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2 | Endeavour Magazine
EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom. Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number:116 776007 343 City Road Kings Lane London Norwich EC1 V1LR NR1 3PS Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2013
There is a question I want to ask. As
means that we are not short of leaders
an online nation we have become
to take his place.
dependent on certain icons to be the
I
perpetual example of good. Nelson
politicians gunning to be the first
“Madiba” Mandela has been the
person to drop the Madiba Bomb in
protective shadow our humanity
their speeches to rally their followers
has been able to stand in away from
and gain additional supporters, nor
the garish sun. He has offered us
do I mean tyrannical dictators who
the perfect example of what it takes
claim to follow in the same footprints.
to be human and will leave a legacy
What I mean are people. People like
behind of the purest nature. When he
you and me who are not looking to
has gone the example he has left will
run a country or a national or a group,
outlive any of us reading this.
but are looking to only help. Only to
However, who will be the protective
support, only to do their civil service.
shadow now?
A gambling man may predict that such
Difficult to match he was a man who
a person will herald from the ranks
spent twenty seven years in prison
of celebrities across the First World
because he wanted freedom and
Nations, perhaps an actor or a singer
equality for all people in the world
who will rise up with the ability to help,
during a time when racism had become
whose famous face seen amongst
the characteristic of South Africa. Not
the poorest and most vulnerable
only did he lead the country through
people will inspire the rest of us to do
democratic elections, but he took
something more.
on the presidency with the aim to
However, there is no telling. This is
develop world freedom and equality
an unprecedented situation where
and became a symbol and an example
the internet has made it possible for
of tolerance, cooperation and peace.
one man’s message to be distributed
Winning the Nobel Peace Prize,
far and wide, reaching the minds of
setting an example the whole way
people across the planet. In a very real
we often forget that he did all of this
way, his spirit lives in all of our hearts
while being long in the years. And at
and this could be the spark that is
an age where most people are settling
needed to inspire you to take his place.
down for retirement he was dancing in
You could change the world.
do
not
mean
money-minded
parliament with his colourful African shirts. We are fortunate that his message has reached the hearts of an entire globe, of an entire world and inspired so many people to be more because it
Endeavour Magazine | 3
CONTENTS
32 FEATURES
28
Ushaka Marine World
78
The Spirit Of Durban
32
Biomax Technologies Pte Ltd
Extensive Automotive Solutions
84
A Breakthrough Technology
36
West Africa Tire Services Ltd
Piotrans
94
Rift Valley Railway
102 Pan African Shopfitters Dynamic Dynasty
106 Atmei Construction Group
Reviving The Railways In Kenya & Uganda
54
Allied Caterers
Fuelling Up On Success
112
An Army Marches On Its Stomach
60
Nozala Health Partners
Assmang Manganese A Mine Is A Mine
4 | Endeavour Magazine
Salberg Concrete Products Time For A Turnaround
118
Looking After Number One
68
New Britain Palm Oil So Far Ahead Of The Game, What’s Now?
Catching Buses And Changing A Nation
48
PPC Zimbabwe Here’s To 100 More Years
When The Earth Moves
42
CMC Motor Group
Kuwait National Petroleum Company Mega Investment In Kuwait
124
Crown Paints Quality Commitment &Community Projects
48
64
100
20
ARTICLES
6
Tim Martin: Pubs And Football
20
VW CC: Corporate Edge Has Never Looked Sleeker
10
My Use Of Science
22
Gadgets
12
Space Travel Will Change The World
24
Business Headlines
14
Motivation And The Sith
128
12 Steps To Becoming A Youtube Sensation
16
An Ethical Question
130
Book Reviews
18
Is There Still An Argument Over GM Crops?
Endeavour Magazine | 5
TIM MARTIN JD Wetherspoon PUBS AND FOOTBALL
H
BY DONNIE RUST
ow do you build a brand? This is the key question that
they have also become a favoured hotspot for football fans looking to
entrepreneurs have to ask themselves and it is a question
gather to either celebrate or commiserate their teams.
that has to be asked throughout the lifetime of a business.
Timothy Randall Martin, born on 28 April 1955, in Northern
It’s a question that does not have one simple answer because the
Ireland, was educated at eleven different schools in Northern Ireland
defining quality has to be personality and character. I spoke with the
and New Zealand including Campbell College in Belfast. Known for
Founder and Chairman of JD Wetherspoon, Tim Martin.
his stature and his beaming smile he was quick to make an impression
To our British readers the JD Wetherspoon brand will be a
on everyone he met.
household name and a mainstay in the catalogue of destinations
“I was training to be a barrister at the University of Nottingham,”
visited throughout the week either for breakfast or dinner and
Tim explains, “But dropped out for a couple of years and did just about
everything in between. Notorious for not only being pubs filled with
every kind of job including working on a construction site and as a
architectural character but also being the most affordably priced and
sales rep for The Times. When I went back I started drinking at a pub
the most welcoming destination for food and drink, in many cities
while studying and became friendly with the manager. He told me he
6 | Endeavour Magazine
didn’t enjoy running the pub and
to open up a series of squash
name JD Wetherspoon comes
important is opportunism to
so I bought it from him.”
courts,” he reveals, tellingly,
from one of Martin’s teachers
the entrepreneur and business
That really was the turning
“But that didn’t work out and
in New Zealand who could not
owner?
point for this British businessman
I think that pubs are an easier
control his class and who told
“There is an opportunistic
and was not the direction he had
proposition anyway.”
Tim that he would never succeed
aspect of acquiring a business
It was 1979, and the pub
in business. Now known as one
by looking for an opening in the
booming
was the ‘Marler’s Bar’, at Colney
of the most influential people
business world, like a footballer
sport at the time and I was going
Hatch Lane in London. The
in the UK Pub industry how
looking for a break in the defence.
originally intended: “Squash
was
a
Endeavour Magazine | 7
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but you have to go for it. You also need some luck.” Luck, being in the right place at the right time, may have played a part at the start of the company but the real success of this company which runs JD Wetherspoon pubs that employs over 30 000 staff across the country comes down to a business philosophy that Tim firmly believes in, one of communication and trust. “Early on it was perceived that in the 1970s when brewers refurbished pubs to upgrade them,
they
destroyed
the
character of the building but individual buildings have their own character which needs to
1000 components to a BMW. What makes a BMW different to a Ford? It’s the little parts.
be retained because it’s within the building of character that the to create a leisurely atmosphere
machines, upgrade the service
on the ground. With this Tim
that is comfortable and sociable
systems, but keep the building as
makes sure he spends time in the
location
during the day when people are
it is.”
pubs. But you wouldn’t believe it
into a pub and have done so,
eating and enjoying a leisurely
coffee
was him. He comes in and speaks
changing the faces of stores,
brew. Or in the evening when
machines is actually a great
with the customers, speaks with
banks and even cinemas to
they’re meeting their friends to
euphemism for the management
the staffs and most importantly
JD
have a drink and a laugh.
style that the company takes.
he listens.
place finds itself.” With this in mind they will
convert
any
Wetherspoon.
Favouring
Changing
the
spacious environments, elevated
“Don’t change the character
After thirty years of growth and
“I’ve always known it was
flatscreen televisions for the
of a place. Improvements are
expansion, of providing so many
important to call on the pubs,”
sporting channel and wide bars
consistent with the retaining
staff with a secure and rewarding
he explains, “And I’ve done it
with a lot of standing space the
of the character that buildings
job there is an emphasis on the
since the start, looking not only
locations are carefully chosen
take; you can upgrade the coffee
importance of keeping your feet
at the floor but also the kitchens,
8 | Endeavour Magazine
Don’t change the character of a place. Improvements are consistent with the retaining of the character that buildings take; you can upgrade the coffee machines, upgrade the service systems, but keep the building as it is.”
speaking with staff, cooks, and
of staff logging in systems, an
motorway at a service station
customers. It’s important that
improvement in incentives for
which will initially be open from
This could very well be the
throughout
the staff it is the little things that
6am to 1am and eventually could
reason why a JD Wetherspoon
improve things.”
become 24 hours.
pub is always a busy pub, packed
the
organization
people know they have the ear of the Chairman, that their thoughts are heard.”
A central database allows staff
log
he has such a comfortable style
“1000 components to a
remotely to view schedules of
about him that it would be
BMW,” he says, “What makes a
running these pubs than the
shifts and also to give suggestions
easy to believe that running a
BMW different to a Ford? It’s the
people running them so who
and request repairs.
business comes easy for this 6
little parts.”
foot 6 inch giant and that success
JD
Many
companies
with
was a guarantee.
So humble
operates 883 JD Wetherspoon
says.
and quick to credit other people
UK wide and is the single largest
in his company for the success
supporter
CEOs and managers who make
staff has allowed Tim to keep
of the brand he is the sort of
worldwide.
sweeping changes without really
his business consistently ahead
down-to-earth
understanding their industry,
of the times, and generally what
that you simply can’t help but
these broad changes often cause
the JD Wetherspoon does other
like, and it has taken a great deal
more trouble than good. Tim’s
places tend to follow. An example
of consistent hard work to get
approach is one of small changes.
is the smoking and non-smoking
to this stage. A lifetime worth of
“The aggregation of marginal
areas brought in before the law
learning what it takes to offer the perfect pub experience.
accumulative
was changed in 2005 and since then have converted all of their
“For the customer the price
important than major shifts,” he
locations to non-smoking. They
has to be right,” he says, “Our
states, “An upgrade of the coffee
are also going to be the first to
prices are very affordable and
machine,
have a JD Wetherspoon on a
we make money by getting stock
improvement
of
microbreweries
entrepreneur
weight of small changes is more
the
now
fixed we fix it right away,” Tim The communication with his
the
Tim’s
Wetherspoon
have
advantage,
than
to
“If something needs to be
fewer employees and fewer successes
managers
with people.
“Ultimately I know less about
better to suggest changes?”
and
When speaking with Tim
moved off the shelf.”
Endeavour Magazine | 9
MY USE OF Science
SOME INTELLIGENT ADVICE FROM DONNIE RUST WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST
I like science. I like that when most men say they want to change the world they don’t mean it literally but that scientists are paid to bend the rules of physics just to say, “Hey look what we did,” and then say, “Let’s find out how.” Me, I’m a liberated consumer, I am not interested in how they made something just in what it can be used for, if I was a caveman I would have been the guy next to the dude who invented the plate who used it as a Frisbee before ever thinking about using it as a wheel!
W
ith this in mind, here are some examples of mankind’s resolute devotion to turning the laws of nature to suit ourselves
and probably proving that quantum immortality is a real thing because we should have killed ourselves a hundred times over, either through the invention of such awesome materials or that people like me want to use them: (Important Note: these are materials that prove we are living in our own science-fiction universe)
10 | Endeavour Magazine
AEROGEL This is solid smoke. It is 90% air, rigid and able to hold up to five thousand times its own weight, it is also the best insulator known to man. Its impressive load bearing abilities are due to the dendritic microstructure,
in
which
spherical particles of average size (2–5 nm) are fused together into clusters. Each cluster is highly tensile but mostly empty and filled with air. Due to their structure they are fantastic insulators of heat be it convection or open flame. What they use it for: All of this makes it one of the best insulator for the suits of astronauts,
and
non-Newtonian
What they use it for: You
manmade or nature (god) made I
fluids edible, which has to strike
wouldn’t believe the applications
would certainly use this to make
you as odd considering if they
for this. It allows them to actively
a sword. Just a sword. Since it
can change their state from liquid
control metal via magnetism to
is also the best conductor of
to solid you can imagine what
create just about any shape, the
electricity, heat and sonics that
it must be doing to the inside of
uses for this are so incredibly
we’ve ever known I would also
your belly.
makes
absolutely
any sort of insulation because
many
wide spread: NASA has uses
have that sword sparkle every
What they use it for:
for it on space shuttles, marine
time I cut something, burn with
Schizophrenic elements actually
engineering and deep sea cabling
a flaming radiance and of course
have quite a few uses. Ranging
make use of it due to its high
sing. Yes. I would have a sparking,
from shock absorbent harnesses
tolerance to extreme pressure.
flaming, singing sword.
for
and
It is even introduced into the
personnel armour instead of
drivers
and
pilots
household as home decoration
bullet proof vests.
and a plumbing tool!
What I would use it for: I
What I would use it for: To
would fill a pool with it and dare
convince everyone I’m Magneto.
my friends to cannon ball in and touch the bottom. Then I would post it online with the title BELLY FLOP.
discovered
ages, but as with most things in the background until the product that is spoken about
fire
and it changed the world, we
FERROFLUIDS
These have been around for scientific it’s been developed
CARBON NANOTUBES: Mankind
TRANSPARENT ALUMINUM
invented plastics and we changed
is just amazing. This is simply a transparent sheet of metal. What they use it for:
metal.
the world, carbon nanotubes are
protection
is virtually impervious to heat
Nanoparticles of iron suspended
the next miracle material that is
military they’re using this for
(you could lie a flower or some
in a liquid mix, sounds simple
changing everything. Which is
everything from face masks to
crayons on a mattress of aerogel
enough until you see how they
ironic seeing as it was a left over
body armour and in the domestic
only a centimetre thick and a
can make metal dance and shape
from an arc-welder experiment. It
market they have windshields
Bunsen burner flame wouldn’t
itself like something out of a
is embarrassingly stronger than
and windows that don’t break
touch it).
Dean Koontz novel.
titanium, it’s a great conductor of
and glass houses that won’t break
electricity and heat and is, as of
no matter how many stones you
yet, unbreakable.
throw.
not only is it so lightweight it
What I would use it for:
Dancing
Ferrofluids
liquid
are
colloidal
mostly.
For
the
Create a house that I could
liquids made of Nano scale
carry above my head and name it
ferromagnetic, or ferrimagnetic
What they use it for: super-
What I would use it for: I
Donnie Rust’s Mobile Home.
particles suspended in a carrier
small computer processors and
would build the most wonderful,
fluid like water or organic solvent.
low-resistance circuitry, super-
most appealing and welcoming
NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS
Each tiny particle is thoroughly
efficient batteries with seemingly
pub in the world. Fill it with free
coated with a surfactant to
endless battery life, scratch proof
alcohol, buffet style luncheons
inhibit clumping and due to a
computer screens, crack proof
and naked Swedish models and
These are liquids that turn
toned down magnetism are often
windshields and fishing lines that
put a sheet of this stuff in every
to solids when you apply a force
known as “super paramagnets”
could cut oil tankers in half.
door just for the chance to
to them. You can make them out
rather than Ferro magnets.
of ingredients including custard and powdered puddings. Which
So basically something from a Dean Koontz novel.
What I would use it for: since this is the strongest material
known
to
revolutionize the “I walked into a bar joke”.
man,
Endeavour Magazine | 11
WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS
SPACE TRAVEL WILL CHANGE THE WORLD AND NOT HOW WE EXPECT IT TO I firmly advocate space tourism. I believe that getting people into space could be the most important thing that humanity could possibly do. If it seems that the cost is too high, siphon money from every military budget, drag it out of the monthly wages of politician, claw it from the talons of government funded projects that are redundant and serve no purpose.
T
here
is
argument
a
definite for
things makes mere advertising
the
redundant.
importance of humanity
However, this is not even the
pressing the boundaries placed
reason why I think space travel
on us by nature. The patents,
is the most important thing we
the discoveries, the research
could do as a species.
and the accomplishments of The
Quite simply, it would be a
International Space Programme
perspective changer.
have resulted in a long list of
When it comes to space
resources that we take for
travel all we have is secondary
granted. The challenges that
information. Pictures, videos and
putting a man in space and return
statements, nothing more and
him safely are so varied and
in the same way that if you’ve
daunting that there is a natural
never had the chance to see the
overflow of ingenious ideas and
Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls or
solutions that make their way into
walked across the sand dunes of
our daily lives. The importance
Namibia you cannot appreciate
of these was so notable that
the scope of what it means to do
the moment the government
so. There is no alternative to the
cut NASA’s funding, Redbull,
powerful educator and influence
a corporate entity, stepped in and took the bill. Yes it was the highest skydive in the world but
of experience. There is that.
“Quite simply, it would be a perspective changer.”
Also, we live in secular bubbles
where
the
small,
this was not just a publicity stunt,
purile and silly problems of our
the money required to do these
everyday lives tend to take up
12 | Endeavour Magazine
precedence
everything.
of the Universe, let them see the solar system without the gazebo
Even as expensive as it
Take someone out of their
over
of pollution, let them see the storm of colours and lights that is the
may seem now, as long as we
stressful job in the city and put
universe. Let them see all of this, let them dangle above their home
don’t give up on it, commercial
them in the middle of a warzone
and realize how tiny and insignificant it all is and they will return to
space
or a famine and see how their
earth as a changed person.
become more affordable until
perspective changes. See what a
How could they not?
eventually everyone will have the
sublime shift in character would
Donnie Rust calls this the Superman World View and as much as it
opportunity to get into space.
occur. Like the Dalai Lama says, “Experience is death and rebirth of the human soul.�
pains me to admit it, this is a brilliant analogy.
travel
will
eventually
And if Redbull wants to take
Although Superman testifies to believing in the American way
the bill and label everything with
which is Truth, Justice and Freedom, it is actually a world view not
stickers, so be it. At any and all
The noise and chaos of the
caged in by the borderlines of the States. He floats in space, looking
costs we need to put people into
world has reached the point
down at the world and he does not see countries or states separated
space because a perspective
where we are in a storm of
by imaginary lines of ownership, kingdoms nor nations, races,
changer is what is needed, a shift
activity. Politics, religion, social
genders, orientations, cultures nor religions, he looks and sees the
in our thinking is needed and we
ideas and the moans and groans
world as a whole that needs to be protected, guided. He sees himself
are not getting it down on Earth.
of everybody online are so quickly
as responsible for the planet. From his point of view, so many miles
and inescapably communicated
above the Earth in the silence of space everyone looks the same. And
that
everything that the world is, is there and not endless but rather fragile.
taking
a
simple
step
backwards is no longer enough to change opinions. Put a politician into space,
Imagine how petty religious arguments must seem, how unnecessarily and complicated politics must appear and how foolish the actions of evil people must be.
let them see the curvature of
Nor is this hyperbole, astronauts have often described themselves
the Earth, let them experience
as fundamentally changed after seeing their planet from the outside.
the tiny pinprick of the world in
Irrevocably altered on a deep psychological level after turning away
comparison to the endlessness
from the world and seeing the rest of everything staring back at them.
Endeavour Magazine | 13
MOTIVATION AND The Sith I WRITTEN BY JIM BLYTHE
’m going to level with you;
you gain in time to outweigh what you spent in money. If you do care
I don’t write full time for
then bless you; you are truly a prince among man. Or a princess among
Endeavour
women. Or whatever other combination you may wish to draw from
Magazine.
It’s
why I only occupy a maximum
14 | Endeavour Magazine
those four options.
of a paltry four pages and I don’t
One thing I do when not writing for Endeavour is Training. I’ve
even manage that some issues.
worked in Learning and Development for a lot of years now, most
So what, you might reasonably
recently in a freelance capacity. So with that bit of free advertising out
wonder, do I do with the rest of
of the way let me start to head towards some sort of a point to this
my time? Or you might not care.
article. I was recently looking through my courses and doing a bit of
If you don’t care you might want
updating and revising when I stumbled across a Project Management
to stop reading now – you will
course which I designed and delivered a good few years back now. I
at worst miss only a paltry two
based the whole thing on the Star Wars films making it a whole load
pages and may consider what
more fun than most Project management courses you could attend
whilst creating sustainability to the
yet Darth is unhappy that Ozzel came out
learning (this course is still available if
of light speed too early. So what happens?
your interest has been piqued!). And it
A performance conversation? A spot of
got me thinking about what else we can
in-the-moment coaching? Of course not.
learn from the Star Wars films that’s
He throttles the poor guy.
applicable in the workplace.
And then there’s Captain Needa. OK
Well, the big one for me is the man
he’s not the high-flyer that Ozzel was
management style of the series main
but he suffers the same fate. And why?
villain, Darth Vader. Let’s go right back to
Because Han Solo manages the most
the original Star Wars film (A New Hope)
daring, skilful and, let’s be honest here,
when Darth finds himself in a conference
unlikely trick of landing the Millennium
with what we assume are the rest of the
Falcon on the side of Needa’s Star
senior management team of the Death
Destroyer whilst in flight. Needa believes
Star. When Admiral Motti tries to indulge
they’ve lost the Falcon and goes and
in a bit of harmless office banter about
apologises. Not only has he not really
the force Darth doesn’t retort, doesn’t
done much wrong but Needa is man
ask him to stop or cite his behaviour as
enough to go and take responsibility for
inappropriate being as how the man is
what happened. With this sort on man-
openly mocking Darth’s religion which
management policy its little wonder
is after all an HR matter. No. Darth
that the Empire falls in the very next
throttles him. And he only stops when
film with Darth throwing his boss to
ordered to by his boss. Now I realise this
his death. If only he’d worked harder
all happened a long, long time ago and
on his performance management and
employment law has come a long way
motivational skills. Once in a while he
since but surely we can all see that this
might have tried dropping the impassive
is no way to build team spirit and create
stare and menacing stance and smiled.
a co-operative working environment on
OK, the mask would obscure it but his
the Death Star. We should therefore not
men would have heard the smile in his
be all that surprised when the Rebels,
voice. And what about an occasional
working as a team, blow the Death Star
well done – those little bits of praise
up.
take no time at all but can mean a lot to We can then fast forward to The
a highly stressed fleet commander. Staff
Empire Strikes Back and Darth’s at it
incentives always go down well and how
again with the throttling. In this film
about a little gift or some flowers on their
we see Darth kill not one but two of his
birthday? They might not say much at the
Admirals. These are presumably two
time but the results would have come.
high performing staff members who have
In summary, a happy Empire would have
progressed up the Empire’s corporate
been a successful Empire but that temper
hierarchy to reach the level of Admiral
for which Darth was renowned might just
and what happens? Well first we have
have been its undoing.
Admiral Ozzel who is leading an entire fleet at the attack on Hoth. This is a pretty
And I think there’s a lesson in there for us all, don’t you?
responsible job – if nothing else the logistics must have been a nightmare and
Endeavour Magazine | 15
WRITTEN BY SIMON TAM
AN ETHICAL QUESTION:
“Because We Could, Does It Mean We Should?” A “heat ray” that manipulates the nervous system and creates instant debilitating physical agony but leaves no sign of injury has been invented. An invisible beam that causes a level of pain that simply cannot be ignored.
I
magine a weapon that makes you feel like you’ve been absolutely engulfed in flame with the intensity of napalm but without causing any lasting physical damage. As a weapon the benefits and
drawbacks are very clear. As always, it just depends who is holding the weapon. This is the ammunition of The Active Denial System (ADS) which has had a fair amount of popularity online through Youtube, but has been developed in secret by the US Military since 1980. Out of all non-lethal research none of them have had as much money funding, with $120 million pumped into this weapon it’s no surprise that they’ve completed a design that works. Tracing the initial interest to the 1940s to research the effects of microwaves generated by radar devices on biological devices, it wasn’t until the 1980s that proper research and funding was put into development of a non-lethal weapon and only three decades later they’ve produced a device. Instead of using microwaves that actually cause a great deal of physical damage by destroying cells the device actually makes use of millimetre waves, very short wave microwaves with the frequency of about 95 gigahertz. These ways when condensed will penetrate only 0.4 millimetre of skin. At this depth the millimetre waves are absorbed by liquids and fats and as long as the temperature is capped at 55 degrees Celsius it’s just below the threshold for damaging tissue. However the effect is exponentially worse. Bypassing the outer layer of skin (which is thicker and more resilient to damage) it hits the still developing and nerve-packed layers of skin with a sensation that is akin to holding a
16 | Endeavour Magazine
burning fluorescent lightbulb. It is a physical attack that overwhelms
the
mind
by
triggering the body to believe it has indeed been set alight. Since
it
makes
the
unfortunate victim feel as if they have literally been engulfed in flame there are a few people who wisely want to put this weapon on the shelf, however now that it is in the public eye it wouldn’t be able to stay there for long. In human nature defensive is offensive and when your neighbour develops a weapon superior to yours, your first step is to make one even better and now that everyone knows that
The spectrum of just-causes is wide with highly armed, highly
ago I may have debated the
one can be made, it will be made.
resourceful fanatics on either end with the remainder of us spread
ethical policies behind owning
along the middle.
a gun but at that time you could
Developed
under
the
While it was withdrawn from Afganistan with, reportedly, not
use it for hunting, the ADS would
Program
seeing any actual combat and while they are overcoming issues
only be useful for hunting if you
with the Air Force Research
with humidity, dust and frost all of which can disrupt the beam, in its
wanted your food to be cooked
Laboratory as the lead agency,
development it doesn’t ignore the fact that the military of one of the
by the time you caught it.
behind the pain ray claim that it
biggest powers in the world is pumping millions into the perfection of
will save lives and this could be
this weapon.
sponsorship of the DoD NonLethal
Weapons
a valid point, as an alternative to tear gas, pellets and armed men
At the moment it is vehicle mounted but development is being put into turning it into a hand held weapon.
Any concern I have may be
unfounded,
perhaps
I’m
just reacting negatively to a new technology that I do not
with batons and riot gear this
Russia is reportedly investing into generating their own Active
understand but as long as it’s
could save lives and in the long
Denial System, which means that if they are doing it despite their
being developed by the same
term prevent injury and act as
tenuous alliance with America, you know that all of America’s enemies
people who have developed
a reasonable means to disperse
(and allies) are probably developing something similar, or worse,
pilot-less bomber drones I feel
riots.
to safeguard themselves. A good offensive is a good defensive and
it’s valid.
Do rioters really need such
prevention is better than cure and all that.
In conclusion, this is one of
motivation? And wouldn’t that
But this paints a picture of a world in a highly publicized arms
the problems we have about the
offer a totalitarian power to
race where the developers are responsible for making a weapon as
world we live in, there are no
whoever owns it? And, such
efficient as possible, while covering it under the guise of a non-lethal
perfect puzzle pieces to solve
power, to create such pain in
weapon to be used for crowd dispersal… they used to say the same
the issues in our society. No
a human being while leaving
thing about tear gas with assurances it would be used as a last resort
recommendations that would
no trace except for the clear
but put that into the hands of a skittish police officer or a soldier who
save the lives that need to be
psychological
is being shot at and he’ll see the weapon as simple a magical source of
saved. The world we live in works
pain that leaves no trace behind.
on a system that is broken but is
damage,
would
surely prove advantageous to those seeking to side step the
Guns, leave bullets and damage- which is traceable and when they
the only one we have and instead
Humane Treatment of Prisoners
are misused there is a good chance that those guilty of said misuse
of solutions we have problems
Act, or those wanting to get
will be made to find justice. But this is a designer weapon created to
that
information out of terrorists. Or,
leave no evidence and, if allowed to be taken forward will be misused.
beaten and forced into shape to
those wanting an untraceable
Do we need another weapon? Is a question best asked when I
method of creating terror.
have
been
battered,
accommodate.
know which side of it I’m standing on, if I was alive hundreds of years Endeavour Magazine | 17
IS THERE STILL AN ARGUMENT OVER GM Crops? WRITTEN BY TRAY CRAYSMAN
T
he
argument
has
Like anything produced by
their tight restrictions on growing GM plants. By making Britain a
been raging for years,
science progress is carefully
centre for GM research and development, it could potentially become
but when the British
monitored and results carefully
a multi-billion pound industry. His speech, targeted at inspiring action,
Environment Secretary, Owen
judged
had a strong moral inditiv:
Paterson categorically states in
go through the most rigorous
a Hertfordshire campaign that
system
It’s
international development benefits to GM but I am conscious of the
“Genetically
crops
extraordinarily closely regulated
views of those who have concerns and who need reassurance on this
than
at a national level and at a
matter.”
are
modified
categorically
safer
conventional crops”, you have
Genetically Modified plants can be adapted to provide
these
products
imaginable.
European level.
to ask if there is any sway in this tired and redundant argument.
and
“I believe there are significant economic, environmental and
“I recognise that we - government, industry, the scientific
“We have not come up with
community and others - owe a duty to the British public to reassure
any evidence of human health
them that GM is a safe, proven and beneficial innovation,” he explains.
being
threatened
by
these
products.” Mr. Paterson insists.
“Used properly, GM promises effective ways to protect or increase crop yields. It can also combat the damaging effects of unpredictable
necessary crops in areas that
He was adamanent and very
weather and disease on crops. It has the potential to reduce fertiliser
usually do not grow them. For
specific in answering questions
and chemical use, improve the efficiency of agricultural production
example, corn and maize can
on how underlined was the
and reduce post-harvest losses,” he will say.
be adapted to grow in areas
safety of GM crops compared
usually too dry for them, through
to
“This
(BBSRC) were very gracious about Mr Paterson’s endorsement of
GM. Mr. Paterson called for
isn’t speculation. We have had
GM, however were also sure to point out that GM is not a turn-key
the government, industry and
a categoric statement from the
solution and will not solve the food crisis by itself.
scientists to join forces to
European Commission’s chief
“GM is one tool in a range of options that can help us tackle
convert the public in the face of
scientific officer and you have
complex problems, such as the need to produce enough food for a
widespread fear and scepticism.
conventional
ones:
The Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council
the biggest field trial in human
growing population,” said Douglas Kell, chief executive of the council,
“Genetically modified crops
history when you think of the
which funds research and training projects.
are safer than conventional ones,”
colossal volume of GM material
The process of genetically modifying crops is less to do with
Mr Paterson says, “Because
that has been eaten in all those
laboratories and more to do with fields, cross pollination was a start
as a precise technology they
countries growing GM food.”
but science has taken it a step further. GM crops are created by taking
come under greater regulatory scrutiny” 18 | Endeavour Magazine
The goal, for Mr Paterson, is
genes with beneficial qualities from other organisms and injecting
for the European Union to relax
them into the plant. They can be engineered to grow faster, increase
their resistance to weeds, pests and pesticides, produce extra nutrients or survive harsher weather conditions. It is sad however, that while many scientists strongly advocate GM crops, opposition remains widespread, both among scientists but mostly the general public. Typically the sort of arguments proposed against them is the speculative fear that the GM crops, first produced in the USA in 1994, could result in super pests, super weeds and super parasites that would grow stronger and more powerful. It reads like a story of a bad science fiction novel, assuming that science is an evil thing that makes monsters. Mike Childs, head of policy, research and science at Friends of the Earth, said: “There is no evidence GM crops will deliver for farmers or food security. Despite decades of research, there is still no miracle crop to tackle the challenges agriculture faces, such as climate change, soil degradation, water shortages and growing demand.” GM should not be cited as an answer to the problems we’re facing on a global basis, but it is a scientific breakthrough and the majority of opposition comes from a pool of ignorance to science and a lack of understanding of what is being done. In the most comprehensive analysis of the risks of GM foods, the European Commission examined 130 research projects carried out by 500 groups over 25 years. In December 2010, the EC concluded there is “no scientific evidence associating genetically modified organisms with higher risks for the environment or food and feed safety than conventional plants or organisms”. Ignorance abounds, but let us not forget that at the end of the day GM Crops is still healthier than eating at a fast food restaurant.
“Used properly, GM promises effective ways to protect or increase crop yields. It can also combat the damaging effects of unpredictable weather and disease on crops.”
Endeavour Magazine | 19
VW CC CORPORATE EDGE HAS
NEVER LOOKED SLEEKER
A
s sleek as a shark swimming in a bay, the Volkswagen CC
design as well. For example the lumbar massaging seat was a simple
has distanced itself from its conservative sibling the Passat
joy to discover.
by enhancing the user features and its overall refinement.
The engine options include a 158bhp 1.8 TSI and a 207bhp 2.0
With looks that are up to date with VW’s new trademark headlight
TSI on the petrol side, with a 2.0 TDI with either 138bhp or 168bhp
and bumper arrangement there is an improvement in the amount of
offered for diesel buyers. The main advantage of the 168bhp diesel
equipment fitted as standard, most noticeably a three-seat bench,
over the more popular 138bhp version is the addition of the XDS
rather than two individual seats.
electronic differential, which is now a standard fit to 207bhp TSI
I found the CC to be a smooth, quiet ride that makes the longest
and 168bhp TDI CCs. It aims to provide greater traction for more
journey a pleasure. Driver comfort is developed to its peak including
engaging handling when cornering, thus addressing one of the Passat
the clever arrangement of all mirrors to suit the driver’s overall field
CC’s main criticisms, its lack of driver involvement, to a certain extent.
of vision. Not only is the VW CC highly refined it is a highly intelligent
The diesel engines are well suited to motorway, and a tall sixth
20 | Endeavour Magazine
“A smooth, quiet ride that makes the longest journey a pleasure.”
gear aids economy, with the official
economy
figure
While the interior is largely
featuring Bi-xenon headlights and full-colour touchscreen sat-nav.
of
unchanged from the old Passat
Top-of-the-range GT models come with adaptive cruise control,
57.6mpg well within reach for
CC, it retains that model’s
leather trim, cruise control and front and rear park sensors.
the high-power diesel. The low-
sophistication. The CC’s dash
Without failing, VW has always been the definition of reliability
power diesel, predictably, is the
is based on that of the standard
and longevity, but the CC model offers something else with its
running cost champion, with a
Passat, but all of the touch-
style. Sleek yet unbrash it professes its own unique identity having
claimed 60.1mpg possible on the
points are bespoke. Equipment
outgrown its adolescence and becoming something of a phoenix.
combined cycle.
levels are good, with all models Endeavour Magazine | 21
AUGMENTED REALITY MOTORCYCLE HELMET
A
ugmented
RRP: £2,000 igg.me/at/livemaphelmet
reality
helmet, and can even let you know when you’re passing a cafe or other
to get used to it so you don’t get
comes to motorcycle
place of interest. It is a way to keep your eyes always on the road while
distracted. That aside, the sheer
helmets in the form of
getting help navigating to your destination. Thanks to the Android-
possibilities presented by this
LiveMap, a helmet that gives you
based software and Google maps, it lets you know things like what
piece of kit shows us the future
navigation information and travel
street you’re traveling on, when turns are coming up, travel speed and
of the transport experience.
statistics within the visor of your
more. Although the manufacturers do recommend a training course
PIVO APP. AN APP THE TRANSLATES YOUR BEER ORDER
Price: £0.69 pivoapp.com
T
his has a Donnie Rust approval, although we never asked him
Albanian, Arabic, Basque, Belarusian, Bosnian, Breton, Bulgarian,
for it. Perfect for the travelling executive, and provided by
Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Esperanto,
Pivo’s beer ordering app, which can translate a beer request
Estonian, Finnish, Flemish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi,
into 59 different languages to account for the primary languages
Hungarian, Icelandic, Irish, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean,
spoken in most of the countries. Swipe through the options to select
Latin, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malay, Maltese, Mongolian, Norwegian,
your language and you’ll receive the phrase in the required tongue,
Occitan, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Romansch Ladina,
in addition to a helpful phonetic pronunciation. Pivo also provides
Russian, Sardinian, Scots Gaelic, Serbian, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish,
a “video tutorial” for each translation from a native speaker to help
Tagalog, Twi, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese, Welsh, Yiddish and Zulu.
you nail the accent.The languages covered by Pivo include: Afrikaans,
Which are all the languages Donnie Rust can speak, apparently.
Price: £9,354 (including legs) www.jigsaw24.com
SAMSUNG SUR40
S
traight out of a spy
touchscreen floating on top,
10 times tougher than standard glass so you can still use it as a desk,
movie, this “Part giant
this device aims to replace the
although that would be a bit of a waste.
iPad, part boardroom
traditional office desk/PC set-up.
Like a bit of technology from the urban fantasy Godhunter (www.
table” , Samsung SUR40 is the
Functionally, it can do everything
books.littlegatepublishing.com)the display is no ordinary touchscreen
future of the boardroom.
a PC can, but with no need for a
the pixels emit an infrared beam — meaning it can ‘see’ and react to
mouse or keyboard.
objects, in addition to reading text placed face-down.
Comprising
a
powerful
4in-thick PC with a 40in HD 22 | Endeavour Magazine
The 40in
Gorilla Glass HD touchscreen is
RRP: £29.99 Available from: Amazon & Menkind
TOUCH SPEAKER FROM THUMBS UP UK
T
he Touch Speaker is a
terms, allows mobile devices to
that the majority of these
is not a problem. Overall I am
revolutionary
sound
transmit sound to an amplifying
rely on Bluetooth technology,
extremely impressed with the
amplification
device
speaker within a short distance.
with very few manufacturers
Touch Speaker it’s lightweight,
from gadget innovators Thumbs
To get started all you need to do
currently adopting this new
compact, and provides enough
UP UK. This portable speaker is
is load up the Touch Speaker with
NFA technology. As a result of
amplification to fill my reasonably
completely wireless and doesn’t
some batteries, (not included)
this, I would certainly expect
sized office. I’ll be sure to take this
rely on Bluetooth or any smart
press play on your music, rest
to see the big audio brands
little beauty with me on my next
phone applications, yet it can
your device directly on top of the
implementing NFA technology
holiday or outing to the beach,
magically amplify the sound from
Touch Speaker, then stand back
very soon, and I’m certain that
and I’ll definitely be keeping a
virtually any mobile device which
and enjoy the ‘punchy’ 2.5 watts
its ease of use will be a big hit
keen eye on how the remarkable
has an external speaker.
of sound re-production.
with
NFA technology advances over
consumers.
Having
an
The Touch Speaker is one
Whilst the wattage doesn’t
if the first devices to take
compete with some of the higher
Speaker
advantage of Near Field Audio
end speakers currently on the
save on battery costs but for me
Technology
market, you must remember
personally, carrying batteries
which
in
simple
SURVIVOR MILITARY-DUTY CASE iPhone 4s and iPhone
S
internal battery within the Touch would
the next few years.
undoubtedly
Price: £11.46 www.amazon.co.uk
imply put, the Griffin
Case is designed from the inside
screen protector seals your Multi-Touch display from the outside
Extreme Duty Case is
out to protect your iPhone from
environment, with hinged plugs that seal the dock connector,
the most protective case
extreme conditions ... dirt, sand,
headphone port, hold switch and volume controls. A detachable
rain, shock, vibration and a host
heavy-duty clip secures your iPhone to a belt or bag strap.
we’ve ever built. Tested to meet or exceed US
Survivor is independently tested and verified to meet or exceed
of other environmental factors. a
environmental testing standards for blown rain, blown dust & grit,
Department
shatter-resistant polycarbonate
vibration, shock, temperature and humidity. You can view videos and
of Defense Standard 00-35,
frame clad in rugged, shock
test results online at www.griffintechnology.com/survivor.
Griffin’s Survivor Extreme-Duty
absorbing silicone. A built-in
Department of Defense Standard 810F
and
UK
Survivor
is
built
on
Endeavour Magazine | 23
AFRICAN POLITICS
Angola announced it will give $10 million to the new Africa
Solidarity Trust Fund administered by FAO, to be invested in promoting food security in Africa. The announcement, made by Afonso Pedro Canga, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Angola, came at the official launch of the fund at a side event during the 38th FAO Conference, the Organization’s highest governing body. In announcing the contribution, Canga congratulated FAO for this initiative and said that the donation was a demonstration of solidarity from Angola and the fulfilment of a commitment made by President Eduardo dos Santos during an official visit by FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva in January. The fund became a reality in February with a first donation of $30 million by Equatorial Guinea. Speaking at the official launch of the fund in FAO, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of Equatorial Guinea, said “Africa is a continent abounding with agricultural potential, including forests, land - 60 percent of which is not farmed.” Furthermore: “There are sufficient conditions for producing enough food for the people of Africa ... yet we are a net importer of food,” he said. “We all have to do what has to be done to turn this trend around.”
Developing Vital Energy Resources At Chevron, we are relentlessly focused on producing safe, reliable energy now and for the future. How are we doing it? By applying the energy we have most in abundance: Human Energy.
www.chevron.com 24 | Endeavour Magazine
AMERICA. NEURO-SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY.
AN IMPLANT FOR MEMORY TOTAL RECALL? a
eventually be used to treat
Congress. Working with the
memory prosthetic that could
Neuroscientists
Alzheimer’s Disease and other
brain’s hippocampus which is
be available within ten years
forms of mental illness. A huge
where the ability to remember is
that could teach the brain how
potential exists for computer-
held, this can be used in the area
to remember again, epileptic
brain interfacing which could
of the brain where short term
patients are to be the first
include advanced gaming making
memory is turned into long term
to benefit. Human trials are
use of neuro-manipulation and
recall.
underway to test an implant
uploading terra-bytes worth of
It works by observing a
designed to restore memories
memories into portable discs for
memory being formed in one part
in patients with brain diseases.
sharing.
of the brain and then stimulating
Successful
been
Professor Berger Theodore
conducted on rats and monkeys
Berger, professor of biomedical
further
and
the
engineering at the University
stream’ to replicate the process.
preliminary stages of human
of Southern California in Los
The memory device has already
testing.
Angeles, described the memory
been hailed as one of the top ten
has
tests
testing
have
moved
onto
another part of the hippocampus down
the
‘memory
Cited as a first port of
prosthetic in New York earlier
scientific breakthroughs of 2013
call for epilepsy sufferers it is
this month when he spoke at the
and could be on the market in five
believed that this implant will
Global Future 2045 International
to ten years, researchers believe.
ONLINE PRIVACY
July’s Book Reviews
MOZILLA PROTECTS PRIVACY Consumer Watchdog today praised Mozilla as
The online ad industry
the non-profit foundation announced it would move
expressed outrage at the
forward with addition of a setting in its popular Firefox
earlier
browser to block the most intrusive tracking “cookies”
with one trade association
by default.
executive calling the move
announcement,
Cookies are little bits of computer code that can be
a “nuclear first-strike,” even
placed on a browser so that your activity can be tracked
though Apple’s Safari has
as you surf across the web. The most invasive tracking
used the setting for over a
is done by sites the user hasn’t even visited -- so-called
decade. “Mozilla
3rd-party sites, Consumer Watchdog said. “Most people don’t want to be spied on when they
should
congratulated
for
their
go online,” said John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog’s
dedication
to
Privacy Director. “Mozilla is now making privacy
consumer
privacy
protection the default. You can’t get any more user-
the
friendly than that.”
industry
face
of
be
protect in
extreme
pressure,”
said
Earlier this year Mozilla said Firefox -- like Apple’s
Simpson. “They have also
Safari – would block cookies from sites not actually
demonstrated a justifiable
visited by the user. The blocking patch that was added
concern about getting this
to a trial version of Firefox was developed by Stanford
right from a technical point
graduate student and researcher Jonathan Mayer.
of view and Stanford’s
However, Mozilla delayed implementation after it
Cookie Clearinghouse was
expressed technical concerns about false positives and
key to solving those issues.
false negatives and to date has continued their internal
Kudos to both.”
Turn to page 122.
testing. Endeavour Magazine | 25
COMPLETE RENOVATION FOR THE CLUBHOTEL RIU GRAN CANARIA
The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria is one of the hotels of choice for families in the south of the island thanks to its 24 hour all inclusive service, vast range of activities and a more than 30,000 square metre pool and garden area. RIU has decided to fully renovate its facilities, with an investment of 20 million euros and open the doors in July to a hotel with a brand new image, which is more fresh and modern, as well as a wider range of services, including a children’s pool with water games and also new bars and restaurants. The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria, which enjoys a fantastic seafront location in Maspalomas, boasts 642 rooms which will be completely refurbished, in keeping with the style which RIU is rolling out in all its new projects. Key features are the light colours and simple lines which bring brightness to the space. They will be equipped with flatscreen TVs, electronic safes and fully renovated bathrooms. In terms of dining options, the hotel will introduce many innovative improvements. As well as the buffet restaurant, it will offer three speciality restaurants for evening meals: an Asian option, a grill and a restaurant serving up Canarian delicacies. The lounge bar terrace will
26 | Endeavour Magazine
be the new meeting point in the
games and slides. The RiuLand
hotel with its enlargement and
club, with activities suited to
new modern and relaxed design
different age groups, will offer
which is reminiscent of the island
fun options every day of the
of Ibiza’s ‘chill out’ style.
week. For adults, RIU also offers
The hotel will offer two big
RiuFit, a programme of sporting
central swimming pools and next
activities run by specialised
to them, clients will enjoy snacks
trainers, as well as RiuArt, a fun
and drinks in the modern ‘Liquid’
workshop for developing guests’
bar. The new spectacular infinity
creativity
pool will also have the vibrant
materials
‘Purple’ new bar close to it. Both
And, for the first time, RIU
bars offer relaxing sea views.
is introducing RIU4U, a new
through and
different techniques.
Children will enjoy the new
activity program for adolescents.
attractions as the kids’ pool will
The ClubHotel Riu Gran
include a large space ship with
Canaria will also incorporate a
Endeavour Magazine | 27
USHAKA MARINE WORLD 0027 31 328 8000 USHAKAMARINEWORLD.CO.ZA
28 | Endeavour Magazine
THE SPIRIT OF Durban WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST
eThekweni, Durban City the major focal point of South Africa’s east coast has been labelled South Africa’s Playground and for good reason. Offered up to the Indian Ocean by the Drakensburg Mountain range the city swelters in a subtropical belt that gives it the lush, tropical vegetation that seems always on the very verge of overflowing.
Endeavour Magazine | 29
USHAKA MARINE WORLD
The destination of choice for international surfers seeking out the six footer swells that frequently stir up the bath-warm waters of the seas and for holiday makers wanting to enjoy the “fun-funfun” approach Durban takes to anything and everything that is a celebration of the natural heritage of the country.
N
othing embraces this
years the popularity of the site
more
Ushaka
has grown in leaps and bounds.
Marine World and I
than
So the adage of ‘if it’s not broke
caught up with Chief Executive
don’t fix it’ applies. But Shawn,
officer,
typically, is coolly confident.
Shawn
Thompson
regarding the resorts latest
“There are pros and cons to
developments and the plans for
every kind of change,” Shawn
the future.
reveals, “The only real concern recent
is the network of international
development has been a change
“The
most
linkages that we’ve established
in the managerial positioning,”
over the last decade. I want to
Shawn reveals, “Not the style
make sure that we keep these
or the players. Ushaka Marine
as solid as possible and to help
World’s
this, the City has guaranteed
management
was
us
“We’re launching a new Seaworld experience called Animal Encounter Island which is all about interaction.”
30 | Endeavour Magazine
that
we
will
remain a commercial operation.” In essence this means that as long as they can keep the tourists
flooding
previously outsourced on a ten
through the doors that they can
year contract which has finally
control their own decisions as far
run out. Durban City has always
as spending and developments
owned the park, but now the
are concerned. It has been a
team of staff work for a city
triumph to keep the standards
owned entity.”
of the resort as high as they
Ushaka Marine World has
can be and to not just become
become one of the must see
another pen in the pocket of city
attractions
bureaucrats.
in
South
Africa,
bringing millions of tourists
“It does mean the emphasis
through its gates every year from
is now on us,” Shawn says, “Of
around the world. For the last ten
course we’re starting on a good
note because with the management being brought in house, its saved
a new Seaworld experience called Animal Encounter Island which is
a bill of R8 million rand per year. I have also been asked to provide a
all about interaction.”
five and a fifteen year plan to present to the City’s officials regarding
“Additionally to the current snorkelling and shark dive we offer.
the resort’s direction and further development. The City sees us as a
Here he could have a shark encounter, with nurse sharks so they’re
vital strategic tourist asset.”
safe,” he adds, “We are also planning an adventure trail that will include
One of the main approaches is by introducing new tourist
ziplines over the top of the resort. Further down the line a major new
attractions while at the same maintaining the current ones because
Seaworld exhibit around the R20 million mark will be added and this
the attractions here are not just rides but living animals that require a
will an entirely new concept.”
special kind of attention.
As far as rides are concerned:
Already boasting a restaurant styled as a sunken ship where you
“We’ve already invested R2million in the Body Tornado for our
can enjoy a gourmet meal while watching sharks swim passed, grinning
Wet and Wild rides and a new generation ride which I can’t reveal too
as if they know something you don’t, water rides that have you sliding
much will be added in the coming years”.
alongside and under the open top aquariums, bridge walks that give
There are a lot of significant ideas that are fitting into Shawn’s
you the chance to see the wonderous sea life including all the natural
plans for the resort but at the same time he has a meticulous attention
beauty of the South African coast. High intelligent dolphins and seals,
to detail. For a visitor, a guest, to be truly impressed they have to be
birds, fish, amphibians- they are all there in the resort. With the sound
given nothing to dislike. So, not only are the habitats for the animals
of the Indian Ocean only a stone’s throw away and the endlessly blue
cleaned and maintained on a daily basis but the cleaners work
sky overhead it’s difficult to spend any time at Ushaka Marine World
tirelessly to get into every nook and cranny throughout the resort.
and actually have an answer for “How could I make this better?”
Entertainment also forms a vital part of the guest experience and
That’s where Shawn comes into it.
uShaka is becoming known for its fun vibe and support for live music
“There’s a lot that we’re planning and not all of it I’m able to speak
– especially at the popular Wahooz venue on Durban’s magnificent
about,” he reveals coyly, “But what I can tell you is that we’re launching
promenade. “Everything counts,” Shawn concludes.
Multi sensory Branding, Voice Over and in store marketing specialists Sculpt and enhance your brand with the SOH Group. We bring your brand to life through the magic of sound and stimulation of the senses, driving customer loyalty and memorable experiences. The SOH group based in South Africa is comprised of three divisions namely:
Success on Hold - leaders in telephone on hold and broad based telecommunications services The Voice Box Recording Studio - Specializing in voice recording for all platforms and in-store audio and visual marketing
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Endeavour Magazine | 31
BIOMAX TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD +65 6274 8606 ENQUIRY@BIOMAXTECH.COM WWW.BIOMAXTECH.COM
32 | Endeavour Magazine
A BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY CAPABLE OF
Changing The Way We Recycle WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
A young company in Singapore has pioneered a new organic waste treatment technology that can convert food waste into the highest grade of fertilizer within 24 hours and through nothing more than a belief in their product and strong leadership that have created a marketplace for themselves. I was fortunate enough to speak with their intrepid CEO Mr Sim Eng Tong.
Endeavour Magazine | 33
BIOMAX TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD
After thirty years working in food industry, Mr. Sim saw how much food waste was generated on a day to day basis by the industry and knew there was a niche opportunity to be found within discovering a solution.
I
t took five years of research
enzyme.
and development with their
Digestion Technology, it is an
Thermophilic
research Doctor to develop
automated system that uses
a unique formula of enzymes
an enclosed system to treat
and Biomax Technologies was
the
founded in April 2009 and
temperature of 80°C to provide
officially launched in August of
a resulting fertilizer that is
the same year. The triumph was
odourless, rich in organic matter
the enzyme, which was able to
and pathogen free.
convert organic waste, whatever
organic
This
waste
system
at
high
provides
a
the form may be into usable
solution that does not involve
fertilizer with no pathogens and
incineration or landfills which
a very small carbon footprint.
add to the surmounting carbon
“The reception we had for the
footprint
and
remove
any
product has been very positive,”
positive fertiliser from the life
Mr. Sim reveals, “With clients
cycle where it’s needed.
coming from USA, Australia
Applications
for
this
Africa and Asia, including the
technology appear to be almost
palm oil producers because we
endless.
can treat palm oil waste such as
that is organic in nature. In the
Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) fibre,
agricultural fields it has been
fruit fibres and sludge..”
used successful for sugarcane,
Basically
anything
palm oil, grain husks and fruit
The Digestor
pulp. In livestock it’s worked well
The product, The Digestor
34 | Endeavour Magazine
Using
with animal manure, slaughtering
is designed to be an optimum
and
environment
processing and hatchery waste.
for
the
BM1
processing
waste,
egg
In the municipal sector food waste, horticulture waste, waste water
the future. As Biomax Technologies has now set the standard for this
sludge, biogas sludge and even human waste have been successfully
industry and proved that twenty four hours is all it takes for their
converted into fertilizer that can be reintroduced to the food cycle.
technology to create fertilizer from waste, completing the food cycle,
The Driving Force
other companies will be following closely behind. “For the moment our main focus is on the recycling companies,
The research and development of this product is important,
the agricultural and food companies that use our technology simply
however it is the driving force of Mr. Sim that has made Biomax
because there is a huge demand for organic waste treatment,” he
Tech into the success story that it is today. Drawing on his years of
reveals, “But of course we are looking to become established in the
experience in sales and marketing, he has been able to identify the
home base market. But there has to be an organic movement here
key areas required to provide for the company with the substantial
first.”
growth he wanted.
At the moment the biggest challenge is the mass, currently one
“We started out four years ago in 2009 in an office that was two
unit of their largest machine is able to convert 50 tonnes a day and
thousand square feet with three staff,” Mr. Sim reveals, “Now we’re
additional modules are added for higher scale projects. But the next
in an office of ten thousand square feet and employ thirty three staff
step would be to increase per unit capacity to 100 tonnes a day. This
members. The success is less about the finance or the project and
is the natural progression of scale and ability that all companies need
more about the market that we have opened up.”
to address.
“Also I was 56 when I first started Biomax Technologies and now
“The aim is to increase the speed and the strength of the enzyme,”
four years on I’m looking at turning 60,” he says, “And I’m running a
Mr. Sim explains in conclusion, “BM1 is where the strength of the
very successful biotechnology company.”
product comes and to continue pioneering this industry we will have
Strong character and a firm leader Mr. Sim is always looking to
to continue developing it and ourselves.”
Endeavour Magazine | 35
WEST AFRICA TIRE SERVICES LTD 00233 277 311 266 WWW.RAMAMOTORS.COM
36 | Endeavour Magazine
WHEN THE EARTH MOVES WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON
Earthmoving equipment requires specialist tyres, and in the growing West African mining sector, a specialist supplier is expanding to fulfil these needs.
Endeavour Magazine | 37
WEST AFRICA TIRE SERVICES LTD
In 1980, Rana Motors & Metal Works the automotive arm of a large business group in Ghana was first incorporated by Chairman Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Odaymat in Accra, Ghana. Since then they have become a household name in Ghana as the country’s prime distributor of Kia motors and Goodyear Tyres. The company is also an authorized distributor for Isuzu SML Ashok Leyland Trucks, Buses & Gensets from India as well as being a supplier of Industrial products such as Conveyor belts, Hoses, & Cranes.
“The future political and eco-
“We already had the distributor-
nomic future of Ghana is very
ship for Goodyear, and Goodyear
promising,” General Manager Mr.
is one of the world’s top three in
Vinay Kapoor, who has been es-
tyres for earthmoving equip-
sential in the growth of the com-
ment, so we decided we should
pany tells us, “We are one of the
try to build something very pro-
most stable in our area and are
fessional in this market with the
benefiting from the strength of
association of Goodyear.
external investments coming in.”
“Until we came onto the scene,
With the objective and plan to ex-
the entire earthmoving tyre sec-
plore and capitalize on the busi-
tor in West Africa consisted of
ness opportunities offered by the
overseas supplier and service
market in Ghana the group has a
provider who took care of the
keen interest into Franchises and
whole business. So we inves-
Manufacturing alike.
ted quite heavily into the whole
More
38 | Endeavour Magazine
as
range of tyres that are used
Ghana has evolved from its early
recently,
however,
within the mining sector and in
dependency on timber and co-
parallel to support the field we
coa to a mining-dominated eco-
invested in service provision,
nomy, Rana Motors has used its
too. We started off in a small way,
Goodyear connections to good
supplying just one mine, but now
effect and has evolved itself into
we have reached a stage where
a highclass supplier of tyres and
we are supplying most of the
services for earthmoving equip-
mining companies within West
ment.
Africa. Professionals from the
“Following the vision of our
tyre industry were hired, stra-
young & dynamic CEO Mr. Essam
tegic tie-ups with Tyre Repair
Odaymat, about ten years ago
specialists such as REMA Tip Top
we ventured into being the first
of Germany were forged , all with
indigenous Ghanian company to
an intention to provide the in-
service the Mining industry in
dustry with just in Time Stocks &
Ghana,” says Vibi Chandra, re-
value added services ”
gional manager for West Africa.
The company now supplies tyres
and services from Ghana all the way up to Mauritania, with established offices in Burkina Faso and Mali with another about to open in Sierra Leone over the next two or three months. But although the name Rana is well known in Ghana it is not known in other countries in West Africa. “So we took the decision to rename the operations West Africa Tire Services,” explains Chandra. “And today West Africa Tire Services is the general distributor for Goodyear earthmoving tyres all over West Africa.” GOOD TEAM WORK EQUALS RESULTS In 2012, West African Tires Services were ranked the second largest distributor in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region and won the Best Distributor award for achieving the highest turn-over for Goodyear tires. Since then they have more than doubled their turn-over. Great success like this does not happen overnight but develops over time with consistent effort and working with the right partners. Customer service is crucial and Vulco has been established to specifically support customers and keep their service at the top of standard. Tip Top Tire repair products is their latest acquisition and came with the investment into a mobile tire repair system that is capable of repairs all the way upto the 51” earth-moving tires. “Relationship building is very important,” Vinay tells us, “Speaking with them face to face to discuss to ideas and solutions. Either we meet them in Ghana or we visit them at their offices and their facilities.” The distribution rights for “GS –Caltex” brand of lubricants rests with them and promoting the whole range of lubricants has been a key-focus area. Rana has taken on the responsibility of providing an upgraded world class tyre retailing facility in West Africa , a one stop shop ; through its Retail “VULCO” outlets & in promoting the Safety First concept by promoting Standard Brands of tyres/automotive products and quality services . The Concept shop would soon be found all along the length & breadth of West Africa in times to come & would be responsible in educating customers on the features and benefits of a tyre, its safety features and most importantly offering a range of tyres which would suit Endeavour Magazine | 39
WEST AFRICA TIRE SERVICES LTD
the needs & budgets as per the
“On average we stock roughly 70
needs of the clients . Vulco has
to 80 lines of tyre sizes, and each
established a tie-up with TOTAL
of those sizes may have two or
to establish the VULCO tyre con-
three different types of tyres, so
venience facilities in their pet-
effectively we would have some-
roleum retail oulets all around
thing like 200 or 300 different
Ghana. This would be a boon to
tyre types in stock.” At an average
the many motorists plying the
cost of $15,000 to $20,000 per
roads of Ghana, wherein a solu-
tyre, that’s a sizeable investment
tion to challenges faced on the
in anyone’s book.
roads of West Africa would just be at a calls distance.
“In order to give a complete package to a client we try and work from a solution providing
Investments
angle,” he explains. The original model in the mining industry
40 | Endeavour Magazine
Investment in tyres for earth-
was for the mining companies
moving equipment is not for
to fit their own tyres, but it takes
the faint-hearted, however. As a
special knowledge and expertise
composite tyre distributor West
to identify the best suited tyres,
Africa Tire Services carries stock
fitting them right and maintain
all the way from forklift tyres to
these kinds of tyres, and that’s
those fitted to the biggest mining
how the company got into the
trucks.
business of tyre management
services. “It’s essential that these
strongly emphasizes, “There are
tyres are looked after from the
a number of different segments
time they are fitted until they
that we work in and each of them
are ready for the scrap yard. We
receive up to three training ses-
undertake
sions a year.”
this
responsibility
through our tyre management
Africa is full of challenges and an-
units. They fit the tyres, keep the
other one is logistics. Sometimes
rims clean, maintain the right
there are delays getting goods
inflation pressures, monitor the
moving out of the ports, and that
tyres for pressure fluctuations
has a knock-on effect on the level
and check for abnormalities
of stock that has to be kept. Sup-
within the operational areas,
plying tyres from Ghana to other
salvage tyres that have damages
countries in West Africa is not
from destruction by undertaking
always straightforward either.
repairs , so the tyre management
“There’s no standardisation of
units take care of the tyre from
customs
the cradle to the grave.”
countries in West Africa,” says
formalities
between
Chandra,“and that causes probRana has invested in West
lems too.”
Africa’s largest Truck Tyre Drive
In terms of the company’s future
in and a Service centre in West
development, however, Vinay
Africa’s premium port City of
is in no doubt that earthmoving
Tema with the latest machineries
tyres are the way forward. “There
& equipments which facilitate a
are a lot of new developments
quick turn-around for trucks that
take place and a lot of growth.
come to meet their tyre needs.
Aiming to supply services to the
Professional & quick services on
mining industry is going to be an
Commercial Trucks are offered
intensive part of our business for
to truckers and Commercial
the next 5-10 years.”
Truck accounts located & fre-
Within a decade of operations
quenting the port city. In addi-
in the Earthmoving tyres, Rana
tion Tyre consultancy services
has turned out to be a preferred
offered by Rana aids commercial
choice & destination for meeting
Truck accounts to narrow down
the demands of the Mining &
on the best suited tyres for their
Construction industry in West
operations, maximizing tyre lives,
Africa. They are associated with
Value Realization & performance
major players in the region such
related reports to fleet owners/
as Gold fields Ghana, Anglogold
managers and in training oper-
Ashanti, Golden Star Resources,
ational staff of the clients with
Ghana Manganese, Nord Gold,
best maintenance practices have
PW mining International.
benefitted the Commercial Truck
Innovation to improve tyre per-
account immensely.
formances that play a positive
Despite a strong staff contingent
role in improving the productiv-
of over 500 staff, and the various
ity of commercial businesses &
business lines being managed by
mines operating within West
the most ambitious profession-
Africa is next on agenda as Rana
als, drawn from amongst the best
steps in the another decade.
in the industry there is a continu-
“It is a very exciting time,” Vinay
ous drive for finding skilled em-
concludes.
ployees. “The most important people in the business are our staff,” Vinay Endeavour Magazine | 41
PIOTRANS 0027 11 988 6558 WWW.PIOTRANS.CO.ZA
42 | Endeavour Magazine
CATCHING BUSES AND CHANGING A NATION WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
IN 2006 Johannesburg City took the decision to become a fully-fledge Bus Rapid Transit system called Rea Vaya.
Endeavour Magazine | 43
PIOTRANS
Benefitting from high level buy ins and partnerships especially from the historically violent and turbulent mini-bus taxi industry, it made its implementation possible and began as a starter service with 40 buses on 30 August 2009. Since then things have improved significantly and been well received by commuters.
R when
ea
Vaya
major
February
the
reached
milestone Taxi
this
a
switched to the bus.
in
Something only a South African would appreciate, having a safe
year
public transport system that everyone can use has made a significant
Operators
change for every road user.
Investment Companies formally
The main challenges for public transport in Johannesburg was
took control of the BRTs Bus
that the poor lived far away from work and had to spend more money
Operating Company- PioTrans
on transport, congestion and roads resulted in longer travel time,
(PTY) LTD. It was another first
congestion in the inner, lack of access for disabled commuters that
in this landmark project. Rea
the government historically had put very little money towards public
Vaya is the first BRT system in
transport, and problems with regulation of the large and broad based
South Africa, in the beginning
taxi industry.
taxi operators, Metrobus and
Rea Vaya changed all of that.
other public transport operators
It has been a huge transformation and has triggered a massive shift
worked alongside each other
among the members of the informal transport sector by developing
in a congested, mostly informal
and providing viable, practical and above all safer solutions.
landscape.
Vaya
Taxi related deaths as recently as the last decade had peaked
many private vehicle users and
With
Rea
with thousands of people being killed either through gun violence
The main challenges for public transport in Johannesburg was that the poor lived far away from work and had to spend more money on transport, congestion and roads resulted in longer travel time, congestion in the inner city, lack of access for disabled commuters that the government historically had put very little money towards public transport, and problems with regulation of the large and broad based taxi industry.
44 | Endeavour Magazine
A Daimler Brand MBSA/137/BUS001
For more information, specifications and option details on Mercedes-Benz BRT Buses, contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle dealer at 0800 133 355 today or simply visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/buses
Endeavour Magazine | 45
PIOTRANS
between drivers and gangs or
Investment Companies, owned by over 300 taxi operators are
through accidents caused by
now in charge of PioTrans LTD and have a 12 year Bus Operating
Marcopolo South Africa will
vehicles that were not road-
Contract- they also scrapped 585 taxis in order to be able to become
supply the bus bodies. Local
worthy. For South Africans this
shareholders of the company.
content on the bus bodies is
had become an unfortunate way of life. “Taxi Violence” became the dirty secret of the SA roads
manager Dr Dirk Ansorge.
expected to exceed 80%.
Big Developments
MBSA
bus
and
coach
national sales manager Shane
that very few people outside of
134 buses have been sourced from Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s
Henry notes that South African
the country knew about or could
(MBSA’s) Sandown Motor Holdings who won the tender earlier this
content on the bus chassis will
believe. It had reached a point
year. This is to supply the necessary size for the roll-out of the 18 km
reach around 30% by volume,
where dozens of people dying in
Phase 1B of Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
and include local components
a taxi crash, due to the taxi having
Valued at more than R300-million the Rea Vaya phase 1B covers
such as tyres, wiring looms and
folded cardboard as brakepads
ten stations, passing through Noordgesig, New Canada, Pennyville,
or being overloaded with up
Bosmont, Coronationville, Newclare, Westbury, Westdene, Melville,
to thirty people crammed into
Auckland Park and Parktown.
fuel tanks. The bus chassis and power trains come from Brazil, with
one mini-bus, no longer made it
“MBSA’s bus and coach unit will supply the bus chassis for the
local completely knocked-down
to the news. A solution was in
134-unit requirement, divided into ninety-three 12 m feeder buses,
assembly taking place at MBSA’s
desperate need.
and forty-one 18 m raised floor, articulated buses to be used on the
East London plant.
Nine
Taxi
Operators
46 | Endeavour Magazine
trunk routes,” says MBSA commercial vehicles bus and coach brand
Rea Vaya will create 40
additional jobs on the bus line and the– all of them wheelchair friendly – will use clean-burning Euro 5 engines and feature fully automatic Voith transmissions. The first Rea Vaya Phase-1B unit is expected to be completed this month. “We will start assembling the chassis and releasing them to the body builder from the first week in June through to the second half of October,” says Ansorge. “The plan is to assemble up to ten chassis per week.” The vehicles are expected to have a life cycle of 12 years. Sandown Motor Holdings has also offered the City of Johannesburg a maintenance, driver training and fleet management proposal, which
Valued at more than R300-million the Rea Vaya phase 1B covers ten stations, passing through Noordgesig, New Canada, Pennyville, Bosmont, Coronationville, Newclare, Westbury, Westdene, Melville, Auckland Park and Parktown.
is still under discussion. Henry believes Sandown Motor Holdings won the contract to supply the buses as it offered a “good price and a very attractive delivery schedule”. Sandown is also a Level 2 black economicempowered company. By providing traffic solutions within the major cities of South Africa Rea Vaya have opened up the gates to a new level of economic prosperity.
Endeavour Magazine | 47
RIFT VALLEY RAILWAY 00254 20 2044476/80 WWW.RIFTVALLEYRAIL.COM
48 | Endeavour Magazine
REVIVING THE RAILWAYS IN
Kenya & Uganda WRITTEN BY CHARLES ROBERTS
After receiving funding from development finance institutions, Rift Valley Railways’ renovation program is well underway.
Endeavour Magazine | 49
RIFT VALLEY RAILWAY
Founded in 2006, Rift Valley Railways (RVR) is an operator of freight and passenger train services in Kenya and Uganda. With a 25-year commission that covers more than 2,000 kilometres of track, RVR’s purpose is to “transform lives in Africa with every move.”
Quote
T
he company says: “We ensure that our customers’ needs for transport and logistical solutions will be met in a sustainably efficient and safe manner and with the utmost with respect
to our employees, the environment and communities that live around our operations, and that we will do so profitably to guarantee a healthy return on investment for our shareholders.” RVR provides intermodal
Railway Equipment | Building Material | Construction Equipment |Lifting Equipment | Car Accessories | Adhesives & Sealants | Agriculture Tools & Equipment | Masonary Tools | Relief Supplies | Fabrication Work Safety Work Wear And PPE | Engineering Tools | General Hardware
“Once the planned rehabilitation is completed, it will be possible to raise line speeds on the re-laid sections from the current restriction of between 25kmh and 30kmh to 70kmh.”
logistical
solutions,
distance
and
long-
commuter
passenger transport as well as freight delivery, which includes marine services. Its strategic objectives
are
to
improve
business efficiency, standardise operations, increase its rail traffic
market
strengthen
the
share
and
northern
corridors’ competitiveness.
Freight services and passenger travel DAR-ES-SALAAM ROAD P.O.BOX 18233-00500, NAIROBI, KENYA T: 00-254-20-6531392/3/4 F: 00-254-20-6531396 E: uesl@form-net.com & unitedesl@hotmail.com Website: www.uesl.net 50 | Endeavour Magazine
Accounting for 95 per cent of all volume and revenue, freight transportation is RVR’s major concern. The organisation’s main customers include logistics service providers, cargo owners and shipping companies. With purpose-designed cars, flat wagons and storage tanks, RVR is able to handle specialised freight, bulk materials, fuel and lubricants as well as intermodal containers.
Over the past few years, RVR has strived to improve this lucrative area of the business, increasing consignments to over 250,000 tonnes in 2012. “RVR Freight Services is your flexible partner for overland transport by rail,” boasts the enterprise. “We run freight trains or goods trains on a regular schedule to various destinations in Kenya and Uganda.” Although passenger travel is only a minor aspect of the business in terms of numbers, RVR is committed to providing the best possible service to all travellers. Daily routes are in operation between Kenya’s main cities while several commuter trains run in the Greater Nairobi area, with approximately 500,000 people taking advantage of these transportation services per month.
Kenya-Uganda Railway Recognised as one of the region’s oldest assets that brings communities together and encourages business, this railway line runs from the shores of the Indian Ocean, through Kenya’s rich agricultural
Endeavour Magazine | 51
RIFT VALLEY RAILWAY
landscape, into the Ugandan capital Kampala on the edge of Lake Victoria. With road transport prices in East Africa escalating, RVR and the government recognises the potential a comprehensive and reliable rail network has for local people, tourists and indeed the economy. “We see RVR as an important partner in the economic growth of our country and the region where a well performing railway is an imperative as it is an important link from the port of Mombasa into the Eastern Africa Market,” says Dr Eng. Cyrus Njiru, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Transport.
Renovation program In August 2011, RVR received a financial package to fund part of a
Syokimau, the first new station to
US$287 million five-year capital expenditure program to rehabilitate
be established in the country for
infrastructure and rolling stock. The project aimed to tackle the
80 years. Both RVR and Kenya
problem of derailments by replacing worn out track, refurbish
Railways completed the track
old locomotives and integrate information technology systems to
work, while El Noor Construction
improve operations and reduce costs.
built the station.
“Once the planned rehabilitation exercise is completed, it will be
In June 2013, RVR said
possible to raise line speeds on the re-laid sections from the current
a renovation project on its
restriction of between 25kmh and 30kmh to 70kmh,” RVR revealed.
northern Uganda branch from
“This will significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of the
Tororo, near the Kenyan border,
railway operations and it will enable RVR to operate bigger capacity
to Pakwach on Lake Albert’s
trains, thereby, improving the companies loading capacity and
northern
reducing travel hours for trains.”
completion and test operations
shore,
was
near
By the end of 2012, more than US$100 million had been invested
would begin shortly. With the
in the turnaround program, with RVR proud to announce that half of
line out of operation for 18 years,
the dilapidated track had been repaired, over 350 wagons had been
work included the removal of
refurbished and a new ERP system had been installed.
anthills, restoration of washed-
Recent developments Late last year, Kenya’s president Mwai Kibaki opened an extension
52 | Endeavour Magazine
of the Nairobi - Embakasi line to
out sections damaged by floods and new culverts installation. Darlan De David, CEO, RVR,
said that following the installation of five level crossings, trial runs would begin on 31 July. The route will increase the amount of cargo entering Kenya from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South
Produits Ferroviaires et Moteurs Diesel Rail and Diesel Power Products
Sudan.
Future plans Looking ahead, RVR’s vision is “to be the leading transport and logistics solutions provider in Africa by year 2020.” Once the KenyaUganda railway rejuvenation project is complete, the company hopes the numerous upgrades will translate into “the provision of quality and reliable services to RVR’s customers. “Overtime, the improved rail service should play a critical role in bringing down the cost of goods and services in the region.” In the near future, RVR plans to increase the life cycle of its locomotives by changing engines, traction motors and compressors, install automated track warrant software and on-board computer systems, and continue to rehabilitate lines, wagons and culverts.
RTI Turbo Inc specializes in the supply, sales and rebuilding of complete locomotive , marine and stationary engines such as: EMD (GM), ALCO and GE Based in Montreal, Canada, we are equipped with locomotive engineers, mechanics and technicians that have acquired various experiences in the locomotive industry.
157A RICHER, LACHINE, MONTREAL QC. CANADA H8R 1R4 T: (514) 807-1044 F: (514) 487-4806 E: rtiturbo@sympatico.ca
Endeavour Magazine | 53
ALLIED CATERERS 001 868669 4213 WWW.ALLIEDCATERERS.COM
54 | Endeavour Magazine
WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
AN ARMY MARCHES ON ITS STOMACH
It has been said that “An army marches on its stomach,� and has always been a fundamental truth of war and, today, business. Dealing with the long hours offshore or in the air, the physical and indeed psychological wellbeing of any staff member begins with a healthy and well balanced diet. There is one company in Trinidad and Tobago who has garnered this niche industry and provided an peerless level of quality and service. Don Campbell had the chance to speak with General Manager Trinidad Gillian Huggins.
Endeavour Magazine | 55
ALLIED CATERERS
Gillian Huggins, General Manager of Trinidad comes with twenty three years-experience in progressively challenging positions in Administration, Organisational and Business Development, Finance and Accounting, in Commercial, Industrial and State Enterprise. Her specific areas of expertise are: Operations Review and Analysis, Review and Analysis of Work Flows and Procedures and Development of Business and Strategic Plans.
Quote
A
pproaching her work with keen strategic mind set she has experience in three main areas of the food industry, Flavour manufacturing, snack manufacturing and
catering services. “I have a passion for catering and event management,” she reveals, “Over the years I’ve been blessed to be able to work in varied and diverse scenarios and have learned a great deal.” Holding a BSC in Industrial Management (Hons) from the university of the West Indies, St. Augustine Gillian, who is also a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a woman with a determination to lead by example. In India she underwent intensive training at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in India, both on a Macro and Micro scale and joined Allied Caterers TT in 2008 as Financial Controller but was promoted to General manager in 2011. A valuable asset with a reputation of getting results that not only meet the high standards of the company but surpass them. “I have a passion for giving back,” Gillian reveals, “If you’re going to succeed you have to exceed the expectations.”
The State Of The Industry “The industry is competitive at the moment,” Gillian tells us, “But we do have the edge. It takes a great deal of coordination, planning and logistical activity. We ensure a high quality of service by adhering to our strict policies and standards that permeate all sectors of our 56 | Endeavour Magazine
business
including
the airlines and the offshore business. “Two
provided them that.” A training matrix has been put in place to keep the staff up to scratch and as Allied Caterers is part of the, Goddard Catering Group,
primary
and by extension, Goddard Enterprises Ltd., employees benefit from
examples if we were
promotion, career development and mobility not only within Allied
to look at the airline
Caterers LTD but also within the group.
industry - the menu is cycled every three months and the food
“We place a high value on experience,” Gillian Huggins.
Accountability
has to be of a high
Everything that Allied Caterers LTD does is audited and
standard while still
thoroughly checked over, unlike many companies they are entirely
falling within the load
focused on the quality and standard of their products and would
(weight/specification)
rather have a reputation for that than a reputation for omnipotence.
required
for
the
“Nothing is perfect,” Gillian reminds us, “But if even little accidents
aircraft.
United
are allowed then they can quickly accumulate into major issues, if
Airlines
audits
you’re not accountable enough to fix it at the start. Our quality and
us
every
month
safety managers work closely not only with our customers but also
to
ensure
strict
with our staff to see how things can be improved, and if accidents
adherence to every step of the food preparation, through to delivery on board the aircraft. “Offshore is a completely different scenario, as with offshore,
have happened how best to safeguard against them.”
New developments 2013
we’re not catering for passengers but for people who live there. Their
Customers demand high quality at the best rates and Allied
needs are completely different. They need healthy, well balanced
Caterers plans to further meet this conundrum through business
meals. So we consistently provide them with a menu, submitted a month in advance to be approved by the Offshore Installation managers.” Allied Caterers also offer hospitality services to the offshore industry. Keeping the rooms, bed sheets and furnishings clean for those living there. Offshore work has the reputation for involving long gruelling hours in often unsavoury conditions and a price cannot be put on the psychological impact of coming to a clean room with fresh bed sheets. The continuous push to establish footholds on applicable areas of their industry, ie. catering, hospitality, event management has benefitted Allied Caterers greatly. They have an established monopoly on the flights coming in to Trinidad and are the preferred service provider for offshore oil production platforms in their region. With clients including BPTT, Repsol YPF, BHP Billiton, British Gas Trinidad and the National Gas Company.
Staff The impressive and flawless reputation of Allied Caterers and the strength of their name would not be possible if not for their staff. Of the four hundred plus employees who work with Gillian, at their plant in Trinidad or in the kitchens on the offshore rigs, each one is provided with all the tools they need to develop themselves professionally. “We see employees as our most valuable asset,” Gillian explains, “I work with people. I’ve seen how so many people, be them entrepreneurs or our staff, possess the diligence, the drive and ambition to succeed but lack the guidance. I wanted to ensure we Endeavour Magazine | 57
ALLIED CATERERS
expansions and strategic alliances that will increase not only their
fresh and we have a particular
footprint on the market but also their service abilities.
brand of oven that we utilise to
“Business expansion is priority for 2013,” Gillian affirms, “We have
reheat the food on the platform.
a good position on the offshore oil production platforms but we are
This is all in aid of serving safe
aiming to get into drilling because it would be a plug and play scenario.
meals. Development in this area
We believe we can offer a farther reach for this industry and would
would be a major factor in the
like to have a solid hold on it as we have on the airlines.”
upcoming year.”
Innovations within the food business is also a focus for Gillian this year as one of the mechanisms for expansion. “Whenever there is a shutdown at a platform for maintenance we
“At the core of everything are our quality and standards,” Gillian concludes.
fly food in on a daily basis,” she explains, “This is refrigerated to keep
Since 1993 Sea Foods Enterprises Limited has been actively trading in chilled and frozen seafood products. In addition to local sales in our home country of Trinidad and Tobago, we routinely export to clients in Canada, the Caribbean and the United States of America.
We carry a wide range of seafood products and other wholesome foods. Visit any of our three retail outlets for excellent prices & quality products.
58 | Endeavour Magazine
Main Facility / Head Office 12-13 Industrial Estate Frederick Settlement, Caroni, Trinidad Telephone, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m: (868) 645 0601/6883/4973 (868) 663 5848 Fax: (868) 645 9025 Sales/Purchasing/Personnel Email: kalar@seafoodstt.com
Endeavour Magazine | 59
NOZALA HEALTH PARTNERS 002711 786 9771 WWW.HEALTHPARTNERSUK.COM
60 | Endeavour Magazine
LOOKING AFTER
Number One
NOZALA HEALTH PARTNERS’ QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES
Nobody enjoys going in to hospital for treatment, but Nozala Health Partners’ commitment to patient satisfaction means there is no cause for concern
Endeavour Magazine | 61
NOZALA HEALTH PARTNERS
In spite of all the trials and tribulations life throws at us, staying fit and healthy remains society’s main concern. However, having appropriate medical cover can often be expensive or out-of-reach, with several individuals forced to ignore their problems and carry on regardless. This can lead to long-term illnesses and all manner of damaging consequences.
W
ith a commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare in South Africa and the rest of the African Continent, Nozala Health Partners hopes this never
becomes an issue for the patients of its network of private hospitals and medical professionals. “From our perspective, we want to work alongside the local people with an objective of taking healthcare to the wider communities of
mGEH025 Count on, executive GE Healthcare_A4 ad_2013 South Africa,” asserts- Tony Lundin director, Nozala Health Partners. “We are moving into areas where there are no hospitals or access to private healthcare is limited.” For Tony, the organisation’s cohesive and comprehensive approach to providing dedicated healthcare solutions across the country is what makes Nozala Health Partners so successful. “What principally differentiates us is that we have a fully
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06
NOZALA HEALTH PARTNERS
integrated business model where we will provide equally for both
the expansion, development and modernisation of private hospitals in
primary and acute health services in each of our facilities going
Southern Africa.
forward,” he says.
History and operations
The company itself is a joint venture between Nozala Investments, a broad based women’s empowerment group, and Health Partners, a South African and UK healthcare company with over 40 years
Having been involved in the medical industry for over 15 years,
experience in managing both public and private sector hospitals. But
with previous projects extending across Europe, the Middle East and
just over two years after inception, Nozala Health Partners’ strength
Africa, Tony is vastly experienced when it comes to providing specialist
in the market grew after the Government Employees Pension Fund
healthcare and consultancy solutions. Previously, Tony worked in
(GEPF), administered by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC),
the UK as financial director of Netcare’s hospital division and was
decided to take up a 30% share in the organisation.
instrumental in the company’s acquisition of General Healthcare
Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, but
Group, also known as BMI. When his tenure came to an end, Tony
still remains firmly committed to its objective of providing superior
called upon previous contacts and networks to meet the demand for
healthcare to every individual that passes through a hospital’s doors.
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64 | Endeavour Magazine
Nozala Health Partners is also dedicated to long-term solutions, with
cites Tony. “We have all the controls to ensure there is no over-
projects generally lasting a minimum of 10 years. From the beginning
servicing and that a patients care is not compromised. We find this to
of a project and opening of a hospital, right through to the ongoing
be very beneficial to every one of the investments and developments
management of a facility, Nozala Health Partners remains loyal and
we are busy with.”
steadfast.
Nozala Health Partners also recognises that working in a hospital,
With such expertise in the market, the company is frequently
particular when it comes nursing, is very labour intensive and requires
required by other professional organisations for assistance as Tony
skilled employees. With this in mind, the company is actively looking
reveals: “We undertake a fair amount of transaction advisory services
to recruit, train and up-skill native nurses who have moved away in
across Africa on behalf of the public sector, government, and even
search of work.
private equity firms. We advise clients on the viability, feasibility, implementation and roll out of healthcare projects.”
People power Nozala Health Partners truly believes in the power of people
“We are encouraging the medical fraternity to come back to South Africa,” says Tony. “This includes partnering with an extensive program in the UK called the Homecoming Revolution, which already has a long list of personnel who want to return. This program will include upskilling, on the job and external training for nurses in South Africa.”
and encourages medicall practitioners, dentists and allied medical
Continually looking to improve the capabilities of its staff, Nozala
professionals and healthcare specialists to invest in hospital
Health Partners has teamed-up with education institutions for the
ownership for the benefit of the company and the individual. For far
workforce’s benefit. “Through the University of Pretoria, we have
too long healthcare professionals have been strategic slaves to the
an affiliated Hospital Management Training Program to make sure
local hospital groups in SA and it is about time that they now start to
employees are capable of taking on the responsibility of running a
focus on themselves and their patients.
hospital,” cites Tony.”
“They are able to drive primary healthcare and footfall into a hospital, which ultimately is converted into acute services over time,”
Endeavour Magazine | 65
NOZALA HEALTH PARTNERS
Ongoing developments Pushing forward with the development of new facilities, Tony has adopted practices leant in Europe to help Nozala Health Partners run as smoothly as possible while ensuring patients receive straightforward and hassle free treatment. “We invest in new technology so patients receive the same standards of care they would previously, but don’t have to be in hospital for a long period of time,” notes Tony. “We rely extensively on same day surgeries, which is becoming the preferred norm in the world of modern medicine. With new equipment and drug treatments, we can ensure a patient does not have to lie in a hospital bed longer than necessary.” As concerns over the standard of public healthcare continue to rise, more and more people are beginning to plan for the future, with Nozala Health Partners well positioned to capitalise on this emerging private cover market. “A considerable percentage of the employed population does not have easy access to healthcare, so this is a market we are focusing on,” reveals Tony. In October this year, Nozala Health Partners will open the 52 bed Mthatha hospital located on the Eastern Cape around 200km outside of East London. “It is in a densely populated area with the majority of the workforce employed by the government and local administration
66 | Endeavour Magazine
services, but there is only one private hospital in the area with people having to travel 200km for alternative healthcare,” cites Tony. Next year, Nozala Health Partners will open yet another facility, a larger 125 bed hospital in Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga. “It provides general healthcare services, but will also cater for our target market and compete with other private hospitals where we believe there is huge potential for success,” adds Tony.
Looking forward Although Tony believes the future will be full of challenges, he remains adamant that Nozala Health Partners won’t lose its primary focus: “It is a hard slog, but we are building a healthcare group.” “Whether this is for ourselves or clients it does not matter. Ultimately, we are in the business of developing private healthcare facilities. In five years, we envisage that we will open or have in construction at least half a dozen hospitals.” However, Nozala Health Partners is also looking at expansion opportunities beyond the private sector as Tony reveals: “We embrace the local government with the roll out of the national health insurance plans where patients will have a choice of the hospital they’d like to be treated in. It is important for us that we are accredited and become one of the preferred providers of choice.”
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ASSMANG MANGANESE 0027 53 751 5555 WWW.ASSMANG.CO.ZA
68 | Endeavour Magazine
A MINE IS
A Mine
WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS
Endeavour readers will recognize Assmang’s story of flexibility, strong belief and dedication to staff. Established in 1934 by Bob Hersov and Slip Menell, Anglovaal (Anglo Transvaal Consolidated Investment Company Limited) initially worked alongside Guido Sacco, who owned Gloucester Manganese. In 1935 the interest in manganese deposits began with the newly registered company Associated Manganese Mines of South Africa Limited, AMMOSAL, now called Assmang Limited.
Endeavour Magazine | 69
ASSMANG MANGANESE
Sharing an equal share with African Rainbow Minerals they would consider themselves to be an employee focussed company. A lot of time and funds are invested into their staff and the training of local people, “We bring in people from outside the locale but we find that they don’t always stay while local people do,” Willem told us, “The industry standard on spend per employee training is about 4%, Assmang maintains 8% spend on their employees, over twice that of our competitors.”
S
taff, are the foundation of any business and historically the focus a company places on their people is directly proportionate to their success. It directly relates to how their
clients are looked after.
Focus On Staff Assmang is also a leader in housing, with a personal endeavour to ensure every employee has their own house, “We subsidize housing for our employees, allowing them to purchase their own properties
A great deal has been written regarding the reasons pertaining
for themselves and their families. This contributes well to the success
to the skill shortage in South Africa and it is a testament to the
of each of the mines because we build houses for employees in the
philosophy of Assmang that they are not interested in the reasons,
nearest towns to the mines.”
looking instead to the solutions. They focus on where people are
When asked about employment and looking for new staff, Willem
going and not where they have been, “For whatever reason there is
told us, “Yes, we do look further afield for specific staffing positions,
a skill shortage in South Africa,” Willem has said, “As a company we
however we much prefer to look internally. We’ve found the benefits
ensure that employee renumeration makes us a company to work for,
of internal promotion and development of our own staff far out
a company where people do not have jobs to perform but careers to
weight those of merely headhunting,” this is something he feels very
develop”.
strongly about, “We take people from school level, offering bursaries
70 | Endeavour Magazine
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ASSMANG MANGANESE
and training people up. Develop your staff and you’re company will
South Africa where several large properties underlain by ore were
grow.”
subsequently found and acquired.
Assmang is a one stop shop of iron ore, manganese and chrome
“Black Rock is considered to be the largest and richest manganese
striving to continuously improve efficiency and productivity through
deposit in the world,” Willem explain last we spoke, “Manganese ore
an approach strengthened with a scientific strategy involving long
operations have been extended and today include the Gloria and
term planning and day-to-day execution.
Nchwaning underground mines. Manganese ore is supplied locally
Having spoken with Willem Grobbelaar regarding Assmang there is a clear sense of loyalty and pride felt for the company. It is not
to Assmang-owned smelters, but is mainly exported through Port Elizabeth to Japanese and German customers.”
just a business but a legacy that has outlived competitors for many
The manganese ores of the Kalahari Manganese field are contained
years. To cover all the aspects of Assmang we have touched on three
within sediments of the Hotazel Formation of the Griqualand West
different mines to represent their major sectors of iron, manganese
Sequence, a subdivision of the Proterozoic Transvaal Supergroup.
and chrome mining.
At Black Rock, Belgravia and Nchwaning, the Hotazel, Mapedi and
Manganese At Black Rock In 1940, Assmang acquired a manganese ore outcrop on a small hillock known as Black Rock in the Northern Cape province of
Lucknow Formations have been duplicated by thrusting. The thrusted ore bodies comprising Black Rock (Koppie), Belgravia 1 and Belgravia 2 are collectively known as Black Rock the ore bodies. The average thickness of the Hotazel Formation is approximately 490 metres.
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allow us to rebuild and modify equipment per rock type.
services to companies such as Anglo American, PPC, BHP Billiton
Services rendered to Assmang include: Blasthole Drilling, Crushing
and Assmang. Our drilling capacity is currently 230 000 to 250 000 metres per month for 8 blasthole drilling sites, we’re able to drill individual
& Screening and Loading & Hauling (Khumani site); Blasthole Drilling (Beeshoek site); and Exploration Drilling (Blackrock site).
hole-diameters according to drilling requirements. Our mechanical staff and fully equipped engineering workshop 72 | Endeavour Magazine
Visit www.bcms.co.za or contact us +27 53 712 2858
ASSMANG MANGANESE
The geological uniqueness of this area is a source of the success of the area and plays a prominent role in the industry. With such a rich abundance of kutnohorite and braunite and high-grade
hausmannite
ore.
Intermediate areas exhibit a complex mineralogy of bixbyite, braunite and jacobsite amongst a host of other manganesebearing minerals. Two manganese seams are present. The No 1 seam is up to
Iron Ore at Khumani Mine Khumani, the San people of the region literally means, “The people of the Southern Kalahari ” and specularite associated with the iron ore deposits in the area was actually used by the people as a cosmetic thousands of years ago. They would mix the specularite (a kind of iron ore) and mix it with fat in order to make a glittery makeup. The rest of the world didn’t even know that the birth of the cosmetic industry could have happened there. Khumani Mine, replaced the older Beeshoek Iron Ore Mine as the main iron ore producer for Assmang Limited and has been designed to produce 10 million tons of export quality iron ore each year. “This figure will eventually rise to 16 million tons upon completion of phase 2 of the Khumani Expansion Project” said Willem.
Manganore iron formation and conglomerate ore belonging to the Doornfontein Conglomerate Member at the base of the Gamagara Formation. Due to the larger stratiform bodies and prominent hanging wall outcrops at the Khumani mine, the erosion there is less than some of its counterparts. The down-dip portions are well preserved and developed while in the outcrop the deposits are thin
6 metres in thickness, of which
The Phase 2 expansion includes development of the mining
and isolated. A prominent north-
3,5 – 4,5 metres are mined,
platform on the King property, chrushers, material handling systems,
south strike of the ore is visible.
using a manganese marker zone
stockpiles, stackers & reclaimers, a local railway siding, an additional
Hematite is the predominant
for control. There is, therefore,
rapid load-out station, a paste disposal facility, haul roads and other
ore mineral, but limonite and
minimum dilution. No mining is
supporting facilities.
specularite also occur.
presently undertaken on No 2
The iron ore deposits are contained within a sequence of early
seam at Nchwaning or Gloria,
Proterozoic sediments of the Transvaal Supergroup deposited
however it is due to commence
between 2 500 and 2 200 million years ago. In general, two ore types
on Nchwaning shortly.
are present, namely laminated hematite ore forming part of the
74 | Endeavour Magazine
Chrome From Dwarsrivier Mine Chromite production from
ASSMANG MANGANESE
Dwarsrivier Mine is sourced
In addition the plant has been designed to produce chemical grade
appearance of chromitite layers
from underground. Chromite
products but due to market dynamics the smelters are converted to
marks the start of the Critical
used to be obtained from the
the production of ferromanganese.
Zone, economically the most
open-cast mining areas at a rate
Chromite operations at the Dwarsrivier Mine form part of the
important zone. The layers are
of approximately 0.9 million
Chrome Ores & Alloys operations of Assmang Limited. The mine is
grouped into three sets termed
tons per year; however these
situated on the farm Dwarsrivier, in the Mpumalanga province in
the Lower, Middle and Upper
reserves were exhausted in
South Africa. Assmang purchased the farm from Gold Fields Limited,
groups. The sixth chromitite
2005.
together with all surface and mineral rights in October 1998.
seam
Underground
mining
in
the
Lower
Group
commenced in 2005 at a rate
The Dwarsrivier Mine is situated in the eastern limb of the
(LG6), is an important source of
of 1.2 million tons Run of
Bushveld Complex, which comprises persistent layers of mafic and
chromite ore and is the orebody
Mine (ROM) per year. Current
ultramafic rocks, containing the world’s largest known resources of
being mined at the Dwarsrivier
underground design capacity
platinum group metals, chromium and vanadium. The mafic rocks
Mine. In the Eastern Lobe, in
is 120,000 tons per month
termed the Rustenburg Layered Suite, are approximately 8 kilometres
the vicinity of Dwarsrivier, the
ROM. The Dwarsrivier Mine
thick in the Eastern Lobe, and are divided formally into five zones.
strike is nearly north-south,
is specifically geared to deliver
The rocks of the Marginal Zone at the base of the succession consist
with a dip of approximately
high quality metallurgical grade
mainly of pyroxenites with some dunites and harzburgites. Above
10 degrees towards the west.
chromite to the Machadodorp
the Marginal Zone, the Lower Zone comprises mainly pyroxenites,
Average thickness of the LG6
Works, but lately the focus
harzburgites and dunite, and is present only in the northern part
seam is about 1,86 metres in
shifted to the export market.
of the Eastern Lobe, and only as far south as Steelpoort. The
the Dwarsrivier area. Pipe-like
76 | Endeavour Magazine
dunite intrusions are evident in
developed
the area, as well as dolerite dykes
hardship in difficult operating
that on average strike northeast-
conditions they are entering
southwest. No significant grade
a new phase in its challenging
variation is evident, especially
but distinguished history with
not vertically in the ore seam.
confidence, even in the face of
Small,
tough global market conditions
insignificant
regional
variations do, however, exist. Assmang
bears
over
decades
of
and challenges.
little
“As long as we keep looking to
resemblance to the fledgling
protect what is important we will
company that started work on
be here for the long run,” Willem
the Northern Cape’s manganese
concludes.
fields in 1935. Today, they benefit from the modern mining infrastructure and technologies. Their
“we
do
it
better”
philosophy has helped to ensure low operating costs and high employee buy-in. With flexibility,
Endeavour Magazine | 77
CMC MOTOR GROUP 00254 20 554 111 WWW.CMCMOTORS.COM
78 | Endeavour Magazine
EXTENSIVE AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS ACROSS EAST AFRICA
WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES
With a footprint that extends through Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, CMC Holdings Ltd (CMC Group) is able to deliver comprehensive automotive solutions and after sales support. Endeavour Magazine | 79
CMC MOTOR GROUP
Established in 1948, CMC Holdings Ltd is one of the most dominant figures in the East African automotive industry. Listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange in 1956, the company remains public to this day, serving a wide range of customers across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
W
ith brands including Ford, Volkswagen, Maruti, and Suzuki, CMC Motors Group has a plethora of cars to choose from. However, the organisation also caters
for niche markets as well, with commercial and agricultural vehicle solutions from MAN, , UD, Case New Holland Agriculture and Case construction on offer. CMC Motors Group’s services portfolio doesn’t end there, as CMC Engineering manufactures and assembles an array of products such high speed and agricultural trailers, body fabrications, water tanks and truck bodies. The organisation also has a 33 per cent shareholding in Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited an assembler and body builder.
Differentiating from competitors In a highly competitive environment, the acting Group Managing Director Mary Ngige recognises the importance of standing out from the crowd. Thankfully, CMC Motors Group has numerous assets and strengths it can call upon. “The unique thing for us is that we are a one-stop-shop,” notes Ngige. “All of our customer’s automotive needs can be met by the group, from commercial vehicles and passenger cars, to agricultural solutions, construction equipment and other equipment like water tanks and trailers. 80 | Endeavour Magazine
“Our extensive network provides a complete range of automotive solutions not only in Kenya, but also Uganda and Tanzania.”
Customer service Supplying any product or service is important, but assuring standards remain high is another crucial part of CMC Motors Group’s vision. “The franchises we have are renowned for their quality, efficiency and value for money,” boasts Ngige. “We stock high end vehicles like Volkswagen, Ford and others such Maruti, which represent different segments in the market.” For Ngige, providing the customer with a product is only one half of the story, as CMC Motors Group is on hand to deliver a dedicated
We offer individual and corporate customers a wide range of
after-sales service thanks to long-standing relationships with some of
insurance products to help soften the blow when unforeseen
the world’s top automakers.
circumstances arise. We take pride in an efficient claims
“Due to our knowledge and experience in the industry, we are
settlement procedure, knowing that our clients deserve the
also able to provide quality service and the parts required for all our
highest standards of service not only when we are receiving
brands,” she says. “For example, we have been with Volkswagen for
their premiums, but also, and more importantly, when they
over 60 years and have a good relationship with our suppliers who
need us the most.
provide support. Our staff know the products inside out too, which helps us to serve the customer.”
Endeavour Magazine | 81
CMC MOTOR GROUP
Recent developments Following the election in Kenya this year, the World Bank predicted the country’s economy would surge by almost 6 per cent thanks to greater capital flow and low interest rates, with CMC Motors Group looking to take advantage of this good news. Ngige explains: “The industry is looking up for us. There are a lot of opportunities to provide automotive solutions in the region. We also have a lot more investors coming into the country who need automotive solutions such as the construction and mining industries. In June 2013, CMC Motors Group held its Annual General Meeting, issuing financial statements for the past two years. Regardless of past hardships, Ngige was pleased to announce the company was back on the right track. “In 2011 we made a loss, but despite everything that has happened, the company is profitable once again and we expect to post even better results in September this year,” she reveals.
Ford Ranger Odyssey Africa 2013 Having won the International Pickup Award 2013, the Ford Ranger “is taking the market by storm thanks to its quality and performance,”
according to Ngige. As the official
Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania,”
Ford dealers in Kenya, CMC
cites Solomon Muturi, Managing
Motors Group is promoting this
Director, CMC Motors Group,
all-terrain vehicle in a unique off-
Kenyan subsidiary.
road challenge.
Kennedy Ouko, CMC Ford
Starting in Nairobi on 23
divisional manager, adds: “The
June, Ford Ranger Odyssey
Ford Ranger Odyssey Africa
Africa 2013 is a 21-day, 8000
2013 will feature a group of
kilometre
travels
determined, enthusiastic, skilled
Zanzibar,
and tough contestants who are
Zimbabwe
a perfect match for the strengths
through
trip
that
Tanzania,
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and
before ending in South Africa on 14 July.
of the Ranger.” A group of 10 drivers will
“The Ford Ranger Odyssey
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Looking ahead Although CMC Motors Group is targeting growth and greater levels of profitability, Ngige says the company will stay focused on what has made it successful thus far. “In the next five years, I see a very customer focused organisation providing value for money automotive solutions,” she notes. “The total cost of ownership of vehicles and equipment will be kept to a minimum, but customers will receive the best support possible. “I also predict profits of more than one Kshs 1 billion, with shareholders seeing the return they deserve.” To achieve these aims, CMC Motors Group will reorganise the structure of the business and concentrate on increasing operational efficiency.
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Endeavour Magazine | 83
PPC ZIMBABWE 00263 979 241 WWW.PPC.CO.ZA/ZIMBABWE
84 | Endeavour Magazine
HERE’S TO 100 MORE YEARS PPC ZIMBABWE HAS REASON TO CELEBRATE WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES
With PPC Zimbabwe having celebrated its centenary in 2013, director of business development and corporate strategy Gavin Stephens sees no reason why the company can’t keep trading for another 100 years.
Endeavour Magazine | 85
PPC ZIMBABWE
“We are a Zimbabwean company, we have been here 100 years, we know our market, our production facilities are the most modern in Africa and we continue to invest in them,” Stephens proudly boasts. “We will be here for another 100 years with confidence.”
I
n a rapidly changing world that is constantly evolving, just how has PPC Zimbabwe managed to prolong and maintain its success throughout the years?
“I would say it is our consistency and quality,” says Stephens. “We
are a recognised brand, known for being the best in the country and conforming to various international standards.” However, there is no room for complacency at PPC Zimbabwe, as evaluating processes and continuous improvement are of the utmost importance. “We have a system which is aimed at involving employees at all levels of the company. This includes assessing their performance, learning from mistakes, how to move forward and suggesting ways to improve in the future,” asserts Stephens.
Njombo Lekula 86 | Endeavour Magazine
Iain Sheasby
Gavin Stephens
B.H.E. TECHNICAL SERVICES 8 Rubin Masions, 14th Av/ Corner E: bheinfo@iwayafrica.co.zw R. Mugabe Way, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe W: www.bheinfo.co.zw +263 9 880170, 886611
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15:08 Endeavour10/07/2013 Magazine | 87
PPC ZIMBABWE
History
commitment to quality.
PPC Zimbabwe traces its roots back to a factory 15km east of Bulawayo that was established in 1913. Known as Premier Portland Cement, the company’s product went on sale a year later and before long it was exporting goods to Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and the Belgian Congo. Sales figures of 3,000 tonnes a year early on began to increase thanks to a rise in the construction of dams and a demand for cement during the Second World War. Even though more facilities were
confidence in Zimbabwe. Since
“We have celebrated our
1913, we have come through
centenary year with customers,
recessions as well as ups and
service providers and staff at
downs, but we are still here.”
events in Bulawayo and Harare,”
At the end of last year,
cites Stephens. “Next month
PPC Zimbabwe also received
is the 50th anniversary of our
its
brand name Unicem too, so
complying
this celebration will reflect our
law that requires 51% of a
indigenisation with
certificate, government
established to meet capacity requirements, a dip in sales during the sixties forced PPC to become more efficient. A joint-holding company between Premier Portland and Rhocem rationalised production and United Portland Cement (Unichem) was born in 1965. As the years rolled by, so did sales figures, with capacity increasing throughout decades of successful operation. Like any other company, PPC Zimbabwe has experienced numerous triumphs and times of hardship, but its position in the market 100 years after inception is testament to the organisation’s
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Tatanga has the experience, expertise, plant and equipment to provide first rate construction, civil & structural engineering and equipment hire services. It is ideally placed to participate in a wide range of planned infrastructure projects as Zimbabwe’s economy re-ignites, particularly in the mining sector where Duration Gold, another Clarity company, will provide a secure flow of underpinning contracts.
00 263 (0)55 22481/3 and 24084 admin@tatangaengineering.com dave.easterbrook@tatangaengineering.com 88 | Endeavour Magazine
PEACE OF MIND AND SECURITY OF PROPERTY
Laymack Investments (Pvt) Ltd prides itself to be associated with such a giant and dynamic conglomerate like Portland Holdings-Zimbabwe Ltd. Our symbiotic and cordial business relationship with PPC spans for more than seven years. These years of efficient and effective business extention under the PPC flagship has seen both entities not only growing in leaps and bounds, but moreso, constantly being reborn. LAYMACK SECURITY SERVICES 22 Soudan St, Gwanda PO Box 24 Colleen Bawn P: 0284 25460 0773 627 149 0775 045 615
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In this context, Laymack Investments (Pvt) Ltd takes this opportunity to congratulate Portland Holdings (Pvt) Ltd on the achievement of 100 years of quality cement production. Endeavour Magazine | 89
PPC ZIMBABWE
company to be given to native shareholders. “We are in the process
help enhance income and improve health as well as several sports
of implementing this ahead of the competition. It will give the
activities. CSR is nothing new to us as a company.”
community and employees shares in the company,” says Stephens.
Employees Even though PPC Zimbabwe recognises the importance of employee satisfaction, with remuneration above the national
Developments for the industry and PPC Zimbabwe Since Zimbabwe adopted the dollar, the cement industry has
average for the industry, the company’s workforce receives several
enjoyed a solid recovery and good growth. During the country’s
additional benefits.
hyper inflation period, cement sales dropped to 400,000 tonnes a
“Staff on-site are provided with housing, clinics and free medical
year compared to an industry high of 1.1 million in 1999. But with
schooling,” reveals Stephens. “We also offer a comprehensive HIV
numbers now back on track, Stephens believes PPC Zimbabwe is
program that guarantees access to antiretroviral drugs to any
well-positioned to take advantage of future expansion.
employee and his or her family.” Although Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become big business for corporations around the world, Stephens says reaching out to the local people and wider community has always been of great significance to PPC Zimbabwe. “We have quite a long history over the past 100 years of being involved in our community which has seen us take part in a number of activities,” he says. “We have various agricultural projects that
“Looking at our competition, they are reaching their capacity constraints.” he notes. “While we have enjoyed a growth in market share, we still have an extensive capacity.” The ability to maximise volume has been made possible by a recent investment at the company’s Bulawayo plant, with capacity growing from 650,000 to 1.1 million tonnes. Loading and dispatch operations have also been improved thanks to a $6 million injection of funds. Three years ago, PPC Zimabwe spent $20 million at its Colleen
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90 | Endeavour Magazine
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PPC ZIMBABWE
Bawn factory and is planning on
During the cement industry’s
confident it can carry on its
increasing volume further still
difficult period when shortages
success in the future. “We
with a $3 million project in 2013.
were
see
The
possibilities
common,
consumers
continued
growth
and
for
were forced to buy whatever
demand for cement and are well
expansion do not stop there,
they could find. However, since
positioned to take advantage of
as Stephens explains: “We are
its recovery, PPC Zimbabwe
this ahead of the competition.
in the process of exploring the
recognises the importance of
We are bullish about the future,
possibility of a new plant and this
customer service.
regardless of circumstances out
is quite advanced. We would hope
“We need to change the
to see progress on the ground
previous mindset and become
by next year. Looking ahead, we
more customer focused,” notes
see demand for cement growing
Stephens. “We are engaged in
and outstripping the installed
extensive market surveys, we
capacity, hence the decision to
try to understand our clientele
look at a new facilities.
better and want to become
“We are also looking at North
more customer orientated. This
East Zimbabwe because we want
project is well underway and is
to be closer to the Harare market
being conducted by our sales
and spreading our operations
department.”
across the country more evenly.”
The future
of our control,” Stephens signs off.
Looking ahead, despite an uncertain political and economic outlook,
PPC
Zimbabwe
is
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08/07/2013 13:43
Endeavour Magazine | 93
NEW BRITAIN PALM OIL 0065 6227 6247 WWW.NBPOL.COM.PG
94 | Endeavour Magazine
SO FAR AHEAD OF THE GAME, WHAT’S NOW? WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER
Last year we looked at New Britain Palm Oil’s (NBPOL) significant steps towards sustainability. Now in 2013, the company has become totally 100% sustainable and certified and having achieved this highest echelon of standard we have revisited the company to highlight the new steps and to find out how a company, who is so far ahead of their competition, maintains such an impressive lead. It all comes down to focussing on the staff.
Endeavour Magazine | 95
NEW BRITAIN PALM OIL
You may need a reminder of the name New Britain Palm Oil but not the product as palm oil is an ingredient that is heavily used in food products and preparation world over. One of the major exports of the equatorial belt New Britain Palm Oil has been cultivating and harvesting palm oil since before the onset of the Second World War when an agricultural officer named Frank Henderson based at Talasea recognised the potential of an area of land known as the “Mosa block” for agricultural development.
T
his area of land is on the northern coast of West New Britain Province, an island lying to the east of the Papua New Guinea mainland and situated in the Bismarck Archipelago.
“We are the world’s leading producer of sustainable palm oil,”
Simon told us, “Certified in accordance with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Principles and Criteria.” Fully vertically integrated, producing their own seed for planting, processing from cultivating through to harvesting its own land and refining the palm oil NBPOL are also the largest domestic sugar and beef producers in Papua New Guinea. Maintaining contact directly with their end customers in the EU, managing the freight and shipping of their products the strength of the company has always been found in something else. “Our plantation operations are in Papua New Guinea and in the Solomon Islands, where we also have a refinery and a bulking terminal,” Simon explains, “Our newly built UK refinery – New Britain Oils – delivers segregated, traceable and certified sustainable food ingredients to our customers. But the strength of our offering is
“Palm oil is in one in ten items on a supermarket shelf,” Simon reveals, “That places a huge demand on it as a product and a resource.”
96 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 97
PLUMBING - HARDWARE
Phone: +675 472 6244
Account Fax: 472 3431 PO Box 2336, Milfordhaven Road
Email: rod.brown@plumtrade.com.pg Email: bob.seiler@plumtrade.com.pg
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DECORATING - TIMBER
Facsimile: +675 472 6249
Lae, Morobe Province 411,Papua New Guinea Email: aaron.clamp@plumtrade.com.pg Email: arnold.serek@plumtrade.com.pg
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NEW BRITAIN PALM OIL
found in our employees. They are
oil palm is ten times more productive than soya oil in terms of yields.
In keeping with a policy of
the most important commodity.”
Meaning that a hectare planted with palm oil provides the same
support and career development,
employees
quantity of oil as ten hectares planted with soya. This saves forests
in addition to being listed on the
and the environment are two
whilst at the same time provides a cheaper commodity to a world
London Stock Exchange NBPOL
of the impressive pillars that
requiring more and more food. When you add this to the lengths at
is also listed on the Port Moresby
New Britain Palm Oil has built
which New Britain Palm Oil goes to ensure sustainable production it
Stock Exchange to give the
their foundation on. As one of
gives a fresh edge to what this PNG Company is doing from a global
opportunity for local staff and
the world’s leading producer of
perspective.
people to invest and purchase
Safeguarding
sustainable palm oil they have
To remain ahead of the competition NBPOL have to excel in
made a reputation for setting
keeping up with this demand and part of their method if the full
industry benchmarks, a tactic
support and reinvestment of their staff.
shares in the company. By doing this not only does NBPOL guarantee themselves
that has consistently put them
NBPOL operates exclusively in the Asia Pacific region but requires
a loyal pool of employees but a
ahead of all of their competition.
a diverse catalogue of individual expertise and skillsets that have
strong handle on shareholders
“Palm oil is in one in ten items
them often recruiting from abroad and bringing them into the country
for the future. As it is the
providing housing and security.
provincial Government of West
on a supermarket shelf,” Simon reveals, “That places a huge
“Our company headquarters are in West New Britain Province,
New Britain is the second largest
demand on it as a product and a
Papua New Guinea where we have a refinery and the main bulking
shareholder in the company
resource.”
terminal,” Dr. Simon Lord tells us “and our plantation operations are
and ensures that the people of
Palm oil competes with other
in 5 other provinces in Papua New Guinea and also in the Solomon
this provinces share in NBPOL’s
world oil and is often maligned
Islands. On each site we have estates and smallholder as well as mills,
prosperity.
but a bit of research reveals that
storage facilities and accommodation.”
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100 | Endeavour Magazine
“Despite this drop in oil
prices and the turbulent global economic environment we are still on the growth path,” Simon reveals.
44 Achievement Crescent, Acacia Ridge, Qld 4110
Part of NBPOL’s success can be attributed to the productivity of their own plantations which cover 78,000 hectares of oil palm but also to that hard work of its 15,000 smallholders who supply over a quarter of the fruit. The company now operates a total of 11 crude palm oil mills, and employs over 25,000 people in West New Britain, Ramu Valley, Milne Bay, Poliamba and Higaturu in Papua New Guinea and the Guadalcanal Province of the Solomon Islands. “Our main refinery, New Britain Oils, is based in Liverpool, UK,” Simon explains, “Where the focus is on delivering segregated, traceable and certified sustainable food ingredients to end customers based in the EU.” It is the vertical integration of operations, from plantation to refinery, that has enabled this PNG company to present an unbroken chain of custody for its fully certified sustainable palm right into the heart of Europe. “As a major employer there is a clear link between sustainable palm oil and well looked after staff,” he concludes.
Endeavour Magazine | 101
PAN AFRICAN SHOPFITTERS 0027 11 825 1234 WWW.PANAFIC.COM
102 | Endeavour Magazine
DYNAMIC Dynasty WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON
After 65 years in business, and now under the management of the third generation of the Blumenthal family, Pan African Shopfitters is an agile and energetic business, as directors Michael Blumenthal and Charles Jankelow explain to Colin Gibson.
Endeavour Magazine | 103
PAN AFRICAN SHOPFITTERS
Wherever you are in the world, retail shopfitting is a fast moving business. The world is a much smaller place now than it was in 1948 when Gunther Blumenthal founded Pan African Shopfitters in Johannesburg with six employees, but the family business has kept pace with a changing marketplace.
T
he third generation of family directors, comprising Michael,
“Our business has changed as a result of changes in demand in the
Lance, David and Keith Blumenthal have since grown Pan
marketplace,” says Michael Blumenthal. “A lot of international brands
African into the largest shopfitting organisation in Africa,
have been coming into South Africa; a lot of value engineering has
and an industry leader in custom and bespoke retail shopfitting serving major national and international retail brands.
been going on, and a lot of space planning has been happening.” Being a family business has obviously helped in keeping up with
The family has witnessed a great deal of change over the
a changing marketplace. “We live it,” says Blumenthal. “We’re fairly
years, largely driven by customers and by advances in technology.
young guys; we’re all in our forties, but we’ve lived through the changes and we accommodate the market as changes occur. “We obviously look to modernise our systems and our machinery,” he continues. “We look at that all the time to keep up with international standards. We have an in-house software development program and we use it to our advantage. We are able to change and adapt, we are aware of new products that come online and new ways of merchandising; it’s an evolution. We look at what the international guys are doing and what retailers are doing and we make it all available if our clients want to use it or improve on it.” “We also go every three years to EuroShop in Germany and to various other trade shows all over the world,” says Charles Jankelow, a director since 2008. “If there’s something new we’ll implement it. You can always find new products and new technologies and you have to develop the skills to work with them.” From technical design to in-house manufacturing to complete installation, Pan African’s large portfolio of services and capabilities allows it to deliver a full turnkey solution with extensive in-house experience and expertise in all the disciplines involved, from joinery to metalwork, electro-plating to powder coating and anodising, from
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www.segalsmetals.co.za 104 | Endeavour Magazine
design to transportation. Although Pan African has a concept design capability, its growing number of international clients means that a project is more likely to begin with concept drawings and materials specifications, from which technical drawings are made in-house. Depending on the size of the project, it typically takes six to eight weeks from the concept stage, through manufacture and fitting until the shop is ready for opening. This is a highly vertically integrated business, with many aspects to it. “Each one of these disciplines is a business on its own,” says
Blumenthal. “Because of the demand and the lack of supply of
A service provider like Pan African Shopfitters has limited ability
materials and expertise over the last 65 years, we’ve adopted these
to influence its own growth because it is dependent on market
businesses in-house and we do it all internally.”
demand, so it makes sure it is fit enough to take advantage of growing
Nevertheless, it must be very complex to manage, I suggest.
demand when it occurs. “We absolutely depend on market demand,”
“It might seem challenging to the untrained eye,” says Blumenthal
says Jankelow. “If the demand is there we will grow, which we have
modestly, “but when you’ve grown up with it, it’s not as difficult as
been doing. We have somewhere between 45 to 50 thousand square
it seems. We have excellent systems, managers and department
metres under roof now and we have between 800 and 1000 staff,
workers. Everyone’s in sync and everyone works together to
depending on demand. There are periods when we run night shifts
streamline the process. A lot of our staff have been in the business
and there are periods when we run seven days a week. It’s all based
for 40 years, so they have grown with the business and have become
on demand. If the demand’s there, we will supply.”
a very valuable part of it.”
Rather than complexity, time is the hardest thing to manage
This is where a family business scores again—not only in terms
because it’s always in short supply, says Blumenthal. “I would say
of staff longevity, but also in management expertise. It has to be a
that for any retailer anywhere in the world, lead time is probably the
complex business, but when you’ve grown up with it, it’s a way of life.
greatest challenge. There’s never enough time to do a project.”
“We could have anywhere between 40 and 80 projects on the go at any
With all the resources at its disposal, Pan African Shopfitters
one time,” says Jankelow, “all over the country, all over the continent,
can manufacture whatever it needs, but when the customer wants
and further afield. We work quite a lot in other African countries. We
to open a new shop on a particular day, it has to find a way to make
have also been working in the United Arab Emirates and we were
time, too. The company’s greatest asset and the source of its major
one of the biggest suppliers to BHS (British Home Stores) a couple of
achievements is its ability to manage time, says Jankelow. “You get the
years ago in the UK. The rand is fairly volatile. If it’s a strong rand we’ll
best feeling when you have a twelve week job, only seven weeks to do
import and if it’s a weak rand we’ll export. We move with the trends.
it, and you pull it off.”
We are able to adapt.”
Endeavour Magazine | 105
ATMEI CONSTRUCTION GROUP 0027 11 7691764 WWW.ATMEI.CO.ZA
106 | Endeavour Magazine
FUELLING UP ON Atmei Construction’s
Success
comprehensive petrochemical solutions
WRITTEN BY CHARLES ROBERTS
The preferred company of choice for the mining and petrochemical industries, Atmei Construction believes continued success is down to its dedicated and passionate workforce
Endeavour Magazine | 107
ATMEI CONSTRUCTION GROUP
If you ask Kimraj Ishwarlall, director at Atmei Construction, what makes the company so unique and successful, he has no shortage of answers in response. “The quality of products we supply, the longevity of the company itself, stability in the sector we operate in and our recognition in the market place,” he confidently asserts.
“W
e are without doubt the market leaders. Our staff has the industry expertise and the commitment we make to our customers is for the long haul.”
Atmei Construction’s CEO Jacques Petrie is also proud of the
company’s prosperity. “If you look at Atmei since the mid-nineties, we have achieved around 25 per cent growth per annum,” he discloses. “This is just our South African market. If you include other countries it would be over 30 per cent. We are a small company, but have shown great potential.”
Overview Having been established in 1970, Atmei Construction is extremely experienced, with a workforce boasting in-depth knowledge of the mining and petrochemical industries. Specialising in the design of bulk fuel and lubricant installations, the company’s wide range of services includes project management, filtration systems, waste oil recovery, spillage clean-ups as well as civil, structural, electrical and mechanical work. Operating in potentially dangerous industries with hazardous materials requires Atmei Construction to abide by various regulations. However, the company prides itself on strong health, safety and environmental principles, which Ishwarlall regards as one Atmei’s most notable characteristics. “As part of our day to day operations, we are committed to ensuring air and water pollution prevention, sustainable land management, the management of unique flora, forests, water and wildlife, a clean and 108 | Endeavour Magazine
healthy environment for all employees, shareholders, customers, contractors, suppliers, the community and other interested parties.”
Unique Selling Point Even with a comprehensive list of services available, Ishwarlall believes Atmei Construction’s niche approach is what differentiates the company from competitors. “We are a specialist petrochemical company and this is what makes us unique,” he notes. “Whereas competitors try to do a bit of everything, we have a sole focus.” From the first point of contact to a dedicated after-sales service, Atmei offers its customers extensive, far-reaching construction solutions. “We are not limited to one field of expertise,” reveals Petrie. “We operate from a bankable feasibility study right through to construction, procurement and facilities management. We have knowledge in-house and limit the use of sub-contractors.” Ishwarlall adds: “While our rivals sell components or only do part of the process, we go from design to turnkey.”
Employees “We are very passionate about our people,” notes Ishwarlall. “We try and create a very diverse working environment as the growth of
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Endeavour Magazine | 109
ATMEI CONSTRUCTION GROUP
the company comes from our
the need for staff to be trained in a variety of roles. Rather than having
a dependable fleet of vehicles to
people.”
numerous people for numerous jobs, Ishwarlall believes in educating
rely on is crucial.
With certain members of
his employees in multiple disciplines.
Ishwarlall cites: “We always
staff at the company for over
“On site, we have anything from safety officers to mechanical
try to be ahead of our competitors
30 years, Atmei Construction
engineers,” he notes. “But we can train people in different skills, like a
when it comes to technology
has become an employer of
qualified welder who is also trained in First Aid and HSE. We give them
because we do a lot of electrical
choice for the local community.
a broad knowledge of responsibility, which makes them attractive for
installations. For instance, a mine
Empowering the workforce and
the mining companies.”
will want to know how many
giving personnel the opportunity to improve is a continual process for the company as Petrie reveals: “A lot of the training is inhouse and expertise are passed
Current developments Even though Atmei Construction is based in South Africa, the company is actively looking at growth and expansion opportunities in neighbouring countries. This also enables Atmei to collaborate and work closely with other organisations in the area.
on through mentorships. This is
“If you look at the continent, mining is a very big industry and as
where we uplift our employees
such we have moved into Mozambique, Zambia and are looking at
and give staff the opportunity to
other regions. ,” says Ishwarlall. “If we can’t do it ourselves, we create
grow in company.”
joint-ventures with already established companies in the area.”
litres of fuel a truck uses over a certain distance or time. So we collect this information and pass it on to the customer. “We currently have a fleet of 90 vehicles, and we always make sure that each one is no more than four years old.”
The future
As an organisation heavily
In terms of capital investments, on-going areas of the business that
involved in the mining industry,
constantly need monitoring are technology and transport. Staying
Ishwarlall predicts that Atmei
Atmei Construction recognises
up-to-date with the latest advancements is imperative, while having
Construction will move forward
110 | Endeavour Magazine
In
the
next
five
years,
with an increase in orders in
not stagnant when it comes to
addition to strategic takeovers of
operations,” he reveals. “We
industry-related organisations.
continually look at where the
“We are putting a plan together to grow organically, as this is a solid investment and
market is and try to increase our field of expertise.” Predicting
the
future
is
will guarantee business,” he says.
always difficult, but whatever lies
“We are also looking at acquiring
ahead for Atmei Construction,
companies that claim the same
you can be sure that the company
mining and petrochemical space.
will continue to operate with its
“These do not have to be
employees and customer’s best
directly related to Atmei, but
interests at heart.
should be complemented by us. For example we are looking at fuel transportation and electrical installation
companies.
Why
not attract customers wearing different hats?” Petrie also remains adamant that
the
organisation
will
continue to progress. “We are
Endeavour Magazine | 111
SALBERG CONCRETE PRODUCTS 0027 11 357 7600 WWW.SALBERG.CO.ZA
112 | Endeavour Magazine
TIME FOR A TURNAROUND SALBERG EMBRACES CHANGE TO REAP REWARDS WRITTEN BY JOHN HARVEY
Following a sea of change in the wake of economic hardship, Salberg is enjoying record levels of success in a booming era for the company.
Endeavour Magazine | 113
SALBERG CONCRETE PRODUCTS
Established over 40 years ago, Salberg has been a precast concrete industry stalwart with a wide range of specialist products and a diverse customer base. However, since founder Dave Salberg passed away seven years ago, the company struggled in the face of the global economic crisis and desperately needed a new and innovative approach to business in the 21st century.
T
o this end Dr Rudy Absil, one of the country’s top turnaround
month on month, to date. “It’s been an impressive four quarters
specialist, was brought in as CEO by the newly appointed
and the outstanding performance is continuing. May has once again
Chairman of the Salberg Group, Barbara Parker. Twelve
broken all sales records and we are currently managing our biggest
months later Salberg is closing its financial year with the best results in recent years. According to Absil the new team broke company records in the first six months and has subsequently broken their own records
back order book ever”. Absil attributes successful turn-arounds to five key elements: • Appointment of competent business leaders • Effective cost and cash flow management (Rightsizing ) • KPI based performance management and clear role definition • Culture of learning • Effective and efficient communication channels
Implementing the five key drivers “When I arrived the key executives had already been removed and mind-set of change introduced but it was a long way from a sustainable turn around”. “The first order of the day was to surround myself with competent decision makers in all the key business areas, namely Operations, Engineering, Finance and Human Resources”. “Secondly, we had to rightsize – as oppose to downsize, the staff and in so doing we were able to streamline processes and develop more effective and efficient channels of communication”. Thirdly, we had to develop a culture of continued competency. This was achieved through, among others, the introduction of participative performance management, targeted training and ongoing process analysis and improvement by both managers and workers. “Creating visual indications of how the business is doing to make staff constantly aware of performance has been critical. Performance targets all for divisions are monitored at all levels throughout the organisations at meeting and/or forums daily, weekly and monthly.” “We applied a lot of the consultancy principles including short interval controls, visual measurement and balanced scorecards so people can see where we are, how much we make, how much we sell, the cost of production and cost of maintenance, among others, on a daily basis. Making people aware of how they’re doing makes it easier to improve performance.” 114 | Endeavour Magazine
Company culture In addition to developments relating to operations and production, Absil also identified the need to change the company culture and reward employees for good performance. “Prior to the change problems were handling through aggressive and counterproductive warnings and dismissals. A culture of low C
team work, covering-ones-back and grapevine gossip emerged in an M
environment where an average of 120-150 warnings were issued a month. In a medium size company this is excessive”.
Y
CM
“Pivotal to change”, suggested Absil, “was the shift to recognition MY
and reward”. “Giving the workforce incentives and providing CY
opportunities for further training has been crucial in the company’s CMY
success. A competent, motivated and enthusiastic staff are central to a thriving business.”
K
“We have a monthly incentive for the best employee and a quarterly incentive for the best production team. Every 2 nd week we select the best performing team and on a Friday afternoon they have a BBQ. The sales team now work on commission and we are seeing the obvious results.” “We have developed extensive training, not only on-the-job and technical, but teaching supervisors the principals of business management and the all-important leadership and management of people. We achieve this through regular formal and informal educational sessions during lunch breaks, after work and Saturdays. The staff are beginning to experience the tangibly value of knowledge and skills”. “Living in a country where people have no had little or no access to this makes a great change. We found many supervisors, irrespective of race or gender, had technical knowledge and understood the finer details of the job. But there was a big gap in business and leadership knowledge especially around the management, motivation and coaching of people.”
Recent developments With banks and borrowers reluctant to lend money in today’s climate, Absil admits Salberg’s biggest challenge relates to recapitalisation. “To date we have financed our own recapitalization and, despite the pressure, evidence of capacity through the performance of the past 12 months is a keen indicator of our future growth potential,” states Absil. “We have revived two key value propositions over the past 12 months. ‘Seize-the-Moment’ in Sales and ‘No-Compromise’ in product quality and reliable delivery. We are winning over customers from our rivals because of our ability to live our commitments”. According to Absil electronic are always ditched in favour of a faceto-face engagement where necessary. “Our sales team are trained to not only sell but to service our clients. The complexity of our industry demands a heightened awareness and understanding of the client’s requirements, project to project. We specialise in delivering efficient and cost saving solutions to our clients and in return our client’s retain a deep and abiding appreciation of us. We are winning market share Endeavour Magazine | 115
SALBERG CONCRETE PRODUCTS
one satisfied customer at a time”. Absil has also revived the company’s unique and original
to
their
current
business
development plan,” states Absil. “The first step is to make the current business highly profitable and the second is to expand our production
requirements”. With global economies in
capacity with modern technology”.
Innovations Division which up
recession
international
“We have recently returned from a trip to Europe where we
until the loss of its founder, had
companies reeling from the
investigated new technologies and necessary contacts made to
been core to the company’s
punch
domestic
manage the planned road to long term profits. We are excited about
brand. As a very proud CEO,
recessions, Salberg is capitalising
the possibilities new technologies open up for us and we intend
Absil highlighted the recent
on the strength of their product
winning of the 2012 Concrete Manufacturer (CMA)
Association’s
Innovation
Category
Award for the company’s ATM blast proof housing unit. “Providing cost effective and
and of
their
& services market and the wins from the turn-around to generate turnover.
There are no plans to slow
solutions is central to our growth
down in the next five years with
plan for both our local and
Salberg keen to continue and
international clients who find our
build on recent successes.
pre-cast
services and the rand favourable
“I’m excited to find that we’ve evolved a team that is forward looking while being able to deliver in the moment. Business and markets are more sophisticated and it’s our business to stay focus and stay in front”, concluded Absil.
Looking ahead
concrete
innovation
capitalising on it in the next financial year”.
“We have quite an aggressive
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Endeavour Magazine | 117
KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY 00965 23989900 WWW.KNPC.COM
118 | Endeavour Magazine
MEGA INVESTMENT IN
Kuwait
WRITTEN BY COLIN GIBSON
As part of a major $40 billion government investment plan in Kuwait’s oil and gas industry, the refinery at Mina Al-Ahmady is undergoing further expansion and modernisation
Endeavour Magazine | 119
KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY
You can’t overemphasise the importance of oil to the Kuwaiti economy. Kuwait’s proven crude oil reserves are estimated to be roughly ten percent of the world’s total, an extraordinary proportion for a relatively small country. All natural resources in the country are the property of the government, and oil revenue contributes 80 percent of government revenue, approximately half of the country’s GDP and something like 95 percent of its export revenue.
E
stablished in 1960, KNPC is the refining and marketing arm of
technology, and significantly increased the overall capacity of the
Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC), currently operating three
plant. Two years later the Mina Abdullah Refinery modernization
refineries (Mina Al-Ahmady, Mina Abdullah and Shuaiba), an
project (MAB) was completed, resulting in a state of the art plant with
LPG plant, a suite of filling stations and five marine export facilities.
a sizable capacity increase and improvements in product quality.
When KPC was formed in 1980 to bring all state-owned oil
With its mission still being to maximise the value of Kuwaiti
companies under one entity, KNPC became a subsidiary. Within the
hydrocarbons, KNPC is currently implementing a $40 billion
first twelve months the oil sector in Kuwait was restructured, with
investment plan across a range of distinct projects including a new
KNPC becoming responsible for the oil refining and gas liquefaction
refinery in the Zoor region of the country, a new depot at Matla, a
industry in addition to the marketing of petroleum products in Kuwait
permanent LPG import terminal and a clean fuel project.
through its chain of filling stations.
The new refinery and the new depot are long term projects
Within a few years, plans began to be implemented to modernise
scheduled for completion towards the end of the decade, but there
and expand the refining industry in Kuwait with multi-billion dollar
are several smaller but no less important projects reaching completion
projects to revamp Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah Refineries. By
in the next couple of years. A number of these are at Mina Al-Ahmadi,
1984 the Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery Modernization Project (RMP) had
the largest of Kuwait’s three refineries.
already been completed, and this was supplemented by the Further
Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery (MAA), located 45 km south of Kuwait
Upgrading Project (FUP) in 1986. The two projects effectively created
City on the Arabian Gulf, was built in 1949 to supply the local market
a modern new refinery with optimal configuration and advanced
with gasoline, kerosene and diesel. After its two major modernisation
With its mission still being to maximise the value of Kuwaiti hydrocarbons, KNPC is currently implementing a $40 billion investment plan across a range of distinct projects including a new refinery in the Zoor region of the country, a new depot at Matla, a permanent LPG import terminal and a clean fuel project.
120 | Endeavour Magazine
Endeavour Magazine | 121
KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY
and upgrade projects in the
profits and ensure a stable
1980s, it is now undergoing
market for the three refineries’
serious expansion once again,
output. This project also sought
but this time in relation to liquid
to increase the share of light
petroleum gas production (LPG).
and medium products of the
The
MAA
Refinery
distillation process to minimize
Modernization Project (RMP)
the share of fuel oil in the end
was
to
output, resulting in a higher
provide local and world markets
return from the crude oil refining
with
processes.
basically low
intended
sulphur
content
petroleum products, and to
Now it’s the turn of LPG
reduce dependence on gas as
to enjoy the benefit of serious
fuel,
and
investment. Gas liquefaction at
more stable fuel to the country’s
Mina Al-Ahmadi went on stream
power generation plants.
in 1978 with three identical
providing
The
cheaper
Upgrading
facilities (known as trains) for the
Project (FUP) was the result of
extraction of propane, butane
a more comprehensive review of
and Kuwait natural gasoline
the future of petroleum product
(KNG). The plant also consists
markets, in order to maximize
of storage tanks divided into two
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tank farms. The greater portion of the LPG plant production is now being exported to the world market from the south pier of Mina Al-Ahmadi which is connected to the plant by a pipeline network. A contract was signed in July 2010 with South Korean contractor Daelim for a fourth gas plant train, which is due to be completed next March. Costing an estimated $1134.9 million, this fourth GPT will be
tanks on the South LPG Tank
integrated with the existing
Farm by adding geodesic domes
three trains to process both gas
and replacing floating roof seals.
and condensates for the refinery,
The project started in April 2010
with a capacity of 805 million
and is expected to be completed
SCF (standard cubic feet) of
in March 2015 at a cost of $1367
gas per day and 106 thousand
million. Another Korean firm, GS
barrels per day of condensate.
Engineering & Construction, is
The three existing trains
the main contractor.
have a total capacity of 1680
Another project at Mina
MMSCF per day (560 each). A
Al-Ahmadi, also scheduled for
fifth gas train project is currently
completion by March 2015, is the
in the design stage. In view of this
installation of a new unit for acid
expansion, tankage capacity is
gas removal, and a revamp of the
highly critical for KNPC in order
existing AGRP train. The new unit
to accommodate the extra gas
will run at an average rate of 146
production.
million SCF per day and 39 BPSD
A new North LPG Tank
of condensate and the existing
Farm project therefore involves
AGRP unit in the refinery will be
building new LPG tanks to cater
revamped to equal the capacity
for the fourth and fifth gas
of the new unit. The project will
trains and to allow simultaneous
also conform to KPC’s strategy
loading of two LPG tankers at
to reduce gas flaring to less than
the same time with the same
one percent. The estimated cost
product.
objective
of the project is $899 million,
of the project is to reduce
with Tecnimount SPA of Italy the
emissions from existing KNG
chosen contractor.
Another
Endeavour Magazine | 123
CROWN PAINTS 00254 20 216 5703 WWW.CROWNPAINTS.CO.KE
124 | Endeavour Magazine
QUALITY COMMITMENT &COMMUNITY PROJECTS WRITTEN BY JOHN HARVEY
With turnover and profits increasing, it is easy to lose focus on what matters most. However, Crown Paints Kenya remains committed to quality, environmental protection and the local community.
Endeavour Magazine | 125
CROWN PAINTS
Established in 1958, Crown Paints Kenya is the country’s biggest manufacturer of paint. With the capacity of producing up to 1.5 million litres per month and an annual turnover of over Kshs 4 billion, the company has managed to expand its reach beyond Kenya’s borders to several East African countries.
B
ased in Nairobi, Crown Paints Kenya has a broad network
quality is hugely important for Crown Paints Kenya. As part of the
of nationwide dealers, with depots in Mombasa and Kisumu
company’s ISO 9001: 2008 accreditation, Crown has developed a
able to provide support to an increasing consumer base.
Quality Management System with the aim of delivering continuous
As well as being the nation’s decorative brand leader, Crown also produces paint for the automotive industry and manufactures industrial products, which are fast becoming vital revenue streams.
improvement. Objectives in relation to exacting high standards include delivering products and services that “conform or exceed to customer requirements within a specified time,” and training employees “to
Commitment to quality Ensuring the customer receives products of the highest
make them quality conscious and to educate them about their role in the quality system.” As a result, Crown Paints Kenya has won numerous awards throughout the last decade. These include being named the Most Improved Brand by the Marketing Society of Kenya in 2006, first place in the third Kisumu Homes Export Aga Khan Hall Kisumu of 2010, Home Design Interiors winner at the fifth Mombasa Homes Expo in 2011, and recipient of the 2012 COYA Financial Management Award. Even though Crown Paints Kenya is relentless in its pursuit of delivering high quality products, the company strives to create a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. With 450 loyal members of staff, many of which have been at the organisation for several years, Crown Paints Kenya is able to pass on in-depth knowledge and industry expertise to every customer.
Sustainable development Crown Paints Kenya prides itself on being a responsible corporate citizen and truly recognises the significance of environmental protection even when the organisation achieves its business and quality objectives. “We recognise environmental protection as one of the guiding principles and a key component of sound business performance,” notes Crown. “We are committed to providing quality products and services as we promote and embrace the principle of responsible stewardship of the natural environment.” Environmental objectives, targets and programmes in relation to sustainable development are frequently reviewed, with the production of paint and resin continually scrutinised to prevent pollution and eliminate waste. Empowering employees and ensuring the entire workforce 126 | Endeavour Magazine
remains well educated and trained about the issues surrounding environmental performance is another pivotal concern.
Reaching out to the local and wider community Although Corporate Social Responsibility is at the top of the agenda for several major organisations, Crown Paints Kenya makes sure it puts words into action. One of the most recent projects for the manufacturer was donating 500 blankets to the victims of the Sinai pipeline fire in 2011. Rakesh Rao, CEO, Crown Paints, visited victims of the tragedy at the Kenyatta National Hospital and was quick to express his deepest sympathy. “This is a very unfortunate scenario in the country, we should always ensure safety first when in contact with any hazardous situations,” he said. On receiving the company’s generation donation, Corporate Affairs Manager at the hospital Simon Ithai noted: “We made an appeal to the public to donate blood, blankets and other medical supplies that would help us take better care of the patients. We are humbled and appreciate the overwhelming support.” In addition to assisting the local community, Crown Paints Kenya also encourages its clientele to recycle old products with the Rudisha Kopo - Ulinde Mazingira program. “With this program, we are rewarding users of our products as well as the general public with instant cash for every empty fourlitre Crown tin they return to our designated drop centres,” says the company. “Consequently we are able to sustain the environment for future generations as well as fight counterfeiters and counterfeit products.”
Recent developments In May 2013, Crown Paints was proud to announce a 15% increase in turnover for the year ended 31 December 2012 thanks to a rise in domestic demand, sustained expansion in regional markets and enhanced operational efficiency. “We managed to grow our sales by about 10% last year despite the high interest rate environment,” revealed Rao. “In addition, year-onyear growth has ranged between 40-50% hence the rise in turnover.” Despite being part of an aggressive and combative market, Rao was proud the company still managed to differentiate itself from major rivals. “The industry is very competitive from a price perspective,” he noted. “However, our focus on introducing new, innovative products into the market is paying off. We are optimistic about the future.” Looking forward, Rao also signalled plans for continued expansion in foreign markets, particularly Tanzania. Rao said: “We have aggressive plans to entrench our regional presence. We are putting up satellite factories in Arusha, Mwanza and Dar es Salaam at an estimated cost of USD3 million.” Endeavour Magazine | 127
12 STEPS TO BECOMING A Youtube SENSATION 1. DECIDE. ARE YOU CNN OR CANDID CAMERA? Look to your interests and decide what the channel is going to be about. Is it going to be about music? Comedy? News or cat videos? Make a decision, remembering you are allowed to change your mind if you decide you want to try something different.
2. MAKE A CHANNEL Personalizing your channel is important. You can decorate it how you like but look at ones you like and model it after theirs as a starting point. It must be easy to read.
3. UPLOAD A VIDEO This is entirely up to you and can be anything. With Youtube the main thing is to do something you are interested in, something you have a passion about because that’ll help you keep bringing in videos that interest you. This is both the best and worst thing about the
Be Inspired. Watch Youtube Videos.
internet, you are in complete control of content.
4. KEEP UPLOADING VIDEOS This is essential, nobody is going to subscribe to a bare channel. It
Network with other channels.
doesn’t matter what you upload, just upload. Keep it coming. Not all of your videos are going to make an impact and not all of them are going to become viral, but it doesn’t happen for anyone. Keep uploading and eventually something will work and bang. You’ll be more viral than Charlie Sheen.
5. TELL PEOPLE - EVERYONE The beauty of online, things grow exponentially. Put up a good video that interests just two people and they will tell someone else, the number then grows to at least four and then eight and then sixteen and then thirty two and then sixty four and then one hundred twenty eight, on and on. Tell your friends, tell your family, ask them to subscribe. It’s even easier now that you can have a channel just by having a Google account.
128 | Endeavour Magazine
6. DON’T STRESS ABOUT VIEWS
10. BE UNIQUE
easiest way to network so get to it.
Don’t worry about how many views you have for your videos,
This is easier than you think.
or how many subscribers you have, it’s all about quality rather than
What do you enjoy doing? Do
quantity. Don’t think that because your video only has a couple of a
that. If you’re a gymnast, start
hundred views that it isn’t doing well.
recording, if you’re an artist talk
You will get to the point where
about your paintings. If you’re
you want to give up. Where you
a writer chat about your book,
just can’t be bothered, your
just keep uploading. If you can’t
circumstances change or you get
come up with any ideas, go back
bored, something doesn’t work
and take all the funniest from
out or whatever. That is the point
your videos, put them to music
where you say- no I will do one
7. NETWORK WITH OTHER CHANNELS This is a simple thing, check out a video you like and do a video response. The trick is just to be clever, unique.
8. AGAIN. UPLOAD. UPLOAD. UPLOAD
12. DON’T GIVE UP
For your fans’ sake keep things coming, make a habit of uploading
and use that. It is no different to
more video. And every time you
a video regularly. If your videos take a long time to edit and are very
running a business, you need to
get to that point just make one
professional for your fans then add a new one every couple of weeks,
be consistent, doing something
more video.
if you prefer a bit more slapstick, “on the spot” videos then aim to do
every day whether you’re in the
it once every few days. But keep them coming. The more videos you
mood or not. Just produce.
WANT TO BE PROMOTED? Hit
have the more people will view them.
9. BE INSPIRED. WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS
HAVE A VIDEO THAT YOU
11. THANK AND MENTION OTHERS
up Donnie Rust at @biztainment
Recognition goes both ways.
Watch other Youtube videos, get inspired, get ideas. Mix them
Make a movie and thank people,
up. Feel free to make parodies or mixes, add music, do something,
channels, websites, help promote
anything. Content is important.
something. It’s the quickest and
Endeavour Magazine | 129
P
olitical intrigue, baseball and murder in the nation’s capital set the stage for Fatal Mistake, New York Times bestselling author Marie Force’s latest romantic-suspense novel. The
26th novel by Force, who is also a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, will be published as an e-book by Harlequin’s Carina Press and available to readers for download on June 17, 2013. Fatal Mistake is currently available for pre-order on Kindle, Nook, iBookstore and Kobo e-readers. The sixth book in Force’s Fatal Series, Fatal Mistake follows an investigation by D.C. Police detective Lt. Sam Holland into the murder of the star centerfielder for the Washington Federals –a murder
“FATAL MISTAKE” by New York Best-Selling Author Marie Force Fatal Series Book 6 Combines Murder, Politics and Baseball in Washington, D.C.
that happened after the player committed a critical error that cost the Federals a spot in the World Series. As Holland’s investigation takes her in unexpected directions, her husband, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, is fighting for his political life in the final days of his reelection campaign. “When I first began writing this series that features the same couple in every book, I worried that I’d get tired of writing about Sam and Nick. However, the opposite has been true,” said Marie Force. “They become more interesting to me with every new book, especially in Fatal Mistake as their family expands to include an adopted 12-year-old son.” Marie Force is an award-winning author who has drawn inspiration for two of her series from her home state of Rhode Island – the McCarthys of Gansett Island and the Treading Water Series. She has also authored the Fatal Series set in Washington, D.C. as well as seven stand-alone books. On Valentine’s Day 2014 Force will release “All you Need Is Love,” Book 1 in her new Green Mountain Series, set in Vermont.
www.marieforce.com 130 | Endeavour Magazine
Lobsters and Landmines by Glen Johnson £5.69 http://amzn.to/11K5JIR
L
obsters and Landmines
bait after a violent outburst. A
wins awards for her cakes, but
is the second book in
HIV infected man who injects
what are her secret ingredients?
the
women with his tainted blood.
Or the doomsday prepper that
Series, following in Lamb Chops
A
bomb
spends every waking minute of
and Chainsaws footsteps, by
disposal expert who has carved
everyday prepping for the end
continuing to look at the darker
out a piece of paradise for
of the world, until one critical
side of human nature, by delving
himself in Vietnam, who keeps
mistake
into the dark twisted world of the
females as slaves and children
Or a computer firm that sells
sick minded, the perverse, the
as objects to sell. Or the sad
its
psychos and sociopaths; people
story about two friends who are
to cosmetic firms, cutting out
who take pleasure from hurting
forever parted on September
the need to test on animals, but
others. Individuals, who could
11th 2001. And the airhostess
below ground, the vast computer
be your next-door neighbour or
Jenny who finds the perfect job
server hosts a disturbing secret.
your lover, even a close family
on a Brazilian airline, but it seems
Finally,
member.
they want more from her than
realizes a little too late, what is
Read about a captain who
most employers. What about
truly important in life.
discovers the perfect lobster
the sweet little old lady who
Human
Nature
disfigured
ex-army
changes
algorithmic
a
everything. computations
businessman
who
Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip Heath and Dan Heath £12.11 http://heathbrothers.com/books/decisive/
I
was lucky enough to see Dan Heath speak about the insightful and simple decision making process that anyone can use for both personal and business decisions. In fact, that’s where I got my
copy of this book. Like their previous books; Made to Stick and Switch, Decisive is written in an engaging style that’s easy to read. Decisive is loaded with lots of wonderful examples of familiar brands and how they made both good and bad decisions. Here’s a teaser – Remember the old story about David Lee Roth and his insane request for having all the brown M&Ms removed? It’s true. But you’ll want to read the book to find out the method behind the madness. Review by Ivana Taylor, http://bit.ly/148F9wN. Endeavour Magazine | 131