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GSFA: Group Sex For Amoebas
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Derek Watts for Breakfast |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
Port Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce and the Community Chest hosted a
breakfast this morning at which well known TV Investigative journalist,
Derek Watts from Carte Blanche, was the guest speaker.
Community Chest was
established 57 years ago and supports approximately
82 organisations, touching the lives of 280 000 people within the metro
through various initiatives including skills development, job creation
programmes and feeding schemes. Beulah Lumkwana, chief executive
officer, encouraged business to show their support in keeping these
projects running, and to increase their reach.
Derek Watts was invited to talk to the local Port
Elizabeth business community about his work at Carte Blanche
and to share a few inspirational stories that have made an impact on
his life. As a journalist and presenter for one of the country's
biggest investigative journalism shows, Watts has a passion for what he
does and refers to it as an 'addiction'. "Each day is different, and it
drives me quite intensely," he said. He rates meeting various inspiring
people as one of the privileges he's enjoyed through his 22 year career
with the show.
Watts explained that the production of a 10 minute story on Carte
Blanche, can take a few hundred man hours in planning and production.
"No other programme has a higher budget per minute," he added. "Seeing
a response to a story is amazing. The proof to our viewership's
response, is our 20th birthday campaign where we aimed to raise
R20-million towards helping organisations that need assistance. At the
moment, the amount is approximately R67-million." This initiative
towards helping the community is mirrored by the work done by Community
Chest in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The man is tall and certainly a match for "Debbie Pattie" when it comes
to presence. His chequered career from the military to sales to
journalism has no doubt helped him along the way.
I am sure that privately Derek Watts has a wicked sense of humour which
would invariably chop our favourite 'icons' down a notch or twenty - he
started out by saying that he was going to speak "about my favourite
subject, ME!" Although the mark of a good wit is to be self
depreciating which is what Derek was when he observed that some people
refer to Carte Blanche as the "Emmigration Channel!"
I sincerely hope that the assembled dodgy businessmen and their even
more so dodgy government counterparts were NOT listening when Derek
recounted the story of trying to doorstop the owner of 4x4
manufacturer, Rogue Motors - the reaction by the owner of Rogue Motors
was classic. When Derek shoved the microphone in his face and told him
that he was there to discuss the myriad of consumer complaints the
Rogue Motors owner responded by saying; "Derek, how the hell are you my
mate, come inside and we will have some coffee and cake!" BANG - there
went Derek's all important initial guilty reaction that we all expect
his victims to make.
A Port Elizabeth local who was singled out as making a major impression
on Derek was rape survivor, Alison who wrote a book about her
experiences, I Have Life: Alison's Journey.
Derek revealed that they have a high powered legal team to act as their
"censors" and that they are still fighting two legal battles that are
now topping out at a combined R40 Million rand claim against Carte
Blanche. (They better not do any PE Slumlord stories as that is
certain to add to the 'pending' legal action column!).
My Brutally honest
observations:
- The Community Chest DVD presentation
was too long and too depressing - Beulah if you want business to dig
into their pockets please make your presentation full of triumph and
success stories, it is just too difficult to sell disabled people to
the CEO.
- Magnetic Storm had one of their
extremely rare technical glitches - bugger that it had to happen in
front of Derek. Actually he seemed a bit technically challenged as
well, or it could just have been 'extreme tiredness' from being feted
at a loooong dinner the night before!
- By the Way, PERCCI I missed out on a breakfast
Hash Brown - naughty Boardwalk!
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, March 04 @ 17:51:59 SAST
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PERCCI Events in February 2010 |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Comerce holds many events each month
- some are free to attend, some carry an entrance fee. All are an
opportunity for business people to network and expand their skill sets.
- 2 March - Find out how YOU can make a difference in the
fight against climate change. Join PERCCI as they launch the South East
African Climate Consortium (SEACC). The aim of this consortium is to
provide all role-players and stakeholders with the necessary knowledge
in the fight against climate change; a platform to share best practice
and to offer advice to those wanting to improve their business
practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with others who have a
shared vision to conserve the environment. "Sustainability
through knowledge: A consortium to achieve this in the Eastern Cape" Dr
Tony Ribbink
- 3 March - PERCCI and IDC invite you to attend a Business
Breakfast with Guest Speaker Mr. Ufikile Khumalo - Divisional Executive
Resources Sectors on the topic of IDC Funding in Extra Ordinary Times.
- 9 March - Networking Evening at Cherry Place Cafe and
Conference Centre - a chance for fellow chamber members to meet and
unwind.
- 19 March - The PERCCI Health & Wellness Task Team,
1st Quarterly General Meeting. The PERCCI Health & Wellness
Task Team invites you to our 1st Quarterly General Meeting for 2010
which will focus on showcasing best practice in workplace wellness.
Join us in gaining insight into innovative workplace wellness
programmes from the large business winners in the 2009 Health &
Wellness Awards.
- Speakers from: NMBM, Goodyear, General Motors &
Spec Savers. Join us for this informative networking opportunity.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information or to reserve your place contact PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Monday, March 01 @ 16:59:01 SAST
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NERSA Tariff Increase Comes at Inappropriate Time |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
electricity tariff increase approved today by NERSA comes at a time
when business and consumers alike are struggling to recover from the
recent recession and subsequent economic constraints. It is likely to
be a factor in job losses (the SA Chamber of Commerce &
Industry - SACCI - estimates that 250 000 jobs will be lost as a
consequence), as well as inflation, and puts a damper on disposable
income.
Nevertheless, we are pleased to see that due process has been followed
and that NERSA has taken account of the concerns of business and other
stakeholders in approving a lower increase than what Eskom had
requested. The increase is around the level that business had been
anticipating.
The Chamber firmly believes that more needs to be done in managing
demand for electricity, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting
renewable energy generation.
In addition, PERCCI is supportive of exploring and investing in other
avenues of electricity generation such as solar and wind farms. "We
believe that this is the way forward – managing demand for electricity
while also increasing the generation of electricity through sustainable
and renewable sources," said Kevin Hustler, PERCCI chief executive
officer.
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, February 25 @ 15:06:46 SAST
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PERCCI Rejects Proposed Tariff Hikes by Eskom |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry
(PERCCI), representing the
interests of business in the Nelson Mandela
Bay metropolitan area, in a presentation to NERSA has rejected Eskom's
proposed 35% electricity tariff increase on the basis that the proposed
increase will have a significant adverse economic impact and pose a
considerable challenge to the continued survival of the manufacturing
industry and commercial sector in this region.
The increase will constitute a serious setback to the competitiveness
of our products locally and on the global market.
It has been argued that the proposed increase is required to fund
capital expenditure to bring generation capacity in line with expected
demand. However, the build programme appears to have lost momentum in
line with reduced demand due to the economic downturn. In light of the
reduced spending requirement, the need for additional funds is
questionable. In addition, efforts to reduce demand through promoting
energy efficiency must be stepped up.
The proposed Power Conservancy Programme "PCP" legislation has not been
finalised and will have a devastating impact on high energy users and
limit growth. Coupled with this proposed 35% increase, the effect will
greatly reduce viability of certain industries.
Although PERCCI recognise
the need to increase generation capacity and to find capital for the
build programme they still have the following concerns:
- The NERSA application is to fund increased capacity. This
is to improve the low reserve margin. Eskom are delaying a portion of
the build program. Why can we not re-phase the increase accordingly?
- Consumption decreasing: Sales decreased in the last
financial year by 4.2% according to Eskom's 2009 financial report. With
negative growth in the economy why can Eskom not reconsider
timing on capital spend?
- With new technology we improve efficiencies. There is no
commitment to ensure efficiency improvements will offset increases of
this nature going into the future. What is Eskom doing to reduce its
capital, operating and primary energy costs? This is without affecting
reliability due to reduced maintenance as proposed in your application?
- Coal cost in S.A is one of Eskom's concerns. Coal supply
was one of the primary reasons for the rolling black-outs in 08/09.
What is Eskom doing to improve its efficiencies in meeting coal
requirements efficiently and effectively?
- We started 2008 with little or no coal
stockpiled. In 2009 we essentially brought this up to 41 days. The coal
purchased for this financial year will be for 12 months and not include
the expense of 13,5 months as did 2009. Why are our coal costs
increasing for 2010?
- Coal production in terms of long-term coal supply
agreements is down, resulting in more expensive short/medium-term coal
agreements having to be utilised. Why are we allowing these
inefficiencies from the coal miners on long-term contracts
and what is Eskom doing to manage its coal pricing and transportation?
- With the 35% increase Eskom will still have deficits of
R14,1-billion for 2011/12 and R7,9-billion in 2012/13. Then
2013/14 shows a R18.089-billion surplus and 2014/15 a R43.302-bllion
surplus. Why can we not spread this increase over 5 years if required?
PERCCI predict that the increases
will have a negative knock-on effect
on the Eastern Cape economy leading to more staff retrenchments and
making goods and services less competitive on local and global markets.
Along with the Nelson Mandela Metro having already increased the water
tariff by 20% due to the drought, the added utility costs will
negatively impact business in the region.
The introduction and legislating of the "PCP" only targets legitimate
business and they are the ones we should be protecting to ensure job
security.
All of these factors will impair after-tax profits will and have a
negative impact on the poor.
PERCCI's estimated cost
implications over three years are frightening:
- A medium-sized business consumer with an average
bill of R1.2 million p.a., would see a 1st Year increase of R420 000, a
2nd Year increase of R987 000 and a 3rd Year increase of
R1.75-million resulting in a 2012 electricity bill of R2.95-million
- A medium household with an average bill of R9,600.00 p.a.,
would see a 1st Year increase of R3 360, a 2nd Year increase of R7 896
and a 3rd Year increase of R14 019 resulting in a 2012 electricity bill
of R23 619.00
PERCCI further state that; "The
proposed increase will have a
significant adverse economic impact and pose a considerable challenge
to the continued survival of the manufacturing industry in this
region. The increase will constitute a serious setback to the
competitiveness of our products locally and on the global market. This
becomes increasingly difficult for manufacturers as the overhead cost
is not absorbed with the lower volume."
Should the proposed electricity tarif increases be granted then in 2012
South African Consumers will pay $134.63 per Killowat Hour as opposed
to $40.76.
In rejecting the proposed
increase, PERCCI recommend:
- That attention is paid to the efficiency of Eskom's
structures and reduction of structural costs across all sectors of the
organisation.
- As Eskom is a state-owned enterprise, Government should
subsidise Eskom's build programme because of the reluctance
to introduce private enterprise into the energy industry; IDC
and DBSA can be approached with a debt service plan.
- That the price of exported electricity be increased above
that of the local increase in order to first protect the viability of
industry within our own borders.
- That incentives be considered to reduce and remove
non-productive, wasteful and inefficient energy consumption from the
grid. DSM is one tool but is not efficient and effective to allow
participation of all sectors. Measures be put in place to approve
funding at a regional level to eliminate some of the bureaucracy.
- That the import of inefficient energy appliances, fixtures
and lighting be prohibited, in order to contribute to demand reduction
and limit the need for capital expenditure on new generating
facilities;
- That Government legislates energy efficient practices in
the building industry to reduce the burden when new infrastructure is
connected to the grid.
- As in the MYPD application we support the call for
Government to ensure the roads are maintained.
- Theft of electricity and conductor theft contributing to
revenue loss and maintenance costs. Engage Government and
request improved legislation on metal merchants who are
creating the market for conductor theft and safety and security
services for illegal connections.
- High energy users have the benefit of cheaper electricity
because they can be interruptible. This needs to be enforced to
eliminate peaks.
- Explore the use of Ripple Control thoughout South Africa to
interrupt non-essential loads.
- Time of Use Tariff – Applicable to Commercial and Domestic
consumers.
- Educate domestic consumers that they are responsible for
33% of the load and play a part in peak demand.
How will the proposed Eskom increase affect you?
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| Posted by mype on Tuesday, January 19 @ 13:59:23 SAST
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
rate of decline in the trend cycle of the Nelson Mandela Metropole
Business Confidence Indicator for the year-to-date October 2009
(PEBCI), has been slowing steadily over the past months. It now appears
that the trend cycle of the PEBCI has bottomed out after nearly two and
a half years of steady decline. While coming months will reveal whether
or not this development is sustainable the fact that the underlying
trend cycle in the PEBCI is currently no longer declining is a welcome
turn of events.
The bottoming out of the PEBCI trend cycle appears to have coincided
with the country slowly moving out of recession during the third
quarter of 2009 with real seasonally adjusted and annualised GDP growth
expanding by 0.9 percent during the quarter. Despite this
performance, however, the economy remains weak with manufacturing,
while reflecting some recent improvement, still down 11.4 percent on
2008 and retail sales down 5.1 percent. While recovery in coming months
will increasingly be supported by declining levels of inflation and the
impact of interest rate reductions in 2009 steadily filtering through
to the economy, the pace of recovery is likely to be slow and extended.
The recession has been deep with revised first quarter data reflecting
GDP declining by 7.4 percent, the largest quarterly decline in GDP
since 1982 and one of the largest on record. The effects have been
significant for households with employment in the non-agricultural
formal sector falling by 464 thousand, or 4.9 percent, between the
fourth quarter of 2008 and the third quarter of 2009 further
contributing to a sharp decline in household income during the course
of the year. Furthermore households remain heavily indebted and
consumer and business confidence remains low supporting the view that
economic recovery is likely to be slow and muted.
With regard to the details of the PEBCI, nine components improved, four
reflected decline and two remained virtually unchanged.
The indicators that supported the PEBCI through October included a
strengthening in the trend cycles of both the Rand US Dollar exchange
rate and the price of gold; an ongoing decline in the trend cycle of
the local rate of inflation for the Metro; a decline in the trend cycle
of the prime rate of interest; and growth in the trend cycle of the JSE
all share index with continuing improved monthly performance since
February this year. Four welcome new additions to the trend cycles
supporting the PEBCI in October were those of new car sales in the
metro which appears to have bottomed out, the trend cycle in the real
value of exports, despite the strength of the rand, the trend cycle in
the real value of building plans passed in the Metro, and the trend
cycle in the real seasonally adjusted value of manufacturing sales in
the country which also appears to have bottomed out.
The indicators that contributed to the decline in the PEBCI included
the total national new vehicle market in the country, which continued
declining, the trend cycle in the real value of buildings completed in
the Metro and the trend cycle in real retail sales in the Eastern Cape.
Also, consumer confidence in the Eastern Cape, after a strong showing
in the second quarter, fell back sharply during the third quarter of
the year pulling the underlying trend cycle of consumer confidence in
the region into decline.
The indicators that moved sideways through October included the trend
cycle in the real value of imports and the trend cycle in the number of
passengers arriving at the PE airport.
Dr
Neal Bruton of RGT Smart Ltd., has compiled the
PEBCI on behalf of PERCCI
The Nelson Mandela Metropole Business Confidence Indicator, PEBCI, has
been specifically developed to offer a service to investors, potential
investors and businesses wishing to understand developments in economic
circumstances in the region or to analyze the environment impacting
upon existing undertakings or upon the establishment of new
undertakings.
The PEBCI was modelled upon the original SACCI BCI, (which was
substantially restructured during February 2001), and as such is not a
'confidence indicator' in the sense of asking business people how
confident they feel about current or future circumstances, it is rather
a composite of economic indicators that are accepted as reflecting the
environment that businesses are actually experiencing and thus have the
greatest bearing on the business mood. As SACCI says;
"The BCI is a market-related index that reflects not what business
decision-makers are saying, but what they are doing and experiencing.
It is likely that in any one month, the business mood will be
influenced both positively and negatively by developments in various
sectors of the economy, and the BCI seeks to reflect the net result of
these influences."
The PEBCI is a composite index tracking the performance of fifteen key
economic indicators chosen from those available that are believed to
best reflect the business mood in the PE / Uitenhage area.
The following indicators
have been chosen for inclusion in the PEBCI:
- The rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price
Index for the PE / Uitenhage region;
- The prime rate at month end;
- The Rand/ US$ exchange rate;
- Retail sales in the Eastern Cape;
- The average monthly gold price in dollar terms;
- Merchandise imports in real terms;
- Merchandise exports in real terms;
- The total number of new passenger cars sold in the PE /
Uitenhage region;
- The value of building plans passed in the PE / Uitenhage
region in constant prices;
- The value of buildings completed in the PE / Uitenhage
region in constant price terms;
- The performance of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, as
indicated by the JSE All Share index.
- The RMB BER Consumer Confidence Index for the PE /
Uitenhage region from the Bureau for Economic Research of Stellenbosch
University.
- The total new vehicle market in South Africa
- Number of passengers arriving at the PE airport
- Real value of seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales in
South Africa
These indicators are all in constant price terms where applicable and
are seasonally adjusted and trended using the X12 seasonal adjustment
programme. The trend cycles are aligned, synchronized and weighted to
reflect the relative impact of each of the indicators on business
activity in the region.
As is evident from the list of time series included in the composite
indicator, the PEBCI consists of both key regional statistics as well
as national statistics that have a countrywide bearing on the business
mood and as such have to be incorporated in a composite cycle that
seeks to reflect the local business mood within a national context.
Source:
PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, December 10 @ 09:45:00 SAST
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Coega BPO Park to be Operational in March 2010 |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
construction of the 1 500 seat call centre in the Coega Industrial
Development Zone (IDZ) outside Port Elizabeth is well underway and will
be completed in March 2010. The facility should become operational
shortly thereafter.
The Coega
Development Corporation (CDC) is currently looking for
tenants to occupy the building.
The 18 900 m2 facility, which is being built in Zone 4 in the Coega
IDZ, has an estimated cost of R173-million. Beside the main call centre
floor area, office space, a kitchen, cafeteria and restrooms will also
be incorporated.
The main contractor is WBHO
and the principle agent is Uhambiso
Consulting Engineers. The architects are Studio de Arc. Mawethu
Civils
is responsible for the platform, the airconditioning will be done by
Siyalungisa
Air Conditioning and Ivor
Smith Electrical will be handling
all the electrical work.
Through the construction of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
Park, the CDC has created 600 jobs. These were mostly in the fields of
bricklaying, steel erection, metal roof cladding, electrical
engineering and plumbing.
Project Manager, Bruno Ponzo, said the shell structure of the building
is finished, the roof is 95 per cent closed, the tarmac in the parking
lot is nearing completion and a fence has been erected around the whole
site.
All of the roads leading up to the building have been completed. Trees
will be planted in December so that they have a chance to grow.
Ponzo says one major factor that needed to be taken into consideration
was the ICT infrastructure requirement to enable the BPO Park to be
world-class with the very latest ICT technology. "All of the IT work to
be done by investors will be conducted from a central hub that will be
located within the facility. This will not only support the investors
in the building but also others located in other sites in the IDZ. The
construction is on schedule. The building has high quality finishes,"
says Ponzo.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is currently laying cables so
that the BPO Park will have a permanent power supply by the end of the
year.
The building, which is environmentally friendly and energy efficient,
has a state of the art back up power system. The canteen will be geared
to serve up to 2 000 meals per day.
The CDC has been the key driver in creating a viable call centre sector
in the Nelson Mandela Bay area and the Coega BPO Park is expected to
boost the global competitiveness of the Coega IDZ.
The CDC already has a working model of a call centre in the form of the
Absa
Contact Centre, in which 102 people, 95 of whom the CDC has
trained, are permanently employed.
The CDC's Human Capital Solutions (HCS) business unit is responsible
for all skills analysis, training and placement, among others, in the
zone. To date, it has trained 285 call centre operators.
Some of the call centre operators have been placed with the Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality, PPN, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and other
private employers. During the training period, in addition to the
companies mentioned above, the host employers also included the
Department of Social Development, SAPS 10111 call centre and Love Life.
Currently there are 75 candidates undergoing training. Fifteen are in
host employment at the NMBM and 5 are with Edu-College. Further
training in anticipation of the full BPO uptake is planned in early
2010.
"We are looking forward to training more people for the anticipated
demand of the BPO Park. The BPO sector provides a lot of career
prospects for our youth and therefore Coega HCS will undertake
initiatives to empower the youth to benefit in the BPO sector and from
the employment opportunities that will be created in the Coega IDZ,"
says Zola Bikitsha, Training Project Manager at Coega HCS.
Funding for training is sourced externally. All training programmes are
government aided either through Further Education and Training
Institutes (FET's), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA's)
and/or the Department of Labour (DoL), through the National Skills
Fund.
The training is demand-based, and to fill the BPO Park, the number to
be trained will be based on the business demands and operational needs
and plans.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Tuesday, December 08 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Rehau Invests in the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park |
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www.MyPE.co.za: Rehau
Polymer has created 100 full-time jobs at its newly operational factory
in the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park, and plans on increasing this
figure to 130 in the near future.
The investment into the plant cost R220 million, with the size of the
facility under roof making up some 13 500m2. Construction by WBHO began
in July 2008 and was concluded in May this year, while production began
shortly afterwards on 29 June 2009.
Ever since its beginnings in 1948, Rehau
has grown from a three-man
production site into a globally active group. Its growth and success
continue today with a driving force of approximately 15 000 employees
worldwide.
More than 170 locations on five continents also help the company
maintain proximity to international markets and customers. Rehau
intends to continue on its course in the future by maintaining
stability and by concentrating on mid- and long-term goals rather than
short-term profits.
With the construction of the new plant location, Rehau hopes to further
expand its successful presence in South Africa. At the same time, the
company is setting benchmarks as a supplier and development partner in
the automotive industry with its manufacturing processes belonging to
the most modern worldwide.
In close co-operation with its client, Volkswagen
of South Africa, all
of the front and rear bumpers for the right-hand drive models of the
internationally sought-after VW Polo will be manufactured and painted
in future according to the most recent economic and ecological
considerations.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Monday, December 07 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Ford Engine Plant Brings Christmas Cheer to Port Elizabeth's Underpriledged Chil |
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www.MyPE.co.za: The
Ford Engine Plant in Struandale has officially swung into the festive
spirit by hosting a Christmas party for 26 underprivileged children,
continuing its strong commitment to supporting the surrounding
communities in Port Elizabeth.
Twenty children attended the colourful event from the nearby
Laphumilanga Home Based Care Centre in nearby Zwide. This facility,
which is run by Nikiwe Nyamakazi and her dedicated team of volunteers,
cares for orphaned children infected with, or affect by HIV and AIDS.
The Struandale Engine Plant has a strong association with Laphumilanga,
which benefits from ongoing support from the Ford employees. It is also
one of the plant's dedicated beneficiaries in Ford's
annual Global Week
of Caring community investment programme.
Also in attendance were the six children from the Mafiyo family, from
the Veeplaas township north of PE. Ford's Wellness Team regularly
supports this family, which comprises a 19-year-old daughter, twin
14-year-old boys as well as 5-year-old triplets (two boys and a girl) –
and the father is the sole breadwinner.
Yet life's obvious challenges seemed of little consequence to the 26
lively and spirited children, as they were treated to a healthy lunch
and refreshments, as well as a tasty muffin and take-away party pack
with special treats.
And what would any children's Christmas party be without the bearded
man in red? Yes, Father Christmas duly made his grand entrance too, and
each child received presents to brighten their day, and add some cheer
to the end-of-year festivities.
In return, the typically enthusiastic and talented children from
Laphumilanga put on a special Christmas concert for the assembled Ford
employees, providing their entertaining rendition of the traditional
Christmas tale and carols.
As the reigning Tiny Master Port Elizabeth 2009, young Buhle Goba - the
son of one of Ford's employees - participated in the proceedings, and
also donated a special gift to one of the Laphumilanga children.
"It's heart-warming to see the delight on the children's faces when
they see Father Christmas and the gifts," stated Ivy Appolis,
the Ford
Engine Plant Wellness Consultant.
"It is so easy for us to take Christmas for granted, and even just
receiving a small present, or a couple of sweets, brings such joy to
these kids. It truly is a privilege to be able to brighten their lives,
even by doing something as simple as this."
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Sunday, December 06 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Faurecia Inaugurates new Interior Systems Plant in Uitenhage |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Faurecia recently held the official plant opening at its new
manufacturing site located within the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park
in Uitenhage.
The new plant was inaugurated by Mcebisi Jonas, the Eastern Cape MEC in
the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, who
unveiled a plaque commemorating the event in the presence of Faurecia's
Vice President - ISPG North Europe Region, Mr Brendan Drummond. The
ceremony was attended by several Government officials, local
politicians and senior management of Volkswagen of South Africa (VW of
SA).
For the Greenfield development of the Uitenhage plant, Faurecia
invested in excess of R87 million (EUR 8 million) into new,
cutting-edge technology for the manufacturing of instrument panels
(dashboards), door panels and various other plastic components for
Volkswagen's
new range of Polo vehicles.
For the supply of the right-hand drive instrument panels, a unique
slush-skin making plant has been commissioned, using the only such
machine amongst South African component manufacturers. For downstream
operations, robotic surface treatment (flaming) and polyurethane
foam-dispensing/moulding equipment, as well as ultra-sonic/vibration
welding machines form part of the investment.
Furthermore, the plant also houses a plastic paint line to cope with
new styling requirements. To guarantee sustainable operation and
maintenance of the unique processing equipment, significant up-skilling
of plant personnel was needed. A R2 million (EUR 200,000) training
programme comprising hands-on training workshops in South Africa,
Mexico, Europe, Japan, China, Korea and USA now empowers employees at
all skill levels.
This is a significant milestone in Faurecia's South African development
as this Polo production program changes the entire business model from
previously importing finished instrument panels or at best importing
boxes of sub-components for local assembly only. Together with VW of
SA, Faurecia has now achieved the local manufacturing as well as
assembly of those complex component systems.
During this process, Faurecia
has created 140 new jobs for localised
work content, which otherwise would have remained largely in Eastern
Europe or elsewhere in the world. During the construction phase of the
R64 million (EUR 5.8 million) plant building, 300 workers were employed
by NMC Construction Company, the Coega
Development Corporation's
sub-contractors.
In Automotive News' latest ranking of global automotive equipment
suppliers, Faurecia ranks #8 worldwide and #3 in Europe. The Group
supplies all major vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide and in their
regional operations.
In South Africa, Faurecia operates from six sites (Uitenhage,
Port
Elizabeth, East London, and Pretoria) encompassing two
product groups,
i.e., Interior Systems Product Group (ISPG) and Exhaust Systems (ESPG),
employing about 700 people in total.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Saturday, December 05 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Grupo Antolino Investment in Uitenhage |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Grupo Antolin South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo
Antolin. Holding company Irausa SA recently completed their investment
into a new facility at the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park in
Uitenhage. This expansion increases their footprint in South Africa,
from their current facilities in Port Elizabeth, Rosslyn and Durban.
Construction, managed by the Coega
Development Corporation and
constructed by NMC, commenced in July 2008 and the installation of
equipment started at the end of April this year.
The new facility was initially set up to support the production of the
new Volkswagen Polo, manufacturing door trim panels and other plastic
components, as well as the assembly of these components together with
their more traditional business of headliners in SA. The new equipment
includes state-of-the-art plastic injection facilities, as found in
newly constructed plants in Europe which allows the company to produce
these components competitively from an equal base.
The investment into the facility, equipment and infrastructure has been
in the region of R100 million. The facility, comprising of 5 500m2
building space, has increased employment from 18 staff members to 124
With the confidence shown in the future of the automotive industry in
South Africa and in particular, the Eastern Cape region, by Volkswagen
of South Africa through their investment, it made sense for
multi-national suppliers to follow suit and in light of this, the Grupo
Antolin Board of Directors showed their commitment towards the South
African economy with its decision to expand its operations in the
region.
The products and processes augur well with the product range available
from Grupo Antolin globally. The Spanish multi-national operates in 22
countries with 84 plants and 21 technical-commercial centers. Grupo
Antolin is a leading multi-national in overhead systems and Door
Modules globally and employs more than 10 000 employees. The company is
managed via its Head Quarters in Burgos, Spain and has been controlled
by the Antolin family since inception.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Friday, December 04 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Flextech Growing from Strength to Strength |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Flextech's initial R1 million investment into the Nelson Mandela Bay
Logistics Park was for a distribution facility to supply rear view
mirrors to its Uitenhage
neighbour, Volkswagen of South Africa. It will
invest a further R2 million when the full manufacturing process and the
assembly of the mirrors is relocated from Pretoria to Uitenhage. This
relocation will occur within the next 12 to 18 months.
During the initial set-up phase the company will occupy a 1 000m2
facility which it currently leases from the Coega Development
Corporation, and will double in size. Currently recruiting 12 staff
members, this number is also expected to grow to 40 within the next 12
to 18 months.
"Flextech's commitment is to improve the lives of people in the region
where it sources opportunities through sustainable job creation, the
transfer of skills, transfer of wealth and true empowerment," says the
company's CEO, Hassiem Salie.
Flextech is a manufacturer of control cables, plastic injection
moulding and rear view mirror assemblies, as original equipment for the
local South African automotive industry and to global markets.
"Flextech has committed itself to fulfilling NAAMSA's expectations for
a globally integrated supplier of ‘Control System Assemblies' and rear
view mirror systems in order to satisfy its need to localize the major
part of its usage for assemblies here in South Africa," says Salie.
Flextech's customer-base includes, as a 1st Tier Original Equipment
Supplier - Ford
Motor Company, Nissan, Toyota, Daimler Chrysler,
General
Motors and Volkswagen,
and several other module assemblers as a
2nd Tier Supplier.
The company currently employs 128 weekly paid employees and 28 salaried
staff and is fully BEE compliant.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, December 03 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Benteler Automotive Brings Investment and Jobs to Uitenhage |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Benteler Automotive recently announced a R178 million investment, which
will bring with it 250 jobs, into the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park
in Uitenhage. The company is the ninth investor into the Park, and will
directly supply to next door neighbour, Volkswagen of South Africa.
Benteler Automotive will produce dashboard carrier panels and body
parts, front and rear bumpers and chassis parts to VW of SA.
"Benteler's supplier status forms part of Volkswagen of South Africa's
business strategy to increase the local content of vehicles
manufactured for both the domestic and export markets. The company's
all-out initiative is to achieve 70% local content in its South African
produced vehicles," said VW of SA Managing Director, David Powels.
"In addition to the local content benefits the company's investment
brings to VW
of SA, it is also beneficial to the region due to the skills
transfer that will take place from a multinational such as Benteler. We
welcome and congratulate Benteler on their investment in the region,"
continued Powels.
Construction of the company's 19 125m2 facility started on 1 October,
and the scheduled date of completion is June next year. The company
will start to install its equipment in March, and it expects to start
production by mid-June. The total size of the company's property is 50
000m2.
The facility is being built by NMC, while Strata Civils is responsible
for the civil works. A total of 450 people will be employed during the
construction phase of the project.
Benteler Automotive Managing Director South Africa, Luis Madaleno, said
the company chose to locate to the Logistics Park in Uitenhage to be
close to Volkswagen of South Africa. The newly opened Port of Ngqura
will also provide the ideal base from which to export. "Locating to
this area not only benefits the company, as we can tap into the skilled
workforce in the area, but we'll also contribute to the development of
Nelson Mandela Bay and the province," said Madaleno. The company will
create a total of 250 jobs in the area.
Pepi Silinga, CEO of the Coega Development Corporation, said the
investment will be a massive boost for Nelson Mandela Bay and for the
Eastern Cape region.
"The number of jobs it will create will have a very positive impact on
the lives of the people living in the region. The investment also shows
that the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park is still the preferred
investment destination for OEM companies," said Silinga.
The German Benteler Group is internationally active with its business
divisions Automotive, Steel/Tube and Distribution. Since its founding
in 1876, four generations of the family have contributed to shaping the
Group, which is still in family ownership today.
For more than 70 years, Benteler Automotive has been working for, with
and in the auto industry – developing and producing components, modules
and systems for ride and handling, safety and emissions.
Twenty-five companies have invested in the Coega Industrial Development
Zone and Logistics Park to date, with a total investment value of R40
billion.
Today, Benteler employs nearly 25 000 people at 150 locations in 35
countries.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Wednesday, December 02 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Accountants' enterprise development initiative poised for greater financial sust |
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www.MyPE.co.za: In an
international partnership of significant import, a team of MBA students
from the Duke University in the United Stated recently visited The Hope
Factory, a Port Elizabeth-based enterprise development initiative
powered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
The aim of the visit was to help the local operation to achieve greater
financial stability.
After gaining valuable information on enterprise development in South
Africa, Matt Nash, Duke's Centre for the Advancement of Social
Entrepreneurship (CASE) managing director, who led the programme, will
be returning in March 2010.
"This was an outstanding chance for our students to learn about
enterprise development in South Africa," says Nash. We were fortunate
to have The Hope Factory as a partner in our Global Consulting
Practicum. We look forward to returning to South Africa with students
in March of 2010 to work with other social entrepreneurs and NGOs. We
anticipate that this was just the beginning of our work in Southern
Africa."
Elizabeth Zambonini, project director for enterprise development at
SAICA, says The Hope Factory and the team from Duke University's Fuqua
School of Business had been working together since late last year
following an approach by CASE, which was researching a list of
enterprise development initiatives for inclusion in the Duke MBA Global
Consulting Practicum.
A four-phased approach was implemented to reach the programme's
objectives: Planning; Analysis; A field visit and Final
development/recommendations.
The project's objectives were to:
- Analyse current donor information, fundraising campaigns
and incentive structures to identify opportunities for increased
funding and/or expansion of the donor base;
- Assess the current distribution channels and market
penetration, identifying opportunities for new channels and markets;
- Identify and evaluate product and training offerings to
best meet consumer needs; and
- Recommend improvements and/or changes to current
fundraising campaigns, donor incentives, product offering and
distribution channels.
The six-person Duke MBA team spent two days in Port Elizabeth and eight
days in Johannesburg and successfully accomplished all their objectives.
"While they were here, the group spent most of their time with the
trainees, gaining hands-on experience. By doing this and interacting
with our staff, they determined the achievability of stated
objectives," says Maurita Odendaal, The Hope Factory Centre Manager.
Zambonini adds: "The Duke team completed the final development phase,
which fully defines the determined strategies and the overarching
social impact goals. These include a proposed business model for
generating sustainable revenue streams, and developing the roadmap for
testing and launching such initiatives."
She says that during this phase, the team also clarified the goals of
the selected strategies, engaged in market research and planning,
identified the required costs of implementation and operation, and
estimated the financial and social impact of the recommendations.
"The opportunity to travel to the Hope Factory's headquarters and to
visit the operations was invaluable, "commented Mark Braby, Group
Leader of the team ", I listened to stories of transformation among
those served, witnessed the dedication to their mission and the
struggles to choose strategic paths for greater impact. The
organisation became a part of each of us, and we became a part of their
history as well."
The SAICA-managed Hope
Factory aims to develop, empower and inspire
previously disadvantaged South Africans to become self-reliant and
productive.
It acts as an employment-training programme that teaches small business
skills primarily to women between the ages of 20 to 40 and fosters
their application of these skills to become financially productive
individuals.
The technical skills they learn on the 15-week training programme
include sewing, pattern making, beadwork and other crafts.
Over 672 unemployed people have directly benefited from The Hope
Factory's job and wealth creation efforts. The concept has proven
extremely succesful, surpassing Department of Labour employment
placement standards, with 81% of all graduates still financially
productive. A customer base of more than 500 businesses accounts for
revenues of some R1,5 million a year.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Wednesday, December 02 @ 09:30:00 SAST
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Corsa Utility Takes Top Honours in Quality Survey |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
General Motors South Africa's (GMSA)
Corsa Utility has once again taken
top honours in the Synovate Quality Awards for 2009 in the half ton
light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.
In addition, the Corsa Utility won the accolade for best overall LCV
brand in the 2009 survey.
Locally manufactured at the Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth, this
popular half ton has been South Africa's market leader for 55 months in
a row, breaking its own sales record in October 2009. Its previous best
was between April 1998 and September 2002 when the Corsa Utility
enjoyed an unbeaten 54-month record.
According to Malcolm Gauld, GMSA vice president of sales and marketing,
the success of the Corsa Utility is ascribed to its superior built-in
quality and superb after sales support its owners enjoy. "This feisty
half ton has surpassed its competitors in the Synovate Quality Survey
since 2005," said Gauld.
Besides the performance of the Corsa utility, GMSA received 12 other
Synovate Quality awards scooping 13 accolades in total. The company
competed in nine of the 17 segments as measured by Synovate. The Isuzu
KB, both petrol and diesel, attained first place in the single cab
segment, whilst the Isuzu KB diesel double cab achieved a joint first
place position. Opel won the best overall LCV brand with Isuzu in joint
second position together with Toyota. Furthermore, the GMSA
passenger
vehicles scooped five awards in its various segments with Opel and
Chevrolet featuring strongly in the Entry, Small Hatch and Small Sedan
categories.
Quality manager, Andy Alexander, said the quality team, working in
conjunction with their cross-functional colleagues, is dedicated to
ensure that quality is the overriding priority when producing vehicles.
"Customers do not exclusively look at price when they purchase a
vehicle, they look at quality & reliability and if we want to
keep customers for life, we have to ensure that we make every effort in
ensuring we deliver the best quality products and after sales/service
support," he said.
The Synovate survey measures the number of problems new car owners
experience with their vehicles in the first few months of ownership and
includes interviews with 55 000 new vehicle owners.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Tuesday, December 01 @ 10:45:00 SAST
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Volkswagen of South Africa donates 2 000 soccer kits to disadvantaged children |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Hundreds of underprivileged children, through Volkswagen
of South
Africa's A Chance to Play programme, will benefit from soccer
kits
which arrived from Germany recently.
The 2 000 soccer kits, consisting of bags, towels and balls arrived via
ship from the company's German hometown of Wolfsburg recently.
A Chance to Play is an initiative of the Volkswagen Group Works Council
in Germany and is co-ordinated by the German child rights organisation
terre des hommes. The programme aims to improve the lives of
disadvantaged youth in South Africa by linking sport and play to
learning and training.
A Chance to Play supports nine children's organisations in South
Africa. Five of them are located in Nelson Mandela Bay, namely the
Oosterland Youth Centre, the Masibambane Africa Action Group, the
Khanya Development Foundation, the Ubuntu
Education Fund and Sophakama
Community Based Development. "The kits will go a long way to improving
the lives of countless children, who would otherwise not have the
opportunity to play and learn," said ACTP co-ordinator, Claudia Berker.
The 9 800 km journey would not have been possible had it not been for a
tremendous group effort. German transport company Schnellecke
transported the kits from Wolfsburg to the German port of Bremerhaven.
Shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) then shipped the
sporting kits to Port Elizabeth harbour over 21 days. Once there,
Schnellecke transported the 162 pallets to the Mediterranean Shipping
Company's (MSC) facility in the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park,
where they're currently being stored. The entire 35-day trip was
co-ordinated by Volkswagen's logistics department.
What makes the effort extra special, though, is that all the companies
did their bit - whether it was transport, handling or storage - at no
cost.
WWL manager, Xavier Leroi, said "We are delighted to have played our
part in helping to bring some fun to the lives of disadvantaged
children and youth in South Africa".
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Tuesday, December 01 @ 10:00:00 SAST
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Singing to Create Awareness on World Aids Day |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
General Motors South Africa's employees are gearing up to celebrate
World Aids day today, 1 December with hope, faith and gratitude.
The company is determined to take a positive stance when it comes to
HIV/Aids and in doing so engaged employees in a karaoke competition.
This entails singing a song related to Health and Wellness and runs
throughout lunch time every day in the build up towards World Aids day
next week.
According to Chris Thexton, GMSA vice president of human resources,
GMSA
recognises HIV/Aids as a workplace issue and it is treated like
any other serious illness in the company.
He said a comprehensive workplace programme was introduced in 2001 and
has grown into a Holistic Wellness Programme integrating HIV/Aids. By
2007 GMSA introduced the six baseline tests comprising body mass index
measurement, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood cholesterol, Peak
Flow Measurement (for lung function) and voluntary counselling and
testing. "The Company's strategy entails three key focus areas that is,
Prevention - Awareness and Education Training, Detection - Voluntary
Counselling & Testing and Treatment - Medication and
nutritional supplements," said Thexton.
This year the company made a decision to incorporate TB into its six
baseline testing making this a seven baseline testing, still in line
with the three key focus areas: Prevention, Detection and
Treatment. As at October 2009 72% of GMSA's workforce had been tested.
Thexton said in addition to Aids Day celebrations like the karaoke
competition there are other awareness activities for employees
throughout the year which include Industrial Theatre, training with
regard to in-plant bleeding injuries, small group talks in the plant,
introduction of e-pap and the roll-out of anti-retroviral treatment,
cross reference employee assistance programme (EAP) policy and HIV/Aids
work place policy and monthly health related presentations.
Furthermore, Thexton said the company reaches out to external parties
by providing educational and therapeutic support to affected families
of infected employees and vice versa. "We also establish partnerships
with existing community-based structures on HIV/Aids, community based
peer educator volunteer program, retiree helpdesk and social
investment initiatives," Thexton added.
The company also renders a service to its retirees and their spouses.
This includes home visits, primary health care and yearly events. The
on-site medical clinic with daily professional staff provides
convenient service to both employees and approximately 1000 retirees.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Tuesday, December 01 @ 09:15:00 SAST
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The Hope Factory to Eventually enrich 800 000 Lives |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
New beginnings are almost invariably humble beginnings. The Hope
Factory (THF), established in a garage in Cape Town, was no exception.
"We struggled to pay for the toilet paper," Liz Zambonini, founder,
told stakeholder visitors to the factory in Port Elizabeth recently.
"In that garage were myself, Marion, two volunteers, and the first ten
learners. Every rainy Cape Town winter's night we had to pack up all
the sewing machines and equipment into my little Golf, and transport
them to my parents' house, unpack it, climb over it, go to sleep and
then repack it all the next day."
Turnover in year one was R12 000, on which revenue THF just broke even.
A few months later the venture moved into a rundown old house, which it
rented for what seemed like an exorbitant R1 500 a month.
A couple of years later, when the South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants (SAICA) assumed responsibility for THF as one of its
corporate social responsibility initiatives, THF opened a Johannesburg
sales branch and head office, moved into bigger premises in Cape Town,
and opened a new branch in Port Elizabeth in 2005.
"We continued to fine-tune our training curriculum and factory
operations, learnt to comply with all the financial and legal
requirements, ensured we had the right systems, controls and governance
in place, and continued to deliver on our vision," said Zambonini.
THF's vision was, and still is: "To develop, empower and inspire
previously disadvantaged South Africans to become self-reliant and
productive."
She said that by the end of 2009, THF would have trained and empowered
672 people, of whom 82% remained financially productive. THF, the
annual turnover of which was currently R4 million, had won a host of
domestic and international awards for the innovative steps it had taken
to empower the previously disempowered.
Zambonini explained THF's three-phase empowerment
process; Training; Job Creation/Incubator
and Mentoring.
THF's key operational spheres comprised; Income generation;
Operations and Support services.
THF's key growth and development strategies comprised; The
growth of phase three; Growth of income, especially the development of
THF's enterprise development investments; and Growing sales.
THF's objective is: "To place 87% of its graduates and ensure 82%
financial sustainability."
Yet, Zambonini stressed, the measure of THF's success was not in its
numbers or its growth, nor the awards it received, nor the national and
international acknowledgements. It was, rather, in: The
success of entrepreneurs who had made it through their first year of
business; The look of joy and triumph on the face of a mother,
as her family applauded her modeling the clothes she herself had made;
Knowing that every night there were more than 600 extra women able to
put food on the table for their children; and The knowledge
that each day they would walk a little bit taller, reach a little bit
further and whose children would dream that little bit bigger.
Zambonini highlighted three factors as characterising the successes
achieved by some of the world's developing nations; A
multi-generational vision; Skills; and Self-belief.
She said multi-generational vision had been demonstrated throughout
history.
"I am reminded of a Chinese folklore story of a man who planted crops
that kept dying. He realised that the reason was that a hill was
blocking the sun. So every day the man got up and spent his day taking
wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow of sand off the hill.
"His neighbours laughed at him, pointing out that it would take many
years to move that hill. He responded that while he may not get to
plant crops in the field, his children eventually would. There is power
in long term vision."
On skills, Zambonini notes that next year China would graduate 6,5
million people. "A culture of learning, a strong education system and
an appreciation for the importance of skills is imperative for national
growth."
Turning to self-belief, she insisted that hard work could achieve
anything.
"This is a big hurdle that South Africa must overcome owing to our
apartheid history. I believe that one of the biggest reasons for THF's
success is that we focus on the internal development of the person.
Fundamental to anyone's success is how they view themselves. It is not
enough just for barriers to have been broken down. You have to believe
that you have the ability to do anything you choose."
This was why THF courses begin with looking at vision and goal-setting.
THF also started mentoring people from the beginning of the course,
with THF trainers encouraging the learners to help develop their
self-confidence.
"We all know that change cannot and will not come through government
alone. It will take the collective energy, knowledge and passion of
those who choose to be South Africans; to have a vision, set the course
and, through hard work and determination, deliver the dream.
"I believe THF does, and will continue to, provide a meaningful
solution to some of the greatest challenges that our country is facing."
With a view to demonstrating THF's long-term job creation potential,
Zambonini drew attention to the South African statistic that one person
in South Africa provides for seven. Extrapolating that
number; One THF graduate becomes financially sustainable;
Seven family members dependent on her are able to eat, have a home, go
to school; Twenty years later, 49 of her grandchildren are able to go
to better schools, perhaps study further, become
professionals; In another 20 years, 343 of her great
grandchildren are able to live the life they choose.
"That's the scenario which begins with one graduate. Reworking the
calculation based on THF's 540 graduates, 50 years down the line a
staggering 185 220 great grandchildren would find themselves able to
live the life they choose."
Without THF's impact, the converse, warned Zambonini, would be the
substantial R180 billion cost to the country and the taxpayer of
covering the health care, schooling, and social welfare costs of upward
of 150 000 people.
"In effect, THF has already saved the taxpayer R180 million in tax – at
present value."
Extrapolating THF's impact 12 years down the line, Zambonini said there
would be an extra 3 500 trained and empowered people, of whom 2 95
would have been successful. And 50 years on, the figure rises to 1 011
850 people, with a present day saving to the taxpayer of R972 billion.
"That's the true impact of THF - R972 billion and 800 000 lives. That's
for an investment of R70 million. The cost/benefit ratio is staggering."
In closing, Zambonini quoted the scripture: "Hold firmly, without
wavering, to the Hope we confess."
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Monday, November 30 @ 22:32:31 SAST
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GMSA and UTi Scoop Logistics Award |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
General Motors South Africa (GMSA)
and UTi were winners of the Platinum
Award at the annual Logistics Achiever Awards ceremony held in
Johannesburg recently, for the design and implementation of an
internationally integrated supply chain.
The supply chain initiative, called Euro Express, is a joint venture
between GMSA and UTi which was implemented five years ago. According to
Evan Dold, GMSA vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain,
the focus of the initiative was to identify and create a solution to a
fragmented European supply chain that was negatively impacting local
production. "Before the implementation of this initiative GMSA
constantly faced challenges of production down time due to delays in
parts sourced from Europe," said Dold.
He added that the implementation of the Euro Express system resulted in
a win-win situation for all concerned - GMSA, UTi, the suppliers,
Collaborative Xchange and the shipping line.
Sean Bricknell, logistics manager who managed Euro Express project from
inception to end, explained that the initiative entails careful
coordination of multiple parties within multiple organisations in
various locations in Europe. The supplier network was modelled using
sophisticated software and economically beneficial consolidation
centres were established in key locations. In addition modular
packaging was designed for parts that previously had high packaging
costs, poor box density and poor container utilisation. "A crucial part
of the success of Euro Express was the buy-in from all stakeholders.
They needed to understand that they would benefit from both the
operational efficiency improvements and cost savings opportunities
associated with the successful implementation of the initiative," said
Bricknell.
Since the inception of Euro Express GMSA has not experienced a line
stoppage on these parts, Dold added. Furthermore, stock on hand was
reduced by half - from 20 days to 10 days supply, damages were
significantly reduced and container utilisation was optimised to 95%
from 75%. "Over the last five years these improved efficiencies saved
the company approximately R80 million," Dold said.
Paul Marshall, UTi Africa's Vice President Industry Markets and New
Services, said this solution is an excellent example of what can be
achieved where UTi is empowered as the Primary Logistics Partner to
deliver end-to-end solutions that enhance quantifiable supply chain
value. "The award bears testimony to the value and innovation that
working in partnership with our clients can optimise service delivery,"
said Marshall.
UTi
Africa President, Gavin Rimmer added, "We are proud of our
long-term relationship with GMSA and were thrilled to accept this award
on behalf of both our Freight Forwarding and Contract Logistics teams
in Africa and Europe that made this happen."
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Monday, November 30 @ 21:46:57 SAST
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NMMU Receives Equipment of more than R200 000 from Schneider Electric |
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www.MyPE.co.za:
Schneider Electric, a world leader in electrical solutions and
products, showed their commitment to education by donating equipment to
the value of R250 000 to the School of Engineering at Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan University.
The donation will enable the School of Engineering to use the latest
technologies in their teaching, learning and research processes.
Exposure to relevant and current technologies is vital in ensuring that
graduates are well prepared and sought after by industry.
It included a RM6 medium voltage unit, a detuned power factor capacitor
bank, a PM meter, a Zelio PLC + Magelis pack, Zelio and Vijeo software,
CDs and USB drives with software, application and training manuals and
30 gift bags containing USB flash drive catalogues and CDs.
At a formal presentation, the regional manager for Schneider
Electric
Barry Dawson highlighted the importance of his company's drive towards
energy conservation and investing in future engineers.
He said the international company was doing what it could to ensure
that students were exposed the many opportunities it offered.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Monday, November 30 @ 21:21:47 SAST
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VWSA qualifies the First Mechatronics Level 5 students |
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www.MyPE.co.za: In
a first for the country, four Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA)
employees achieved a Mechatronics Level 5 qualification in September
2009.
The idea behind the qualification was first mooted within the company
at the beginning of 2008, with the aim to develop its paint shop
employees.
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU),
Eastcape Midlands
College (ECM)
and VWSA's Technical Learning Academy (TLA) came together
to work on the curriculum and signed a memorandum of understanding
clarifying each entity's role. "While the NMMU provided the theoretical
and practical component, ECM provided the fundamentals and the TLA
provided further practical opportunities, said Dr Lesley Lee, the
Division Head of VWSA's Learning Academy.
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the
necessary knowledge and skills in the manufacturing industry that is
characterized by technologically sophisticated automation processes
using Computerized Integrated Manufacturing systems that integrate the
fields of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering and control
and information technology.
The primary skills that are recognised by the qualification include the
ability to install, maintain, commission and hand over a complex
computer integrated manufacturing system and to ensure optimum quality
of production. "The qualified learners also now understand how to
maintain and influence relationships in a complex production
environment, to achieve change and to work with a range of information
sources to optimize performance and quality," said Johann Arpin,
Technical Learning Academy Manager.
The four learners were moderated by MERSETA last month and found
competent. "This is a huge milestone for the VWSA
Learning Academy as
these are the first four people in the country to achieve this
qualification," said Lee.
Arpin re-iterated Lee's praise of the four, saying "They showed
excellent initiative and dedication to complete the qualification as
they had to perform their normal duties in the paint shop at the same
time".
The Technical Learning Academy launched a world-class Mechatronics
facility in May, which puts it in a position to develop and train
learners and maintenance staff to be more productive and efficient in
the automation environment.
A further five learners graduated at the end of
September. There are further plans to develop these employees to
diploma or degree level.
Source: PERCCI.
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| Posted by mype on Thursday, October 08 @ 09:20:00 SAST
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| | Random Photographs from the MyPE photo Gallery.
Click the photo to see image
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| | There isn't a Biggest Story for Today, yet. |
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| | Wednesday, October 07 | | · | Volkswagen of South Africa Taking e-Learning to its Staff |
| · | All Systems go at Port of Ngqura |
| · | New Appointment for GM Africa |
| Friday, October 02 | | · | PEBCI Continues Slow Decline |
| Tuesday, September 22 | | · | Chieta Accreditation for EMC |
| Sunday, September 20 | | · | Human Rights Law Book Launched at NMMU |
| Saturday, September 19 | | · | International Mohair Summit |
| Friday, September 18 | | · | Willowmore Youth Centre |
| · | United in the Fight Against Crime |
| Sunday, August 30 | | · | Steve Koch: Making a Difference in Society |
| · | Business Environmental Conservation Award |
| Saturday, August 22 | | · | Business Match Making Deadline |
| Friday, August 21 | | · | Ford Attains Highest Quality Level |
| Thursday, August 20 | | · | Coega HCS Skilling and Employing the Eastern Cape |
| Wednesday, August 19 | | · | GMSA Saves Resources |
| Thursday, June 25 | | · | Timing of Electricity Price Increase is a Crisis |
| · | Capacity Development Programme Graduates |
| Monday, May 18 | | · | Ngqura Terminal Ship-Shape for October Launch |
| · | Polo Success Story Continues |
| Sunday, May 17 | | · | Port Elizabeth Skyline Change |
| · | GMSA Supports BBBEE |
| Saturday, May 16 | | · | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Leads With Safety |
| Thursday, May 07 | | · | New PERCCI President to be Announced at 14th AGM |
| Wednesday, May 06 | | · | BEE Fundamentals Explained |
| · | PERCCI full-steam-ahead in providing structure for SMEs |
| Monday, May 04 | | · | Wise Spending Key to Survival |
| Wednesday, April 29 | | · | The Hope Factory Runner Up |
| · | Goodyear Wins |
| Tuesday, April 28 | | · | Coega BPO Park Operational in March 2010 |
| · | Volkswagen of South Africa celebrates |
| · | Pick n Pay Explores Energy Security Solutions |
| Monday, April 27 | | · | R1.7 Billion Stadium for Fifa World Cup |
| · | Absa Extends a Helping Hand |
| Wednesday, April 15 | | · | Dr Azar Jammine to Discuss Direction of South Africa's Economic Policy |
| Monday, March 23 | | · | Comment from PERCCI regarding the MPC meeting |
| · | PERCCI Health and Wellness Awards |
| Friday, March 13 | | · | PERCCI Seminars and Events for March 2009 |
| Friday, March 06 | | · | Mzantsi Truck and Bus Achieve International Quality Management Certification |
| · | Nelson Mandela Bay Housing Delivery |
| Thursday, March 05 | | · | Volkswagen of South Africa Empowers Disabled Learners |
| Friday, February 20 | | · | Doing business with India |
| Thursday, February 12 | | · | PERCCI response to Finance Minister Trevor Manuel's Budget speech |
| Tuesday, February 10 | | · | Vulnerable Most Affected by Taxi Strike |
| · | Minister Manuel's Budget Speech |
| Monday, February 09 | | · | PE Taxi Strike: Leaders Should Take a Stronger Stand in Crisis Situation |
| Monday, February 02 | | · | German business delegation to visit Nelson Mandela Bay |
| Friday, January 30 | | · | The First Yen in Port Elizabeth |
| Friday, January 23 | | · | PERCCI Young Entrepreneurs Network |
| Friday, November 28 | | · | Taxi Strike OFF |
| Wednesday, November 26 | | · | 27 November 2008 Taxi Strike |
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