is making it. “Those are certainly the big
Unsurprisingly its tagline is ‘Feeding developments,” Kopulande says.
the Nation’. Zambeef has taken full advantage of the
“We are one of the largest growth in Zambia’s economy, which has
agribusinesses in Zambia,” Justo averaged 6 percent a year over the past decade.
Kopulande, Zambeef Product’s head of It recently announced a 32 percent rise
public relations says. in revenues to $127.6 million in the six
Zambeef FoCUs FOOD & AGRICULTURE
months to March, with the strongest
divisional growth being cropping
(up 211 percent), chicken and eggs
(up 82 percent), stock feed (up 63
percent), and the West African
operations (up 56 percent).
“We achieved excellent financial
results for 2012 interim and we
attribute it to strict financial discipline,
investment oriented financial strategy,
a defined strategic plan and a reliable
retail chain of our varied food products.
“And we have a lot to look forward
to. We have continued with the
expansion of our production capacity
with several projects underway
including the expansion and upgrade
of Zamanita’s crushing capacity, the
upgrade and expansion of processing
facilities at Master Pork Limited and
the expansion and upgrade of the
dairy processing plant. We’ve also
announced an intention to increase in
the dairy herd through the purchase
of about 180 in-calf heifers.”
Zambeef has a very successful
distribution model too – something it
aims to improve further.
“We have one of the leading
distribution and retail footprints in
Zambia,” Kopulande says.
Zambeef operates over 100 stores
under the Zambeef banner and many
in-house butcheries in Shoprite
supermarket outlets in Zambia, while
it has a number of its own fast food
outlets under the brand Zamchick Inn.
It also operates several in-house
butcheries in Shoprite outlets and
stores under the Zambeef banner in
Nigeria and Ghana.
Zambeef has proven its ability to
penetrate more international markets.
“We are becoming a more global
business, yes. Many expansion projects
are underway and under development.”
Zambeef focus food & agriculture
One of those is the expansion of its soya

production.
Zambeef has this year produced about 40,000
tonnes of soya beans. It wants to produce more.
“We do. We recently acquired 9,000 hectares
of land on the Copperbelt. That was funded
through a very successful floatation of shares
both in Zambia on the Lusaka Stock Exchange
and in London through the Alternative Investment
Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. We
were the first Zambian company to list on AIM and
We recently in that process we raised $55 million in total in
acquired 9,000 conjunction with a domestic rights issue.
“Why make the purchase? Simple - to create
hectares of capacity for raw materials specifically soya to
land on the feed our Zamanita crushing plant soya needs and
increase production of stock feed. On the land we
Copperbelt. will expand our irrigation capacity for production of
soya, wheat, and maize - in that cycle. Remember,
That was funded these are raw materials for production of edible
through a very oils (soya), flour (wheat) and the residue from these
successful
floatation of
shares both in
Zambia on the
Lusaka Stock
Insulated Structures are proud suppliers of top
Exchange and in quality coldrooms and freezers to Zambeef, and
congratulate them on their success.
London through
the Alternative
Investment
Market (AIM) of
the London Stock
Exchange
For more information contact Tony Goncalves

Phone: 0027 73 2163573
Email: tonyg@insulated.co.za
Web: www.insulatedstructures.co.za
Zambeef FoCUs FOOD & AGRICULTURE
grains is what is used in the

production of stock feed.”
It will have positive
ramifications for locals.
“It will create
employment, market for
their Soya, crop residues for
live stock feed for locals and
The project will promote food,
agro technology transfer. security, jobs, export opportunities,
“Zambia imports huge
volumes of Palm crude oil self sufficiency in cooking oil
from the Far East and so this
investment makes a lot of
sense. Our homegrown palm
crude will go a long way in
import substitution. We will
also create real jobs plus the
resulting multiplier effect. economic hurdles in other “We are a good
“The project will promote subsectors of the agro- testimony of how
food security, jobs, export economy, Kopulande says. agri-business can make a
opportunities, self sufficiency You really have to take big difference in a country
in cooking oil and feed our your hat off to Zambeef. like Zambia which has
Zamanita refinery in Lusaka.” It started small but has good climate, land and
The added advantage is diversified in a number of livestock,” Kopulande
it creates a buffer in case of agricultural sectors. concludes. enD

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