The African Business Journal Jan 2012 - John Pinching

Building up

South AfricA’SSouth AfricA’S best employersbest employers

CRF:

The

AfricAn Business Journal

BusinessReducing carbon footprints

sportAfrica’s Olympic Hopefuls

Company foCusRoymec Technologies

January 2012 Volume 3 Issue 1 www.tabj.co.za

IN THIS ISSUE ►

2 SECTION � Title

maerskline.com Proudly serving AfricaHow do we serve Africa? By delivering on time.

If you look at what Maersk Line has achieved in schedule reliability over the past years, you could almost say we’ve invented modern on-time delivery – in West Africa and around the world.

Why does on-time delivery matter so much? Because it enables you to plan with greater certainty and to serve your customers more reliably. Now that is something everyone can benefit from.

At Maersk Line, nothing would please us more than to help take your business to the next level of consistent on-time delivery.

West Africa services – New & improved!• 22 custom-built ships, the largest in West Africa• The market’s best network• Unmatched schedule reliability• Personalised service and strong local presence

R1124_Africa_African_Business_Journal_letter_AD3.indd 1 12-07-2011 21:14:20

eDiTOr’s note

HellO fOlks AnD, depending on when you’re read-

ing this, Merry Christmas/Happy New Year/Hope

you’re enjoying being back at work/What are you

wearing?!,

This mighty fine, slightly festive and log-fire-

heated edition of TABJ starts—as the cover’s

industrious ‘wall’ so brilliantly suggests—with an

exclusive interview, and the person in the hot seat

is Corporate Research Foundation (CRF) visionary

Sam Crous.

We discuss how the organisation is help-

ing employers and employees throughout South

Africa to achieve their full potential. She also talks

candidly about how exciting it is to work in such a

vibrant economy.

There are plenty of other beautifully-wrapped

festive treats underneath the tinsel-draped boughs

of the TABJ tree, including another brutally honest

sports report from our man in Africa and an update

on the unstable political situation in Cairo.

Also, as we sprint towards the start of the

greatly-anticipated London 2012 Olympics, TABJ

attempts to keep pace with Africa’s gold medal

contenders.

In addition, we take a look at how Food &

Trees for Africa (FTFA) is combining with Airports

Company South Africa (ACSA) in an effort to gal-

vanise carbon neutrality initiatives.

As indicated in the CRF interview, the South

African business landscape is buoyant, versatile

and thoroughly looking forward to a fruitful New

Year. Our compendium of company features

certainly reflects this optimism, with contribu-

tions from the construction, mining, transport and

investments industries.

It only remains for us to venture into the

hitherto unchartered territory of 2012. Who knows

what the constantly exciting and unpredictable

African economic landscape has in store for us

next? Whatever happens, TABJ will continue to

proudly bring you the most comprehensive news,

features and company profiles in the business.

As always, great talking to you,

John

maerskline.com Proudly serving AfricaHow do we serve Africa? By delivering on time.

If you look at what Maersk Line has achieved in schedule reliability over the past years, you could almost say we’ve invented modern on-time delivery – in West Africa and around the world.

Why does on-time delivery matter so much? Because it enables you to plan with greater certainty and to serve your customers more reliably. Now that is something everyone can benefit from.

At Maersk Line, nothing would please us more than to help take your business to the next level of consistent on-time delivery.

West Africa services – New & improved!• 22 custom-built ships, the largest in West Africa• The market’s best network• Unmatched schedule reliability• Personalised service and strong local presence

R1124_Africa_African_Business_Journal_letter_AD3.indd 1 12-07-2011 21:14:20

© 2010 KPMG Africa Limited, a Cayman Islands company and and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in South Africa. mc6332

An extraordinary firm, with extraordinary people, on an extraordinary continent.Africa is complex. It is multi-cultural, multi-lingual, geographically vast and steeped in political history. At the same time, the modern business world is increasingly less interested in Africa’s past and primarily interested in working in a unified, seamless context.

KPMG’s organisational structure allows us to manage our operations in a way that makes the most sense in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. Our business model, common tools and methodologies, as well as shared values allow us to work with our clients seamlessly across borders.

kpmg.com

John Pinching | Editor | [email protected]

Ben Watts | Staff Writer | [email protected]

Laura Hedges | Editorial Assistant | [email protected]

Vladimir Lukic | Creative Director | [email protected]

Chris Moore | Sr. Advertising Designer | [email protected]

Margaret Oldham | Sr. Graphic Designer | [email protected]

Wincy Law | Sr. Graphic Designer | [email protected]

Tanya George | Advertising Designer | [email protected]

Marc Mauricio | IT/Production Support | [email protected]

Constantin Turtulea | Head of Research | [email protected]

Natalie Edney | Head of Sales | [email protected]

Khayyam Darr | Research Director | [email protected]

Andrew Miskin | Research Director | [email protected]

Hugh Braithwaite | Research Director | [email protected]

Dee Nazer | Research Director | [email protected]

Guy D’Angelo | Research Director | [email protected]

Thomas Eros | Research Director | [email protected]

Michael Alexander-Jones | President | [email protected]

Linda Neal | Chief Executive Officer | [email protected]

Naveed Yusuf | Chief Information Officer | [email protected]

Gemma Parkins | Executive Assistant | [email protected]

Heather MacPherson | General Accountant | [email protected]

Simon Curran | Vice-President/Publisher | [email protected]

South africa office

23 Wellington road

Parktown, 2193

Johannesburg

uK office

2 Sheen road

richmond

Surrey uK TW9 1ae

GEoRGE MEDIA InC.

TABJ Team

Table of cOnTenTs January 2012 | VoluMe 3 | ISSue 1

036Business

sPOrTs

POliTics

TrAnsPOrT

cOnsTrucTiOn

cOver feATure CrF: Building up South africa’s best employers 010

Muse news coming out of africa 018

flying THe green flAg Innovative partnerships plant trees of life as transport companies target carbon neutralising 028

rOunD uP frOM Our sA cOrresPOnDenT: Keep your enemies close 036

africa’s OlyMPic HOPefuls 042

Quick shot: cHAOs AnD cOnfusiOn in Cairo 050

DuBigeOn BODy AnD cOAcH on the buses 056

MAssyn vervOer logical logistics 064

lBc lencO lenco-operation 072

010050

Table of cOnTenTs January 2012 | VoluMe 3 | ISSue 1

Mining

MisTy Blue invesTMenTs urban Durban 080

Iron Maiden: Tonkolili mine opens for business, as AfricAn MinerAls lTD. make a big impression on the mining landscape 086

The steal deel: sAHArA Mining introduces new mill in Mali 104

eire cOnTrAcTOrs The business of blasting 114

lenDOr & BurTOn The Zambian brand 124

TsHiPi MAngAnese Mining Scene steeler 134

DigBy Wells Creating the right environment 144

Mine like a star: rOyMec TecHnOlOgies 150

invesTMenTs

080

134

Building up

South AfricA’S best employersbest employers

CRF:South AfricA’S

In great companyThe CRF Institute has been identifying and rewarding brilliance in the workplace for 20 years. TABJ’s John Pinching meets CRF Manager Sam Crous to talk about why South Africa has become such an exhilarating place to make a living

12 COVER FEATURE � CrF: Building up South africa’s best employers

HOW DiD crf cOMe ABOuT?

CRF is an international organisation and our head

office is based in the Netherlands. We’re operation-

al in 15 countries—South Africa, Australia, China,

South America and throughout Europe. We’ve been

around for about 20 years and in South Africa for

11. The company started out publishing profiles

on great places to work and, over the years, we’ve

refined that process into a far more scientific and

objective approach, which recognises employer

excellence. Each year we now release an index for

every country; listing great places to work, rating

companies and identifying best employers.

By virTue Of Being lisTeD AnD APPrOveD By yOu

guys, DO THe recOgniseD cOMPAnies geT ADDeD

kuDOs?

Yes, absolutely, because when we are really com-

prehensive in how we conduct our research. We

have a standardised approach in all countries

involving 80 questions about HR systems, perfor-

mance, rewards, recognition, management and

leadership. Also different countries will have a por-

tion of what is relevant to its local market. Essen-

tially, what we’re looking at is the framework that’s

in place to manage talent and align the business.

We want to see whether it is sustainable, from a

people point of view, for three to five years.

13JANUARY 2012 � The African Business Journal

“each individual company is able to see quite definitively where they meet current market trends in terms of policies and practices; whether they’re below or above the national average”


HOW DOes iT HelP Businesses TO iMPrOve Once

yOu’ve cArrieD OuT THAT AnAlysis?

We put a benchmark on reports for organisations

that have gone through the research process.

For each question they are asked, the answers

are graphically represented, and benchmarked

against the certified average. As a result each in-

dividual company is able to see quite definitively

where they meet current market trends in terms

of policies and practices; whether they’re below,

or above the national average.

iT sOunDs like THey cAn use THOse resulTs

TO fOrM AnOTHer sTrATegy in fOr THe

fOrTHcOMing yeAr Or lOng TerM fuTure?

That’s exactly what we’re trying to do. Our busi-

ness clients use our benchmarking data to

establish its HR strategy, it reassures them year

on year regarding what their competitors are do-

ing relative to them. It’s also an attention-focus

for talent in the marketplace who are deciding

who to work for. When there are hundreds of

companies to choose from, it gives people a

starting point.

Tell Me ABOuT THe inDusTries yOu DeAl WiTH?

At the moment there’s no limit to the industries

that we can analyse, but the industries them-

selves almost self-select, for example, getting

“The more traditional industries are difficult to change, because some almost have the opinion that they don’t need this type of initiative, but as we move into an increasingly evolved world of work, they’re going to need it more and more”


mining involved is quite a challenge because

it’s a heavily politicised and unionised industry,

particularly in South Africa. We do have some

mines—like Anglo—which is linked to the South

African government. The more traditional indus-

tries are difficult to change, because some al-

most have the opinion that they don’t need this

type of initiative, but as we move into an increas-

ingly evolved world of work, they’re going to need

it more and more.

HOW DO yOu feel THAT THe Business lAnDscAPe

in sOuTH AfricA HAs cHAngeD?

I see that companies operating in ICT space

have better propositions than any other organ-

isations, especially in South Africa. Our top

three best employers, for example, are Acen-

ture, SAP and Microsoft. Historically, they’re

often more flexible, more nimble and they know

technology—it’s something they’re familiar with

and it definitely enables an entire firm to func-

tion in a different way. Technology has dramati-

cally improved the way HR functions and it has

reduced the administrative load on HR over a

number of years, transforming it from a largely

administrative function, into a more strategic

business partner. The HR side of the business is

adopting a much more modern model, particu-

larly in South Africa.


“I think South africa, as a case study for the new world of work is quite an interesting one because so much is going on—there’s an entrepreneurial spirit and the country is geared towards economic growth”


in sOuTH AfricA, All sOrTs Of DifferenT,

MulTiculTurAl AnD inTeresTing Businesses

Are crOPPing uP everyWHere; iT’s cleArly An

exciTing PlAce TO Be WOrking

I think South Africa, as a case study for the

new world of work is quite an interesting one

because so much is going on and there’s an

entrepreneurial spirit and the country is geared

towards economic growth so, while we have

these big powerhouses organisations driving the

economy, more and more smaller businesses

are cropping up, creating jobs in the process. Af-

ter many years in isolation, we have now had 15

years of freedom to explore, travel and pursue

our dreams. This has given us a great platform

to be a global force in the job market. It’s in-

spired a culture of people wanting to try differ-

ent things, and the result is a collection of com-

panies that are, in many ways, ‘Google-esque’,

in terms of how they’ve formed their culture and

the type of initiative they have in place. I think

it’s easier for South Africans to evolve in this

way because we don’t have very many of histori-

cal organisations that have hundreds of years’

worth of history holding them back.

HAs THe yOuTH AnD enTHusiAsM Of A lOT Of

sOuTH AfricAn Businesses, BeTTer enABleD

THeM TO survive THe glOBAl DOWnTurn?

We’re used to ups and downs and generally deal

with them very well. When we have our downs,

the fall is not quite as steep as you would see

in Europe or the States, because we are such a

young economy, so we have less distance to fall

when it comes to the global recession. It is an

exciting time and when it comes to people man-

agement issues. We’re tailoring the organisation

to hit the needs of the different generations, and

particularly the diversity of South African, where

there are so many positive initiatives, like the

black economic empowerment agenda.

in TerMs Of yOur exPAnsiOn sAM, WHAT’s THe

PlAn fOr THe nexT five yeArs in TerMs Of AfricA

As A WHOle?

What we see in South Africa is a drive to really

professionalise HR and we want to ensure that

it becomes a good business partner across the

continent. This area has become such a high

entry on the agenda of most South African busi-

nesses that you’ll see it in a lot of mission state-

ments. This is a conscious effort to take respon-

sibility and really drive the economy of Africa

and South Africa. CRF aims to start working in

sub-Saharan Africa over the next two years and

we are very excited about discovering what the

business landscape is like for organisations and

multinationals operating in Africa. TAB

18 SECTION � Title18 NEWS IN REVIEW

Muse news coming out of africa

sAnfOrD HeAlTH WOrks MeDicinAl MAgic in AfricA

Dakota-based medical group, Sanford Health, has

opened a branch in Ghana and now has an estab-

lished presence on four continents.

Claiming to be the nation’s largest not-for-profit

rural health care provider, Sanford Health aims to

eventually run ten clinics in the country and has

similar plans for Ireland, Mexico and Israel by 2014.

It hopes to eventually open 100 clinics worldwide.

Sanford’s main aim in Ghana is to provide pae-

diatricians to children in need but, with a popula-

tion of 24 million, all of whom are new to the con-

cept of immunisation, the healthcare organisation

will have to treat people of all ages.

“In many developing countries, we will need to

offer care to the whole family in order to meet the

health care needs of children,” said Ruth Krystopol-

ski—executive vice President of development and

research at Sanford.

The clinic already running in Cape Coast tends

to 800 patients per week and two further clinics

are expected to open in Mankessim and Kojokrom

during 2012.

life’s A gAs fOr AnADArkO

Houston-based independent oil and natural gas

producers, Anadarko Petroleum Corp., have an-

nounced the discovery of their largest natural

gas field off the coast of Mozambique.

The deposit, 35 miles offshore, contains

15-30 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural

gas; enough to satisfy U.S. natural gas demand

for a year.

This discovery, paired with the similarly

large deposit found by Italian energy company,

Eni S.p.A, earlier this year, has resulted in

Mozambique’s status as a major gas exporter

rising considerably.

“This could be one of the most important

natural gas fields discovered in the last ten years,”

said Jim Hackett, CEO and Chairman of Anadarko.

Anadarko is currently building a facility in

the region to retrieve the gas, with an expected

export date set for 2018.

Exports are likely to be destined for China

and Japan, according to a company spokesman.

19OCTOBER 2011 � The African Business Journal 19SEPTEMBER 2011 � The African Business Journal

news coming out of africa

THe sPiriT Of nAnDO’s

A recent advertisement by restaurateurs

Nando’s South Africa, presenting Zimbabwean

President Robert Mugabe as ‘the last dicta-

tor standing’, has caused considerable unrest

among Zimbabwe militants.

Jimu Kunaka—head of the ‘brotherhood’ of

Mugabe loyalists, Chipangano—has called for the

restaurant chain to withdraw its advertisement or

face disciplinary action.

The commercial shows Mugabe dining alone

while reminiscing over days spent with previous

dictators such as Moammar Gadhafi, Saddam

Hussein and Idi Amin, as Mary Hopkin’s hit

song, ‘Those were the days, my friend’, is played

in the background.

Innscor Africa, holders of the Nando’s fran-

chise in Zimbabwe, said that they were not aware

of the South African campaign.

“Innscor strongly feels the advertisement is in-

sensitive and in poor taste,” said Musekiwa Kum-

bula, director of corporate affairs at the company,

“but no consultation takes place between differ-

ent franchises when they are formulating market-

ing strategies.”

Under Zimbabwe law it is an offence to insult

Mugabe or to undermine the authority of his of-

fice, and Chipangano have demanded a nation-

wide apology for the negative portrayal.



Business TO BAck ATTAck On AiDs

Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) skills develop-

ment officer, Lawrence Mbalati, has said that the

South African business sector must endorse la-

bour laws that are non-discriminatory, and boost

funding towards HIV/AIDS programmes.

“Business must take a lead in fighting

stigma and discrimination at workplace and

communities by promoting labour laws that are

non-discriminatory and promoting conducive

environment for HIV testing and treatment,”

Mbalati said.

With World Aids Day fast approaching, there

is a desperate need for funding and awareness

surrounding the cause.

“Business must also increase strategic

health and HIV funding,” Mbalati added, “It must

promote capacity building and skills development

for community empowerment and development.”

Reports have shown that globally an esti-

mated 33.3 million people are HIV positive, and

South Africa has the largest number of HIV suf-

ferers in the world, with an estimated 5.6 million

people living with the virus.

South Africa’s recent investment in fighting

HIV has proven effective, according to a report

made by UNAIDS (Joint United Nations pro-

gramme on HIV/AIDS).

The report revealed that 95 percent of HIV

positive, pregnant women in South Africa, were



receiving an antiretroviral in order to prevent

their babies getting the virus; a 30 per cent in-

crease since 2007.

The rate of new HIV infections to the country

has decreased by 22 per cent between 2001 and

2009, and AIDS related deaths have decreased

by 21 per cent between 2001 and 2010.

TATA fOr nOW

Anil Sardana, Managing Director of Tata Power

Co., has announced company plans to build elec-

tricity generation plants in Indonesia and Africa

in attempt to counteract the tough business envi-

ronment in India.

India’s electricity generation is being

quashed by fuel shortages and difficulties in

getting land and environmental clearances, so to

keep business running Tata wants to build power

projects in Africa through its existing group units

in the region, but did not disclose where this was.

The announcement echoes an earlier state-

ment by Ratan Tata, Tata Power Chairman, who

said that the company was: “tendering quite ac-

tively on power projects outside India, so that the

needs of shareholders can be fulfilled.”

Tata Power is currently building a 4,000 mega-

watt power project in India which is designed to

run on Indonesian coal but a recent raise in Indo-

nesian coal prices is causing major problems.

“We believe that blending of coal can offset



the price to some extent. We are sourcing low-

grade coal from Indonesia, Africa and other

existing mines and will so trial runs to find if

they would be capable of reducing the cost of

power,” he commented.

BHArTi HiT THe MArk

Bharti Airtel has said that its African subscribers

have now reached the 50 million mark.

The Indian mobile firm acquired business in

15 African countries last year in a $9 billion deal

and is the world’s fifth biggest mobile operator.

Manoj Kohli, chief executive of Bharti Airtel,

said: “This milestone demonstrates our contin-

ued dedication and commitment to Africa,” and

the firm aims to have 100 million African custom-

ers at the beginning of 2013.

The firm operates a low cost model in Africa

whereby other companies are sub-contracted

in to manage non-core business activity; Nokia

Siemens and IBM run network management and

IT maintenance respectively.

Bharti’s African branch experienced a net

loss of $7.4 billion for the quarter but revenue

PHOTO BY JAMES M PHELPS, JR / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM



grew by 23 per cent for the year, and operating

margins grew to 26.4 per cent for the quarter.

Alongside its membership figures, Bharti has

a target to achieve $5 billion in revenue and $2

billion in operating profit from Africa by the end of

March 2013.

sOuTH AfricA TriAls MicrOsOfT Office

Global IT giant Microsoft has announced the

trial of its newest business productivity platform,

Microsoft Office 365, in South Africa.

The free trial will allow South African busi-

nesses and users to try the program for six

months before its official launch in 2012.

Office 365 does not require any existing Mi-

crosoft infrastructure to operate and was created

to allow businesses to run smoother and more

efficiently with the introduction of a vast variety

of virtual applications.

“Office 365 is the best of everything we know

about productivity, all in a single cloud service.

We have had a huge amount of support from our

local partners and customers to bring cloud com-

puting to the region,” said Melanie Botha, Micro-



soft SA’s marketing and operations director.

Botha believes that the first users of the ser-

vice are likely to be SME’s, providing them with a

considerable boost as they gain access to soft-

ware used by much larger enterprises.

“Now small companies can cater to their

technology needs without big infrastructure in-

vestments, and get access to several technology

tools they didn’t have before,” she explains.

Customers involved in the trial can subscribe

and continue using the accounts they have set

up with the service when it becomes commer-

cially available next year.

nOkiA knOck-OuT

Six managers in the Nairobi Nokia office are

to be replaced as the regional hub moves to

South Africa.

Kenneth Oyolla—regional manager for Nokia’s

East and Southern region—said that several heads

of department are expected to lose their jobs

which will now be handled from Johannesburg.

Nokia had eight departments in Nairobi; the

headquarters of Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Bo-

tswana, Mozambique and Angola, with desks in

finance, sales communications, marketing, retail,

logistics, care and developers outreach.

“The retrenchment is underway and with the

shift in the organisation structure, managers

whose roles will be found duplicating may have to

be replaced,” said Oyolla.

10,500 jobs have been shed in a move that

is part of Nokia’s global plan to reverse its falling

market-share as rivals Samsung, Apple, ZTE and

Huawei become increasingly aggressive.

“I can confirm that I have also opted out as

the general manager since the new structure is

different and does not suit what I am looking for,”

Oyolla announced at a press conference. He will

stay in his position until the end of this month.

visA PAnDers TO rWAnDA

Visa Inc. is to create a new partnership with the

Rwandan government in order to expand its busi-

ness into the country.

The collaboration between Rwanda’s central

bank and a new office in Kigali will permit Visa to

process transactions in Rwandan francs and also



to increase the number of ATMS and business

that accept Visa cards in the country.

The government is helping Visa to open its

office, and Rwandan officials will be trained in

financial management in order to handle pay-

ments precisely.

“We’re doing it in Rwanda in hope of being

able to export whatever works to other Africa

countries,” said Elizabeth Buse, Visa’s group

president for the Asia-Pacific region, who also

notes that many Rwandans do not currently have

bank accounts.





Visa already has offices in Kenya, South

Africa and Nigeria, amongst partnerships with

major hotels and tour operators in those regions.

MasterCard Inc. also has offices in the Afri-

can continent and Michael Miebach—president

of MasterCard for the Middle East and Africa—

said: “We see growth potential in these markets

for many years.”

greenPeAce gATecrAsH

A group of climate change activists from various

NGO’s descended upon the Global Business Day

conference in Durban to name and shame those

industries that are smothering progress on the

campaign to combat climate change.

Six apparently peaceful Greenpeace protes-

tors were arrested as they attempted to hang

a banner reading “Listen to the People, not the

Polluters”, whilst other organisations produced

life-size puppets demonstrative of corporations

such as Shell, Koch Industries and Eskom.

“Meeting in the shadow of the vital UN talks

these dirty dozen companies should be ashamed

of their role in undermining global talks to tackle

climate change, to save lives, economies and

habitat. Putting short-term private profit before

public protection is morally repugnant,” said

Kumi Naidoo, International Executive Director of

Greenpeace International.

“Our political leaders need to close the door

on dirty corporations who could celebrate failure

in Durban; they must listen to the people and

not the polluters. Our children and their children

deserve nothing less,” she added.

The so called ‘dirty dozen’ companies consist

of: Royal Dutch Shell, Shell Canada, Canadian

Association of Petroleum, US Chamber of Com-

merce, ArcelorMittal, BusinessEurope, Koch

Industries, BHP Billiton, BASF, International

Chamber of Commerce, American Petroleum and

Eskom. TAB

flying THe green flAgInnovative partnerships plant trees of life as

transport companies target carbon neutralising

flying THe green flAgInnovative partnerships plant trees of life as

transport companies target carbon neutralising

Business

30 BUSINESS � Plane talking: Flying the green flag

PrOMinenT cAMPAigners fOOD & Trees for Africa

(FTFA) are teaming up with Airports Company

South Africa (ACSA) to help visitors arriving in Dur-

ban, make their journey a carbon neutral.

It’s all happening as the world gears up for

surely one of the most important Conferences of

the Parties (COP17)—the 17th annual meeting on

climate change.

Ironically, the environmental cost of flying in the

accumulated delegates, rock stars, hangers-on and

world leaders, has enraged many observers.

The legacy of COP17, however, need not be

an enormous carbon footprint. As South Africa’s

longest standing climate action and environment-

monitoring enterprise, FTFA offers visitors an op-

portunity to leave a tree in Africa to help solve this

dilemma. ACSA’s King Shaka International Airport

in Durban celebrated one year on 1 May 2011.

The airport is currently handling almost five

million passengers annually and, with the current

trend of increasing passenger numbers in the past

few months, it is well and truly set as the gateway

to Africa for COP17. Passengers arriving at King

Shaka International Airport from around the world,

will not only be able to calculate the carbon emis-

sions generated from their flight, but also start

offsetting as soon as they land.

This can be done easily and efficiently by

using the ‘My Tree in Africa’ carbon calculator—the

“The total carbon emissions produced can be offset by buying a tree. This simple act of geological kindness can all be done straight from a visitor’s mobile phone, as soon as they land.”


“The total carbon emissions produced can be offset by buying a tree. This simple act of geological kindness can all be done straight from a visitor’s mobile phone, as soon as they land.”


first of its kind. This uses the global greenhouse

gas reporting protocols, which aim to harmonize

GHG accounting and reporting standards

internationally, ensuring that different trading

platforms and other climate related initiatives

adopt consistent approaches to GHG accounting.

The total carbon emissions produced can

then be offset by buying a tree or, indeed, trees.

What’s more, this simple act of geological kind-

ness can all be done straight from a visitor’s

mobile phone as soon as they land.

International, or local visitors, wanting to

commemorate their time in Durban can also

go to mytreeinafrica.org from their most conve-

niently located computer to buy their tree. Each

purchase comes with a certificate of the specific

tree bought, which also serves as a reminder

of their commitment. Perhaps leaving this on a

mantelpiece will inspire another person to plant

a tree. Before you know it, there’s a forest.

Alternatively, by simply walking straight out

of the International arrivals hall at King Shaka

and heading for the ACSA FTFA stand, visitors

can guarantee that their flight was a carbon

neutral one. The friendly people at the FTFA

stand will calculate individual carbon emissions

as well as the number of trees needed to offset

these emissions.

Visitors can also make a pledge on FTFA’s

Climatree, a beautiful wire art baobab sponsored

by Pick n Pay. By buying a leaf for the Climatree

at only R10, individuals can make their own

personal climate change pledge. Each leaf rep-

resents a commitment towards a lower carbon

future. For every 10 leaves added a tree is plant-

ed for a disadvantaged community in a barren,

dusty township, adjacent to the airport precinct.

This gesture ensures that Africa’s landscape is

being positively changed, while the appearance

of trees will be a lasting symbol of mankind’s at-

tention to the environment.

The Airports Company of South Africa always

strives to give back to the community, and this

way it can help spread environmental awareness.

ACSA staff will assist FTFA in the planting of the

trees purchased during COP 17, in the form of a

sponsored team-building event.

Steering groupMeanwhile, Avis Rent a Car continue to contribute

to the sustainability drive and in its very own col-

laboration with FTFA, planted a hectare of bamboo

plants at Blue Disa, south west of Johannesburg.

Chief Executive of Avis, Wayne Duvenage says,

“Our goal was to offset vehicle emissions from

this year’s ‘Put Foot Rally’; an event that saw crews

travel throughout Africa discovering the many

loved, admired and respected destinations, and in


“While the outcome of CoP17 remains uncertain, these inspiring campaigns, to offset carbon admissions, show how the seed of an idea can flourish, changing lives forever”


support of one of South Africa’s young and dynam-

ic charities, `The Bobs for Good Foundation’.

Avis has always believed that environmental

responsibility is one of their top priorities to help

make the world a little greener than it already is.

With this in mind, Avis joined forces with FTFA in

their Bamboo for Africa programme. Among some

1200 uses, bamboo also provides a high impact

carbon restoration opportunity. The programme

is being introduced to the community with plant-

ings at public schools and on open/tribal land.

Blue Disa, for example, is a community

based organisation on the outskirts of Lawley

Township 25Km south west of Johannesburg.

Reverend Kopano Mohapi is the CEO and runs a

feeding scheme for 300 children on a daily basis

and is entrenched in the local community devel-

opment. It was allocated a derelict farm adjoin-

ing the community, which is being developed to

become a hybrid food crop and energy plantation


farm. The farm will produce food and sustain-

able solid and liquid fuels to the community. The

sponsors, such as Avis, who support this commu-

nity development, will in return get VCS credits to

offset their carbon footprints.

From the data collected it was calculated that

26 bamboo plants would need to be planted,

but Avis chose to increase that number in order

to fill a hectare of land, planting 231 bamboo

plants in total.

FTFA founder, Jeunesse Park, who recently

presented Al Gore’s 24 Hours of Reality, says,

“Climate change and environmental issues need

to enter the public domain so more people be-

come aware of the role they can play in ensuring

a sustainable future. Avis demonstrates that,

when being green is a company policy, the im-

pacts are powerfully felt.

“We have made it part of our core mission

to consciously make an effort in bettering our

carbon footprint through initiatives such as this

one,” he adds.

While the outcome of COP17 remains uncer-

tain, these inspiring campaigns, to offset carbon

admissions, show how the seed of an idea can

flourish, changing lives forever TAB

keeP yOur eneMies clOseTABJ sPOrTs rePOrT WiTH AnDreW Miskin, AkA Our MAn in cAPe TOWn

Conspiracy theories and Mayan calendars aside, 2012 in africa is what you make of it. Despite issues in europe—which would leave even Solomon scratching his medulla oblongata—and generally near-zero growth expected in the First World, africa, although enigmatic, is still looking like a good place to be; especially if you like sport.

keeP yOur eneMies clOseTABJ sPOrTs rePOrT WiTH AnDreW Miskin, AkA Our MAn in cAPe TOWn

38 SECTION � Title

It’s sure to be ClosWhat can we look forward to in 2012? One Afri-

can swimmer has the weight of a nation on his

broad shoulders and multiple golds are not just

dreamt of, but expected. Chad Le Clos is in sub-

lime form, returning to South Africa in November

2011 after a dominant performance in the re-

cent FINA Short Course World Cup.

Remarkably, the 19-year-old is seemingly tak-

ing it all in his stride. He won 35 medals in the

seven events of the series—23 of them, of the

most precious metal variety—and received the

men’s swimmer of the series award.

As mature and philosophical as young super-

stars are these days, London 2012 looms large,

and the pressure will be cranked up to the pro-

verbial ‘11’. By his own admission, sleeping gi-

ants like Michael Phelps (who competes in most

of the same events as Chad) are likely to sneak

‘out of the woodwork’ and produce something

special on the biggest stage. Chad is going to

have to swim his socks off and even improve on

his current form. At his tender age, he probably

imagines that he can and will swim faster, but

he won’t know how much faster until the fun and

games begin.

cHADle clOs

PHOTO SOURCE:

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/CHAD-LE-CLOS/158215830861049


PHOTO SOURCE:

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/CHAD-LE-CLOS/158215830861049


LUKE SCHMIDT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

“For the Springboks vs england tests there will be a generous helping of good manners for starters, but the main course will take on militaristic proportions and the heavy artillery will be duly deployed. all is fair in love and war, after all”


Old wounds reopenedAnother cracking highlight on the 2012 sporting

calendar is the three test match tour that Eng-

land make to South Africa in May/June. Rugby’s

inventors returned from the World Cup with their

reputation destroyed and a team spirit as brittle

Mike Tindall’s wedding vows. As England attempt

to repair some of the damage back in the South-

ern Hemisphere I am certain this going to be an

old-fashioned ‘Anglo Boer War’. There will be a

generous helping of good manners for starters,

but the main course will take on militaristic pro-

portions, and the heavy artillery will be deployed.

All is fair in love and war, after all.

The professional age may have lead to

greater education and therefore less prejudice

between nations, (with many South Africans ply-

ing their trade in France, Japan and indeed the

UK), but you better believe that mature thoughts

of tolerance and ‘forgetting the past’ would only

be counter-productive when these two giants

of rugby line up to sing their respective national

songs in Durban on 9 June, Johannesburg on 16

June and Port Elizabeth on 23 June.

Who will be at the helm of both nations (both

from a coaching and captaincy perspective) re-

mains to be seen. To illustrate how traditional

these two rivals are, I would be willing to put a

large wager on neither country looking outside

their homelands for such appointments.

That said; England rugby and more so cricket,

have been more than willing to include ex-South

Africans in their squads. To have a small dig at

the unquestionably proud English cricket team

(now rated No. 1 in the world), where would they

be without Strauss, Trott and Pietersen? Where

would the triumphant English 7’s rugby team have

been in Dubai in Early December 2011 without

a certain Mat Turner? Do yourself a favour and

research his background too!

Let battle commence. TAB

AfricA’s OlyMPic HOPefuls

STEVE HEAP / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

AfricA’s OlyMPic HOPefuls

as the Games of the XXX olympiad edge ever closer, TaBJ takes a look at some of the athletes from the african continent that are looking to make their year one to remember.


kenenisA Bekele

Ethiopia is a production house of long-distance running talent and has brought

to the world stage some of the greatest athletes of all time, including the majes-

tic Haile Gebrselassie.

The country’s current double Olympic champion, Kenenisa Bekele, will no

doubt be among the bookies’ favourites to retain both of his medals from four

years ago in the men’s 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest distance runners of all time,

Bekele will look to reprise his success of four years ago in London’s East End,

despite being recently beaten by compatriot Ibrahim Jeilan in the men’s 10,000

metres at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Having overcome a succession of injury problems in the past few years,

Bekele will be hoping 2012 is the year he returns to dominating the world of

long-distance running.

MAry keiTAny

With a rich tradition in long- and middle-distance

running, Kenya is once again plotting to bring home

a handful of track and field gold medals from Lon-

don.

At the Beijing Games in 2008, the East African

country won 14 medals, its best Olympic perfor-

mance to date, and its athletes won a total of 17

medals at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu

including seven gold.

Leading Kenya’s charge for glory in 2012 is

Mary Keitany who won the 2011 London Marathon.


cAsTer seMenyA

South African track and field star has dominated the back pages in recent years having been

subjected to well-documented gender tests by the IAAF. The former world champion 800

metres runner was forced to go through the very public ordeal to prove she did not hold an

unfair competitive advantage over her opponents.

At the 2009 World Championships she clocked a time of 1:55.45 in the final of the 800

metres to take the gold home to South Africa, before being withdrawn from international

competition until July 2010 while the IAAF attempted, somewhat clumsily, to clear her to

return to competition.

This year’s World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, marked her return to the world

stage, but she was unable to repeat her feat of two years earlier, having to settle for the sil-

ver medal in the 800 metres final.

Nonetheless, Semenya will be keen to prove her doubters wrong in London and will be

among the most hotly-tipped medal contenders.

In 2007 Keitany won silver at the IAAF World

Road Running Championships and two years

later became the World Half Marathon champion.

Keitany holds the women’s half marathon

world record and is also the first woman to run

the distance in less than 66 minutes.

Joining Keitany in London as a potential

Kenyan medallist will be Boston marathon win-

ner Geoffrey Mutai and the 3000m steeplechase

runner Brimin Kipruto, who will be going for his

third consecutive Olympic medal.


ZersenAy TADese

Zersenay Tadese is a true superstar in the tiny Horn of Africa state of Eritrea.

A hero in his homeland thanks to his status as the country’s only Olympic medallist, Zersenay

has the unusual honour of having his wedding broadcast live on Eritrean television.

A 10,000 metres bronze medallist at the 2004 Athens Games, four years later in Beijing he

missed out on a medal after finishing fifth in the same event. He is expected, however, to return

to the Olympics stage in 2012 and is widely tipped to return from London as a medallist.

Zersenay has found most of his success in the half marathon distance, with three consecu-

tive victories in the World Half Marathon Championships from 2007 to 2009. He broke the

world record at the Lisbon Half Marathon in 2010 and has excelled in cross country running,

collecting one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals from the last five IAAF World Cross Coun-

try Championships.

At the 2011 World Championships he finished 4th in the 10,000 metres and will have high

hopes of bringing home a second Olympic medal to his young country.


TirunesH DiBABA

Ethiopia’s leading lady and the most successful long-distance runner in

the history of the Oromo people will be among the most watched ath-

letes at the London Games.

The Beijing double gold medallist will no doubt be back for more in

London, having followed up a 5,000 metres bronze at the 2004 Athens

Games with gold in the same discipline at the 2008 Games and gold in

the 10,000 metres.

Known in her native country as the “Baby Faced Destroyer” the four-

time world champion also has five world cross country titles to her name.

Following her success in the last Olympic Games she was given the

rank of Chief Superintendent by her club, the Prisons Police, for her

services to both club and country.


OussAMA MellOuli

Traditionally a nation of boxers and long-distance runners, Tunisia’s more recent

success has come in the pool.

At the Beijing Olympics, swimmer Oussama Mellouli became the first African

male to win a gold medal in an individual swimming event.

In September 2007 Mellouli was retroactively banned from competition for 18

months having failed a drug test in December 2006, but returned in style by win-

ning the 1,500 metres freestyle event at the 2008 Olympics.

The Tunisian will hope to top off a year of political and social upheaval in his

home country by bringing back another gold medal from the London Games.


kirsTy cOvenTry

Without doubt the sporting star of Zimbabwe (even ahead of moustached former

Liverpool goalkeeping Bruce Grobbelaar) is seven-times swimming medallist

Kirsty Coventry.

Coventry won four medals at the last Olympics, including gold in the 200

metres backstroke — a feat she will be looking to repeat in Stratford’s brand new

public swimming baths.

Described by the head of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee as the country’s

“national treasure”, Coventry has won all but one of the Zimbabwe’s Olympic

medals, with the only exception being the surprise gold won by the women’s na-

tional field hockey team in the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. TAB

Quick sHOT: cHAOs AnD cOnfusiOn in cAirO050

Quick sHOT: cHAOs AnD cOnfusiOn in cAirO

TaBJ checks in with British expatriate and teacher Gerald Point, in the volatile capital of egypt. It’s a time of great political and social turbulence—here’s his honest, strange and amusing assessment of life on a potential mine field

POliTics

52 POLITICS � Quickshot: chaos and confusion in Cairo

WHAT THe Hell is gOing On in cAirO?

From what I’ve seen and heard it is the unrea-

sonable minority, who are making the most of

recent turbulence, as an excuse to throw stones

at the police. The reasonable Egyptians I’ve met

are taking no part; stating that there is not a big

enough reason to become violent or threaten the

chance of holding an open election.

WHen DiD iT kick Off?

After an announcement by the military that they

would hold the final say on the revised constitu-

tion, and any future military budgets.

cOulD yOu feel Any HOsTiliTy leADing uP TO iT?

It was hard to predict anything coming, because

I can’t read Arabic, but there was a distinct

change in atmosphere a few days before the

major clashes.

HOW HAs THis AffecTeD yOu?

I have postponed my membership of a down-

town spa resort due to the tear gas. This

wasn’t a big problem as it was full of unsavoury

characters anyway.

WHAT MeAsures HAve yOu TAken TO ensure

sAfeTy?

The caretaker of my building has dusted off what

he calls his ‘revolution weapons’, and there are

a number of small arms dealers in the city doing

brisk business. Personally, I carry a can of pep-

per spray at all times. A female colleague of mine

was recently threatened at a demonstration and

she maced four people, rendering them com-

pletely immobile.

“The reasonable egyptians I’ve met are taking no part; stating that there is not a big enough reason to become violent or threaten the chance of holding an open election”


DOes yOur WOrklife cOnTinue?

I’m a man who likes to keep his word, even in

a revolution—if the schools open, and the kids

want to learn, I’m available (also for private study

at only $50 an hour). Otherwise, it’s business as

usual until the Ministry of Education say other-

wise (or until they take a bribe).

WHAT DO yOu THink Will Be THe resulT Of THe

PrOTesTs?

It’s a bit hotch potch, but there’s some potential

for harmony eventually. The Military cannot

back down as the Police are on strike, and

lawlessness would result. The protestors won’t

back down, because they generally don’t have

“The reasonable egyptians I’ve met are taking no part; stating that there is not a big enough reason to become violent or threaten the chance of holding an open election”

54 POLITICS � Quickshot: chaos and confusion in Cairo

“The caretaker of my building has dusted off what he calls his ‘revolution weapons’, and there are a number of small arms dealers in the city doing brisk business. Personally, I carry a can of pepper spray at all times”


anything better to do. Non-nationals are hoping that

the elections will distract the country and reduce

violence. The worst case is that the Army become

too aggressive, resulting in serious problems.

WHAT OPiniOn HAve yOu fOrMeD ABOuT THe PeOPle

Of cAirO?

Egyptian people are kind, hot-headed and happy

people, but it’s hard to ignore the religion-influenced

chauvinism shown by most men. This is something

that could very easily change, especially if the next

democratically elected leader decides that radical

changes are needed.

DO yOu THink egyPT HAs A BrigHT fuTure?

It all depends on the direction of Politics. The Mus-

lim Brotherhood probably represent the majority of

working Egyptians, 40 per cent of whom are illit-

erate. Other politicians have championed Turkey

as a model choice for a Muslim state. I certainly

won’t be signing a contract extension until some

confirmation appears.

WHAT HAs Been THe MOsT reWArDing PArT Of yOur

JOurney?

To be honest, beach trips on the weekend. Educa-

tionally, I like to think that I have made a positive

difference to people’s lives. TAB

On THe BusesDuBigeOn BODy AnD cOAcH

056

TrAnsPOrT

On THe BusesDuBigeOn BODy AnD cOAcH

58 TRANSPORT � Dubigeon

Bus and coach manufacturing has come a long way in the last ten years and Dubigeon has been passionately leading the way in modern design, style, innovation and performance.

Of All THe forms of public transport it is un-

doubtedly buses that are seared most into the

public consciousness of communities through-

out the world. We can all remember great

conversations, strange incidents and raucous

laughter, shared on buses. Some of us can

even remember shouting at a few—usually when

we’ve just missed one. Yep, buses really have

been part of everyone’s journey.

Favourite bus stopDubigeon Body and Coach is a bus manufacturing

company with a fine tradition. It was established

60 years ago and is owned by the Larimar Group.

A great deal has changed since the company

started producing its vehicles in the 1950s, not


least the buses and coaches. As the generations

have passed the appearance, colours and sounds

have evolved, but Dubigeon’s principals remain

the same. Indeed, for the company’s meticulous,

200-strong workforce delivering people safely,

reliably and in comfort, is still the top priority. The

good folk on the Dubigeon production line are as

passionate about building exceptional buses as

their predecessors were, decades before.

The employees are a vastly experienced and

multi-skilled bunch. Craftsmen in its ranks include

OE.Coach Supplies has risen to a position of national leadership in the distribution of quality parts for the bus and coach, off-road equipment, military and transportation industries. We supply first class technology and superior quality to you, our valued customer. Not only do our products meet and exceed local requirements, they also comply with some of the strictest international standards for vehicle and passenger safety.

Tel : +27 (011) 499-1333 / 1444 / 1555, Fax : +27 (011) 499-1666www.oecoach.co.za

Providing Innovative Solutions

OE COACH SUPPLIES ARE SOLE & EXCLUSIVE AGENTS & DISTRIBUTORS OF THE ABOVE MANUFACTURERS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA.

Consistently quality-oriented, with headquarters in Wuppertal we are rooted in the global markets - We are HAPPICH GmbH, the leading interior designers for commercial and special vehicles.www.happich.de

A comprehensive solution to all your Windshield Wiping Requirements. Comprising of a variety of 12 & 24V motors, Linkages, Arms, Blades Washer Bottles & Accessories, complementing the wiper system. Universal application as well as OEM speci�c.www.doga.es

An “ Ece” Compliant Manufacturer Of Automotive Lighting For The Bus, Coach, & Truck Body Builders. A Comprehensive Range Of Headlights, Rear Lights, Side Lights. & Front Lights Of Optimum Quality.www.farba.com

Manufacturers Of Heating, Cooling, Forced Draft Ventilation & Airconditioning Elements for the small, medium & large builders of Ambulances, Buses, Coaches, Marine, Agricultural, & Construction Machinery Industries. A complete & varied range of user friendly products & accessories.www.kalori-sa.com

Year after year we produce MEKRA long mirrors for more than 8 million vehicles such as trucks, buses, agricultural machinery and transporters.We are a "global player made in Germany" - fully focused on the commercial vehicle industry. www.mekra.de


bus body builders, spray painters, diesel mechan-

ics, artisans, electricians, welders, technicians,

quality controllers and machinists. Their combined

skills have helped to create some of the best

buses on the road today.

The turnover of the Dubigeon factory ranges

from R100 up to a whopping R354 million a year,

depending on the work volume from customers.

Although the factory particularly specialises in

manufacturing bus bodies and building coaches,

it also repairs old bodies, assembles chassis and

produces auxiliary vehicles units such as mobile

ticket offices, tow trucks and luggage trailers.

Getting there in one pieceDubigeon Body and Coach’ bodies comply with

strict South African and International manufac-

turing specifications, regulations and legislations.

These measures include thorough roll-over pro-

tection and tilt tests.

The roll-over and homologation process for

the company are fully audited by the South Af-

rican Bureau of Standards, while the tilt-test is

fully examined by Gerotek. Dubigeon has also

achieved one of the highest levels of local con-

tent production in the bus building industry, with

most of the component manufacturing being

generated on the premises.

Divisional Director Allan Cox is in no doubt

that the company’s continued high standards

have been the key to its long-term success. “Du-

bigeon have a team that is dedicated to perform

research and development activities for the com-

pany,” he explains. “That same passionate team

is responsible for designing, testing and building

prototypes of new buses.”


Maroun's Group are market leaders in the supply of automotive paints, consumables, equipment, tools and allied products for the automotive refinish industry.

All our products and services are backed up by superior knowledge and training.

Proud to be expanding into Africa.

Johannesburg Head Office 011 2160600 | www.marounsgroup.co.za


Ticket to rideThe team also has the honour of representing

the company at the industry governing associa-

tion (SABOA), where safety and technical specifi-

cations of buses are developed.

Meanwhile, Dubigeon has also established

a mutually beneficial partnership with the Uni-

versity of Pretoria and Tshwane University of

Technology. A number of students from these

institutions complete their practical training at

Dubigeon, where they are taught priceless skills

in an environment of outstanding professional-

ism. There is certainly no better company in

South Africa to develop coach-building talent.

In addition, the factory have also forged

strong commercial relationships with leading bus

manufacturing companies such as MAN, Daim-

ler-Benz, Bus mark 2000 and Iveco.

It’s fair to say that after six decades of driving

the industry Dubigeon, will keep the motor run-

ning, well into the future. TAB

WWW.DuBigeOn.cO.ZA


BeHinD THe WHeel:

95 per cent of raw materials and components

used in the manufacture of the Dubigeon

body are locally produced

100 per cent parts availability, due to local

development and production of bodies

Established accidents facility catering for an

express repair service, capable of restoring

the vehicles to their original condition

Unique construction methods, making use

of several sub-assemblies that allow simple

accidents repairs to be carried out quickly

Interior noise levels below 80DB

Dust and water leak resistant facilities

Proven track record of building buses

designed for operating in arduous conditions

for an excess of 1,000,000 kilometres

Quick boarding and alighting of passengers

due to extra wide passenger door

Robust corrosion resistance structures

We distribute throughout Southern Africa

• Our patented “double rail” makes our windows leakproof

• We are BS EN ISO 9001:2008

compliant

• Excellent after sales serivces

Manufacturers Of Quality Aluminium Sliding Windows To The Motor Trade

Tel No: (011) 892-4048/9 Fax: (011) 917 -4044 | [email protected] www.panoramic.co.za

lOgicAl lOgisTics064

With a modern and constantly-monitored fleet, transportation experts Massyn Vervoer is bringing its demanding customers from across South africa the service they require to operate their businesses effectively.

lOgicAl lOgisTics

TrAnsPOrT

66 TRANSPORT � Massyn Vervoer

As One Of the nation’s leading transporters of

construction material, Massyn Vervoer is playing

an important role in keeping the South African

construction running.

From its offices and depot in Witbank,

Mpumalanga, the company transports a broad

range of materials, but has a core focus on con-

struction material logistics.

The company has a fleet of state-of-the-art,

well-maintained vehicles supported by a 24/7

logistics department, which means it is able to

ensure that it always knows where its custom-

er’s freight is.

By ensuring it maintains a strong product

and service delivery record, the company is

heading towards its target of becoming a major

player within South Africa’s transport industry,

despite the economic difficulties all African

companies are facing up to.

“It’s not an easy industry at this time and

it’s quite difficult as everybody thinks that once

you’ve got a truck on the road you make a lot


of money, but that’s simply not the case at this

stage,” says marketing director Bernard Massyn.

“Another key issue we’re facing is in staff-

ing,” he notes. “There are not as many good,

adequate drivers available as there once was

and also our customers are getting much more

demanding than they perhaps were five or six

years ago.

“Customers are demanding faster delivery

times and booking times are becoming ever tighter.

“There’s no space for error or anything

that can go wrong; whether it is road closures,

breakdowns, or any kind of delay, there’s simply

no space for delays,” he adds.

Fleet of fancyWith a modern fleet comprising more than 45

trucks, ranging from taut liners to tankers and

flat decks to side tippers, the firm is able to

offer a wide range of logistical solutions to its

industrious clientele.

“We cover the whole of South Africa and

as a 24-hour operation we have a control room

tracks all of our trucks and follows up and sorts

out everything that goes along with the logistics

of our operation,” remarks Massyn.

The company moves all types of goods and ma-

terials across the country including a broad range of

building supplies to fast moving goods and clothes.


“I would say 50 per cent of our carrying is

building material, and that includes anything

from timber and brick, to cement and tiles,”

says Massyn.

But despite its ability to provide a wide range

of logistical solutions, problems for the company

come from its ability to find quality staff.

“Staffing is becoming more of a problem for

our industry — especially when it comes to finding

quality drivers,” says Massyn.

“We conduct training with all our drivers once

they start with the company and once every year

they are re-evaluated by a drivers association, and

therefore we do try to train the drivers and get to

as high a level as possible.”

A family affairThe company was originally established as

Lowveld Warehousing in 1984, before becoming

SA Transit Services in 1985 during a period of

operational expansion.

At the turn of the millennium the company

began to experience a greater demand for long-

distance haulage, which lead to a further name

change to the current company name Massyn

Vervoer and a further expansion of its operations.

Each department within the company is run

by a different member of the Massyn family.

“Like everybody else, we do have our family

squabbles once in a while, but working with close

relations works really well because everybody

knows what everyone else is doing,” he remarks.

Massyn Vervoer close-nit managerial team

works to ensure a combination of well-main-

tained vehicles, on-time deliveries and constant

communication with its customer, is setting it

apart from its competition.


“We speak to our customers almost 24-7 and

we speak to our customers about anything they

need to know,” remarks Massyn.

Since the time of the final name change the

company has shifted its focus towards long-haul

projects, sending bigger and faster vehicles on

to the roads of South Africa.

Its drivers are handpicked and are given

periodic training and testing to ensure that they

are up to date with new rules, regulations and

vehicle technology.

From its dedicated control room the

company is able to monitor its fleet throughout

the years.

The control team monitors all of the

company’s vehicles on the road through a



C-Track Surveillance system, which pinpoints

the exact location and speed at which the

vehicles are travelling.

The controllers stay in constant contact with

all of the firm’s drivers, providing them with GPS

co-ordinates and ensuring the driver and the

cargo they are carrying remain safe.

All of Massyn Vervoer’s vehicles have been

fitted with DriveCam camera systems, allowing its

controllers a real time look into the cabin of its

trucks and a driver view of the road.

Flourishing flotillaMassyn Vervoer is looking at expansion and is

planning to add an additional five to 10 vehicles

to its fleet.

“It depends on what concepts are on their

way in now, but at this stage we’re looking at

adding an additional 10 vehicles for the New

Year,” reveals Massyn.

With more vehicles soon to enter service,

things are looking up for the South African de-

livery specialists and with the company’s broad

focus, Massyn believes the firm stands apart

from its competitors.

“I think there are a lot of guys that only focus

on one specific type of transport such as bulk or

flat-decks, but we are quite open-minded to ev-

erything,” he says. “If there’s a contract available

and it’s worthwhile, we will do it, and that is not

really an attitude we will shy away from.”

A strong commitment to its clients and a

willingness to go beyond basic customer service

is helping Massyn Vervoer towards its target of

becoming one of South Arica’s leading transpor-

tation names. TAB

MAssynvervOer.cO.ZA

lencO-OPerATiOn072

lencO-OPerATiOnSouth africa is a changing landscape with incredible structures appearing everywhere you look. It’s a good time to be developing properties, which is why every single day lBC lenco love building for the future

cOnsTrucTiOn

74 CONSTRUCTION � lBC lenco

nOTiceD AnyTHing DifferenT about where you

live recently? Yep, it’s looking pretty smart

isn’t it? South Africa is fast becoming the most

highly modernised, industry leading, architec-

turally adventurous and transformational coun-

try on the planet. In fact Google probably have

to change its maps for South Africa more than

any other continent.

Born in the 80sAt the heart of this geographical revolution are

the property development and construction

companies operating in the region. It is now a

sprawling and hugely competitive industry with

great opportunities for innovation.

Along with New Romanticism, leg warmers

and very strange haircuts, LBC Lenco began its

long and successful dalliance with the industry

back in the seminal year of 1981.

Th company remains one of very few to

have witnessed every nuance South Africa’s

emergence—from the political uncertainty of the

early eighties—to the post-apartheid optimism

of 1994; into the new century and beyond. It’s

been a memorable journey through imagination,

styles, partnerships and progress, and, along

the way, LBC Lenco has laid every brick with as

much care and attention as the first.

Room with a viewThe company was founded by Len Spedding and

started off completing small building projects,

renovations and additions. He has gradually built

the business into the significant and reputable


enterprise it is today, regularly increasing its ca-

pabilities and taking on bigger projects.

After safely reaching its thirty-year anni-

versary the company can look back proudly on

a diverse and brilliant portfolio of completed

assignments. Indeed, its distinctive finger print

can be seen throughout the Gauteng region as

well as across Durban and Mpumalanga.

Some of its most impressive developments

include Jackal Creek, Blue Lakes, Carlswald,


Ferngate, Woodbridge and La Bella Costa. These

ambitious settlements involved hundreds of

modern apartments and units, while proving im-

mensely popular with buyers.

With all its experience and market place acu-

men the company is able to fulfil several entry

level contracts while also handling ventures

worth between R50M and R150M—all finished to

LBC Lenco’s uniquely high specifications.

“The company specialises in turnkey develop-

ments and has built a vast amount of experience

and expertise in residential, commercial and

industrial projects,” explains Director, co-owner

and another member of the Spedding dynasty,

Russell. “Over the years we have predominantly

been involved in residential developments, from

entry level to up-market. Our mission is to con-

tinually improve on the quality of our product and

overall performance, while maintaining our ethos

of honesty and integrity.”


WINDHOEK - 4 Einstein Street, Southern Industrial Area Tel: +264 61 259 915

WALVIS BAY - 2 Leevi Nathaniel Street Tel: +264 64 215 400

COASTAL HIRE welcomes youto contact us with any |queriesregarding Hire or Sales ofConstruction, Building orTiling Equipment.

BOBCAT & Accesories

Free Delivery in Windhoek, Swakomund andWalvis Bay for hires longer than three days.


Rolling with the punchesThe economic downturn has required the Sped-

ding crew to use all its knowledge of the industry

to ensure long term safety and stability.

Construction has become a cut throat en-

vironment in which fortune favours the brave,

while many businesses have become victims

of the recession. Fortuntely LBC Lenco has not

been one of them. A fine back-catalogue, reliable

workforce and a credit-crunch busting restructure

have ensured survival.

Russell is convinced that the company’s ap-

proach to its work, along with solid foundations

have been pivotal to its continuation.

“When you choose Lenco, you get a vastly ex-

perienced professional company that is honest,

trustworthy, reliable and dedicated to the cause,”

he enthused. “We always try our best, go the

extra mile and look after our clients. Our primary

objective is customer satisfaction; we are not

claim-orientated and try to keep extra costs to a

bare minimum.”


At the moment the company has a workforce

of 70 highly skilled, efficient and determined

people, all aiming for the common goal of creat-

ing outstanding structures and adding to LBC

Lenco’s impressive legacy of buildings.

Tech careAs the company has evolved—and the technologi-

cal revolution has gathered pace—one of the big-

gest differences has been the business’s reliance

on computers and data. The CCS estimating pro-

gram and Buildsmart accounting software have

been particularly useful in streamlining processes

and guaranteeing that everything runs smoothly.

The company has always been about mov-

ing forward, building for the future and embrac-

ing change. Each and every one of its many

ventures are testament to the company’s philos-

ophy that pride comes before everything else,

including profit.

“It is always the most rewarding thing, on the

completion of a project, when you can step back

and admire your creation. This is what makes it

all worthwhile,” reflects Russell.

As the company moves into its forth decade

of trading there are many projects to look for-

ward, to while new horizons—such as the plan to

expand into central Africa—beckon.

For up and coming companies, LBC Lenco’s

story is an inspirational one—a timely reminder

that sometimes the good guys come out fighting.

There’s certainly something to be said for cement-

ing your status—especially in this game. TAB

WWW.lBclencO.cO.ZA

We specialise in wall to wall carpets, Laminate wood, original wood, vinyl sheeting and under carpet heating. No job to big or too small.

Carpet Colour Centre ccOVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Carpet Colour Centre has been in business for the last 46 years, we are a family owned and operated business, CCC is BEE compliant.

Call: +2711 444 3120 or visit www.carpetcolour.co.za

urBAn DurBAn080

invesTMenTs

urBAn DurBAnProperty development and holdings company Misty Blue is developing a mixed-use retail, residential and commercial site, which is targeting buyers from all walks of life.


lOcATeD in One of Durban’s most sort-after property

areas, construction on Urban Park has begun in

earnest on a development aiming to entice buyers

and tenants by establishing a new benchmark in

modern living.

The style-inspired development will offer buy-

ers top-quality finishes and will look to take advan-

tage of its close proximity to some of Umhlanga’s

best restaurants and shopping facilities, as devel-

oper Misty Blue looks to follow up the success of

its previous Durban development — The Square

Boutique Hotel.

The hotel and spa complex is situated in a

prime position on Umhlanga Ridge, just a stone’s

throw away from Gateway Theatre of Shopping and

a 15 minute drive from the new King Shaka Interna-

tional Airport, and is fast becoming a local icon.

As one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading property de-

velopers, Misty Blue has established a track record

of developing high-quality residential, commercial,

and mixed-use office blocks and hotels.

Along with The Square Boutique Hotel, its

extensive portfolio includes the Grand Floridian,

situated on the top of La Lucia Ridge, Aldrovande

Palace within Durban’s Gateway development, and

the New Town precinct.

In delivering Durban’s Urban Park develop-

ment, Misty Blue is working with the dynamic and

ambitious interior designs firm Union 3 and archi-

tects PGA Architects, whose extensive portfolio

includes Il Pallazzo, Platinum Towers and the ICC

Durban Hotel.


Marketed as an exciting new investment

that offers a modern lifestyle for buyers,

the mixed-use development of Urban Park

offers value-for-money property for a range of

investors, first-time buyers and end users.

Urban Park is located at the entrance of

Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard opposite a Porsche

showroom and is protected by 24-hour security

with CCTV surveillance.

It is situated close to Durban’s Gateway Theatre

of Shopping, the city’s leading retail centre, and a

Virgin Active Gym is within walking distance.

For those who enjoy fine foods or a glass

of vino there is a broad selection of nearby

restaurants and nightlife venues, as well as a

selection of conveniences closer to home.

Residents have access to an onsite indoor

swimming pool, gym, coffee shop, health bar, a

hair and beauty salon and a laundromat.

The site also offers residents with conve-

niently-located parking spaces on the same

level as their apartments and park-like gardens

and an eco-friendly inner courtyard.

Urban Park has easy access to the N2 and

M4 travel routes, while direct access to the N2

motorway looks likely to be enhanced by the in-

troduction of a new off-ramp which will provide

convenient access to and from the site.

Each unit within Urban Park comes with

the option of being fully furnished through a

turn-key interiors package provided by Union 3,

allowing each buyer the opportunity to let their



unit to potential holiday makers or longer-term

corporate clients.

The rental pool will be arranged and man-

aged by a third party who will be able to assist in

the advertising and client liaison process.

Residential apartments come with quality

porcelain tiles and external aluminium doors and

windows, as well as fully-fitted kitchens complete

with granite tops, built-in cupboards, sanitary

ware, and an oven, hob and extractor.

Each apartment comes with a range of

communication incentives, including permanent

prepaid broadband internet access, a full

intercom system that allows free calls between

security and residents, reduced external call

rates via a pre-paid system, and cabled and

ready-for-DSTV connections.

With its bold and innovative design, Urban

Park is bringing to the market a product for both

end users and investors that rivals some of the

most sought after mixed-use developments in

South Africa. TAB

86 MINING � African Minerals

irOn MAiDenTonkolili mine opens for business, as african Minerals ltd. make a big impression on the mining landscape


irOn MAiDenTonkolili mine opens for business, as african Minerals ltd. make a big impression on the mining landscape 086

Mining


Just 14 months from receiving all mining licences and environmental permits for its 12.8 billion tonne Tonkolili iron ore project in Sierra leone, london listed african Minerals ltd. (lon: aMI) (“aMl”) has made its first 40,000 tonne trial shipment to China. This constitutes the first iron ore shipment from Sierra leone for more than three decades and aMl expects to soon become West africa’s largest iron ore exporter.



IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL MAINSTREAM BANKING,

MIRABAUD BROADENS ITS HORIZON BY

OFFERING PRIVATE BANKING, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND

BROKERAGE SERVICES.

TO COMMIT DIFFERENTLY TO GO FURTHER www.mirabaud.com

SETTING SAIL TO N W HORIZONS

RORY SCOTT ON +44 (0) 20 7878 [email protected]

MIRABAUD SECURITIES LLP 33 GROSVENOR PLACE, LONDON SW1X 7HY

Mirabaud today is an internationally active group providing financial services geared to clients who seek personalised relationships, high-quality services and maximum performance. The group has its roots in one of Switzerland’s oldest banking establishments.

Mirabaud & Cie, banquiers privés, was founded in Geneva in 1819. Having taken on international dimensions, Mirabaud now operates on four continents, providing its international client base with customised financial and advisory services in three core areas : Private Banking (portfolio management, investment advisory services and services for independent fund managers), Asset Management (institutional management, fund management and distribution) and Intermediation (brokerage services, corporate finance and debt capital management).

A fast-growing independent firm, Mirabaud has tripled its assets under management in the span of ten years to CHF 22 billion as of November 2011.

With nearly 600 employees, over half working internationally, Mirabaud has offices in Switzerland (Geneva, Basel and Zurich), Europe (London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Luxembourg) and in the rest of the world (Montréal, Hong Kong, Dubai, Auckland and Perth).

Mirabaud Securities LLP is a global institutional brokingbusiness providing research and strategy, execution, equity capital markets, corporate advisory and broking across 35 markets worldwide.

Mirabaud Securities LLP has highly experienced sales and research teams focused on the energy and resources sector. The equity capital markets team structures and lead manages equity and equity linked transactions. Since 2006 Mirabaud has raised over US$ 8 billion for public and private companies in these sectors utilising its global distribution networks.


IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL MAINSTREAM BANKING,

MIRABAUD BROADENS ITS HORIZON BY

OFFERING PRIVATE BANKING, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND

BROKERAGE SERVICES.

TO COMMIT DIFFERENTLY TO GO FURTHER www.mirabaud.com

SETTING SAIL TO N W HORIZONS

RORY SCOTT ON +44 (0) 20 7878 [email protected]

MIRABAUD SECURITIES LLP 33 GROSVENOR PLACE, LONDON SW1X 7HY

Mirabaud today is an internationally active group providing financial services geared to clients who seek personalised relationships, high-quality services and maximum performance. The group has its roots in one of Switzerland’s oldest banking establishments.

Mirabaud & Cie, banquiers privés, was founded in Geneva in 1819. Having taken on international dimensions, Mirabaud now operates on four continents, providing its international client base with customised financial and advisory services in three core areas : Private Banking (portfolio management, investment advisory services and services for independent fund managers), Asset Management (institutional management, fund management and distribution) and Intermediation (brokerage services, corporate finance and debt capital management).

A fast-growing independent firm, Mirabaud has tripled its assets under management in the span of ten years to CHF 22 billion as of November 2011.

With nearly 600 employees, over half working internationally, Mirabaud has offices in Switzerland (Geneva, Basel and Zurich), Europe (London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Luxembourg) and in the rest of the world (Montréal, Hong Kong, Dubai, Auckland and Perth).

Mirabaud Securities LLP is a global institutional brokingbusiness providing research and strategy, execution, equity capital markets, corporate advisory and broking across 35 markets worldwide.

Mirabaud Securities LLP has highly experienced sales and research teams focused on the energy and resources sector. The equity capital markets team structures and lead manages equity and equity linked transactions. Since 2006 Mirabaud has raised over US$ 8 billion for public and private companies in these sectors utilising its global distribution networks.


THe TriAl sHiPMenT utilised the integrated mine,

rail and port infrastructure built by the company

and will be tested by Shandong Iron and Steel

Group CO. Ltd. (“Shandong”) prior to the closing of

their US$1.5 billion investment in the Tonkolili by

the year-end. AML’s corporate development and in-

vestor relations head Mike Jones says it is only “the

end of the beginning” for this world-class project.

“When we embarked on the major construc-

tion stage of this project in late 2010, we said

we’d be in production in Q4 2011, and here we

are,” he affirms.

“The Tonkolili mine itself is a wonderful long

life asset that can support pretty much any level

of production you wish to throw at it and it’s go-

ing to be around for more than 60 years. Taking it

to 20 million tonnes isn’t an issue, and as we go

to Phase II and Phase III we’ll be looking at mul-

tiples of what that capacity is.”

AML’s ability to fast-track the development of

the mine and infrastructure promises to transform

the Sierra Leonean mining industry and bring

very significant benefits to the country. Subject to

variables such as iron ore pricing, the ramp up of

production and the timing of the development of

Phase II, payments to the government by AML in

taxes and royalties could total more than $1 billion

dollars over the next few years.


Our service include:n Geotechnical Drillingn In-Situ testingn Hydro-geological Investigationsn Tailings sampling

INTERNATIONAL GEOTECHNICALDRILLING SPECIALISTS

EM Drilling Limited (EMD) provides Clients with:

“Specialist Ground Investigation and Associated Drilling Services around the World” EMD has a global track record of delivering specialist Drilling Services:

“Anywhere - Anyplace - Anytime” EMD Drilling Crews and Support Staff are the best in class, and supported by a management team that delivers the client’s end product:

“Training - Induction - Safety” EMD’s key focus on projects is providing the information from the ground that gives the clients answers:

“Accurate - Observant - Courteous - Diligent - Conscientious”

EM Drilling Ltd Four Winds Farm

Upper Swainswick Bath

UK BA1 8AE

+44 (0)1225 855002 [email protected]

Company No. 07179560 VAT No. 987976422 Registered Office: Geoff Gollop & Co Ltd, St Brandons House, 29 Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5QT


The road & rail aheadWhile news of the first shipment was well re-

ceived by the market, many investors are fo-

cussed on the growing scale of Phase I which

has now been expanded to 20 million tonnes per

annum. Production for 2012 has also been signif-

icantly increased to 15 million tonnes per annum

from 12 million tonnes per annum. Mike Jones

however stresses the importance of focusing on

the work ahead at the Tonkolili mine and its 200

kilometres of associated rail and port infrastruc-

ture, rather than dwelling on recent successes.

“The current capacity of the infrastructure and

mine as a holistic process is 16.2 million tonnes.

That is predicated on a certain production capacity

at the mine, a certain export capacity at the port and

the various transport arrangements,” he explains.

“We are building mining capacity to 20 mil-

lion tonnes and through the course of 2012 we’d

expect to produce 15 million tonnes, and export

that amount through the current configuration of

the existing infrastructure.”

Final port and rail commissioning will take

place by the end of the year. The route is covered

by a 99-year exclusive license signed with the

government of Sierra Leone in 2009 which in-

cludes the transport corridor, the Pepel port and

planned Phase II port which will be built at Tagrin



Point. The port facilities, which include stockyards

with a one million tonne capacity, are already capa-

ble of supporting exports of up to 20 million tonnes

a year subject to minor infrastructure modifications.

Regarding the rail, Jones says, AML has various op-

tions to consider in devising the ideal setup for that

20 million tonne annual target.

“At the moment we’re in the process of final

commissioning of the rail,” he explains.

“It’s open from mine to port and is taking

traffic, but post-commissioning you still need to

finalise such things as the rail alignments and

ballasting, in a process called de-stressing, and

do additional works where necessary; akin to

moving into a house with the decorators still in.”

Decisions on expanding the rail capacity to

accommodate the 20 million tonnes per annum

production level will be made shortly and funded

through a mix of vendor financing, for equipment

including locos and wagons, and internal cashflow.

Taking Tonkolili to the topSince discovering the project in 2008, AML has

been (and remains) fully focused on developing

Tonkolili as a major iron ore mine. The company

has progressively increased the size of the de-

posit from 4.7 billion tonnes in early 2009, to 5.1

billion tonnes and up to 12.8 billion tonnes in


Number one integrated logisticsAnd transport network into Africa.

Tailor made solutions to your logistics and transport concerns

IN AFRICA

• More than 200 offices in 43 countries • 22,000 Permanent staff• 6.5 mil Tons Handled per annum • 8 000 000 sqm open storage and warehouse• 200 Million Euros yearly invested in Africa

The Leading Logistics Network

www.bollore-africa-logistics.com

www.bollore-logistics.com

SDV South Africa (PTY) LTDTel: +27 (0) 11 398 5000

E-mail: [email protected]

Bollore Africa Logistics - EuropeTel: +33 (0) 1 46 96 44 20

SDV was awarded part of the logistics contract for the ECF Pepel Phase for African Minerals in Sierra Leone. This phase entailed the construction of a railway line from Pepel to Tonkolili Mine site, upgrade of Pepel port and other marine work. The first shipments began in March 2010 and we are still continuing to supply logistics support to African Minerals. SDV South Africa has successfully managed the transport logistics of approximately 92,000cbm of cargo over numerous charter vessels loading out of Richards Bay port. This included most recently the successful shipment of 6 x Locomotives to Freetown, each weighing in excess of 80 Tons.

Upon completion of the project much of the rolling stock will be returned to South Africa. SDV will assist in the chartering of vessels to return the Civil Contractors plant and equipment back to South Africa.

Together with SDV UK, USA and Antwerp offices a combined total of 127 000cbm of cargo was transported to the African Minerals Tonkolili site. SDV ARE PROUD TO BE A CONTRIBUTING PARTNER TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT.

ECF PEPEL PROJECT – TONKOLILI


Dawnus International Ltd are proud to be working with African Minerals Ltd in Sierra Leone.

Dawnus are currently working on:

• Refurbishment of 77km of existing railway and over 85km of new rail.

• Quarrying operations at Rofanye Quarry, Port Loko District, and Markarie Quarry, Makeni District

• Earthwork and civil elements for the iron ore stockyard and ship loading facility at Pepel

• Infrastructure and building works at Tonkolili Iron Mine

All works are being carried out in line with a strict environmental and social management plan. Dawnus currently employ over 1,200 Sierra Leone nationals on these projects.

For further information, please contact [email protected]

www.dawnus.co.uk

New process water weir – Tonkolili

Multi-plate culvert assembly – New rail

2010. Innovatively, AML fast tracked the develop-

ment of the project by raising capital and begin-

ning construction ahead of the final resource

estimate. This enabled the team to bring the proj-

ect into production as soon as possible in order

to benefit from the high iron ore price.

“Other companies might have waited until

they got a resource and possibly a reserve on

it before doing the financing and construction.

We did it the other way round; that’s one of the

reasons why we have managed to build this inte-

grated mine, rail and port in such a short period

of time,” Jones explains.

But fast doesn’t mean finished when it comes


POWEROZIJ

Mauritius Office:Leslie Dann+230 [email protected]

South Africa Office:Willem Schoeman+27 (0)72 [email protected]

www.jozipower.com

Rental and Independent Power for Africa

Jozi Power Limited rents out, operates and maintains a fleet of containerised 1MW diesel generator sets to African mines and other large consumers for short to medium term periods. The gensets are used in combination with our range of step-up transformers to provide fast-track power stations of 1MW to 15MW.Voltages: 400V, 525V, 660V, 1000V, 6.6kV, 11kV, 22kV and 33kV

to developing this world-class asset to its full

potential. With commissioning of a wet process

facility due to take place in the first quarter of 2012

to lift production to 15 million tonnes per annum

and ramping up to full capacity in the second

quarter, work is under way to increase capacity

to 20 million tonnes per annum. The company

has now begun the construction of an additional

five million tonne per annum expansion for the

production of an AI32 (‘All-In 32’) hematite product

to be commissioned in Q4 2011.

“The wet process facility is a major plant with

15 million tonnes per year head-feed,” Jones says.

“It creates very closely screened lump and


PHOTO CREDIT: AFRICA924 / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM


WBHO has over 35 years of experience and service to offer in the Roads andEarthworks, Civil Engineering and Building industries. Our commitment, reliabilityand consistency has led us to embark on various successful mining and infrastructure projects throughout Southern Africa as well as several other African countries.

(t) +27 11 321 7200 (f) +27 887 4364 (w) www.wbho.co.za

COPPER CONCENTRATOR, DRCRAILWAY LINE TO TONKOLILI MINE, SIERRA LEONE

fine product, and has high pressure washes in-

corporated into the system essentially giving you

a cleaner and, incongruously, drier product.

“There’s a possibility of slightly improving the

quality of the iron ore and that’s something we’re

checking out now.”

The AI32 haematite product, he says, pres-

ents a low cost capital exercise with very mean-

ingful revenues. Would-be buyers are those with

their own screening facilities and it looks to be

an attractive option for many.

“For us Tonkolili has always been about just

getting in and getting on with it,” Jones says.

The same applies to securing the financial

backing for future development. Whether raising

more than $1 billion dollars by December last year,

completing the $90 million Standard Bank vendor

financing, and the $100m subordinated standby

facility announced on the commencement of ship-

ment, or moving swiftly towards closing on Shan-

dong’s $1.5 billion planned investment, AML’s track

record in rapid project execution is growing.

A gem for the country & companyWith additional production capacity, AML re-

mains well on course to reach 15 million tonnes

per annum export targeted for the year ahead.

Expanding its current infrastructure capacity of


BAMAKO

KAYESSIGUIRI

MWANZATARKWA

SWAKOPMUNDRUSTENBURG

OUAGADOUGOUJOHANNESBURG

K A L A L U S H IM O N R O V I A

MORELABORATORIES

BAMAKO

Daily, the SGS global team delivers technical expertise, effective services and sustainable solutions that enhance projects during exploration, resource development and production. We know you want MORE growth and SGS is here to help.

SGS iS thE WORlD’S lEaDinG inSpEctiOn, vERificatiOn, tEStinG anD cERtificatiOn cOMpany

www.sgs.com/[email protected]

SGS More Labs Ad 7.75x4.75 -11.indd 1 4/14/11 5:10:07 PM

16.2 million tonnes per annum will necessitate

some further construction works during 2012,

and achieving that all-important Phase I target of

20 million tonnes per annum for 2013 will be a

key deliverable, and pave the way for the future

expansions into Phases II and III.

“The key milestones in the coming months

are the receipt of NDRC [National Development

and Reform Commission] approval for the Shan-

dong transaction, at the end of the year, and the

flow of funds from that, the commissioning of

the Phase One wet plant in Q1 next year, and the

subsequent ramping up to full capacity. They’re

all operationally based and we’re focused on


THE RACEC GROUP IS PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH AFRICAN MINERALS IN SIERRA LEONE

EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE

RACEC GROUP LTD | www.racec.co.za

making sure that they happen,” Jones states.

“This is not the end of this project. It’s the

end of the beginning.”

It takes a team of highly skilled, experienced

and motivated professionals to execute a project

like Tonkolili as swiftly, comprehensively and in

so controlled a manner as AML. Navigating devel-

opment of the right resource tonnage, logistics

and export scenario is, of course, a must for any

mine. But in AML’s case, Tonkolili is an elephant

with game-changing potential for both Sierra

Leone and the company. TAB

WWW.AfricAn-MinerAls.cOM

ABOuT AMl

• African Minerals Ltd. has been

active in Sierra Leone since 1996.

• The company was admitted to

London’s AIM listing upon the

February 2005 raising of £20 million.

• The Tonkolili magnetite resource

was discovered in 2008, after which

more than $1.1 billion was raised

between 2010 and early 2011 to

fully fund its Phase I development

of the project, which recently went

into production as planned in Q4

2011.

• The additional five million tonnes

per annum (mtpa) expansion for

the production of a A132 hematite

product was commissioned on track

in Q4 2011.

• In 2012, AML will commission a

15 million tonnes per annum wet

process facility at Tonkolili during Q1,

thereafter ramping up to full capacity

in Q2.

• “With a full year production from

both the 15 mtpa wet plant and

this additional 5mtpa AI32 plant,

annual Phase 1 direct shipping ore

production from 2013 and beyond is

now scheduled to be 20 mtpa,” the

company states.

104 MINING � Sahara Mining

104


THe sTeel DeAlSahara Mining introduces new mill in Mali

Mining



news that Sahara Mining S.a. will mastermind a uS$300 million fully integrated steel mill at its high grade iron ore operations in Mali spells big news for the country and a kick-start to its future as a premier multi-commodity mining destination


like neigHBOuring gOlD haven Ghana, Mali’s

surge in yellow metal mining rages on. All man-

ner of surveys have followed Thomson Reuters

GFMS and earmarked the country as Africa’s

third largest gold producing nation, but in doing

so reports also note that there is a wealth of oth-

er underexplored resources ripe for extraction,

including base metal market darling, iron ore.

The story of Sahara Mining SA (“Sahara”)—

the West Africa-focused iron ore explorer/

producer operating a high grade Malian hae-

matite mine—encapsulates Mali’s bright future

in multi-commodity markets. In September, the

company announced that it will imminently build

a US$300 million fully integrated steel mill: The

first of its kind for the region offering 300 million

tons per annum capacity, a new-build 70 mega-

watt power plant, and generating around 5,000

jobs once operations commence by April, 2013.

“We’re in the process of acquiring land, and

as soon as it’s done—maybe next month—we’ll

commence construction,” says Indian business

entrepreneur Sandeep Garg, Sahara’s founder

and CMD who also heads wholly owned subsid-

iary Sandeep Energy and Steel.

“It’s a historic project for the West African

region. Its success and sustained production

will send a message to the entire world that this


Predominant Engineers& Contractors Pvt. Ltd.Quality, Efficiency, Speed, Reliability

Seeing the Steel World in New Light...Predominant Engineers,an ISO 9001-2000 certified globally competitive Engineering Organization with an extensive experience in establishing Steel Power projects.

Predominant Engineers was promoted in the year 1991 by Mr KC SOOD, aneminent Engineer & alumni of XLRI. The vision he has is to help and guide the entrepreneurs to set up steel plants with cost effective means.

Predominant Engineers has a team of highly qualified Professionals having immense experience in Steel & Power Plants. They are from India’s top most Steel & Power Conglomerates and bringing enormous expertise and specialization in every sphere of activities. They create unique synergies, articulating common vision across the operations and working in earnest to transform the Organization’s aspiration into achievements.

SERVICES• Project Finance Services• Project Implementation Services• O & M Services• Turnkey Services

Tel: +91 124-4767777 | www.pecl.net


region is coming along very well and investors

everywhere ought to watch it closely.”

Praised by Malian Mines Minister Amadou

Cisse, and on track to commence construction by

the year-end, Sahara’s steel mill will offer mas-

sive proportions for the nation’s future mining

industry. The company aims to become a major

player in West African iron ore and promises to

better the communities it enters along the way.

Blue sky in Mali Starting life by sourcing scrap metal for Indian

and Chinese markets, Sahara quickly established

a firm foothold in Mali, along with other countries

such as Gambia and Senegal. It didn’t take long

for the group to spot the benefits behind obtain-

ing their own mining licenses and gathering good

tenements, which culminated in February, 2010,

with Sahara picking up the mine license for its

2,107 square metre Tienfala iron ore project

(now in operation) in the Koulikoro region, 20

kilometres north-north-east of the capital, Ba-

mako. Tienfala is now home to Indian standard

reserves of 92.13 million tons, haematite of 64

per cent (going up to 67 per cent) and good basis

for steel making due to phosphorous, alumina

and silica levels.

“Of the total 2,107 square kilometre area, we

SANDEEP GARG – FOUNDER AND CMD OF SAHARA MINING SA


Contact usBy phone : +223 221 23 94 / 04 86By fax : +223 221 47 32

Or visit our website at www.ml.airliquide.com

More than 40 years of experiences in customer services

Air Liquide set up in Mali in 1966 The branch has a capital of 50 000 000 FCFA .

In 2006, AIR LIQUIDE MALIGAZ set up an industrial management system (IMS) that aimed at making our industrial processes safer and more reliable. The foundation of the IMS project was to make sure of the skill of production staff and to implement industrial procedures in 2006 .

AIR LIQUIDE MALIGAZ covers Mali and Guinea. MALIGAZ has 33 staff and 9 Maligaz APPM.

have done prospecting for around 10 per cent—

200 square kilometres—and on that we’re basing

our reserves estimate. From that we have also

completed an aeromagnetic survey which was

done by a South African company. The results are

incoming and we hope that they will go beyond

one billion tons,” Garg explains.

“For this current year we’re producing around

50,000 tons per month, or 6.6 million tons per

annum, and we plan to ramp that up to 500,000

tons per month in the next five years.”

Figures from Tienfala continue to deliver

good news for all concerned (the Government of

Mali has a 20 per cent stake in Sahara). A long-

term, three-year stock mechanism contract with

Chinese group, Continental Minerals (owned

by Jinchuan Group Ltd) is in place. Australian-

headquartered mining consultancy Runge has

begun working on the JORC report for the project.

Results from the aeromagnetic survey will soon

be returned, and first construction work on the

highly anticipated steel mill is mere weeks away.

Right company, right projects, right ethosWhile the steel mill is, without doubt, a major

and much-needed project for Mali, Sahara’s

existing set-up at its Tienfala operations already

SANDEEP GARG – FOUNDER AND CMD OF SAHARA MINING SA



offers a well-positioned base for its construction.

For example, the company owns an extensive

truck fleet, used for transporting iron ore by road

(a highway runs right along the mine’s entrance)

and the return leg of the vehicle’s passage to

port presents Sahara with ideal options for bring-

ing in the necessary coal for the future plant.

“We have a company from India named Pre-

dominant Engineers with whom we’ve signed a

contract for the project,” Garg details.

“They’ll provide the steel mill for us on a fully turnkey basis. They will then install and commission it, and run it for six months before handing it over to us.”

The planned power plant is also taken care

of, and will consist of two 35 megawatt turbines

from Japan, to generate the 60 megawatts of

power required for the steel mill.

“The surplus 10 megawatts power, we will

sell,” Garg adds.

“As ever, our top priority is the Government of

Mali, and with this project we foresee very good

impacts for the country. Lastly, in terms of em-

ployment which is also important, we’ll generate

approximately 5,000 jobs.”

Add in Sahara’s other Malian mining license,

Dogoro (50 kilometres south-west from Bamako)

and its applications for copper and other iron ore

ground, and it becomes clear that in this ambi-

tious new producer, Mali has a real gem.

“We’ll definitely be looking forward to add-

ing mining properties to our portfolio,” Garg

confirms.

“The long-term goal is to export more than

one million tonnes of iron ore per month.”

Tienfala promises to deliver the resources,

the markets continue to support overwhelming

demand, and Sahara has the management team

and country commitment to bring this vital proj-

ect to completion. The steel mill, as Garg says,

will be a historic project for the West African

region. It will also prove a key step in Sahara’s

quest to become a driving force in West African

resources. TAB

sAHArAMining.cOM

THe Business Of BlAsTingeire cOnTrAcTOrs

114

THe Business Of BlAsTing

Mining

116 MINING � eire Contractors


With an Irish heritage and in its role as one of Durban’s leading building contractors, eire Contractors has played a significant role in some of southern africa’s major construction and infrastructure projects.


DurBAn-BAseD Drilling AnD blasting special-

ists Eire Contractors was established by current

managing director John Moffatt in 1988.

Starting with just three track rigs leased

from Ingersol Rand, the company has grown

to become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most suc-

cessful specialist firms, demonstrating its skills

across a selection of Africa countries, includ-

ing Sierra Leone, Zambia, Swaziland, Namibia,

Botswana and Mozambique.

“I was working for another company doing

something similar and decided that I wanted to

start out on my own,” says Moffett, who notes

that at that time the markets were neither a

good nor a bad environment in which to build a

business from scratch.

The company has grown and today has 26

hydraulic rigs to its name having moved with the

times and away from obsolete track rigs.

The firm also has one of the largest plant

holdings of hydraulic rigs across Southern Af-

rica and is capable of handling both large bulk

works as well as intricate jobs.

Irish at heartEire Contractor’s unique name is derived from

Moffett’s Irish heritage.

“My father came to South Africa from Ireland

NIGEL DAM - EMERGENCY SPILLWAY


EMULSION TRUCK



in the late 1940s, so when we were established

the business we were kicking around for names,

and we asked ourselves why not name it after

Ireland?” he explains.

With its fleet of lowbeds and explosive

trucks, the company is currently working on

two three-year projects north of the border in

Botswana and Zambia, and was also the first

South African firm to employ full-time surveyors

to ensure quality control so to provide better

customer service.

Eire Contractors has worked on a range of

projects since its inception in the late 1980s,

which include construction projects such as

Bedford Dam, Maguga Dam and Berg River, as

well as a range of road and rail projects such as

the construction of the N2 road.

Alongside projects focused on erecting vari-

ous structures and infrastructure projects, the

firm has also destroyed a few too, with major de-

molition contracts coming in the form of a range

of bridges and site-levelling projects.

It has benefited from the recent resources

boom and has been awarded a broad range of

contracts for platinum, manganese, diamond,

silica, coal and gold mines at locations across

both Southern and Western Africa.

“In the last 10 years we’ve really gone over

the border in a big way,” remarks Moffett.

“Our most successful sector these days is

mining and quarrying, as there is not as much

construction work around.

“Logistics are the biggest problem when

you work abroad,” he notes. “Trying to get the

right parts and equipment to the right place at

the right time can prove difficult, as can getting

people in and out, but the actual operations are

very similar to what we do anywhere else.

“We’ve actually bought a couple of trucks to

run products or spares of items up into Zambia

and, where we were previously relying on other

road haulers, we’re now hauling it up ourselves,

so we can try and determine the time a bit

more accurately.”

Despite working in tough conditions abroad,

Eire Contractors has continuing to perform strongly

in its home market of Durban where it is currently

working at several quarries around the town.

Strong valuesEire Construction has a strong set of company val-

ues in place which it has published on its website.

“We’re trying to carry on working for the

people we are already working for, and if you

haven’t got values in place then you’re not going

to carry on getting the jobs,” says Moffett. “You

also have to look after the people that are actu-

ally working for you.”



Moffett says that with the market tighter than

usual it has remained fairly competitive with the

firm finding it tough to do jobs at a price on which

you can still make money on.

“It is sometimes difficult, but you’ve still got

to do the job the right way — environmentally and

also in respect to how you work with people,” he

remarks. “Even in those places where corruption

or similar things rear their head, which you don’t

want to get involved in, it can take a bit longer

to try and sort it out in the proper way — but we

always do.”

Staff loyaltyEire Contractors employs 350 people across all

markets in which it is operational, and has teams

of mechanics to go around and fix faulty machin-

ery and trucks.

“We try to give our staff opportunities and

try to let them do things on their own by guiding

rather than dictating to them,” Moffett says of

his own managing philosophy.

“And most of our managers and operators

are people we’ve trained up ourselves,” he adds.

“But behind the company is a team of peo-

ple, many of whom have been with us for a long

time,” he notes. “We’ve been in business for 23

years and some of the guys have been with us

that whole length of time, and we’ve even had

four or five retiree’s that have been with the com-

pany for 20-odd years; so there have been a lot

of people that have stuck with us.”

With loyal and enthusiastic staff on board,

and a strong reputation in place, Eire Contractors

looks likely to remain at the top of its trade for

some years to come.

“The next couple of years are going to be

about consolidation, as I think the market’s go-

ing to be a bit rough, but we’ll still be growing

and we will work to do what we do even bet-

ter,” says Moffett. “Rather than purely going for

growth, we need to make sure that we develop

the business properly, so that is really what our

target is.”

With realistic targets in place, modern equip-

ment in its fleets, a loyal customer base and tal-

ented staff, the future looks like it will be a blast

for Eire Contractors. TAB

THe ZAMBiAn BrAnD

124lendor& Burton

Mining

126 MINING � lendor & Burton

as a leading name in Zambia’s construction industry, lendor & Burton has reinvented itself and is now bringing a wealth of local knowledge, skills and passion to internationally-funded projects across the Southern african republic.



fAMily-OWneD cOnsTrucTiOn firM Lendor &

Burton has committed itself to playing a leading

role in the elevation of Zambian industry.

Traditionally involved in plant and crane hire,

earth moving, mobile crushing and mining and

civil contracting, Lendor & Burton has more re-

cently become associated with the Kapiri Group

of companies, which focus on identifying new

projects, prospecting new mining areas, mining

and processing of minerals.

While today it forms a major part of the wider

Lendor Group of Companies, the history of Lend-

or & Burton dates back to the early 1950s, when

the father of current managing director Mark

Burton established firm.

“My father started the company in around

1950 in Kenya when it was still known as East

Africa,” says Burton. “He started off by developing

estates and had moved into rail line construction

in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania by the mid-1950s.

“We came to be in Zambia with the building

of Kariba Dam on which my father was one of

the contractors. He was actually sub-contracted

by the main contractor and did a lot of the civils

work and river dredging, and he ended up staying

in the region.”

The business would soon dip into road con-

struction and civils projects in Zambia, Botswana,

Congo and what was Southern Rhodesia during

a time when the only mining work the firm was

involved in was over-burden removal in Zambia.

“My father actually founded, financed and

opened up Zambia’s coal deposits and did the

same in South Africa as well in the 60s and

right up to the mid-70s, before moving back

north into the central Africa region,” says Bur-

ton. “So we have quite a history in central and

southern Africa, and he was one of the bigger

contractors of his time.

“He was a construction pioneer and he was a

tough old man who took on jobs that many con-

tractors wouldn’t in his time,” he adds.

Tackling the challengeToday, the company specialises in remote logis-

tics and has all the equipment and the work-

force necessary to take on challenging work in

difficult condition.

“The staff we have are acquainted with working out in the bush, and basically aren’t afraid to sleep under a tree,” remarks Burton.

As Burton’s father built up his Zambian busi-

ness the company was forced to overcome the

economic problems of the day, while playing an

integral role in the country’s economy.



“There was a period where Zambia basically

bottomed out and the president, Kenneth Kaun-

da, asked my father to enter agriculture in the

early 1980s,” Burton notes.

Lendor & Burton then diversified into the

agricultural sector undertaking a lot of land

development, land clearing and irrigation instal-

lation schemes.

“There was a period of about 10 or 15 years

where the company focused on agricultural

development and then about four years ago, just

before my father passed away, with his permission

I started up Lendor & Burton again,” says Burton.

“It installed new faith into the company and we’ve

been slowly building things up since that tough

time, refocusing its remit back onto civil works.”

Bringing back a Zambian iconReestablishing the company during a time of glob-

al financial crisis was no easy feat, says Burton.

“There was demand, but we started again

at a time where the recession hit, so a lot of


the work had vaporised,” he remarks. “But

now, with the copper price is growing, there are

a lot of opportunities which we’re at the fore-

front of in Zambia.”

Burton says that one of the company’s key

selling points is its “proudly Zambian” heritage,

which has enabled it to get to the forefront of the

country’s growing construction sector.

“It is a Zambian company, and due to my father’s efforts, we are an established brand throughout the country,” he states.

With opportunities in Zambia currently strong

in the mining sector, Lendor & Burton has been

marketing itself as a major competitor to the

many foreign construction companies entering

the Zambian market.

“We want to establish ourselves here as a

company that’s brings integrity and, of course, one

that delivers quality service,” notes Burton. “We’re

slowly getting our feet on the ground and our foot

in the door, so to speak, with some of the big

names already established in the country.”

Moving forward the company is planning

to establish itself in Zambia’s North-Western

Province where First Quantum and Barrick Gold

are operating.

SummitInsurance BrokersLimited

Ensuring Your Peace of Mind

Tel: 0211 - 255718/255698Email: [email protected]

Summit Insurance Brokers Limited, as the name suggests offers insurance broking services to our esteemed clients.

Summit Insurance Brokers is the best suited Broker to handle your business for the following reasons.


“There are massive developments happening

there at the moment and we’re going to get our

teeth into work in that region,” remarks Burton.

“We’ve also tendered for work around Lusaka, but

our focus for the future will be the North-Western

Province, where we will target private sector work,

predominantly in the mining industry.”

Promoting domestic abilitiesLendor & Burton has maintained a forward look-

ing stance and, in spite of the tough market

conditions of the past few years leading the firm

away from contracting and towards plant hire, it

has recently been approved the finance required

to recapitalise its fleet.

“The tide has turned and we are now gear-

ing ourselves up again for taking on contractual

work,” says Burton. “We’ve been approved some

finance so we’ve recently acquired a new fleet of

equipment and will be able to offer high availabil-

ity and tender for bigger jobs.”

“A lot of our competition comes from South

Africa, and they are often more established and

have much greater capacity, so it can be tough,”


he notes. “But what sets us apart from them is

that we’re a Zambian company and we’re trying

to establish ourselves on an international level in

terms of the quality of our work.”

The firm currently employs 85 members of

staff, ranging from semi-skilled to skilled indi-

viduals, as well as four junior managers and one

senior manager.

Staying true to its roots, 80 per cent of the

company’s management team derives from Zam-

bia, with 100 per cent of the junior side of the

business domestically sourced.

“Zambia has a bit of a shortage of skilled

labour and skilled staff, so as we grow we will

be forced to source externally, but we intend on

trying to keep the company as Zambian as pos-

sible,” says Burton.

With a strong track record and successful re-

lationships with its previous employers in place,

Lendor & Burton has been busy reinventing

itself, as it once again becomes synonymous with

the advancement of Zambian economy. TAB

lenDOrBurTOn.cOM

scene sTeelerTshipi Manganese Mining

134

scene sTeelerTshipi Manganese Mining

Mining

134

136 MINING � Tshipi Manganese Mining

The exploration and planning stages for any up and coming mining operation is an exciting time. When those early efforts start to pay dividends it makes those tricky decisions, investments and ventures worthwhile, as Tshipi Manganese Mining is just beginning to discover.



TO THe unTrAineD eye ‘Tshipi’ looks like a fairly

obscure name, but for those with a penchant for

local Tswana dialect, it’s a title that makes the

company’s intentions very clear. ‘Beautiful steel’

by name, ‘beautiful steel’ by nature, you might say.

The seed of an ideaIn 2003 legislation was eased and it was again pos-

sible to start venturing into manganese production.

With a combination of enthusiastic finan-

ciers and a workforce with a wealth of mining

nous and experience, Tshipi was created in

2007, after the amalgamation of two major in-

vestment branches. With a wide range of skills

and ideas the team has begun to galvanise its

mutual desire to source quality manganese,

while passionately putting this extraordinary

metal back on the map.

Currently it has two ventures—one prospect-

ing tenement, which is located in the north part

of the Kalahari manganese field, and the Borwa

mine, which is in the southern part of the base.


ARMCO SUPERLITE (PTY) LTD. (Wholly owned subsidiary of O-Line Holdings Limited)

Stockpile Tunnel Specialists

We strive to be the leading specialists in the supply and manufacture of corrugated steel pipes used mainly as stockpile tunnels and culverts for roads.

Our extensive knowledge gained over multiple decades of operation has allowed us to market and sell our products with the utmost confidence ensuring that the required design parameters are adhered to with the necessary factors of safety.

Our product range has been used extensively by mining houses, contractors and consulting engineers globally due to the numerous advantages offered by the product. The cost savings are extremely attractive when comparing Armco structures against conventional designs and the ease of installation ensures a quicker completion time.

Your professional partner in steel tunnels and culverts.

131 Anvil Road, Isando – South Africa | T: 0027 11 974 8511 | F: 0027 11 974 8510 | [email protected] | [email protected]


The development stage is well under way and

Director Finn Behnken has been very encour-

aged by the company’s steady progress: “We

commenced the project by developing the mines,

while the Tshipi board began putting the mining

permit into production,” he says. “We appointed

a project manager for the team and approved the

capital expenditure for the development of the

mine, which is now in the stages of being con-

structed as an open pit mine.”

The company is wisely taking a strategic

approach in order to understand the geological

sequences, while cautiously removing concrete,

with a view to eventually mining off the rich sup-

ply of manganese ore.

“Once we have built our crushing and screen-

ing plant, we will then be able to load mate-

rial onto the railway loop, which we’re halfway

through constructing and, at some point in the

next 18 months, the Tshipi Borwa will be brought

into production,” explains Behnken.

Even when the economic meltdown came

along 2008 the company refused to blink and has

remained completely focussed on its vision to be-

come a solvent and reliable manganese supplier.

Welcoming the machinesThe main contract was signed recently and the

mining contractor has already moved in with all

manner of brutal yellow equipment arriving at



the site. Thanks to the detailed planning when

the company began, progress has been rapid and

the site is being transformed on a daily basis.

Alongside the cutting edge railway facility—

which will form such a vital transport link to other

areas—there will also be a rapid loading terminal.

Once these structures have been completed the

company will host a smooth, efficient and, above

all, modern mining operation, which could easily

be performing for several decades. It’s safe to

say the company feels it’s on the right tracks.

Already Tshipi has established some other

great partnerships, which will develop well into

the future. Posco Mining has secured the rights

to acquire up to 20 per cent of Tshipi’s overall

production and OM Holdings has the right to mar-

ket a portion of the manganese ore. Meanwhile

the remainder of the ore, which is not accounted

for, is subject to finalisation, and there are sure

to be many interested parties.

These early deals have shown that a bit of

commitment, adventurousness and risk can be

very worthwhile, and Behnken is delighted that

the early potential of the company is coming

nicely to fruition.

“We’re very excited and our project’s is run-

ning completely according to plan, and we’ve got

a lot of activity on site,” he says. “It’s been a fas-

cinating journey and there will be more incredible

Brink & Health Civil


milestones as the project develops and we start

to build Tshipi’s reputation.”

People powerThe company currently has 124 employees; al-

though once the construction projects have been

completed a further 375 jobs will be created, with

the possibility of more over the next few years.

Makgosi Nkoana, the company’s onsite

general manager has been happy with the cama-

raderie between the Tshipi’s team, especially at a

time when co-operation is so vital.

“At the start of any mining operation there

are always some challenges, but one of the rea-

sons we come to work is to solve them; working

together to create the best possible operation,”

he said. “The teams are working really well and

the input of these individuals is vital as we head

towards the production phases.”

For Tshipi the last few years have been about

laying foundations, strategically placing step-

ping stones, forming partnerships and getting a

foothold, now it’s looking forward to adding some

steel and lots of it.

Indeed, sometimes being the new kid on the

block, really does allow you to shine. TAB

WWW.TsHiPi.cO.ZA

creATing THe rigHT envirOnMenT

144

creATing THe rigHT envirOnMenT

Providing its services to a wide selection of resource players across and beyond the african continent is no mean feat, but is a challenge South african consultancy firm Digby Wells environmental is tackling with aplomb.

Mining

146 MINING � Digby Wells

sOuTH AfricAn-BAseD cOnsulTAnTs Digby Wells

Environmental came into existence in the early

1990s, during a time when the mining sector and

a plethora of other industries were adapting to

changing economic and social conditions.

Today, its international expertise in delivering

environmental and social solutions for its clients

from the mineral resources and mining industry,

has led to it becoming one of the country’s most

sort-after specialist consultancies.

Despite having its eyes focused primarily on

the African market, Digby Wells has extensive

experience from counties in markets as diverse as

the Americas, Europe, the CIS countries and Asia.

“We’ve got 150 active projects at any one

point in time, which you can broadly categorise

into two groups,” explains director Andries Wilke.

“The first covers our domestic clients who account

for roughly half our turnover, and the other is for

international clients.

“If you look at our competition in South Africa,

and probably in West Africa as well, we are one of

the few companies that specialises in mining.

“Being a purely environmental company

gives us a different approach to the studies we

do and the approached we take with that, and

we believe that’s a competitive advantage as

well,” he remarks.


Formed from a giantThe firm was established when a number of large

South African mining companies were unbundled.

“In the early 1990s, Rand Mines was one

of the three largest mining houses in the world,

but when it was unbundled its environmental

department had an option either to go with

one of the divisions that were being sold off to

various parties, merged into another engineering

companies, or go out on its own,” Wilke explains.

“Digby Wells was then formed by former

department employees and as it came out of

the mining industry it was natural that its first

clientele was predominantly mining companies.”

The company grew slowly in the early stag-

es, but in the past five years has grown much

more quickly.

“We’ve expanded from a workforce of about

12 people 10 years ago to about 80 staff mem-

bers currently and the reason for this expansion

has mainly been the due to the fact we service our

clients with the specialist capabilities required for

inter-growth environmental and social studies,”

says Wilke.

In the domestic market the firm’s main focus

is on coal, but it also works on a range of other

commodities such as phosphate.

“We actively pursue certain clients, but the

bulk of our current new clients coming in are

The Travel Professionals

6-9 February, 2012 Cape Town International Convention Centre Cape Town, South Africa

Guaranteed ReservationsCall us on +2711 883 0686Or email: [email protected]

Harvey World Travel - SANDTON

Specializing in Corporate Travel arrangements, conferencing, incentives and groups.

148 MINING � Digby Wells

coming either through referrals, or through our

key clients or key contacts we have from previ-

ous companies who recommend us for work with

those clients as such,” Wilke notes.

Crossing the border Outside of the African continent the company is

currently involved with projects in Armenia and

Kazakhstan and has recently carried out work on

Chile’s copper fields.

“Our company’s main focus is squarely on Af-

rica, but if we get requests for work to be done in

other parts of the world we’d definitely do that,”

says Wilke. “We’ve actually covered most of the

continents, although we haven’t done any active

work in Australia yet, nor Antarctica.”

Back on its home continent Digby Wells

has worked extensively in West Africa’s gold

mining sector.

“We also work on other commodity projects

across Africa and are currently active in iron

ore in Guinea and Nigeria, as well as diamond

work in Sierra Leone and gold in the Ivory

Coast,” notes Wilke.

The firm is building a presence in Mali and

has entered into a joint venture partnership in

Senegal, as it looks to expand further into Fran-

cophone West Africa.


“It’s an important time in West Africa and

we’re setting up offices in Ghana, which has

already been registered and has started to func-

tion,” says Wilke. “We are first and foremost a

specialist on the African continent and we’ve

probably got a strong advantage there compared

with our competitors, and we view ourselves as

having an advantage in developing economies.”

A youthful approachDespite the difficulties of working in a tough

financial climate, Wilke says Digby Wells has

found itself in a lucky position as it continues

to grow thanks to its focus on a broad range of

commodities, and its talented workforce spread

across the African continent.

“The company has grown a fair amount of ex-

perience organically, as clients require additional

services or where we’ve expanded a team by ap-

pointing specialists with experience,” he notes.

When compared to traditional consultancies

in North America and Europe, Digby Wells has in

place a relatively young, but energetic workforce,

with the median age of employees at the firm 31.

“We work hard to bring the right people in,

and we do bring in a number of postgraduate stu-

dents as interns, of whom a number stay with the

company,” says Wilke.

“Furthermore we recruit from our competitors

when the opportunity arises and a number of our

competitors in South Africa have had to reduce

staff numbers, so we used that opportunity to

actually pick up key experts in certain fields.”

With a skilled, professional and energetic

workforce in place at sites across Africa and be-

yond, and with broad commodity spread covered

by its expert, it’s no surprise that this South Afri-

can company is receiving enquiries from compa-

nies across the globe. TAB

WWW.DigByWells.cOM

Exploration andAir Percussion Drilling

Geological Logging

www.geosphere.co.zaTEL: 082 894 6237 | [email protected]

Mine like a starrOyMec TecHnOlOgies150

Mining

Mine like a starrOyMec TecHnOlOgies

152 MINING � roymec Technologies


When a busy mining operation embarks on a project, it needs to rely on a ‘go to’ company for support, equipment, expertise and advice. During the last decade roymec Technologies have been providing all the above, while also injecting its very own brand of flair and ambition.

suPPlying eQuiPMenT fOr the mining industry is a massive respon-

sibility and one which Roymec Technologies takes very seriously. Its

approach—to use all its experience, while also embracing technological

advancements and new ideas—has helped to galvanise mining compa-

nies by improving efficiency, and transforming their overall performance.

Cutting edgeRoymec technology supplies and equipment was created 10 years ago

by a group of individuals who joined forces from a similar background.

All the founders had careers involved with equipment provision and en-

gineering excellence within the mining sector. Together they provided a

multi-skilled, diverse and experienced foundation for the new company.

Since those halcyon days at the turn of the century the company has

made a steady ascendency to the top of the profession.

On the African continent the business has established a fine

reputation, featuring prominently among some of the most notable

mining ventures in the world, such as Skorpion Zinc, Kloof Gold and

Kayelekera Uranium.

The company is primarily a liquid/solid separation outfit and there-

fore takes on any project that requires the removal of solids from solu-

tion or slurries, while also carrying out some liquid removal systems.

154 MINING � roymec Technologies

Sales Director Hoosen Essack thinks the key

to the company’s success has been the excep-

tional service delivery. “We pride ourselves on

providing equipment that works harder, faster

and smarter,” he explains. “The company has

seen a great push towards getting processes

and machinery to be more effective, and robust

enough for very remote sites—Africa is not a con-

tinent for the feint-hearted!”

As well as operating in global mining, the

company also has many interests in the mineral

processing, metallurgical, chemical processing,

water & effluent treatment, pulp & paper, hydro-

carbon processing and other industries.

Well-oiled machineEvery piece of Roymec’s kit is custom-built and

extremely detailed in accordance with each

client’s requirements. All the equipment is me-

ticulously engineered and designed to fit and

operate within specific plants. The 27 guys at the

offices in Johannesburg have created devices for

all manner of operations over the years and the

team’s precise approach has been rewarded with

a very high among its competitors.

Indeed, before constructing the gear, all pos-

sible considerations—like transportation, mate-

rials being handled and region-specific condi-

tions—are subject to analysis.

“We produce bespoke equipment that can

be moved around on the continent, getting it to

work with the minimum amount of stress, on a

site where clients don’t necessarily have highly

skilled labour and need to let the machinery take

over,” enthuses Hoosen.

Commendably, Roymec builds most of its wares

in South Africa, where skilled units tackle projects

in the Johannesburg area, before carefully testing

the testing the equipment and bringing it to the site.

When equipment arrives at the site all the

gadgets are then retested in their working environ-

ment. Once onsite and fully operational it is liter-

ally a case of ‘plug and play’ (or ‘plug and work’,

as the case maybe!). The company are then able


to monitor how well the equipment is performing

and offer sound advice along the way.

Rock and rollRoymec supplies equipment to 13 different coun-

tries throughout Africa and are always looking at

other countries to help in the future.

Recently the company has been delighted

to announce the sale of 15 per cent of its

shares to Tamela, resulting in some fascinat-

ing opportunities to grow alliances in the far

east, including Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Advanced discussions have also taken place

with potential partners across South America in

Peru, Chile and Argentina.

There has even been a recent visit to Rus-

sia as the company strives to extend its interna-

tional interests. “We are really enthusiastic about

extending into different areas of the world and

extending our equipment and knowledge into

those areas. It’s a very active and exciting time to

be at the company,” adds Hoosen.

During the last decade the business has

grown into a 180 million rand enterprise, and

new growth in the market is going to increase

that even further. Part of that growth involves

retaining existing while also encouraging the

development and optimising of the equipment.

The company employs a large number of Phd-

qualified graduates, all keen to make their mark

and take the company into an exciting future.

Additionally, for several years now Roymec has

enthusiastically implemented a Black Economic

Empowerment Policy to promote entrepreneurial

communities and give emerging businesses ac-

cess to mainstream business opportunities.

As an ambitious company with the right peo-

ple at the rock face, Roymec has really shown the

mining industry that it means business. Over the

years ahead, it looks forward to a whole world of

opportunities—quite literally.

WWW.rOyTecsA.cOM

The new logistics helps your business grow.It gives a small business as much power as a global chain. UPS gives you 400,000 dedicated staff, the world’s largest transportation network and an investment of millions of dollars in technology every year. But not everything’s bigger. There’s less form filling, less paperwork, less fuss. So you can spend time on what you know best.

© 2010 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark and the colour brown are registered trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sign up today to take advantage of UPS shipping discounts. Visit www.discountpartnerships.venngo.net and use promo code Canadian Business. For more information on UPS products and services, please visit UPS.com® or call 1-800-Pick-UPS®.

UPS_CBJ_FP_ad.indd 1 12/10/10 3:02 PM

Documents

The African Business Journal Jan 2012 - John Pinching