KwaPEP December 2019

December 2019 / ISSUE #90

PEPcell opens 500th store

AND wins 1st place at Shopper Survey Awards PAGE 6-7

Christmas Gift ideas PAGE 32-35

Happy holidays!

Create magic moments this holiday season

Senior Management Development Programme Dynamos graduate. p8

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DECEMBER 2019

ED’S LETTER

Share store photographs & letters with us.

VIA INTERNAL MAIL: KwaPEP, Central Office, PO Box 6376, Parow East 7501 Email: suzannec@ pepstores.com PLEASE INCLUDE 1) your store number and name, 2) description of event 3) Dynamos’ names PLEASE NOTE: Only Jpegs allowed, no scanned photos or collages will be used.

So, get going and send us your magic.

You might just win a prize too!

Sikhula KunYe! Suzanne Coetzee

KwaPEP is PEP’s newspaper published quarterly by the Communication Department.

PO Box 6376, Parow East 7501 Editor: Mariki Schwiebus Tel:(021) 937 2562 Email: marikis@pepstores.com Design: GAPdesign Printing: Formeset

Hi 5 Dynamos!

Spread kindness like confetti I am sure that most of you know about the Facebook campaign called #ImStaying. It’s feel-good stories from South Africans on why they would never leave South Africa.

Ayanda Mahlangu wrote a story that I think every Dynamo should read: “The other day I was driving and in a hurry. I was following a car, and in its back window was a sign: ‘Still learning, sorry for any delay’. I was very patient with the slow gear shifting and actually thought the driver was doing pretty well for somebody who's still learning.

“Then it caused me to pose to myself a tough question: ‘Would I have been just as patient if the sign wasn't there?’

“We don't know what other people are going through. We don’t wear signs to illustrate our personal struggles. You don't see signs taped on people's t-shirts that say, ‘depressed’, or ‘diagnosed with cancer’ or ‘going through family issues’ or, ‘just lost a loved one’.

“If we could see what those around us were going through, we would definitely be nicer to each other. Let’s treat strangers with complete kindness, whether we know their story or not; whether we think they deserve it or not. Let us give an extra dose of love, kindness and patience to everyone we meet.”

Dynamos, spread kindness like confetti this Christmas and Back-to-School period, then our customers will come back for more and more…

“Let’s treat strangers with complete kindness, whether we know their story or not.”

Enjoy this bumper edition filled with your honesty, passion and resourcefulness.

SK!

Editor

DECEMBER 2019

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BERTIE’S LETTER

We continue to grow

PEP is the best at being a low-cost operator. We have consistently been the number one lowest cost listed retailer in South Africa since we started to track our competition.

Although we must continue to excel in keeping costs down, we must also celebrate the fact that we are very successful in making this part of our culture.

Well done. True Cost Busters!

And so, one more year has flown by! I think we will remember the year 2019 as a tough one for our customers. For a few years now, our country’s economy has not grown much and our customers have had to carefully consider how to spend the money that they have. We have seen this in how the whole retail market is performing – many of our competitors have had negative sales growth for the year and many also had to markdown and clear a lot of overstocks. As the market leader in the discount clothing space, PEP was also not immune to these tough times. However, in the midst of challenging sales, PEP has once again prevailed. This is because we focused on what makes us successful: our focus is on our customer – it is on giving them the lowest price, keeping our costs low and believing in our Sikhula KunYe (SK) culture.

Let’s consider each of these aspects: firstly, we grew our total number of customers coming into our stores. Secondly, we maintained our best price leadership (BPL) position in the market – consistently being better than our 95% best or equal price target. From a cost point of view, we remain the market leaders, running our business at 25% Cost of Doing Business. And, lastly, our SK culture remains strong – evidenced by the many achievements celebrated at our regional sales conventions.

From a departmental point of view, we have seen great performances in departments such as Babies and Home, with the excellent overall management of the CFH business and the reduced cost in markdowns compared to the previous year. After having a difficult first half of the year, the cellular department had a much better second half in sales performance. FMCG continued to grow at double-digit sales – much faster than most other competitors in the market. PEPmoney has had an exceptional year with total transaction growth of over 40%! Dealz opened 15 stores and created a lot of excitement and PAXI delivered more than 1 million parcels this year.

I hope that the sales momentum that we have seen in the past few months will continue in the new financial year and set us up for success.

A special word of encouragement to our Dynamos in stores: keep on delighting your customers, take care of your fellow Dynamos and your stores and, lastly, all the best for the upcoming festive season – may Times are you sell a lot and enjoy some time with family and friends over this tough, fight the bad costs! special period.

Sikhula KunYe!

Chief Executive Finance

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DECEMBER 2019

Blow the whistle It’s your responsibility to report any dishonest behaviour of customers or fellow Dynamos (including management) regarding the misuse of company assets.

Nobody will know that you reported the incident.

You do not have to give your name and nobody can trace your call.

Follow-up on your lead is guaranteed.

Toll Free Number: 0800 006 285 Email: information@ whistleblowing.co.za Toll Free Fax: 0800 212 689 Postal: FREEPOST KZN665, MUSGRAVE, 4062 SMS:33490 Online: www. whistleblowing.co.za

JAAP’S LETTER

The magic lies in your hands...

It’s that special time of the year again where we create magic moments for every customer in South Africa. We help our customers with our fantastic products at the lowest prices by far, so that they can afford to give a gift of love.

Looking back, it’s been a difficult year for PEP and our customers alike. Despite all of our hard work, we haven’t made our budget. It was the toughest year in 20 years!

There were, however, wonderful and special moments. When I look back at the past year, I see:  A company that has a culture, Sikhula KunYe, that’s amongst the best in the world.

 A company that has gained market share. More and more customers are choosing us.

 Stock loss figures that have never been as good as they are today. And this, when the economy is tough, is a true testament to our healthy culture.

 A company that makes life easier and more convenient for our customers by being a ONE-STOP shop. PEPmoney, for example, grew by more than 40% last year!

 A company with the best low-cost culture in the country.

In the year to come, I want us to make sure that we as Dynamos and our customers are happy. When this happens, the rest takes care of itself. Look after yourself and your fellow Dynamos. Support each other through tough times because, in PEP, you never walk alone!

Recognise each other when we do something good – no matter how small it seems.

And then, our focus and pleasure always need to be aimed at delighting every single customer that walks into our stores. Every transaction, interaction and connection is important and is an opportunity to be a magic moment.

Make our customers look and feel good!

Thank you for making PEP the special company that it is! Good luck with the busy Christmas and Back-to-School periods that lie ahead.

THIS YEAR:

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new stores opened, with plans to open many more in the coming three years.

PEP is opening doors, while many other retailers are closing theirs.

500 new

Dynamos and, therefore, new opportunities to many families. voted the

NUMBER 1

clothing store in South Africa.

voted the

NUMBER 1 cellular store in South Africa.

Sikhula KunYe!

Chief Executive Officer DECEMBER 2019

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is growing stronger and stronger…

LEFT: Dealz opened four new stores in August and September, ending the financial year with 15 stores. New stores include Fourways Mall, Roodepoort Village, Cradlestone in Krugersdorp and Mall of Africa in Midrand.

The first store of the new financial year opened at Centurion Mall on 31 October.

FMCG supplier info session

FMCG’s top 50 suppliers gathered at Central Office for an information session. Pepkor CEO, Leon Lourens, gave them a presentation on Pepkor and PEP CEO, Jaap Hamman, enlightened them on the story of PEP. FMCG general manager, Gabriel Pansegrouw, explained to them their importance and the existing opportunities in PEP. Chief Executive Merchandise, Suzette van Zyl, thanked them for their work.

It’s very rare to have suppliers from various businesses such as Unilever, J&J, Beyersdorf and P&G under one roof. The day was a huge success.

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DECEMBER 2019

COMPANY NEWS

New PEPcell flagship store opens On 27 September the latest flagship PEPcell store opened its doors at Centurion Mall.

The new concept gives PEP the opportunity to stretch the PEPcell brand, catering to a different customer as well as taking the brand to the shopping centres where PEP was previously under-represented.

The new store format gives PEPcell a wonderful platform to test new products and services, whilst remaining true to the core principle of offering amazing products at the lowest prices. The second store opened at Carnival Mall in Brakpan on 22 November. The initial phase is one of learning. Once PEP has established a financially viable model, the team will look into speeding up the rollout.

Chief Executive Commercial, Michael Silke, says: “Opening the first store was a big achievement for us and a wonderful example of Dynamos working together to deliver something new. Hopefully, this is the start of another exciting chapter for PEPcell.�

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PEPcell opens

500 store th

PEPcell started as a project 11 years ago and is now a Division with four regions and 28 areas.

When PEPcell opened its first few stores, it was well known for discounted airtime and handsets.

Today these stores connect our customers to the world via smart devices, PEPmoney transactions and PAXI services. PEPcell even launched its very own Stylo handsets.

The first PEPcell store opened its doors in Khayelitsha in July 2008. Last year, we celebrated PEPcell’s 10th birthday. PEPcell had 100 stores in 2012, 200 in 2014, 400 in 2017 and this year we celebrated another milestone when we opened our 500th store!

That’s an average of 45 stores being opened per year.

While other retailers are closing their doors, PEPcell continues to GROW.

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DECEMBER 2019

DECEMBER 2019

COMPANY NEWS

In September, PEPcell was awarded the 1st place in the Telecommunications Stores category of the 2019 Shopper Survey Awards.

The Shopper Survey – conducted by global research house Kantar – serves as a guide to consumer perceptions of local retailers.

In order to determine the top retailers in SA, overall brand familiarity and awareness were measured alongside brand-user experiences and interactions, non-user perceptions and brand presence in the market. The combined result of these factors, using a nonproprietary algorithm, produced the winning retailers. PEPcell took back the winning title from Vodacom, leading with a significant 6.4% in 2019.

ABOVE: BarbaraJeanne Slazus, Commercial Marketing Manager (far left), and Beyers van der Merwe, Chief Executive Marketing (far right), receive PEPcell's Shopper Survey 2019 award.

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Dynamos graduate from Senior Management Development Programme Every two years, 15 to 20 Dynamos are chosen to take part in the Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP). The current group received their certificates in October after 18 months of hard work. The programme consists of six blocks of training lasting one week each.

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After the weeks of lectures by various Dynamos in the respective departments, the SMDP Dynamos have to complete an assignment and give a presentation to the executives. They also take part in a week-long strategic retail course.

The Dynamos that took part agreed that they now know PEP’s business inside out and they are ready for the opportunities that may arise from this course.

BELOW: The 2019 SMDP graduates are in front from left: Theari Fernhout, Elzette Strasheim, Rose Mdaka, Louise Scholtz, Adana Louw, Ulindi Cloete and Marilise Carstens.

In the middle: Jaap Hamman (CEO), Kago Regoeng, Heinrich Boomker and Christopher Bosman.

At the back: Mthokozisi Khumalo, Andisa Masilela, Collin Indurjeeth and Nash Harkha.

COMPANY NEWS

A new 3D Design and fit journey for PEP The Merchandise department is very excited to have started the journey of 3D Design and Fit. It will be implemented on a small scale from Summer 2020 onwards. Digital models of the customer are built to truly represent the human body and products are approved digitally instead of the old system where samples were sent back and forth between buyers and suppliers.

The ultimate result of this journey will mean consistent fit across our products, shorter lead times with a faster and more efficient working process for designers, technologists and buyers. Since the 3D garments represent the actual garments, we can have an upfront visualisation of our ranges – this representation will greatly assist the Merchandise team to make better decisions. This visualisation will also greatly assist marketing and sales in the future.

Jaap’s Top Health Tips Get more sleep – at least seven hours a day

Stay teachable – have the desire to listen, learn and apply in order to discover and grow

Make time to exercise – try to do 30 minutes of exercise five times a week

Show gratitude – be grateful for the small, everyday things in life and write them down

Drink more water – aim for eight glasses a day

More random acts of kindness – always look out for the many opportunities around you

Be positive – have an attitude full of hope

Spend quality time with family – as often as possible (a Sunday braai is non-negotiable)

DECEMBER 2019

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Dynamos on the move 1

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7 1. Sindiswa Mafa has been appointed as Regional Manager for PEPcell Zimbali.

2. Francis Mbambo has been promoted to Regional Manager for PEPhome Ikageng.

3. Sydwell Mavimbela has been promoted to Northern Divisional People Support Manager.

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4. Sinoxolo Fongoqa has been appointed as Regional People Support Manager for PEPcell Imbewu.

5. Michelle Skhosana moved to PEPhome Ikageng as Regional People Support Manager.

6. Lerato Mabuso transferred to PEPhome Legae as Regional People Support Manager.

7. Percy Nkgapele transferred to PEPcell Zimbali as Regional People Support Manager.

8. Nosipho Thembane has been appointed as Regional People Support Manager for Thekwini.

9. Lynn-Lee Julius has been appointed as People Support Executive Secretary.

COMPANY NEWS

Making a

difference Teachers pass with flying colours thanks to PEP’s support 96 Modimolle teachers have completed their UNISA National Diploma for Grade R teachers and 104 have completed an early childhood development proficiency course thanks to the Thandulwazi PEP Teacher Development Programme.

These teachers will formally graduate early in 2020 and the Limpopo Dynamos will be invited to attend.

PEP Academy maths on the move In 2019 the PEP Academy commissioned research from the Centre for the Advancement of Maths and Science Education (CASME) to help them better understand the maths challenges of South African learners as they transition from foundation phase to intermediate phase.

The findings of this research will guide the PEP Academy approach to maths in 2020 and beyond, and it will be open source – so

that any school-based programme aimed at improving maths in the intermediate phase can benefit from the research. These and other resources will also be freely available for schools and parents to download.

We look forward to sharing more news about PEP Academy’s ambition to go digital as we develop this approach further in 2020!

A day in the life After-school programmes are about creating fun and engaging learning opportunities in a more relaxed environment to supplement core schooling. A September afternoon in the life of Vuyani Primary, Gugulethu showed that this approach is working! On this day, the Grade Rs were making stick

puppets in response to a story, thanks to the Ackermans Ububele School programme.

At PEP Academy, the Grade 4 learners were making masks to enact the stories they had written in groups and the Grade 5 learners were writing their own recipe books.

DECEMBER 2019

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Regions making a

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1. Botswana assisted Lephoi Centre for the Blind, which empowers children who have visual impairments. The children each received goodies and toiletries.

2. Cederberg assisted Zanokhanyo Children's Safety Home by donating children’s clothing and stationery after a fire destroyed the home.

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DECEMBER 2019

3. Eastern Cape made a difference to children at Emajwareni Public School by donating school uniforms.

4. Emfuleni warmed the hearts of children at Bettie’s Haven by donating clothing, toiletries and bedding.

5. Free State, together with Vodacom and OFM, collaborated in

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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a campaign to collect sanitary towels to help keep girls in school. Over 4000 pads were collected.

6. Gauteng made a difference during their Heritage Day celebrations by giving back to the underprivileged community in Newtown. They handed out

soup and bread to show that, at PEP, we care.

7. Kwena brightened children's lives by donating school shoes and cooler bags with sweets and toiletries to the learners attending Schaumburg Combined School.

8. Langeberg put smiles on the children’s faces at Touwtjieland by fixing the ceiling, toilets and tiles and by painting the classroom. The children celebrated with party packs and a delicious lunch.

9. Lekoa assisted the Help A Girl Foundation by donating

sanitary pads to young girls in school.

10. Lesedi donated tracksuits and socks to 70 children in Palmridge community.

11. Lesotho made a difference at Phelisanong Centre by donating clothing, blankets and toiletries.

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12. Limpopo warmed the hearts of 52 children at Patience Ntuli Ministries by donating school shoes.

14. Outeniqua assisted Norwood Early Learning Centre by donating food, toiletries and stormy grey blankets.

16. PEPcell Imbewu made a difference at Ithateng Home by planting vegetables to fill hungry tummies.

13. North West donated shoes and toiletries to Give Them Hope Foundation, which looks after twenty adopted children.

15. PEPcell Coastal donated shoes, socks, towels and underwear to St Thomas Home for Children.

17. PEPcell Marula built a kitchen at Dimakatso Safe House, which looks after orphaned and vulnerable children.

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18. PEPhome Agulhas warmed the hearts of children at the Fikelela Aids Project by organising a fun day and donating goodies towards the project.

19. PEPhome Legae made a difference to The Minnie Angels Babyhouse and Preschool by

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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donating equipment to help with the children’s therapy.

20. Thekwini treated the children attending Nolufefe primary school and Umthawelanga senior secondary school with

girls and boys hampers, toiletry bags and many treats.

21. Tugela visited Hambisanani High School and donated school uniforms and hygiene packs to the learners.

22. Umgeni spread the joy at Greytown Child and Youth Care Centre by donating clothing and treating the children with some snacks.

23. The Central Office adopted school team made a difference to Webnerstreet Primary School this year by revamping their kitchen and library, taking the children on outings and having many activity days at the school.

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Magic Moments These Dynamos demonstrate our values of honesty, passion and resourcefulness.

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4 6 1. 4959 PEPcell Rustenburg.

8. 8665 Molepolole.

12. 5756 Kwaggafontein.

2. 6560 Kanye Mongala.

9. Dynamos from the Langeberg region.

13. 5544 Mamelodi.

3. 549 Polokwane.

4. 6361 Molepolole.

5. 8476 Tsabong.

6. 8325 Lobatsi.

7. 8396 Ramotswa.

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10. 4181 Krugersdorp.

11. 8035 Nkowankowa celebrating the great stock loss results of 2% below, after the store struggled with stock losses for the previous two years.

14. 5763 Moreleta.

15. 5761 Mabopane store opening.

16. 6569 Forest Hill.

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MAGIC MOMENTS

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17. 533 Hartbeesfontein.

27. 5724 Klerksdorp.

18. 4860 Galleria Mall.

28. 4955 PEPcell Bambanani Centre.

19. 4467 PEPcell Siyabuswa.

20. 4969 PEPcell Springs Mall.

21. 4710 PEPcell Mkhuhlu.

22. 8496 Metlife Plaza.

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29. 6400 Ridgeway.

30. 4800 PEPcell President Hyper.

31. 6373 Vanderbijlpark.

23. 4802 PEPcell Evaton.

32. 4537 PEPcell Phuthaditjaba celebrate their first anniversary.

24. 4967 PEPcell Mark Park.

33. The Finance team.

25. 4556 PEPcell Megamart.

26. 4733 PEPcell Ivory Park.

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MAGIC MOMENTS

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Celebrating Character 2 1

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DECEMBER 2019

1. 8032 Mokopane.

5. 5619 PEPhome President.

9. 6137 Waterfall.

2. 8673 Valhalla.

6. 572 Ficksburg.

10. 651 Florida.

3. 6748 Gandlanani.

7. 8367 Thaba ‘Nchu.

11. 6417 Goldfields Mall.

4. 5749 Modimolle.

8. 126 Theunissen.

12. 6473 Philippolis little characters.

CELEBRATING CHARACTER

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18 13. 409 Belfast.

14. 8758 Heidelberg.

15. 564 Alberton.

16. 8424 Botshabelo.

17. 359 Port Shepstone.

18. 176 Schweizer-Reneke.

19. Central Office.

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DECEMBER 2019

CELEBRATING CHARACTER

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GUESS WHO IRON MAN IS? The one and only Jaap!

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Heritage day 3

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1. 4467 PEPcell Siyabuswa.

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2. 4745 PEPcell Phalaborwa.

3. 5749 Modimolle.

4. 5598 Soshanguve.

5. 5678 PEPhome Vryheid.

6. Middelburg Area Managers and Dynamos.

7. 689 Middelburg.

8. 223 Middelburg.

9. 146 Hendrina.

10. 8484 Nqamakwe.

11. 6417 Goldfields.

12. 322 Ficksburg.

13. 7211 Marapyane.

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14. 6182 Bara Mall.

15. 6642 Modi Mall.

16. 4880 PEPcell Vaalgate.

17. 5616 PEPhome Lichtenburg Mall.

18. 8378 Pretoria.

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Sikhula KunYe Fridays 4

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SIKHULA KUNYE FRIDAYS

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1. 395 Petrusburg.

2. 8695 Roodepoort.

3. 6475 Checkers Hyper.

4. 6392 Klerksdorp.

5. 6473 Philippolis.

6. 564 Alberton.

7. 8743 Benoni.

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8. 6417 Goldfields.

9. 537 Orkney.

10. 380 Koppies.

11. 5595 PEPhome Beacon Bay. 12. 5616 PEPhome Lichtenburg Mall.

13. 5630 PEPhome Empangeni.

14. 6763 Kempton Park.

15. 8570 Port Elizabeth.

16. 6343 Port Elizabeth.

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17. 8265 Port Elizabeth.

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18. 6685 Port Elizabeth.

19. 8429 Port Elizabeth.

20. 8442 Pier 14.

21. 6114 Port Elizabeth.

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22. 703 Port Elizabeth.

23. 8604 Port Elizabeth.

24. 6271 Port Elizabeth.

25. 8693 Port Elizabeth.

26. 6574 Port Elizabeth.

27. 8246 Port Elizabeth.

28. 4957 PEPcell Kaalfontein Corner.

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29. 4818 PEPcell Burgersfort.

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30. 4703 PEPcell Hartswater.

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Support for the Rugby World Cup

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30 1. 5728 PEPhome Ermelo.

2. 152 Oudtshoorn.

3. 4800 PEPcell Vereeniging.

DECEMBER2019 2019 DECEMBER

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Enough is enough

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campaign

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7 1. 6569 Forest Hill.

2. 435 Machadodorp.

3. 307 Carolina.

4. 6466 Middelburg.

5. 6438 Bethal.

6. 6782 Waterval Boven.

7. 4917 PEPcell Alex Mall.

8. 4741 PEPcell Pietermaritzburg.

9. 5684 PEPhome Amanzimtoti.

10. 4860 PEPcell Galleria Mall.

11. Central Office.

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FEELGOOD FM

Never forget where you come from Ntuthuko Gwala has been appointed to FeelGood FM Station Manager after Neo Letuma was promoted to Audioscapes Programme Manager for Pepkor.

Ntuthuko is no stranger to the Dynamos – he had been the presenter of the Power Hour since 2008. Ntuthuko said he can’t wait to let the station grow along with the Dynamos. “I just love PEP and Sikhula KunYe. And I love the way Dynamos are treated in this company!”

He enjoys being out and about with the love of his life, Rialivhuwa Mudau, doing shopping, wine tastings and eating good food and cheesecake. He enjoys hiking and playing squash.

He admires Richard Branson for his entrepreneurial spirit and, if he could invite him to a meal, he would serve him a traditional Zulu dish of tripe and steamed bread. His favourite quote is also by Branson: “Remember it’s okay to be yourself.”

Gwala describes himself as exciting; a futuristic thinker and a believer whose faith plays the ultimate role in his life. He also loves laughing and he believes it keeps him sane.

His biggest dream is to live in an equal society where there is no prejudice and where people take accountability for their actions.

When asked what he would like to teach us, he said: “ ‘Ungakhohlwa lapho aphuma khona’ which means ‘never forget where you come from.’ ” Welcome on board Ntuthuko. We look forward to an even better FGFM under your leadership!

When asked what he would like to teach us, he said: “ ‘Ungakhohlwa lapho aphuma khona’, which means ‘never forget where you come from.’ ” DECEMBER 2019

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gift ideas

1. Baby girls (0-24 months) Bodyvest R49.99

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2. Baby girls (0-24 months) Fashion Woven Dress R79.99 Sandals R69.99 Hat R34.99

DECEMBER 2019

3. Baby girls (0-24 months) Entry set R49.99 Sandals R44.99 Cap R34.99

4. Baby boys (0-24 months) Baby sets R49.99

5. Baby boys (0-24 months) Denim Dungaree R99.99 Character T-shirt R32.99 Sandals R59.99 Cap R34.99

CHRISTMAS TRENDS

6. Baby boys (0-24 months) Printed T-shirt R24.99 Shorts R24.99 Sandals R64.99 Cap R34.99

7. Pre-boys Top R59.99 Bottom R69.99 Peak Cap R29.99 Sandals R74.99

8 Pre-girls Party dress R119.99 Hairband set R19.99 Sandals R109.99

9 Pre-girls Basic Tee R29.99 Tutu Skirt R64.99 Shoes R79.99 Ponytail holders R19.99

10 Pre-girls Fashion Dress R99.99 Sandals R59.99 Hairband R19.99

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11. Older girls Dress R69.99 Brim hat R44.99 Flip Flops R19.99

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12. Older girls Fashion Vest R59.99 Denim shorts R69.99 Peak Cap R29.99 Sandals R59.99

13. Older boys Fashion Golfer R79.99 Denim Short R94.99 Sandals R29.99

14. Older boys Pocket Tee R49.99 Knitted Shorts R59.99 Peak Cap R29.99 Sandals R49.99

15. Men’s Vest R49.99 Swim shorts R79.99 Surf Sandal R69.99

CHRISTMAS TRENDS

16. Men’s Printed vest R49.99 Knitted shorts R99.99 Bucket hat R49.99 Sliders R49.99

17. Men’s Printed t-shirt R79.99 Denim shorts R159.99 Peak cap R49.99 Sliders R49.99

18. Ladies sleepwear Donut Sleep Shirt R74.99 / R84.99 Slippers R59.99 19. Ladies sleepwear Lilo & Stitch Set R119.99 / R129.99 Slippers R49.99

20. Ladies sleepwear Stripe Nighty R74.99 / R84.99 Stripe Gown R109.99 / R119.99 Slippers R49.99

21. Ladies Tee R59.99 / R69.99 Cropped pants R99.99 / R109.99 Sandals R159.99 Straw Hat R44.99

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Dynamos who inspire us:

Rose Mdaka Rose joined PEP in 2017 as a Planner for PEPhome.

She has since moved to the Kids Team as a Planner for Kids Accessories and says she loves it! She has also successfully completed the 2018/2019 Senior Management Development Programme which she describes as an absolutely amazing journey.

Rose had a very interesting childhood.

Her dad has three wives and 17 kids.

They all lived together in a four-room shack. Growing up, none of them knew which one of the three wives was their real mom. “This made us even closer as a family unit,” says Rose. All four of her parents are still together and they’ve been married for more than 50 years.

“When I was young, every time it rained at night, we would have to wake up and find a corner to sleep standing up because the rain would come through the roof and our sleeping mats would get wet. The rain always stopped and the sun started shining. I guess our experiences taught us at an early age that no darkness is too dark for the light to shine through. We were poor but that didn’t stop us from chasing after our dreams and I am really proud of what we’ve achieved. I honestly wouldn’t change anything about my childhood,” says Rose.

Planning manager, Keith Bettesworth says: “Rose is friendly, approachable, keen for hard work and is willing to learn and assist. She has a hunger for challenges and is truly passionate about her role as a Planner.”

Where are you from?

I was born and bred in Daveyton, a pretty cool township in Benoni on the East Rand.

Ja, I’m “straight outta Benoni!”.

What would you serve her?

Tripe, beef trotters, pap and chakalaka soul food.

What do you enjoy most spending your time on?

I enjoy spending time with my kids and love reading a book or taking a nap!

What is your favourite quote?

“The will of God will never take you, where the grace of God will not protect you.”

Who is the love of your life?

My two angels. My daughter, Nhlalala (20), and my son, Vukosi (7).

Why is PEP special to you?

I believe it is through our culture that I have a sense of belonging at PEP. We overcome challenges together, and the fact that this sense of belonging and support is extended to our customers as well makes me really proud of PEP. Three words to describe yourself?

Friendly, kind and resilient.

Tell us something that nobody knows about you?

I have a project where, every year, I buy 24 pairs of school shoes from PEP and hand them out to kids from impoverished backgrounds in my community.

How do you manage stress?

By jogging and praying… Mostly at the same time.

Last word – teach us something!

Time is a very valuable asset, don’t waste it on things or people that aren’t worth it.

How do you define happiness?

Being content with who you are, where you are at and what you have.

Who would you like to invite the most to a meal?

Nina Simone, the priestess of soul.

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DECEMBER 2019

Rose’s daughter, Nhlalala (20), and her son, Vukosi (7).

Awards

Long Service

DECEMBER 2019 – MARCH 2020 40 YEARS SERVICE

25 YEARS SERVICE

20 YEARS SERVICE

Marius Koch

Dealz Central Office

Milingoni Mahasa

Thohoyandou

Altie Hittler

Coastal

Stephanus Manasse

Kuils River DC

David Roman

Lekoa

Theresa Adams

Finance

Martha Potelo

Lime Acres

Mary-Ann Petersen

Merchandise

Lina Motaung

Phuthaditjhaba

Richard Simakane

Gaborone

35 YEARS SERVICE Neo Koali

Lesotho

Nomusa Mdhlalose

Paulpietersburg

Thuletu Ntshingila

Soweto

Loganathan Moodliar

Durban DC

Stephina Rankapole

Temba

Trudy-Ann Presence

Planning

Sannie Blouw

Beaufort West

Elizabeth Legabe

Witbank

Tracey-Lee Presence

Merchandise

Pius Dlamini

Manzini

Connie Mabuya

Benoni

Patricia Mashego

Groblersdal

Caroline Tshololang

Jwaneng

Kholiwe Mdluli

Simunye

Victoria Shabane

Umlazi

Griet Mabilisa

Witbank

Velephi Sikhosana

Kwa Ngwanase

Mimmie Makabana

Port St Johns

Roster Mthembu

Mtubatuba

Lydia Mathenjwa

Kwa Ngwanase

Magerita Bouwer

Klerksdorp

Paulina Mogale

Bethulie

Serara Nawesa

Palapye

Lindiwe Mabuyakhulu

Josini

Sacky Malatji

Hoedspruit

Jeanette Pharamela

Thohoyandou

Rudi Craeye

Executives

Alphrina Seepane

Hoedspruit

Esharadevi Naidoo

Sundumbili

Christina Rametsi

Pretoria

Jane Mosupye

Pretoria

Fillimon Ramafothole

Vrede

Dorcus Bafentse

Mahalapye

Deirdre Potberg

Caledon

Letta Magongoa

Mokopane

Yvonne Morris

Roodepoort

Louise Geswint

Humansdorp

Lana Nero

Laaiplek

30 YEARS SERVICE Thembi Mokoena

Brakpan

Grager Verhoog

Montagu

Betty Phahlane

Centurion

Joyce Bersman

Matatiele

Anne Smith

Queenstown

Rose Mathebula

Bethal

Christine Daniels

Brackenfell

Kebonyemotho Bogatile

Ghanzi

Minnie Jaftha

Oudtshoorn

Henk van Huyssteen

Kwena

Rosina Mabokela

Mokopane

30 YEARS

20 YEARS

Abri Bezuidenhout – Central Office

Marliza Bezuidenhout – Central Office

35 YEARS

Diane Arendse – Central Office

RETIREMENT

37 YEARS

Lydia Lechet – Central Office DECEMBER 2019

37

The Impact of

BY TONI ZIMMERMAN 082 926 3368 antoinettezimm@ gmail.com

HIV and AIDS

statistics South Africa (2018)

7.7 million people living with HIV

HIV prevalence (ages 15-49)

240 000

new HIV infections

71 000

AIDS-related deaths

Out of all living with HIV, are on 62% ofARVadults treatment of children are on ARV treatment Source: UNAIDS Data 2019

Antiretroviral Medication Dynamos, I want to talk to you about taking Antiretroviral (ARV) medications for the management of HIV. In terms of our latest statistics, the HIV numbers keep going up instead of down.

For the past ten years, intensive research on the effectiveness of Antiretroviral medication has been taking place across the world, including in South Africa. The research shows not only how the medication suppresses HIV, but also how it prevents infection under the right conditions. The “Undetectable = Untransmittable” message shows 100% that you cannot infect someone with HIV when (1) the medication is used as prescribed, (2) your viral load is consistently undetectable for longer than six months and (3) if you are in a monogamous relationship. (If you are in a polygamous relationship, protection is still needed to prevent infection of all Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

These facts show that there is still the opportunity to reduce the number of new infections as well as the number of people dying from AIDS. However, this will mean that each and every HIV+ individual has to take responsibility: 1. Responsibility for taking your medication as prescribed 2. Responsibility for your behaviour 3. Responsibility for your relationships 4. If we do not change, nothing will change!

PEP-

permint 38

DECEMBER 2019

So what is the Way Forward?

According to the UNAIDS website, the World AIDS Day Theme 2019 is “Communities make the difference.”

The South African government theme for World AIDS Day is: “It is my right to know my status; prevention is my responsibility” – the slogan is “Let our actions count”.

Dynamos, we are a part of those communities and our actions count through the choices that we make.

Understand HIV/AIDS and get involved. Dynamos, it is through breaking down the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds HIV that we will MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I started taking ARV medication at the end of 2000, and since 2003 when I spoke on FeelGood FM for the first time and wrote my first article in KwaPEP, I have kept you up to date with my whole journey with this treatment. I have shared my story with you so many times...

What more proof do you need? 29 years positive and counting.

Resources: www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/ WAD_2019; www.preventionaccess.org/undetectable

Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark.

– JAY DANZIE

COMPANY NEWS

Dynamos who

live the culture Sebe Dlamini, store manager at 8512 Mbabane, Eswatini When did you start working at PEP and in which position?

I joined PEP in August 1998 as a trainee Store Manager and became Store Manager after six months at 8292 Mbabane.

to face them and don't let them become stumbling blocks for your success. Make them stepping stones towards your success and remember that every problem has a resourceful solution.

What is your hidden talent?

What cheers you up most?

I believe I have a talent for coaching and training others, and I have motivational skills not only at work but in my community as well.

What makes you excited about PEP? Our Sikhula KunYe culture is the best culture.

It has helped me to grow drastically – more than I could ever have imagined. It's the best culture to live by not only here at PEP but even in our personal lives, in our communities and as a whole country as well. It allows you to grow from a tiny acorn into a mighty tree; it’s the best culture in the world.

What is your best characteristic?

I always try to stay true to myself and my beliefs. I am a very easy and approachable person to talk to. I try my best to listen to someone’s needs and to offer help or give a resourceful solution or advice.

What have you learnt the hard way?

I have learnt that nothing is impossible to achieve in life, as long as you put your full focus and strength into it. I have also learnt that perseverance is the mother of success.

If you are doing good just continue and never give up. One sweet day it will be noted, no matter how small it seems now.

What work stressors do you face?

I believe that every job has its own challenges, but the only thing that you have to do is

Delighting my customers, growing my team and growing myself. Enabling everyone to grow until they reach their full potential.

If you could edit your life, what would you change?

Things that I would want to improve on is being more accommodating, being directive and I would also like to learn to be patient and not to be a perfectionist.

What is the best advice you’ve ever come across?

For me to grow even further or better I have to get out of my comfort zone.

Life is full of challenges and l have to let go of my fears and learn to dance in the rain. I must stop shifting challenges aside and take the bull by the horns. I must not run away from challenges.

“Let go of your fears and learn to dance in the rain.”

DECEMBER2019 2019 DECEMBER

39

Share Your Magic

Competition Congratulations to 6417 Goldfields.

R600 is yours for sharing your magic.

Baby Dynamo from 4119 Beaufort West. This baby was born early in 2019 and belongs to the store manager, Gwyn Meyer. Already a Dynamo!

Peanut butter cookies for Christmas with only three ingredients Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Place 250 ml peanut butter, 250 ml light brown sugar and one egg in a mixing bowl. Mix well with a wooden spoon to make a dough. Use a teaspoon to place small amounts into the palm of your hand and roll into balls. Place balls 2 cm apart on baking trays. Press flat with the backside of a fork and sprinkle with a few grains of salt. Place in the oven for 6-8 minutes. Let it cool on the baking trays before serving.

Did you know?

Blikkies visits Central Office Blikkies, the Wire-Haired Fox Terrier was recently featured in PEP’s Facebook advertisement for PEPhome dog beds. It was quite a mission to photograph him on the flatbed camera at Central Office.

Blikkies provided hours of entertainment to the Central Office Dynamos – it’s not often that you spot a dog in the office building.

40

DECEMBER 2019

MORE CHRISTMAS AT PEP! Hi5 Dynamos!

As we go into our busiest time of year, it’s even more important for our remarkable customers to look and feel good.

That’s why we have bought into a special range of product so that our customers can get more for way less this Christmas.

WHAT’S NEW? ● ● ● ● ● ●

We’ve got party dresses, character tees, decor clocks and diffusers that our customers will love!

All Dynamos will be getting Christmas hats supplied by Vodacom.

Our remarkable customers could WIN a car with Pep & Vodacom.

All stores will be receiving Christmas bunting to decorate the aisle of your store!

For the first time ever, we are running a ‘Two for Deal’ over the Christmas period.

We’re supporting the launch of the Frozen 2 movie and each store will receive a hanging mobile to promote our product.

WHAT WE HAVE ON OFFER Over the Christmas period, we will showcase our amazing product in four different TV ads plus a radio ad aired on our customers’ most listened to stations.

FOR WAY

SS

CHRISTMAS

LE

MORE

Our customers love home decor! If you see a customer purchasing a decor clock or mirror for only 39.99, why not ask them to also try our home fragrance diffusers at only 19.99 - it makes a great gift too!

Our remarkable customers will love our girls’ party dresses at unbelievable prices at just 49.99 for baby girls and 99.99 for girls 2-7. We plan to sell over 750 000 girls party dresses in December alone generating around R45million in sales volume!

Our customers can save R10 if they buy two kids tees for only R80!

This deal will be running throughout the summer season so keep a lookout for updated styles! The reverse sequence butterfly tee is sure to sell out fast!

Lastly, we are promoting our Kids Character tees and flip flops so that our customers’ kids can look and feel like superheroes this festive season.

Enjoy your festive season Dynamos! Let’s make this Christmas the best 41 DECEMBER 2019 one yet!

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DECEMBER 2019

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