Endeavour Magazine May 2018

MAY 2018

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ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES Still Rising BAKER PACIFIC Blueprints For Success

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Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

BAKER PACIFIC FEATURES 16

24

36

42

52

58

70

76

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES 4 | Endeavour Magazine

Udders Pte Ltd Titillatingly Tasty Ethiopian Airlines Still Rising Baker Pacific Blueprints For Success Palabora Mining Company Ltd One Of A Kind Ghana Chamber of Mines Digging Deeper Every Year National Energy Powering Up Deendayal Port Trust A Port For The World SAIA Insuring The Future

PALABORA MINING COMPANY LTD ARTICLES

6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Africa Americas Asia Europe Middle East

12

Focus Chakr Innovation: Breathing Easier

34 48 82

Amazing World The Tribe On North Sentinel Island eRoadArlanda: Electric Roads Marche du Nain Rouge

66 68

Automotives The awarding winning Peugeot 5008 SUV Skoda Karoq SE Technology

NATIONAL ENERGY Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES AFRICA SAUDI ARABIA MAY BLOCK NIGERIANS FROM HAJJ

be a rice importer in 2019 after decades of

of €3 billion. It aims to develop the economy

being a major exporter, rice traders say.

of the Congo basin in the long term through several

initiatives,

including

offering

Saudi authorities are threatening to

alternatives to deforestation, strengthening

bar Nigerians from attending this year’s

irrigation of farmland in the savannah and

pilgrimage to Mecca over fears they could

supporting eco-tourism.

spread Lassa fever, according to Nigeria’s

The Blue Fund for the Congo Basin

National Hajj Commission.

Commission was set up on the initiative

Since the start of the year the disease

of King Mohammed VI at the Africa Action

has killed at least 90 people in Nigeria and

Summit, held in Marrakech in November

more than 1,000 cases have been reported

2016 on the sidelines of the 22nd session

across the country.

of the Conference of the Parties to the

Symptoms of Lassa fever can include

UNFCCC.

fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,

Countires that have so far signed the

headaches, abdominal pains, sore throat and

Memorandum of Understanding on the

facial swelling.

Congo Basin Blue Fund are: Angola, Burundi,

The virus is passed to people who eat

Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad,

infected rats, or if food is contaminated

Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon,

by rat droppings or urine. It can also be

Morocco, Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

transmitted through contact with body

EGYPTIAN COURT JAILS POLICE OVER WAGES PROTEST

fluids of an infected person.

The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia will take place in August this year.

A Cairo criminal court has sentenced 13

RICE FARMERS STRUGGLE DOWNSTREAM OF NILE MEGA-DAM

policemen to between three and five years in prison for breaking an assembly law when

Rice farmers in Kafr Ziada village in the Nile River Delta have ignored planting restrictions for years, continuing to grow a medium-grain variety of the crop despite conversation laws.

AFRICAN LEADERS GATHER FOR BLUE FUND AT CONGO SUMMIT A host of African leaders gathered in the capital of Congo Republic, Brazzaville, for an

Far upstream, close to one of the sources of the Nile, Ethiopia is preparing to fill the reservoir behind its new $4 billion Grand

environmental protection summit – the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin.

Gabon’s

year.

Sall,

This

could

Angola’s

The policemen were also convicted of detaining another police officer they claimed had mistreated a colleague in their home province of Sharqiya, in the Nile Delta.

The prosecution accused the defendants were also charged with spreading false news

Bongo,

Senegal’s

Macky

and incitement against the ministry of the

Joao

Lourenco,

Niger’s

interior.

devastating

Mahammadou Issoufou and Central African

Separately ,the Cairo court of Cassation

who

have

Republic’s Faustin Archange Touadera all

confirmed death sentences passed on six

depended on the Nile for millennia to irrigate

attended the event. Other countries sent

people, and life sentences on 59 others,

strategic crops for Egypt’s 96 million people,

high-level representatives.

accused of storming and setting fire to a

consequences

for

have

Ali

better working conditions in 2015 and 2016.

of failing to perform their duties, and they

Among others, Guinea’s Alpha Conde,

Renaissance Dam, possibly as soon as this

they gathered to demand higher wages and

farmers

expected to grow to 128 million by 2030.

The summit aimed to collect resources to

police station in the southern province of

Safeguarding Egypt’s share of the Nile,

finance programs and projects in the areas of

on which the country relies for industry and

the blue economy, the green economy and

The police station was attacked after the

drinking water as well as farming, is now at

the fight against climate change, including

ousting from the presidency of Mohamed

the top of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s

the fight against poverty in accordance with

Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood.

agenda as he begins a second term.

the spirit of the Marrakech Declaration.

The crackdown means Egypt will likely 6 | Endeavour Magazine

The Blue Fund has an estimated capital

Minya in 2013.

Authorities accused all 65 defendants of belonging to or sympathizing with the group.

AMERICAS POLICE WRONGLY ACCUSE RETIREE OF BEING THE GOLDEN STATE KILLER

Amazon region increase by 44 percent from

caravan was a threat to the safety of the US.

2015 to 2016. The ruling comes after a

The group has been a frequent target

group of 25 young plaintiffs, ranging in age

for the US president, who has argued in his

on

from seven to 26, filed a lawsuit against the

tweets that it showed the need to tighten

genealogy sites in attempt to finally crack

government in January demanding it protect

immigration laws. He has asked states

case of murderer at large since the 1970s.

their right to a healthy environment.

bordering Mexico to send troops to shore

Police

searched

for

suspects

The investigation raised concerns over DNA

The plaintiffs had said the government’s

up security until his proposed border wall is

and data privacy – and has now found to

failure to stop the destruction of the

built. The US has a legal obligation to hear

have arrested an innocent man

Amazon jeopardised their futures and

asylum claims but the majority of claimants from Central America lose their cases.

Detectives hunting the Golden State

violated their constitutional rights to a

Killer used information from genealogy

healthy environment, life, food and water.

The caravan set off for the US on 25 March

websites that led them to wrongly identify

Bogota-based rights group Dejusticia, which

in southern Mexico, near the Guatemala

an elderly nursing home patient as a suspect

supported the plaintiffs’ case, said the verdict

border and at one point numbered more

in the case. An Oregon police officer working

meant it was the first time a lawsuit of this

than 1,000 people. The group travelled by

at the request of California investigators

kind had been ruled upon favourably in Latin

bus, train and on foot during its 2,000-mile

persuaded a judge to order a 73-year-old

America. In its ruling, the court recognised

(3,200km) trek to the US border, with many

man to provide a DNA sample in March

Colombia’s Amazon as an “entity subject of

saying they were fleeing persecution and

2017, according to newly-released court

rights”, so the rainforest has been granted

violence in their home countries.

records. The man was identified as a suspect

the same legal rights as a human being.

DONALD TRUMP CRITICISES ‘LOUSY’ LONDON EMBASSY

after authorities found a rare genetic marker

The court ordered the government - both

in 30-year-old samples of the killer’s DNA,

at the local and national level - along with

before searches of a genealogy website led

the environment and agriculture ministries

them to one of his relatives.

and environmental authorities to come up

Donald Trump has again criticised the

with action plans within four months to

new home of the US embassy in London,

combat deforestation in the Amazon.

describing the south London location as

His daughter said police did not notify her before swabbing her ailing father for DNA from his bed at an Oregon City nursing

“lousy” and “horrible”. He spoke at a rally

home. She did however go on to help

three months after saying the sale of the

investigators eliminate people who could

Grosvenor Square site in Mayfair was a “bad

have conceivably been the killer once she

deal”. The US president, who visits the UK

understood the situation.

in July, had blamed his predecessor, Barack

The case of mistaken identity has come

Obama, but the move was agreed during

to light after the use of DNA data on an

George W Bush’s presidency.

ancestry website led to the arrest of former

The new embassy in Vauxhall cost $1bn

police officer Joseph James DeAngelo

(£730m) and holds 800 members of staff.

outside his house outside Sacramento.

Mr Trump said he thought - but would

The Golden State Killer killed 13 people and raped at least 50 women in California between 1974 and 1986.

THE COLOMBIAN AMAZON NOW SAME RIGHTS AS HUMANS Colombia’s highest court has told the government it must take urgent action to protect its Amazon rainforest and stem the rising deforestation.

In their ruling, judges have said that Colombia saw deforestation rates in its

have to check - that officials sold the

DOZENS OF MIGRANTS HELD AT USMEXICO BORDER US border officials told some 150 people,

many travelling with

previous site for $250m (£181m). Mr Trump previously described the new site as an “off location”. The building on the Mayfair site was never owned outright by the United States. It owned a 999-year leasehold, but

children,

the freehold is owned by Grosvenor Estates.

that the Mexico-US border crossing near

BBC diplomatic correspondent James

San Diego was already full.

It was not made clear whether the migrants from Central America would be allowed in later or turned back.

President Donald Trump claimed the

Landale said the embassy was moved from its Mayfair site because it was too small to install the modern security it needed.

The new embassy in Vauxhall was opened on 16 January 2018.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

ASIA NORTH AND SOUTH KOREAN LEADERS HOLD HISTORICAL PEACE SUMMIT The leaders of North Korea and South Korea met for the first time in over a decade.

During the talks, both leaders historically crossed borders into each other’s country.

buildings that encroach into the mountain, Doi Suthep. The forested area contains a popular temple and is considered by some to be sacred.

They gave the government seven days to comply or face more protests.

Authorities

have

defended

SCIENTISTS ACCIDENTALLY CREATE MUTANT ENZYME THAT EATS PLASTIC BOTTLES Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles – by

the

accident. The breakthrough could help solve

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

development, insisting it was erected legally

the global plastic pollution crisis by enabling

and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in

on government-owned land that does not

for the first time the full recycling of bottles.

met at the line that separates the divided

infringe on the national park covering the

Koreas. Kim then stepped over the raised

rest of the mountain.

The breakthrough, spurred by the discovery of plastic-eating bugs at a

Military Demarcation Line, entering territory

About 1 billion baht ($32 million; £23

controlled by the South for the very first

million) has been spent on the project,

Japanese dump, could help solve the global

time. After posing for the cameras, Kim

which includes offices as well as housing,

The new research was spurred by the

then grasped Moon’s hand and they briefly

and it is nearly complete, according to the

discovery in 2016 of the first bacterium

crossed into the northern side.

Bangkok Post.

that had naturally evolved to eat plastic, at

plastic pollution crisis

The two leaders had meetings with

a waste dump in Japan. Scientists have now

officials, and then Kim and Moon took part

revealed the detailed structure of the crucial

in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony in the

enzyme produced by the bug.

DMZ. The tree was from 1953, the year the Korean War armistice was signed.

Then, they signed the Panmunjom Declaration

for Peace,

The international team then adjusted the enzyme to see how it had evolved, but tests showed they had inadvertently made

Prosperity and

the molecule even better at breaking down

Unification on the Korean Peninsula. The

the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic

document commits the two countries to a

used for soft drink bottles.

nuclear-free peninsula and talks to bring a

The mutant enzyme takes a few days to

formal end to the Korean War, after almost

start breaking down the plastic – far faster

70 years of a ‘ceasefire’.

than the centuries it takes in the oceans.

THAILAND PROTESTERS IN RARE RALLY OVER CHIANG MAI DEVELOPMENT

But the researchers are optimistic this can be speeded up even further and become a viable large-scale process.

About 1m plastic bottles are sold each

Protesters in Thailand have staged one

minute around the globe and, with just 14%

of the country’s biggest demonstrations

recycled, many end up in the oceans where

since the 2014 military coup, to campaign

they have polluted even the remotest parts,

against a luxury housing development on

harming marine life and potentially people

forested land.

who eat seafood.

More than 1,000 people gathered in the northern city of Chiang Mai. They rallied against a housing project being built for judges and officials in the foothills of a sacred mountain.

The march went ahead in defiance of a ban on public gatherings imposed by the junta, which seized power in 2014. Around 1,250 people took part.

Demonstrators, many wearing green ribbons, demanded the dismantling of new 8 | Endeavour Magazine

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B r I S T O w g r O u P. C O m

EUROPE LONDON GUN CRIME RISES AS SHOOTINGS NEARLY DOUBLE

a 20th century response to a 21st century

rape in that it does not involve violence or

problem.” The former UK government adviser

intimidation. The Spanish government has

characterised the plan as “lightweight PR”

said it will review the classification of sexual

Shooting incidents in London have

and “greenwash”. He said BP had “wasted 20

offences. More than 30,000 demonstrators

almost doubled compared with the same

years” since the former chief executive John

strode down the roads where the bulls run

period last year, prompting grave concerns

Browne tried to reinvent the firm as Beyond

during the annual festival, known locally as

that gun crime in some areas is out of

Petroleum in 2000.

San Fermín. Many said they were motivated

control. Teenage boys with cheap guns

The criticism was echoed by Carbon

not only by this case, but they also wanted to

involved in ‘respect shootings’ have been

Tracker, a thinktank that has analysed the

take a stand against the whole legal system,

blamed for increase.

risk of big oil being left with stranded assets

which they said was stacked against women.

by action on climate change, a danger that

After it was announced, the national

Scotland Yard has admitted a 17% rise in overall firearms offences, although the Metropolitan police chief, Sir Paul Stephenson, has put that down to a “blip”.

the Bank of England has also warned of.

“Improvements

in

BP’s

operational

emissions, while welcome, are too small to

Stephenson dropped a plan to put

move the needle to prevent runaway climate

routine armed patrols on the streets, saying

change or reduce BP’s exposure to carbon

that although gun crime had risen, it was

risk,” Luke Sussams, the senior researcher at

still lower than two years ago, and he was

Carbon Tracker, said.

police tweeted: “No is no”, plus the emergency number, adding: “We are always with you.”

AMBER RUDD RESIGNS AS HOME SECRETARY OVER WINDRUSH SCANDAL

not willing to sanction such a dramatic

Amber Rudd has resigned as home

departure from the principle of unarmed

secretary, saying she “inadvertently misled”

policing. However, the true scale of the

MPs over targets for removing illegal

increases is contained in figures presented

immigrants. The Windrush scandal had

to the Metropolitan police authority.

heaped pressure on Ms Rudd, who faced

They reveal that the number of actual shootings has almost doubled from 123 to 236 in the last six months compared with the same period last year, a rise of 91.8%.

Serious firearms offences have risen by 47%

renewed criticism after saying she did not

PAMPLONA RAPE CASE: PROTESTS OVER SENTENCE

know about Home Office removals targets.

Ms Rudd told MPs last week the Home Office did not have targets for removing illegal immigrants, but following her statement, UK

across the capital. Those discharging the

Thousands of people turned out on the

newspaper the Guardian published a letter

firearms and those being shot at are young

streets of the Spanish city Pamplona after

in which Ms Rudd set out her “ambitious but

teenagers involved in “respect shootings”

five men were cleared of rape. The men,

deliverable” aim to deport 10% more illegal

to settle small disputes, say police and

who called themselves the Wolf Pack, were

immigrants over the “next few years” to

community leaders.

found guilty of sexual abuse, which many

Theresa May. Ms Rudd is the fourth person

consider too lenient. The case has caused

forced to resign from the cabinet in the last

a national outcry, with protests also taking

six months - following Sir Michael Fallon, Priti

place in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Patel and Damian Green. The controversy

BP’S LOW-CARBON PLAN DISMISSED Environmental leaders have dismissed BP’s

as

The victim, then 18, was assaulted at

began when it emerged that some migrants

“greenwash” and a lightweight response

new

the city’s bull-running festival. The Spanish

from Commonwealth countries, who were

to climate change and the energy market’s

hashtag #cuéntalo, meaning “tell it”, has

encouraged to settle in the UK from the late

rapid switch to renewables. BP published a

been widely tweeted in recent days, as

1940s to 1973, were being wrongly declared

strategy that held no target for its biggest

people shared their own stories of abuse in

illegal immigrants. Ms Rudd came under fire

contribution to global warming, which is the

solidarity with her. The five men - José Ángel

for the government’s treatment of these

burning of its main products - oil and gas.

Prenda, Alfonso Cabezuelo, Antonio Manuel

people - known as the Windrush generation

of

Guerrero, Jesús Escudero and Ángel Boza -

- and their relatives and the wider impact of

Tom

low-carbon

Burke,

environmental

the

thinktank

strategy

chairman

a

were each sentenced to nine years in prison.

its “hostile environment” policy designed to

former BPadviser, said: “Who cares about

Prosecutors had asked for sentences

deter illegal immigration. MPs have likened

operational emissions? The problem is they

of more than 20 years. Under Spanish law,

the “hostile environment” policy, promoted

have nothing to say on their product. This is

the charge of sexual abuse differs from

by Theresa May, to Nazi Germany.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

E3G

and

MIDDLE EAST CONFIDENT POMPEO MAKES MIDDLE EAST DIPLOMATIC DEBUT FROM SAUDI ARABIA Washington’s newly appointed secretary

Four Palestinian demonstrators were killed and 955 injured by Israeli forces during the protests on Friday.

Eighteen

medical

involvement in military conflicts.

The bill aims to prevent weapons exports

personnel

and

journalists were among the wounded.

of state landed in Riyadh Saturday on a tour

At least 25 Palestinian protesters have

of America’s key Middle East allies, after

reportedly been injured by live Israeli gunfire

vowing to bring some “swagger” back to US

or have suffocated from tear gas inhalation

diplomacy.

Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey for their

and all other related goods and services to countries that may use them for human rights abuses.

The draft, proposed by the socialdemocratic opposition party Die Linke,

The Palestinian news agency WAFA

focusses mostly on Saudi Arabia and the

After attending NATO talks in Brussels,

reported that at least six Palestinians

UAE for their role in the war in Yemen, but it

Mike Pompeo embarked on a three-day trip

were injured when Israeli forces fired live

also singles out Turkey for its military mission

to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan to update

ammunition at protesters, while the rest

in northern Syria where the country has

friends on President Donald Trump’s plans

were hurt because of teargas inhalation.

been fighting Kurdish forces.

for the Iran nuclear deal.

Hundreds of protesters have been

If approved, the law would not only

Pompeo was met on the tarmac in Riyadh

gathering at the eastern and northern

prevent future transactions from being made

by a sizeable Saudi Arabian delegation,

borders of the Gaza Strip on what they

with these countries but also retroactively

including the kingdom’s foreign minister,

called the “Friday of Rebellious Youth”.

recall previously agreed upon deals.

Adel Al-Jubeir, and US ambassador Khalid

The bill specifically talks about a deal

bin Salman — brother of the powerful Crown

made between Germany and Turkey to

Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

service several Leopard tanks.

Trump is widely expected to pull the

Those tanks, originally German and

United States out of the Iran accord next

bought by Turkey, were used during

month,

against

Operation Olive Branch, the January military

Tehran’s nuclear program. Pompeo insists

mission by Turkey in northern Syria, where

the president has not yet made the decision.

they fought against Kurdish YPG groups.

re-imposing

sanctions

The former CIA chief, who was sworn in

The documents also mention patrol boats

as Trump’s top diplomat and set off within

bought by Saudi Arabia, which were used

two hours for Brussels, will consult with

to blockade Yemeni ports from receiving

leaders of Iran’s main regional opponents

aid and other goods to help alleviate the

ahead of the announcement.

dire humanitarian situation in the war-torn

He also has a second more personal

country.

mission, to show foreign capitals and his

Saudi Arabia, together with the UAE, is

own colleagues that US diplomacy is back on

partially blockading those ports as part of its

track after the troubled reign of his sacked

military campaign in Yemen, which has cost

predecessor Rex Tillerson.

thousands of people’s lives over the last few years.

GAZA PROTESTS: 4 KILLED, 955 INJURED Palestinians demonstrate for the fifth Friday in a row as UN rights chief condemns Israel’s use of ‘excessive force’ Since the protests began on March

Between 2013 and 2017, Saudi Arabia was one of the biggest recipients of German arms, worth $1.2bn in total.

GERMANY MOVING TO LIMIT ARMS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA, UAE, TURKEY

In the third quarter of 2017, Germany exported most arms to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Egypt.

In January, the German government

30, at least 45 Palestinians in the coastal

Proposed law would also ban arms

already announced it would halt all arms

enclave have been killed by Israeli forces

exports to other countries involved in

exports to countries involved in the ongoing

and more than 5,500 wounded. Marchers

military operations and regional crises.

war in Yemen, but this bill would expand on

are demanding the right to return to their homes seized by Israel in 1948

A draft bill in Germany aims to ban weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, the United

that by also working retroactively on deals already made.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

FOCUS CHAKR INNOVATION: BREATHING EASIER

A

s pollution fears rise and we begin to fully acknowledge just how much back-peddling we need to achieve to

save our environment, teams around the world are working ambitiously on finding solutions. Whilst shifting a use of fossil fuels onto alternative energy is key, this process is long term – longer than we can afford. In the meantime, reliance on diesel will still exist – especially in developing or remote areas of the world that rely on generators. Given this reality, how do we move forwards in a way that is greener and safer for everyone?

Two young men in India think they’ve found a solution.

Arpit Dhupar and Kushagra Srivastava were enjoying some sugarcane juice at a roadstop when inspiration hit them. The cane crusher that had produced their drink was running from a diesel generator, but without the black, smoggy plumes that would usually give one away. After wondering how this was possible, the young men finally spotted

India, it even affects the unborn, with studies

Chakr Innovation and set out to turn their

that the juice vendor had added an exhaust

showing that exposure to air pollution

theory into practice. First, they focused on

pipe that funnelled all of the dark fumes

during foetal development can lead to brain

designing several types of containers that

against nearby wall. The wall had turned

abnormalities and cognitive impairment.

could capture soot directly from genset

black from all of the soot in this concentrated

With these sorts of statistics and results,

diesel exhausts, making sure that none

an onslaught from the exhaust; seeing this

pollution is an emergency situation, and any

reached the air. From there, they focused

made the two men think about how much

solution that can tackle the fumes we are

on solving how to turn this carbon into paint

carbon is in diesel, and whether this harmful

generating today is a vital addition to the

and exploring other applications it could be

source of pollution could actually be turned

fight.

used for.

Arpit and Kushagra’s plan sounded

Promoting “revolution through pollution”,

simple, yet eccentric; instead of carbon

the company now proudly declares the

According to BreathLife 2030, over 80%

entering the air and damaging our lungs and

slogan, “helping you breathe by capturing

of the world’s urban residents breathe air

environment, they proposed collecting this

pollution at the source”. The first invention

pollution above the WHO guideline for safe

same substance and removing it by turning

of its kind, the ‘Chakr Shield’ is currently

air. That means that less than 20% of us are

it into paint. If it could turn a wall black, why

capable

breathing the air we should be. The damage

couldn’t it form a paint or ink?

emissions by 90%. As a retro-fit design, the

into something constructive. More than that – something fun.

of this can’t be ignore; a shocking 4.2 million

Their

premature deaths happen every year due to

sceptical,

but

the

air pollution, and according to Greenpeace

deterred:

they

founded

12 | Endeavour Magazine

teachers

and

mentors

visionaries the

of

reducing

diesel

generator

were

Shield doesn’t depend on specially designed

weren’t

generators – instead, the device can be

company

fitted to those already in use, making it a

faster, more realistic and far more affordable solution. Attached to a genset that runs an average of eight hours a day, each Shield can produce 34 litres of ink or paint per month.

This ink is now being used in screen printing for t-shirts, among other uses, and Chakr’s paint has been said to dry faster and apply better than many on the market! Best of all, the Shield has no adverse effect on the generators themselves, so there’s no reason not to use it.

Whilst initially met with doubt, Chakr is now the recipient of notable awards, partnerships

and

global

acclaim.

The

company was the winner of the IndianOil Grant for New Technology Development, the Indian Innovation Growth Program, SMOGATHON, the FICCI award for Best EcoInnovation Start-Up, the American Society Endeavour Magazine | 13

for Mechanical Engineers’ Top Hardware Start-Up in India, and the University of Chicago’s Urban Labs Innovation Challenge, among others. IndianOil and the University of Chicago both continue to work closely with Chakr Innovation as R&D partners and sponsors, as well as Bosch. The team are even receiving dedicated mentorship and support from two advisors: Dr J P Gupta, Chairman of Environment Impact Assessment, and Neil Yeoh, Senior Associate of Fellowship Programs from Echoing Green.

Assisted by these mentors, Kushagra and Arpit make up half of Chakr’s leadership team. Kushagra is the company CEO, with Arpit as CTO. They work with Alok Goyal, the Head of Business Development, and Bharti Singla, Head of Strategy. The team are based in India – a fact the company highlights as fitting, as the country is home to 10 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world. Chakr’s current primary goal is to fit the Shield on as many mobile towers as possible, as these industrial structures are heavy users of diesel generators. For example, the city of Delhi sports14,000 mobile towers, most of which have a diesel generator installed.

Delhi has been ranked as one of the world’s most polluted cities, and its air quality is considered a state of emergency by the Indian government.

Chakr refer to the Shield as their “first” product, with the ambition of not only taking this invention as far as it can go, but also using it as a starting point to develop a host of other environmental initiatives.

Their “revolution through pollution” is just beginning: hopefully, if the Shield and their future break-throughs can be widely implemented, it might be just in time.

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 15

UDDERS PTE LTD WWW.UDDERS.COM.SG // 0065 6662 9410

TITILLATINGLY TASTY Summer is always underway in Singapore! The small island country is well known for its industrial strength and its bustling business hub, but for those living there, it’s hard to forget the heat all year round. No wonder, then, that ice cream is extremely popular – especially as people look for places to spend their hardearned treat money. We spoke with Peck Lin, who co-founded Singapore’s Udders Ice Cream with her husband David, about their creative solutions for the ice cream business.

PROJECT MANAGER: ALEX HAYES

UDDERS PTE LTD

”Udders Ice Cream is an award-winning, fun, casual,

quirky brand that offers mouth-watering, unique flavours of ice cream with a big dose of cheeky humour,” Peck Lin explains. Instantly, it’s clear that this is a brand with a difference. Befitting of an ice cream brand, David and Peck Lin have worked hard to create a company that is as fun-loving as their product – and clearly, it’s been well received.

T

heir “proudly-made-in-Singapore” ice cream is available from five scoop shops and close to 100 retail points throughout the country, including supermarkets, convenience stores,

iconic attractions like Gardens by the Bay, and various cafes and restaurants. Their ice creams are even finding their way onto flights!

The brand is served regularly on Scoot Airlines, and in December 2017, Singapore Airlines’ flights to Sydney served Udders ice cream

Manufacturer of Dry Ice, Gel Pack, Ice Pack Temperature Control Shipping Box, Temperature Control Pallet Shipper Cold Truck and Transport Service

during the launch period of their new A380 plane.

“We offer kickass, drool-worthy ice cream with unique flavours that are made with the best ingredients we can find. Our ice cream is vegetarian-friendly, without artificial colouring or flavouring, and is manufactured in a modern food factory with Singapore’s renowned standards of food safety and quality. Our primary demographic is folks between 16 to 40 years old, although actually everyone from eight to 80 years old loves ice cream!”

When it comes to their product, Udders truly does everything: they research, create, test, manufacture, retail, distribute and sell their product through wholesale, as well as run their own food service outlets. Their “create-test-create-test-create-test” process, as Peck Lin describes it, is thorough, with great pride taken over every one of their creative flavours. Peck Lin cites this “obsession

36B Hillview Terrace, Singapore 669260 Tel: +65 6274 7500 Email: enquiry@dryice.sg 18 | Endeavour Magazine

with product development” as one of the key traits that sets Udders apart from its rivals, as they constantly strive to put out the best flavours they can.

UDDERS PTE LTD “The best and most fun thing about working with ice cream is

Mocha Rocks, a Brazilian coffee flavour created for the 2014

that it lends itself to exuberant creativity. We love experimenting

World Cup, and a variety of bespoke floral-inspired flavours for

with new flavours and toppings and consistently churn out about

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay (a popular tourist attraction),

12 new flavours a year.”

including White Rose, Lavender and Orchid Vanilla. They even

There are more tempting flavours at Udders than we have space

brought out a series of Star Wars inspired flavours! We couldn’t

to mention, including a range of exotic Asian flavours such as Kyoto

resist asking Peck Lin more: “In Dec 2017, in conjunction with the

Matcha, which uses green tea flown in straight from Kyoto Japan,

launch of the movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi, we teamed up with

The MaoTM , which offers the infamously pungent yet delicious Mao

Disney to launch a Star Wars inspired ice cream range. The flavours

Shan Wang Durian fruit, and even a full range of Korean flavours

take inspiration from beloved characters such as Darth Vader (Dark

such as Grapefruit Soju, Kimchi and Doenjang Caramel. They even

Vanilla with Cranberries), Stormtrooper (Salted Malted Milk with

offer a range of strong liquor flavours, including Rum Rum RaisinTM

Dark Chocolate), Yoda (Green Tea with Coconut Caramel) and

(3.9% alcohol), Tira-miss-u

Chewbacca (‘Chewy’ Fudge with Brownies).”

TM

(Tiramisu 3.8% alcohol using brandy),

WineBerriesTM (3.5% alcohol using port wine) and Lychee Martini

Perhaps most impressively, however, was Udders being

(3% using vodka). “We need to have a liquor license in our shops

commissioned in 2017 to create a bespoke sorbet for the

in Singapore to sell these flavours,” explains Peck Lin. “This range

Istana (aka ‘palace’ in the Malay language - in other words, the

offers a unique ‘adults only’ ice cream product, which gives a usually

official residence and office of the President of Singapore).

fun product a certain edginess.”

The creation was named the Istana Harvest Sorbet, and it

We’re only scratching the surface of both ranges here; there’s

was served at the Istana for some special events. Udders

enough mouth-watering products to list for the entire article!

also sells this high-profile sorbet during the Istana’s public

However, some exciting flavours that must be mentioned include

open-house days five times a year, the proceeds of which they

those created by Udders for notable clients and events, such as

donate to charity.

20 | Endeavour Magazine

Udders’ flavours show a true passion for what they do – one that seeks out unusual, high-quality ingredients to bring their customers a completely new ice cream experience. Their playful brand personality also comes through! This attitude is no accident, and it’s something Peck Lin is committed to: “Who else would name their ice cream brand after a cow’s...ahem...tits? Udders doesn’t take life too seriously and neither does its ice cream. We play hard to make sure our brand personality comes across in our products!”

It’s a playful attitude, but Peck Lin and David are serious about business. In fact, before the couple founded Udders, the exuberant Peck Lin spent nine years as a management consultant in the areas of strategy planning, franchising and licensing. She is also trained as a lawyer, and spent four years in legal practice, as well as three years in the Law Society of Singapore, where she worked on growing the Society’s legal pro bono programmes to aid the country’s under-privileged. You could call Udders quite a career departure! In her words, she and her husband launched the brand “to birth a fun, innovative, energetic, quirky ice cream brand with a tongue-in-cheek wit.” Having co-founded the company in 2007 and worked full-time with it since 2012, she now oversees

Endeavour Magazine | 21

UDDERS PTE LTD the branding, marketing and business development aspects of

freezing production line for our ice cream, which will drive labour

the business.

cost down per unit and also reduce wastage and increase efficiency.

Fun-loving attitudes aside, the pair are serious about exceeding

As well as preparing for the production demands of overseas

their competition, and in Singapore, competition is in rich supply.

export, Udders is also looking to franchise, and is currently in

The small island hosts many rival brands, with the already mature

talks with potential partners for overseas markets. They are also

industry seeing a recent swell in start-up ice cream brands over

looking to develop their customer base, including investing in a

the past five years. This creates a number of challenges, including

new halal range of ice cream, both to cater to the Muslim market

downward price pressures, coupled with cost pressures within

in Singapore, and to increase Udders’ marketability in the Middle

Singapore such as high rentals and manpower costs. Whilst they

East. In line with growing clean healthy food trends, they will also

currently only sell and operate within the country, Udders is starting

launch a Nutrition, Health and Wellness range of ice cream later

to look overseas: “We are looking to overseas markets currently,

this year under a new brand. This new healthy range will be clean

and as Asia is slated to be the continent to watch economically

label, 100% natural, free from any artificial colouring, flavouring,

in this century, we feel that our super premium ice cream is well-

sweetener or preservatives, and with substantially lower calories

positioned for growth in this new Asia, with its fast-burgeoning

to comply with the Singapore Health Promotion Board’s guidelines

middle class.”

for ‘healthier choice’ ice cream.” Even though the products will

In preparation for this growth, Udders has expanded their

be healthier, Udders says this new ice cream range will be just

facilities in Singapore, which will allow a greater production output

as delicious as their current products, and will also contain the

to service the local market and to sell overseas. “In mid-2017, we

benefits of superfoods such as acai berries, flax seeds and moringa.

shifted into a new office-cum-production premise that is three

“This new range will be a guilt-free ice cream which retains all the

times bigger than our previous place in preparation for expansion.

childlike wonder and happiness of enjoying ice cream, yet offers the

With the new space, we have invested in an automated continuous

health benefits of superfoods.”

Key Supplier of Quality Ingredients to the Food Industry in Singapore

� 23 Tuas Bay Walk, Singapore 637764 �(65) 6558 7585 fax (65) 6558 7803 22 | Endeavour Magazine

� sales@bakelab.com.sg globe www.bakelab.com.sg

Of course, no matter how ambitious a company becomes, or

David and Peck Lin have clearly created a thriving business –

how excellent the quality of their product, success begins and

so how have the pair managed to maintain their up-beat attitude

ends with a reliable and happy team of staff. Udders puts the

whilst staying competitive?

well-being of their staff first: “Good leadership involves really

Peck Lin quotes a line from the old Rocky movies, where the

caring for staff as three-dimensional, full-bodied, complex humans,

titular character says, “It ain’t about how hard you hit - it’s about

rather than merely digits of work. Staff are people, and people

how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you

are able to sense whether there is a genuine care for their

can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

well-being.”

Udders has over 100 employees, full-time and part-time. They place an emphasis on promotion from within where possible, and

“Life is short, so take some risks. Remember that at the end of life, it’s usually not the things we did that we regret, but the things we did not do because we were afraid.”

their company culture strives to make Udders a pleasant, positive place to work – in doing so, the management hopes to get the best out of their staff. “You have to take the time to build a relationship with each person directly reporting to you and understand each person’s unique strengths, weaknesses and personality – basically, what makes them tick. Managing people can’t merely be a ‘system’.”

“Culture takes years to build and, being an ice cream company, having a friendly, creative, slightly off-beat work environment helps to generate the crazy, wonderful ideas that push our business and products forward.”

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

Endeavour Magazine | 23

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES WWW.ETHIOPIANAIRLINES.COM // 00251 116 656 666

STILL RISING As Africa’s leading local airline, Ethiopian Airlines knows a thing or two about flying. We spoke with Tewolde Gebremariam, Group CEO, about how the airline is meeting and exceeding its goals, and how it plans to work with Africa’s other carriers to fly to new heights WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Ethiopian Airlines describes itself as “the flag carrier of

Ethiopia”. In operation for over 70 years, the airline has grown from its first flight in 1946 to become of the biggest carriers in the continent. In fact, according to Tewolde Gebremariam, the Ethiopian Aviation Group – of which Ethiopian Airlines is a part - is the “fastest growing aviation group in Africa”. This national endeavour originally ran weekly services to Cairo, but this service quickly expanded as demand grew.

4, Avenue Republique Tchad, Commune de la Gombe, Hôtel Memling, Local 16.

 +243 819 042 100  contact@ats-handling-rdc.com

A

t the time, the airline’s fleet consisted of surplus aircraft from the US military – sparse vehicles that were efficient but had few in the way of creature comforts. However, it was a

starting point – 70 years later, in 2016, the airline became the first in Africa to receive the highly advanced Airbus A350XWB and to fly one in African skies!

Today, now wholly owned by the government of the FDRE, the airline serves 112 international and 21 domestic destinations across five continents. Within Africa today, the airline claims to be “unrivalled for efficiency and operational success”. The company goes on to explain: “Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has become one of Ethiopia’s major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion’s share of the pan-African network, including the daily and double daily east-west flight across the continent.”

This strong position and recognition within Africa is, in part, the result of their efforts towards their company Vision: “As per

HANDLING AND MAINTENANCE

our 2025 Vision, Ethiopian aspires to become the leading aviation

- Airport security is our job -

with time to spare.” This achievement already firmly under their belt,

group in the continent – a vision we have already accomplished Ethiopian don’t plan to become complacent. Instead, Tewolde says that Ethiopian will continue growing, expanding both in network

+850 flights/year

+300 employees

and fleet size. To achieve this, the airline is seeking to increase its collaboration with African carriers – a collaboration that will not only allow Ethiopean to further expand into reach within Africa, but

3 airports 26 | Endeavour Magazine

+10 types of plane

the entire indigenous aviation industry.

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES offers online

and heavy maintenance for our airplanes Bombardier Dash8-Q400.

It also supplies all necessary parts needed for the up keeping of our airplanes. The training is a part of the partnership.

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES “The aviation industry of the continent is characterized by being buoyant, yet heavily skewed in favour of non-African

that this is an important step forward: “We believe we will succeed in this.”

airlines,” Tewolde explains, going on to elaborate: “As it stands,

Of course, campaigning for open airspace and cut fees is only

African airlines have limited market access within Africa. 80% of

half the battle in Ethiopian’s continued conquest of Africa’s skies –

the air transport between Africa and the rest of the world is owned

the other half is in their quality as an airline. Already the leader of its

by non-African carries, while indigenous African carriers share the

indigenous family of airlines, Ethiopian is clearly doing something

remaining 20%.”

right. We asked Tewolde what he felt was the key to their current

In part, these challenges are due to a lack of well-developed

success:

airport and ICT infrastructure for African airlines, as well as slow

“The success of Ethiopian Airlines, among other reasons, is

progress in discussions over an African Open Sky Agreement. In

attributed to our unique hub, Addis Ababa. Strategically located

the face of these issues, Ethiopean decided to act: “As Champion

in the middle of East-West major trade lane, this hub makes our

of Single African Skies initiative, Ethiopian has been advocating

connections seamless and convenient. This efficient network of

the implementation of the Single African Air Transportation

connectivity has enabled Ethiopian to connect Africa with the rest

Market (SAATM) to the world, underlining the need for the

of the world better and faster than any other carrier.”

collaboration of African states as per the Yamoussoukro Decision.

“The other reason Ethiopian is successful is the efficient

In part, SAATM is intended to drive down airfares by allowing

network of connectivity and frequency of our flights. There is no

the airlines of signatory countries to freely access each other’s

airline, other than Ethiopian, that connects Africa with itself and

airports.” These lowered charges would help alleviate financial

the outside world. Our frequency stands out as best with daily and

stress on local airports, and would free up local airlines’ ability

double daily connections throughout the continent.”

to collaborate and share resources. SAATM has already been

Ethiopian’s fleet is not only well connected – it is also extremely

signed by 23 member countries, and Tewolde feels confident

well maintained. With an average age of only five years, their fleet

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES and ICAS have many things in common. Both entities have a common goal of providing a safe environment and customer friendly travel experience for their passengers. They build an environment on mutual trust.

Despite the fact that there are competitions between the two companies, there are also areas where they can cooperate.

To mention a few, using Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy to train ICAS staffs from different disciplines, use of the Airlines ground support equipment maintenance center and loaning of equipment from each other. They bring unique qualities and services to their respective customers. So, “when two or more companies do the same thing, it is more than the same.” It is a relationship that is intertwined and yet complex.

28 | Endeavour Magazine

GROUND GROUND HANDLING HANDLING COMPANY COMPANY According Accordingto toIATA IATAestimates, estimates,airlines airlinesoutsource outsource more more than than 50% 50% of of thethe ground ground handling handling to to nonnonairline airline operators. operators.

With With its its vision vision to to provide provide world world class class ground ground handling handling services services in East in East Africa, Africa, ICAS ICAS obtained obtained its its certificate certificate of of operation operation in 2015 in 2015 as as thethe 1st1st IATA IATA certified certified private private Ground Ground Handling Handling Company Company (GHC) (GHC) in Ethiopia in Ethiopia operating operating outout of Addis of Addis Ababa Ababa Bole Bole International International Airport Airport andand Dire Dire Dawa.

Dawa.

TheThe motives motives behind behind thethe establishment establishment of ICAS of ICAS are:are: • • To To joinjoin thethe aviation industry as as a standard aviation industry a standard ground service provider in the areas of of ground service provider in the areas Passenger, Cargo andand Ramp services Passenger, Cargo Ramp services • • To To be be an an alternative andand a support ground alternative a support ground handling company in the country handling company in the country • • To To be be a choice between a mutually exclusive a choice between a mutually exclusive different needs to quickly andand efficiently meet at at different needs to quickly efficiently meet anyany time. time.

• • To To be be part of the players wherein Ethiopia is the part of the players wherein Ethiopia is the 2nd2nd flower exporting nation in Africa, next to to flower exporting nation in Africa, next Kenya.

ICAS plays a major rolerole in facilitating thethe Kenya.

ICAS plays a major in facilitating export of fresh produce from thethe country. export of fresh produce from country.

It mainly provides: It mainly provides: • • FullFull passenger andand cargo Ground Handling passenger cargo Ground Handling Services Services • • Ware house Management Ware house Management • • Cargo De-Consolidation services for for seasea andand airair Cargo De-Consolidation services freight freight • • Customs transit andand clearing services Customs transit clearing services • • Doorto-door delivery service.

Doorto-door delivery service.

• • Courier andand baggage intra storage andand delivery Courier baggage intra storage delivery services. services.

• • Special Limousines service for for VIPVIP andand CIPCIP Special Limousines service customers customers TheThe company is currently handling Saudi Airlines, company is currently handling Saudi Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airlines andand AirAir Djibouti Airlines notnot Etihad, Qatar Airlines Djibouti Airlines mentioning thethe AdAd hoc operators.

ICAS hashas also mentioning hoc operators.

ICAS also created jobjob opportunity for for more than 500500 people created opportunity more than people which also hashas a rippling effect. which also a rippling effect.

Head Head Office Office Address: Address: Lidya Lidya Building Building behind behind Edna Edna Mall Mall in front in front of of Harmony Harmony hotel hotel Tel:Tel: +251 +251 116 116 61 61 04 04 05 05 Fax: Fax: +255 +255 11 11 663 663 31 31 98 98 P.O.Box: P.O.Box: 433 433 Code Code 1250 1250 E-mail: E-mail: commercial.add@icasethiopia.com commercial.add@icasethiopia.com www.icasethiopia.com www.icasethiopia.com

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES – which started out from the humble beginnings of second-hand

They are equipped to handle anything from perishable items to

American war planes – now boasts a range of what Tewolde rightly

dangerous or unstable cargo, and even live animals! However, the

calls “trailblazing and environmentally friendly aircraft”, including

most precious of their cargo will always be their paying passengers,

the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 777-300ER,

and their staff themselves. As a part of their care for both, one of

Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter and Bombardier

Ethiopian’s many recent expansions has been an investment in its

Q-400 double cabin. To date, the airline currently operates 98

catering department. The department employs a team of highly

aircraft, with a further 58 on order.

trained local chefs that can produce traditional Ethiopian dishes

“Utilization of latest technology is also one of the qualities that

as well as Chinese, Indian, Ottoman, Italian, Halal and many more

led to our continued success. We are at the forefront of utilizing

European meals. In keeping with the airline’s 2025 vision, the

latest industry technology and pioneer in African aviation.” This

department has recently had a complete overhaul, with high-

applies not only to the planes themselves, but also the systems

tech upgrades and an increase in space to their kitchens. The new

used to support both flights and the ground services provided

premises is three times larger than the previous facility, including

to passengers and customers. Technology is as essential as staff

20 loading and 10 offloading docks to help in the delivery of

when it comes to running operations smoothly, especially given an

ingredients and transport of meals to the airline’s 240 daily flights.

airline’s complex logistical requirements. “Here at Ethiopian, we say

In the new facility, the catering team are able to produce

‘Success Loves Speed!’, and we believe that we have to grow fast.

an impressive 100,000 meals a day to support the airline. The

With the abundance of technology at everyone’s hand, we have to

department even has time to offer a laundry service, looking after

stay updated to satisfy the requests of our esteemed customers.”

everything from crew uniforms to seat covers.

Handling both passengers and cargo, Ethiopian must be reliable.

This department is one of many; to break Ethiopian Airlines

Their Cargo & Logistics Services department is one of the largest

down, one must look at the Ethiopian Aviation Group. This Group

in the world, with its top capacity at close to 1 million annual tons.

supports the airline itself and the many departments needed to

Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA)

E-mail: info@addischamber.com; aachamber1@ethionet.et Website: www.addischamber.com  +251 011 5518055, Fax + 251 011 5511479  2458 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Like fraternal twins, Ethiopian Airlines and AACCSA have, over the past seventy years, overcome challenges and stood as shining examples of audacity and resilience. Ethiopian grew as the leading Airline in Africa and one of the best few in the aviation industry, while AACCSA served the interests of the private sector by promoting trade and investment and helping businesses grow and prosper. We are happy that we are selected as one of Ethiopian’s key business partners and look forward to build on this phenomenal relationship in the years ahead. We are really proud of Ethiopian.

30 | Endeavour Magazine

The GENX is the fastest-selling high thrust jet engine in GE Aviation history and is the preferred engine choice by African airlines. The GEnx engine represents a giant leap forward in propulsion technology with world’s first innovative solutions. It is up to 15% more fuel efficient than the CF6-80C2. Ethiopian Airlines and GE Aviation developed an extensive partnership to operate and service the GEnx engines, contributing to the development of African aviation.

GEnx Delivering Performance TM

With 8.5 million flight hours, 1.4 million cycles and a departure reliability of 99.96%*, the GEnx continues to deliver performance in Africa and around the world.

Visit www.geaviation.com/genx to learn more.

Endeavour Magazine | 31

*GEnx-1B data through December 2017

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES keep it running smoothly, including the ET In-flight Catering, but

Between their strong position in Africa and this ability to

also ET Regional Services; ET International Services; ET Cargo &

ensure a constant supply of well-trained staff, it is no wonder that

Logistics Services; ET MRO Services; the ET Aviation Academy; ET

Ethiopian Airlines are confident about their future, and they’re

Ground Services and ET Airports Enterprise.

happy to invest in it. New developments on the horizon for the

Of these, one of the most exciting is Ethiopian’s own

company include ten new global destinations, the construction of

Aviation Academy, which allows them to train staff to their high

an Ethiopian 5-Star Hotel, and an expansion to the Addis Ababa

expectations: “We are self-sufficient in the training of aviation

Bole Airport, which is central to the airline’s operations. The

personnel who embody the values and spirit of Ethiopian Airlines.

expansion project will increase the capacity of the airport to 22

Our Aviation Academy is the most modern and the largest in Africa

million passengers per year – a dramatic rise from the current

with more than USD 100 million investment, and intake capacity

10 million. Meanwhile, the hotel, currently under construction,

of 4000 trainees.” The Academy prepares trainees who wish to

has been designed to house an impressive 373 rooms, four

work in all areas of airline operations, from pilots and cabin crew to

restaurants, two bars, swimming pools, gift shops and duty-free

maintenance staff and customer service personnel.

shops, meeting rooms, gyms, and a banquet hall that can hold 2000

The ability to run this in-house training, to such a high standard

people.

and with this level of resources at their disposal, allows Ethiopian

However, it is the airline’s recent SAATM agreement with local

to invest heavily in their most valuable resource. “Our highly skilled

carriers that promises the most exciting change. Already far ahead

and dedicated employees play significant roles in the success of the

of their personal goals, Ethiopian are passionate about bringing

airline. We have a hard working and skilled workforce. The airline

about industry-wide change for indigenous African airlines,

is also led by highly skilled and vigilant management who skilfully

and their recent successful negotiations are only the beginning.

navigate through difficult situations such as fuel surge, conflict

Hopefully this is the first essential step towards African companies

situations, and sustain the airline’s success and growth.”

reclaiming their skies: watch this airspace!

32 | Endeavour Magazine

AMAZING WORLD THE UNKNOWN TRIBE ON NORTH SENTINEL ISLAND

O

BY WILL GIRLING

n the 25th of April, world leaders

granted. No matter where you are reading

Sentinel Island – part of the Andamese Islands

gathered at the New York Headquarters

this magazine, there are thousands of

of India – have vociferously resisted any

of the United Nations to reaffirm

others who will do likewise, spread across

lasting contact with the world beyond their

their individual efforts in the global duty of

numerous zones of both geography and

roughly 60km2 borders. Having spurned all

building sustainable peace. It is events like

time. I’ll bet that, for most of us living in

proffered gifts of modernity, the Sentinelese

this that highlight the level of discourse that

the First World, a group of people being

are among the last groups of human society

countries –and their citizens – can engage

entirely uncontactable would seem virtually

that remain totally unabsorbed into the 21st

each other with on the world’s stage.

impossible. Nevertheless, there does indeed

Century lifestyle.

Not that we need much of a reminder;

exist a tribe of people who, despite over 100

Estimated to be approximately 500

today we are so accustomed to effortless,

years of trying, remain almost completely

in number, the way of life for the tribe is

daily communication on an international

unknown to us: the Sentinelese tribe.

obscure and difficult to ascertain. Apparently

scale that we take it almost totally for 34 | Endeavour Magazine

The indigenous inhabitants of North

surviving within a hunter-gatherer society,

flooring, although communal buildings are

the crew took their boat back out to sea,

more elaborately designed. Weaponry for

in order to observe the tribe’s reaction

the tribe consists of the traditional hunter-

from afar. Seemingly still very mistrustful

gatherer staples, such as spears and bows &

of anything offered by outsiders (perhaps

arrows. It is this aspect of the tribe’s culture

rightfully so), the Sentinelese sent a volley

with which outsiders are most intimately

of arrows towards the crew, whilst others

familiar.

brutally speared the gifts to pieces and

One of the first recorded attempts to survey the island and interact with the

Sentinelese

took

place

This has continued to be the reception for

1880,

visitors who come to North Sentinel Island,

led by British colonialists. Utilizing the

either on purpose or by accident. When

unnecessarily

aggressive

in

buried them in the sand.

ambassadorial

the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami ravaged so

strategy of kidnapping members of the

much of Indonesia, Indian authorities were

tribe, the colonialists proceeded to shower

rightfully concerned about the welfare of the

them with gifts to illustrate their ‘goodwill’,

Sentinelese. Three days after the incident,

and then released them back to their home.

an Indian naval helicopter was dispatched to

The British were surprised when their

dispense emergency supplies or assistance

misguided overtures of peace were met

if required. As they prepared to drop food

with indignation and obvious resentment.

rations onto the island, the helicopter was

Thankfully, they did not attempt to endear

suddenly met by the same barrage of arrows,

themselves to any of the other Sentinelese

and a Sentinelese warrior brandishing a

and promptly discontinued their diplomatic

javelin. Apparently able to find refuge from

efforts. Various attempts were also carried

the flood, it transpired that remarkably, the

with no evidence of agricultural capabilities

out by the Indian government in the late

tribe had been almost completely unscathed

or even ability to make fire, they subsist on

1960’s/70’s, but all were met with tacit

by the natural disaster.

the flora and fauna native to their island

avoidance, tangible disinterest, or displays of

(pigs, sea turtles, wild honey, fruits & nuts,

raining arrows.

Although legally a territory of India, the Sentinelese tribe exercises complete

etc.). Their language is unclassified – the

The Sentinelese tribe’s desire for privacy

sovereignty over their land in practice. The

only linguistic observation gleaned is that

sometimes manifested itself in destructive

potential for future contact will always

it bears no resemblance to their island

and nearly spiteful ways. One such incident

exist, and we can only hope that one day

neighbours, the Jawaras. Tools remain crude

involved a National Geographic film crew

they choose to teach us more about their

due to a lack of metal-working expertise,

who were looking to make a documentary

fascinating culture. However, until that

coupled with a lack of minerals and ores in

on the tribe. Leaving gifts – a toy car, a few

day comes, it appears that they won’t be

their environment. Their family dwellings are

coconuts, a pig, a doll, and some aluminium

requiring any help from the outside world

rudimental huts featuring no partitions or

cooking utensils – in the sand by the shore,

any time soon.

Endeavour Magazine | 35

BAKER PACIFIC WWW.BAKERPACIFIC.COM // 001 415 462 5518

BLUEPRINTS FOR SUCCESS Last summer, we spoke with Iain Davidson, founder of Baker Pacific – the go-to Asia Pacific experts on confectionary and biscuit ovens. Since we last spoke, Iain has been preparing several new books for publication, and is still working fervently on launching Baker Pacific’s charitable Biskaid endeavour. We touched base to catch up on his progress and remind you what Baker Pacific are all about.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

BAKER PACIFIC

Last summer, we spoke with Iain Davidson, founder of

Baker Pacific – the go-to Asia Pacific experts on confectionary and biscuit ovens. Since we last spoke, Iain has been preparing several new books for publication, and is still working fervently on launching Baker Pacific’s charitable Biskaid endeavour. We touched base to catch up on his progress and remind you what Baker Pacific are all about.

W

hen this window presented itself to local Asian Pacific

and processes.” He stayed with Baker Perkins into the late 1990s,

companies, the need to compete with advanced global

rising to the position of Managing Director in Hong Kong as well as

brands came with it. These brands had resources and

becoming a Director of Baker Perkins Japan.

technology that went far beyond what most local companies had

With this ranging experience from technical design to high-level

at their disposal, and large teams with broad industry knowledge to

management and leadership, Iain was in the perfect position to

match. This is where Iain Davidson came in.

apply his skills to his new endeavour. At first, Baker Pacific operated

Iain established Baker Pacific in 2000, right when the region

solely as a consultancy, offering advice and industrial knowledge

was in the throes of confectionary mania. The company’s mission

to local businesses who were looking to grow and compete. These

was to balance the tables between global brands and independent

early operations still represent a major part of Baker Pacific’s

competitors, offering advice and support to help Asian companies

services today: the company is able to supply complete process

close the gap: “Baker Pacific Ltd. Hong Kong is a small team

documentation to enable their customers to make international

of professionals, each with more than 35 years of experience

quality products, covering not only biscuits, but also cookies,

with leading biscuit, chocolate, confectionery and engineering

wafers, crackers, chocolate and even caramel. They also provide

companies,” explains Iain. “We have a wide range of skills, drawing

Asian companies with relevant market data, which they collate

on experience in marketing, production, research and development,

themselves from independent studies: “Baker Pacific has carried

project management, engineering and service.”

out several industrial market studies in China and Indonesia. For

Coming from backgrounds in every area of the industry, this small team of experts set out to provide the information and insight

example, we have completed and published an extensive study of Indonesian snacks with details of over 150 products.”

needed to level the playing field. Iain came to Baker Pacific with a

Of the companies they work with, the majority of Baker

solid and hands-on history in the industry: his career began in 1965

Pacific’s customers operate in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

when he graduated from the School of Industrial Design at London’s

and Vietnam. “Our first-hand experience in these markets provides

Royal College of Art, and joined Baker Perkins Ltd. as Industrial

us with an exceptional insight and range of contacts to ensure the

Design Engineer; “I worked in the Technical Department on the

most valuable studies, each tailored to our client’s requirements.

design of new biscuit, bakery and candy processing machines until

These studies provide extensive information for both potential

1975, gaining a thorough technical knowledge of the machines

investors and existing manufacturers.”

38 | Endeavour Magazine

This support made Baker Pacific’s name, and allowed their

applying their knowledge to create what they knew best: ovens.

customers to make a significant difference in the confectionary

“Baker Pacific design and manufacture a range of ovens for cookies,

market. The impact is ongoing, and the power between local and

crackers and cake, all using infra-red radiation technology. Our

international sellers has notably shifted: “Competition is changing

design team is based in the UK, and our ovens are manufactured by

as Asian biscuit oven manufacturers improve the range and quality

contractors in China, India and Indonesia.”

of their products. Competition from Europe is still strong, but is now from only a few important suppliers.”

This departure has become a leading focus for the company, allowing them to truly do what they do best. As Iain told us, it was

As progress was made, Baker Pacific expanded their efforts

the support from Danone that got the wheels in motion: “We were

into more hands-on forms of support, including maintenance, oven

encouraged and supported by the Danone Asia group. They also

audits and upgrades, safety system installation and the conversion

introduced us to Esspee Engineers in Kolkata, who are experienced

of electric ovens over to gas. To supplement the consultancy

oven builders. Danone Asia purchased the first ovens we built in

information they provide, they even offer training programs in

India, China and Indonesia, and we worked successfully together

baking technology – brilliant for start-ups or companies looking to

with Esspee to build and install a large biscuit oven for Danone

train new staff.

Biscuits Indonesia.”

The support Baker Pacific offers is more than a product for Iain,

Whilst the company’s operations have grown, their team has

who describes his company’s mission and philosophy as: “A belief in

stayed extremely small, at only three permanent staff members.

sharing our experience in the industry, and the aim to understand,

However, this small team is capable of a great deal, and Iain feels

assist and support our customers.”

their size is a part of their success: “We are a small, flexible team

However, with such a bank of experience behind them, there

with very low overheads. All our projects are carried out with

came a point when sharing this advice was no longer enough for the

process specialists and equipment manufacturers on contract.” For

Baker Pacific team. With an encouraging nudge from the Danone

example, the construction of Baker Pacific’s ovens within Asia is

Asia Group, the company took an exciting step in a new direction,

carried out by a small technical team of five people.

Endeavour Magazine | 39

BAKER PACIFIC As they have with their consultancy, the company have set

refugee camps. Our proposal is to provide a production facility to

up and maintained tight bonds with partners through the supply

deliver up to 8 tonnes of biscuits per day (on two shifts) to feed

of their equipment: “Our main partner in China is Dingson Food

people in a disaster zone or refugee camp.”

Machinery, with whom we have worked for more than 10 years.”

Wheat flour is already donated to aid projects, raising the

“Competition from Asian biscuit machine suppliers continues

issue of the most efficient way to use it. Baker Pacific proposes a

to increase and there are excellent suppliers of production and

biscuit recipe that can be formulated to provide essential energy,

packaging equipment, particularly from China. We are developing a

protein, minerals (iron and calcium) and vitamins, with this recipe

relationship with one of the principal suppliers in China.”

adjusting depending on the needs of each relief location’s needs. In

Whilst this expansion was a game-changer for Baker Pacific,

the company’s words, “biscuits are the first and best convenience

the application of their designs could, one day, be an even greater

food”. The envisioned Biskaid facilities would be non-insulated

change for people in need. In the quest to put their knowledge

temporary buildings, designed to be cheap and easy to transport

towards a good cause, Iain and his team have created Biskaid

and construct whilst still providing all of the protection biscuits

- a plan for affordable, efficient aid relief in the form of biscuit

require. This building design is especially effective due to its

production.

temporary and re-usable nature, making it low-impact on costs as

The Biskaid project aims to implement biscuits as a cheap,

well as on the areas these sites would be erected.

sustainable and long-lasting solution to food shortages in crisis

Baker Pacific’s expertise has also allowed them to streamline

areas. In particular, if the project can receive funding and support,

the design of the production line: “The proposed biscuit line is the

the company hopes to use Biskaid to feed refugees in Africa and

simplest semi-automatic production line based on a tunnel oven.

Asia:

The mixing and forming machines are suitable for moulded doughs,

“We believe that a small biscuit production facility is an

allowing a wide variety of shapes and recipes to be made.” Running

excellent way to use wheat flour given under aid projects to

at full capacity, the line should produce 500 – 600 kg of biscuits

produce nutritious biscuits with a long shelf life for distribution in

per hour.

ESSPEE EN GI NEERS MANUFACTURING HOUSE FOR BISCUIT BAKING OVEN

Diamond Heritage, 16 Strand Road, 6Th Floor, Room No. N-627 Kolkata - 700 001, INDIA pkn54@yahoo.in 40 | Endeavour Magazine

Currently, Biskaid is still a dream, but Baker Pacific are working

Between these three publications, you might think that Iain and

tirelessly to promote the scheme and to secure it the backing it

his team had shared everything they could, and yet there is still

needs to become a reality.

a slate of new titles on the horizon: An Introduction to Industrial

Finally, on top of this excellent use of their knowledge, the

Biscuit Production will provide an entry-level foundation for

company is also finding new ways to share itsknow-how with

people new to biscuit manufacturing, and will particularly assist

the public. Last summer, we spoke with Iain about the recent

such companies in training new employees. There are also plans

publication of his first book, Biscuit Baking Technology. The book,

to publish a commemorative title that gathers the recipes of Baker

published with Elsevier, offered an “expert’s guide to the biscuit

Pacific’s late Glyn Sykes. This labour of love, which will feature the

manufacturing process, ingredients, formulations, and the design,

recipes and process details for over 100 products from crackers,

operation and maintenance of biscuit ovens.” In essence, it included

snack crackers, semisweet biscuits, short doughs and cookies, is set

a comprehensive break-down of Iain’s collected expertise and

to be submitted to publishers later in 2018.

insights from years in the industry. With his later books, he has taken this a step further:

For a small team, Baker Pacific are undoubtedly keeping themselves busy. Between their training and consultancy services,

“We have completed a new book, How to Build a Biscuit Oven.

their upcoming publications and the good they could achieve

This provides customers with a detail description with drawings,

through Biskaid, their pledge to support others has proven to

photos and parts lists to build a high-quality biscuit oven. In addition,

be more than just a promise. We look forward to watching the

we can supply all manufacturing drawings and supervision.”

company’s progress as they continue to deliver, both to the

“Our upcoming book Biscuit, Cookie and Cracker Production,

confectionary world and, hopefully, to those in need.

also to be published by Elsevier, is now at the typeset/proof reading stage and will be published later this year. The book covers the complete process and production from the delivery of ingredients to the bakery to the final packaged product.”

Endeavour Magazine | 41

PALABORA MINING COMPANY LTD WWW.PALABORA.COM // 2715 780 2911

ONE OF A KIND Two billion years ago, a series of violent volcanic eruptions occurred in what is now Phalaborwa, in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

These eruptions were spread over millions of years, slowly building up a rich and unique body of minerals - copper, phosphates, magnetite, uranium, zirconium, nickel, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and in similar veins nearby, vermiculite and phosphate.

The hill this treasure trove is buried under is known as Loolekop, and the treasure itself as the Palabora Igneous Complex.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

PALABORA MINING COMPANY LTD

Modern mining efforts were not the first to reach

Loolekop. Artifacts suggest that surprisingly pure copper has been mined and smelted here as early as the 8th century. However, it was at the beginning of the current century that modern miners began to turn their eye to this Complex, after geologists discovered he phosphate bearing mineral, apatite, in the area.

T

he Palabora Mining Company Ltd began operations in 1956.

Their subsidiary, Palabora Copper, mine, smelt and refine copper from this unique formation, with all of their facilities

housed in Phalaborwa. The company is South Africa’s sole producer of refined copper, with an impressive output of between 45,000 to 60,000 tons a year. On top of this dominance of the refined

Providing Quality Services at the Forefront of Economic Change & Social Transformation Cleaning services Building and Construction Sanitation and Water works Marketing materials Advertising Printing services Waste removal Owned & managed by a Bush clearing and routen black female cleaning in Limpopo Phone: 015 291 2627 Fax: 086 695 1587 E-Mail: caroline@nkhensicarol.co.za Web: www.nkhensicarol.co.za

ē ē ē ē ē ē ē ē

44 | Endeavour Magazine

copper market, the mine also processes and exports a wide range of by-products from the mineral-rich soil, including Magnetite, Vermiculite Sulphuric acid, anode slimes and nickel sulphate, as well as small quantities of gold, silver and platinum. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the company’s open-pit copper mine and processing plants produced over 2.7 million tons of copper.

Part of what makes the Palabora Igneous Complex so unique is that, due to its volcanic history, it is the only known place where copper occurs in carbonites, rather than the usual sulfides. As South Africa’s only refined copper supplier, they sell most of their output to the local market, only exporting the excess – along with the various additional minerals they are able to process from the valuable ‘waste’. Not content to rest there, they also own a nearby vermiculite deposit, which is mined and processed for sale worldwide.

Palabora’s operation employees around 2,200 people. The large block cave mine in connected with the company’s smelter and refinery complex, and works closely with the company’s vermiculite operation. However, their attention goes beyond these operations,

3 Leyd Street P.O. Box 759 PHALABORWA 1390

Tel: (015) 781 6000 / 0879 / 6530 Fax: (015) 781 6032 / 086 587 4656 E-mail: info@lacrushers.co.za www.lacrushers.co.za

LA Crushers utilises its wealth of experience, extensive fleet of trucks and machinery, and highly skilled operators to undertake a wide range of operations.

Mining – Load & Haul • Materials Handling • Civils and Earthworks Rehabilitation • Crushing, Screening and Ready-Mix

Endeavour Magazine | 45

PALABORA MINING COMPANY LTD with the company deeply involved with the surrounding area: the

to 700 meters on the periphery, rendering Palabora a world-class

mines are located close to Kruger National Park, protected land

mine.”

and a popular eco-tourism attraction for South Africa. With this

Geographically, the mine’s actual production footprint is small,

proximity comes a responsibility to ensure that their operations do

measuring in at only 650 by 200 meters wide, with 20 production

not impact negatively on the park. In response to this, and as a

cross-cuts and 320 draw-points. As the company explains, “With the

part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, Palabora have

coarse fragmentation of the ore body, a high degree of secondary

committed some of their staff and resources to coordinating several

breaking activities is required to treat hang-ups and oversize; and

onsite wildlife management and cultural heritage programmes,

to keep ore flowing through the draw-points for the loaders to

designed to protect and promote the nature and cultural history of

haul.” The mine’s construction was completed in late 2004, and by

the area. They also work closely with many of the communities in the

May 2005, operations were impressively already producing 30,000

area to strive to support them and boost economic development.

tons.

This community responsibility is all a part of Palabora’s high

Ore from the mine is carried to be processed both by haulage

standards for itself. As the company states, “Palabora strives to grow

vehicles and then, once it has been crushed to a manageable

sustainably and profitably while delivering excellent value to all our

size, an efficient conveyor system. “Our fleet of Load-Haul-Dump

stakeholders. We achieve this through the efforts of our talented

vehicles tip 3,000 buckets of ore per day into four jaw crushers

people, safe operational practices, best-in-class technology and a

on the northern side of the footprint. Ore is reduced to less than

commitment to excellence in all we do.”

220mm and fed onto a high-capacity conveyor system up to the

Palabora describes its copper mine, an underground block-cave,

shaft complex from where it is hoisted to the surface.”

as a “benchmark for integrated design. No other block-cave mine

During processing, a dried copper concentrate is blended with

has been put into as competent an ore-body. The block height of

fine quartz flux and process materials, which are recycled from

the cave reaches a record 450 meters in the centre, increasing up

upstream for sustainability. It is then put through a reverberatory

RSV, founded in 1991, is a leading engineering and project management group of companies serving the mining, metallurgical and industrial markets.

RSV is a company with extensive experience of mining projects in Africa and internationally. During the past 18 years RSV has undertaken numerous engineering and project management assignments for the Palabora Mining Company (PMC)

P.O. Box 62532, Marshalltown, 2017, South Africa Tel: +27 11 227 3000 Web: www.rsv.co.za 46 | Endeavour Magazine

furnace burning at 1,400°Cm which separates the melted material

uses are extremely varied, from insulation and fire proofing to soil

into two layers – a layer of copper and a layer of unwanted slag.

preparation, brake linings and the absorption of hazardous liquids.

The process then continues to blow hot air through the material

With so many resources passing through their systems, and at

to oxidise any sulphur or iron in the mix, allowing it to be removed,

such impressive quantities, Palabora’s mines are a constant hub of

and ultimately resulting in blister copper that is 98% pure. Again

activity: “The mine practices full calendar operations, with 24-hour

in the name of sustainability and to avoid waste, excess heat from

workdays, 365 days per year. We utilize 3-hour by 8-hour shifts

this process is then used to melt the facility’s internal recycling and

per day, keeping the underground abuzz with focused activity at all

copper scraps.

times. Production, maintenance and service activities are carefully

Meanwhile, mining at Palabora’s adjacent vermiculite resource

scheduled to obtain maximum benefit from the footprint, fixed

is carried out by ‘blasting’ the ore in the 50-meter-deep pit. The

plant and production machinery; and optimal output from our

ore is then loaded onto trucks and transported to the surface to

competent work teams.”

the processing plant, where it is crushed, screened, stockpiled

With such constant activity in a high-risk heavy industry,

and dried. Finally, the material is passed through cross-currents

maintaining safety standards is just as importance to Palabora as the

designed to remove the lighter flakes from denser ones; crude

purity of their product. As well as keeping high safety standards and

vermiculite appears as golden-brown flakes, and its grades are

regulations in place, focus is given to every one of their 2,200-strong

classified depending on particle size. This scale ranges from coarse

staff. “Safety is personalised, with our teams practicing a ‘high-care’

grades at 8mm to 2.8mm, to the finest grade at 0.710mm to

attitude towards all team members. Employees are also encouraged

0.250mm.

through extensive training and operational guidelines to be directly

Remarkably, heating vvermiculite expands the material to many

responsible for their own safety.”

times its original size. This process is called “exfoliation”, and is carried out commercially to prepare the material for use. These

Endeavour Magazine | 47

AMAZING WORLD eRoadArlanda: ELECTRIC ROADS

I

n 2016, Endeavour spoke with Scania about

one

of

their

most

BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

Now, developing from what Scania

was the first to use the road, but in theory,

exciting

learned, Sweden is opening another first.

any existing electric car should be able to

achievements – the world´s first electric

The eRoadArlanda project has begun testing

pick up the charge.

road. The aim of these roads is to create

a similar technology, but this time, it can

Again, this test-road is about 2km long,

routes that charge electric vehicles as

be used by the public! Instead of needing

but the Swedish Transport Administration

they drive, removing the heavy reliance on

an adapted vehicle, the new roads should

has already drawn up plans for national

charging stations and greatly increasing the

charge any electric car or truck. If successful,

expansion of the technology. For an idea

practicality of electric vehicles. Located near

this technology could change everything we

of the potential scale, Sweden has roughly

the city of Gävle, the pioneering 2km stretch

know about vehicle fuel.

half a million kilometres of roadway in total,

of road set out to test this technology on

The test road runs between Stockholm

of which 20,000km are highways. The

industrial lorries that had been specially

Arlanda airport and a logistics site outside

Transport Administration are even in talks

adapted to pick up the road’s charge. This

the capital city – in other words, a frequently

with Berlin about a future international

industry-heavy route was also accessible by

used stretch of road by a mass of small and

network.

cars, but the benefits of the electric road

heavy vehicles alike. A former diesel-fuelled

On paper, the technology behind the

weren’t transferable – yet.

truck owned by the logistics firm PostNord

road sounds relatively simple: an electric rail

48 | Endeavour Magazine

Finally, the system is even able to calculate

new road time to be tested, so that any need

each vehicle’s energy consumption, which is

for improvements can be observed before

where that pesky element of paying for your

the technology is more broadly spread. By

fuel comes in.

electrifying all 20,000km of the country’s

Safety is also, of course, a major concern

highways, it is believed that cars would be

that the eRoadArlanda project has been

able to travel between these roads without

careful to take into account. The two tracks

ever running out of charge. However,

below the road apparently work as a form of

charging stations would presumably be

wall outlet, with the electricity itself running

required at people’s homes or in cities and

five or six centimetres down. This means

remote locations to account for drives who

no electricity runs along the surface itself;

only make small-road journeys.

according to the eRoadArlanda team, you

This technology is still in development;

could flood the roads with salt water and still

eventually, perhaps the kinetic energy

walk safely on it in bare feet.

of traveling vehicles will feed in to the

As consciousness about sustainable

electricity used for charge, or perhaps solar

energy increases globally, national grids in

technology on the roads’ surfaces will be able

Europe and around the world are looking for

to contribute. There are many directions this

affordable and manageable ways to move

technology could develop in, but this step

with two tracks is embedded into the road,

away from oil and coal, which has placed

forward is exciting proof that Sweden are

and these tracks transfer electricity via a

a growing focus on the improvement of

dedicated to this concept. Electric cars have

movable arm that attaches to the bottom of

battery storage technology. This new road’s

existed as a possibility for about as long as

vehicles. However, a great deal of thought

ability to charge cars as they drive, rather

fuel cars, but have tragically remained stuck

has gone into this design to make sure it is

than the vehicles needing to read spread-

in the slow lane; perhaps finally, it could be

intuitive enough to function safely, as well

out charging stations, would allow electric

their turn to overtake.

as to save power. The arm between the

car batteries to be smaller, and would also

vehicle and the road detaches whenever

lower manufacturing costs.

the vehicle moves to overtake, and then re-

These lowered costs are an attractive

attached when it is back in place. The road

prospect for Sweden; the country has

is also divided into separate 50m sections

pledged to achieve independence from

that are only powered when a vehicle is

fossil fuel by 2030, an ambitious pledge

above them, thus saving energy on empty

that requires a 70% reduction in the

road. When a vehicle stops on a section

transportation sector.

of road, the current is also disconnected.

The Swedish government are giving this Endeavour Magazine | 49

LEGAL COMPLIANCE AUDIT AND ITS PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN TESTING LEGAL COMPLIANCE IN THE AFFAIRS OF AN ORGANIZATION.

A legal compliance audit is an evaluation of an organization’s operations to determine its compliance with the laws and regulations that apply to its operations. In Tanzania the audit firms generally are mainly conducting legal audit and compliance. However, Vemma Attorneys having realized that, to ensure strict compliance, legal compliance audit is supposed to be done thoroughly by legal firms. Having realized this gap, Vemma Attorneys provides these services to its clients in order to ensure this gap is covered and our Clients are compliant within the ambits of corporate governance.

The audit checklist guides the evaluation process by checking the company’s performance against legal standards and identifying areas where adherence needs to be stricter and compliant. Many areas in companies operations are subject to legal oversight but the major areas an organizational legal audit compliance checklist should cover are labour and employment relations, corporate governance and health and safety.

LABOUR LAWS The labour laws and its regulations arguably are the main area which require a thorough check, not only for the curbed complex involving the latter but also it is considered as a compliance risk involving the relationship of the employer and employees at the workplace. Subsequently on conducting a thorough examination on the human resource practices, there are requisite requirements which needs to be adhered including testing the employment contracts, policies vis a viz the contents of the Employment and Labour Relations Act, 2004 and its regulations such as job description, working hours, salary and fringe benefits, length of the contract, entitled leave, incapacity, illness and sick pay and termination and other labour laws and policies in place to include collective bargaining and trade union practices.

The examination should go further to determine the policies in place and if at all the employees acknowledge the existence of such policies by reading and signing and to be more effective the policies are supposed to be displayed at conspicuous place so that each employee can read and understand their existence.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Corporate governance is one key element in improving organization efficiency and growth as well as enhancing investor confidence. Good Corporate governance also provides the structure through which the objectives of the company are set, and the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance are determined. In order for corporate governance to take part organizations are expected to comply with various governance laws and observe transparency, accountability, ethical code of conduct and sustainability. A legal compliance audit checklist should probe areas of the organization’s corporate governance practices; the examination may look into the appointments of directors, staff employment, procurement, annual general meetings, tax remittances (Corporate Tax, Withholding Tax, VAT, Stamp Duty, Capital Gains Tax) and company returns at the respective registry. For example under the Companies Act, Cap 212 the post compliance requisites after registration include: To keep a register of your company’s members (shareholders); To file the company’s Annual Returns in every year; To annex to the annual returns certified copies of Accounts and Auditors Reports related to the said returns; A company must hold an Annual General Meeting in every year and keep all its minutes; A company is required to keep proper Books of Accounts; To state your company’s incorporation number on any document you deliver to the Registrar for registration; To notify the Registrar of any changes of the company’s registered particulars kept by the Registrar; To register any charges created by your company.

In the same sequel corporate governance examination should probe into conducting regulatory review depending on the sector that the company that audit is conducted is falling, like on the banking sector the regulations imposed by Bank of Tanzania (BoT) should be checked to ensure compliance, the same for telecommunications companies under Tanzania Communications and Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Insurance Firms, Brokerage and Agencies under Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), for contractors under Contractors Registration Board (CRB), for aviation under Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, (TCAA) energy sector under Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (EWURA), for transportation both surface and marine under the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) and the same applies for Forest Industry (natural and plantations), bee reserves and bee resources under the semi-autonomous government agency of Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS). The examination should went further to audit on the review of contracts including management of contracts to meet the set goals, existing litigation and or, arbitration proceedings as well as employment disputes pending before the court of laws and their consequences or advise on the best alternative dispute resolution to avoid incurring costs and resources.

HEALTH AND SAFETY Health and Safety is another area of potential compliance risk while conducting compliance audit to ascertain organizational compliance on the health and safety. Organizations are subject to various health and safety laws, policies and directives such as Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), which distinguish health, and safety that apply to different sectors. The coming into force of Worker’s Compensation Act, which provides compensation for employees injured or incapacitated in the course of employment, all employers are required to contribute to the established Workers Compensation Fund (WCF). Private Sector is supposed to contribute 1% and Public Sector 0.5% of their annual wage bill. The contributions are due on monthly basis. In conducting the audit a checklist that covers the laws under health and safety are paramount to be examined in order to address every compliance risk.

The legal compliance audit not only prevents unnecessary penalties upon spotted incompliant with regulators but has proved to be key element in improving organization efďŹ ciency, growth and provide an enabling climate for organization to operate and thrive within the realms of compliant structures.

FURTHER INFORMATION: This editorial is intended to give you a general over view of the Law. If you would like further information on any issue raised in this column, please contact.

Patrick Sanga Partner E: p.sanga@vemmaattorneys.co.tz M: +255 686 999 993 Haika-Belinda Macha Partner E: hb.macha@vemmaattorneys.co.tz M: +255 688 305 999

GHANA CHAMBER OF MINES WWW.GHANACHAMBEROFMINES.ORG // 00233 302 760652

DIGGING DEEPER EVERY YEAR Founded on a desire to be unified voice for the mining industry, the Ghana Chamber of Mines has never been willing to shy away from education, open communication and community spirit. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at how the chamber operates and the effect it is having on a tough marketplace.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

GHANA CHAMBER OF MINES

Citing its underlying mission as being “to represent the

mining industry in Ghana using the resources and capabilities of its members to deliver services that address members, government and community needs, in order to enhance development”, the Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM) has made incredible inroads into what could be seen as a competitive, not cooperative industry.

W

ith an impressive legacy stretching all the way back to

the chamber at its very core and when we start to think about how

1038, the GCM is a one-stop shop for the representation

necessary the GCM actually is, these values become all the more

of collective interests of all reputable mineral exploration

laudable.

companies, in addition to those operations that produce and process mineral ores. Self-funded and entirely self-contained,

WHY IS THE GCM SO ESSENTIAL?

the chamber is supported by financial donations from members,

The mining industry in Ghana makes up 5% of the country’s

making it the perfect model of an advisory body that works for,

GDP and as such, requires thorough governance, protection

with and thanks to its members.

and development. These are only possible through open and

Having survived a number of administrative changes and

honest communication, the sharing of ideas and information

structural developments, the chamber, as it stands now, was

and experienced representation, all of which are promoted and

converted into a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1964, with

encouraged by the GCM. It’s also critical that workers’ rights are

new offices being opened three short years later. Since then, the

protected, as the need for reliable team members is only ever going

organisation has gone from strength to strength without ever

to increase, though illegal miners invading the marketplace are

negating the all-important focus on members:

continually threatening this.

“The Chamber has remained a voluntary private sector

Aligning with none of the core values of the chamber and giving

employers’ association representing companies and organisations

little consideration to workers’ rights or the continued economic

engaged in the minerals and mining industry in Ghana. Programmes

stability of Ghana as a whole, illegal mining operations are a

and activities of the chamber are funded entirely by its member

scourge on the otherwise immaculate landscape of the minerals

companies, which are largely responsible for producing almost all

exploration industry and needs to be stamped out. The GCM has

of Ghana’s minerals.”

risen to the challenge of taking on illegal mining, especially in the

Naturally, there are strict covenants as to the way the chamber presents itself in the marketplace and as such, it operates in accordance with the values that are expected from all members.

wake of the shocking death of John Owusu, the former Public Relations Director of the Anglogold Ashanti mine.

Speaking about the influx of illegal activity, the chamber

corporate

commented that: “The country stands to lose heavily if the activities

citizenship, commitment and unity are the pillars which support

of the illegal miners are allowed to fester (…). There is a clear and

Honesty,

transparency,

54 | Endeavour Magazine

good

governance,

good

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BRINGING MORE TO MINING

GHANA CHAMBER OF MINES present danger to our environment and to Ghana’s economy as

would undermine Ghana’s efforts at attracting and sustaining the

illegal miners fight large-scale mining companies for concessions

much-needed investment into the mining industry.”

the latter have obtained legally. This in itself breeds a sense of

A two-pronged attack seems to be the order of the day, with the

insecurity and fear among investors, which will cause a slowdown

GCM protecting the rights of stand-up operations and supporting

in investment in the country’s minerals sectors.”

them wherever possible, with regular newsletters, conferences and

This in itself raises a very important question. How can Ghana

educational content and the Government being called on to install

continue to sell itself as a promising prospect for foreign investment,

military protection at legal mining sites. By working cooperatively,

therefore strengthening the wider economy, if security can’t be

the unsavory element that has been steadily creeping into the

guaranteed, thanks to illegal mining and violent confrontations?

Ghana mining industry can be effectively dealt with, without any

With the country earning little to nothing off the back of illegal

of the specialist focus points being overlooked, such as health

mining, it stands to reason that legal operations should be given

and safety.

more support than ever before, which is why the GCM has been

Demonstrating a natural gift for protecting the rights of legal

conversing and working closely with the Government, to encourage

miners, as well as their wellbeing, issues pertinent to safe operation

change:

are highlighted through annual health and safety competitions, as

“Honestly, the country earns next to nothing from the activities

well as strategic communications. This really does give a rounded

of these illegal miners. Only a few unscrupulous individuals benefit

impression of how hard every member of the GCM’s council needs

from it. It is no secret that the Government loses significant

to work and how accountable every member mining company

amounts of fiscal revenue every year as a result of such illegal

needs to be.

mining activities. Apart from projecting a bad image for the entire

It’s no secret that education leads to development, innovation

mining sector, the repercussions to the environment are ominous.

and communication, but it’s still relatively rare to discover an

If the activities of the illegal miners are not nipped in the bud it

association that is as intrinsically committed to these endeavours

Working in partnership with international mining companies, PW Mining is a major contractor in the development of Africa’s Goldfields.

Working in partnership with international mining companies, PW Mining is a major contractor in the development of Africa’s Goldfields.

We have completed mining projects in Ghana for AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Wexford Goldfields, Satellite Goldfields and Resolute. Our civil engineering division works successfully for Newmont in Ghana. Other contracts have been undertaken in Burkina Faso, Mali, Sierra Leone and Tanzania. Our expertise is geared to support large and small operations in the remotest and most testing conditions.

We have completed mining projects in Ghana for AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Wexford Goldfields, Satellite Goldfields and Resolute. Our civil engineering division works successfully for Newmont in Ghana. Other contracts have been undertaken in Burkina Faso, Mali, Sierra Leone and Tanzania. Our expertise is geared to support large and small operations in the remotest and most testing conditions.

Contact: Tony O’Neill PW Mining International Ltd., 10 Abidjan Avenue, East Legon, Accra, Ghana.

Tel: +233 302 518112 - 6 Fax: +233 302 518117

Email: pwg@pwmil.com

Contact: Tony O’Neill PW Mining International Ltd., 10 Abidjan Avenue, East Legon, Accra, Ghana.

56 | Endeavour Magazine

Tel: +233 302 518112 - 6 Fax: +233 302 518117 Email: pwg@pwmil.com

as the GCM is. By stamping out the illegal miners, lifting those that operate within the law and for the benefit of Ghana as a whole and seeking to invest into the local economy, the GCM is leading the

ADDING VALUE. DE

charge in terms of industry support systems and maybe it’s time for others to dig a little deeper and find a similar amount of resolve and resilience.

Sulemanu Koney, CEO of the chamber, is looking to the future and offers a fantastic final word in terms of what can reasonably be expected, in the coming years: “The chamber’s presence on the internet is designed to harness the potential of information technology to disseminate information, facts and figures that will educate and correct the misinformation about the impacts of mining in Ghana. More importantly, it is envisaged that the website will become a useful tool to bridge the barriers of communication between our industry and the various publics.”

KNIGHT PIESOLD GHANA LIMITED was incorporated in 1996 and since that time has provided specialist Engineering, Environmental and Materials Testing services to the Mining sector within Ghana and neighboring West Africa countries.

The Knight Piésold group, of which Knight Piésold Ghana is part, is an Geotechnical Materia international company of consulting Engineers and Environmental scientists providing services to public Knight Piésold Ghanaand Ltd. private sector clients the Water, Power, Mining Housein No.20 2nd Close Airport Residential and Environmental fields. Area P.O Box C4122 Cantonments Accra

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NATIONAL ENERGY WWW.NATIONALENERGY.TT // 001 868 636 8471

POWERING UP A wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, National Energy is committed to supporting the infrastructure and development of the nation’s gas-based energy industry and monetising the country’s extensive natural gas resources to the benefit of this industrial hub.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

NATIONAL ENERGY

As we all know, Trinidad & Tobago is an oil & gas reliant

industrial hub with key ports in LNG shipping. In fact, as the third richest country in the Americas by GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) after the United States and Canada, Trinidad and Tobago moved up six places in The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report in 2017. As such, the management of the islands’ energy is a demanding task, as is the management and utilisation of their hydrocarbon resources.

S

ince we last spoke with National Energy (then the National Energy Corporation or NEC), the company has been engaging in all enterprises within the hydrocarbon-based and energy-

intensive industries, with a view to further promoting, developing and

facilitating

downstream

energy-based

industries

and

businesses on the islands.

National Energy was incorporated in 1979 as National Energy

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Our services include but are not limited to: Import Clearance • Door to Door Service Export Processing • Transport Services 60 | Endeavour Magazine

Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago to continue the work first started by the Coordinating Task Force in monetising the country’s natural gas resources, as well as developing and managing industrial and marine infrastructure. National Energy was also involved in the construction and operation of the early petrochemical plants and the port and marine infrastructure which service all plants at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

Today National Energy (nee National Energy Corporation) is well positioned as the force that will drive the expansion of the energy sector into the future. The company is taking a proactive approach to promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s energy brand regionally and internationally, including the company’s recent re-naming and re-branding, as well as continuing to execute the development of energy projects and infrastructure under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs.

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Cell# 868-755-7245 or 868-390-8555, Telefax 868-691-5926, Email seatekel@gmail.com Endeavour Magazine | 61

NATIONAL ENERGY In its primary role as overseer to the nation’s gas-based

industrial estates and deep-water ports, as well as the development

industrial infrastructure, National Energy is responsible for the

and management of the existing La Brea and Union Industrial

development and identification of new industrial estates, as well

Estates. However, whilst the company is most focused on in-region

as the deep-water ports that service them, with such projects

projects, it is also turning its eye overseas, investigating ways to

providing a crucial contribution to the national economy through

ship its knowledge and expertise to the energy sections in Guyana

the creation of strategic national assets in the marine, energy

and Suriname.

and infrastructure sectors. This covers work in procurement,

Similar to this overseas outreach, NEC also hosts supplier

design, project implementation and supervision of publicly funded

forums that seek to promote and introduce suppliers from the

projects, and involves working closely with and going between the

oil and gas industries, and well as raising awareness about their

Government, local and international investors, consultants and

internal processes. At these forums, suppliers are able to network

contractors.

and meet each other, as well as forming stronger bonds with

On top of this, the NEC is also responsible for the maintenance

NEC’s staff themselves. This somewhat unique approach is NEC’s

and management of Trinidad and Tobago’s two existing industrial

preferred way to of build relationships with existing and potential

estates and port facilities, which are essential in servicing the

suppliers. Even after these summits, communication and direct

nation’s energy and industrial sectors and overseeing the import

interaction between themselves and their suppliers is key to NEC;

and export requirements of petrochemical and metal plants.

they believe in keeping lines of communication open at all times,

Although NEC continues to focus on the above areas, its

allowing in-house staff and supplier companies to interact easily as

current mandate also includes identifying and developing new

one team. Similarly, this focus on bonds means NEC prefer forming

62 | Endeavour Magazine

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Endeavour Magazine | 63

NATIONAL ENERGY long-term relationships over flitting between loyalties to chase the

ongoing competency and ever-improving abilities. Within this,

lowest price; instead, their approach builds trust between steady

there is also a strong focus on career development and promotion

relationships, allowing for credit on larger purchases and more

from within. As NEC see it, in an industry that is always evolving

secure business for both parties. That said, they dissuade nepotism

and growing, the development of each employee is crucial for

by reminding their suppliers to stay competitive!

standards to remain high and employees’ training to stay relevant.

When asked what exciting developments they had on the

In doing so, they keep ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago are not

horizon, NEC were keen to mention their integrated Melamine/

only benefiting from high standards themselves, but can continue

Formaldehyde cluster project at Union Industrial Estate. This

their trend-setting global rise.

project aims to utilise locally produced melamine and methanol to create higher valued products, such as Oriented Strand Board and Veneer Products. A first for Trinidad and Tobago, the project also seeks to bridge the gap between the energy and manufacturing sectors of the economy.

NEC currently employ around 130 people, not including their many highly skilled subcontractors. The development of their employees is a serious matter to the company, with Personal Development Plans developed for every individual on the NEC payroll. Great attention is paid not only to staff’s training, but their

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64 | Endeavour Magazine

AUTOMOTIVES THE AWARDING WINNING PEUGEOT 5008 SUV RRP STARTING AT £24,139.00

I

’ve harboured a soft spot for Peugeots ever since my early days owning the nowclassic 205 GTI. It was aggressive and fun

- just what every teenager wanted.

The new 5008 is a world apart from the boy racer’s GTI: it’s a spacious, refined, comfortable SUV that manages to feel like a nimbler, smaller vehicle when you drive it. This car is as attractive as it is practical: it oozes style from every angle and has a strong presence on the road. Our test model was the 2.0 BlueHDi 150 StopStart EU6 GT Line in emerald green - a stunning and unusual look.

Peugeot are continually winning awards, and the 5008 is no exception. This model has already won What Car’s Best Large SUV car of the Year 2018, and CCT Award’s 2018 SUV of the Year.

In essence, Peugeot have taken the winning formula of the 3008, made it 20cm longer and added two extra seats. Although this isn’t a 4x4, the 5008 does utilise an intuitive electronic drive system that gives great grip and rewards you with a brilliantly settled ride from back roads to motorway cruising.

The interior to this stunning vehicle is just as lovely as the exterior: from the large infotainment touch screen to the digital wrap dash and dials, the design is incredibly engaging and well thought out. The mix of

its rivals. Every seat has ample leg room

the small steering wheel on the 5008 would

top-quality plastic, leather and cloth give

available, yet the roof height can be an issue.

be just as at home on a go-kart. This design

the cabin a sophisticated look, and the dash

I am 5’11 and my head was close to the roof

choice is a bit like Marmite - you either love it

piano keys add a real touch of class. The

in the back seats - it was barley touching,

or hate it. Personally, I got used to it quickly,

cabin also has good storage throughout,

but the experience felt a little oppressive.

and realised that it had a practical side to it;

besides the tiny glove box, which ironically

These three full-sized passenger seats can

it was nice to see the dials above the wheel

would probably only hold gloves.

all slide and recline to gain a bit more head

rather than having to peer through it, and

The higher ride height of the SUV is also

room, though, and when you move further

it also gave the car a sporty feel - it’s only

a plus, offering safety and visibility a-plenty.

back to the additional seats in the rear, there

when you look in the mirror that you are

The rear-view is slightly compromised by

is strangely more headroom.

reminded you are in a big SUV.

the length of the vehicle, but no more than 66 | Endeavour Magazine

In an odd contrast with its large build,

The 5008 can comfortably carry seven

are the Active, Allure, GT Line, GT Line

I love Peugeot’s commitment to safety,

Premium and then finally the GT. All models

and it’s going strong in this car. All 5008s

have an awesome level of equipment: ABS,

come with V-AEB, which is Peugeot’s

alarm, auto door locks, electronic hill assist

Automatic Emergency Braking system, as

parking brake, Bluetooth, USB, halogen

standard. In case of an emergency, the

lights…the list goes on! Our model also came

electronic sensors will always react much

with a driver’s massage seat, three fragrance

quicker that a driver and avoid the incident.

air fresheners that pump through the air

This system has proven to save lives and, in

people, but you do have to arrange them

vents, and bundles of other goodies. There

my opinion, should be made standard on all

in the seats based on their height! When

is too much to list in full, but needless to say

cars, but sadly it isn’t.

all seven seats are in use, there is very little

you won’t want for much. Rather than me

To sum up the 5008 is easy: Peugeot

boot space - really only enough for a couple

list everything over the next few pages, go

have taken the fantastic and award winning

of small suitcases. However, in the car’s

and check them out at your nearest dealer.

3008 and made it more practical and family

normal five-seat mode, the boot is a really

There is a good range of engines

friendly. If you are looking for a stylish and

good size: at its max with the rear two seats

available, from a 1.2 turbo petrol to a 2litre

capable seven-seater. this could well fit the

removed and the back three folded out of

diesel, all returning very good MPG. If you

bill. It is certainly worth a test drive, and I

the way, it offers a cavernous 2150 litres.

are planning to carry seven people regularly

challenge you not to be impressed.

There are five 5008 models to choose from: starting from the most basic up, they

then I would suggest you go for one of the bigger engines.

Endeavour Magazine | 67

SKODA KAROQ SE TECHNOLOGY

RRP £22,230

A

pril 2018 was a big month for me. I had a weekend away in Brighton to run in their annual marathon: I ran a marathon

ten years ago, and bad planning led to a burn out at 18 miles and dragging myself the final eight. It has taken me ten years to pluck up the courage to give it another go.

There were five of us running together, so we wanted to travel the 400-mile round trip in a relaxing and comfortable car, to be as fresh as we could for the big day. I imagine a Skoda might not be everyone’s first choice, but I was glad it was mine!

Skoda originated in the Czech Republic, and in the early years their cars had a certain

with voice control, Bluetooth, adaptive

inside is a lovely place to be. The cloth

reputation that wasn’t to be boasted about,

cruise control with a speed limiter, an 8”

seats looked fantastic and were extremely

but in 2000, they became a wholly owned

touchscreen

touchscreen

comfortable. with the materials used being

subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. Today,

display, automatic headlights, automatic

perfect. What’s more, all of the switchgears

the VW influence is so strong that you could

braking, duel-zone climate control, parking

are in the right place, are easy to use and

remove the badging from Skoda, Audi, VW

sensors, electronic parking brake with auto

feel satisfying.

and Seat and most would be hard pressed to

hold (great for hill starts!), auto rain sensor

There are four engines to choose from

know which car was which.

wipers, an auto rear dimming mirror, tables

with the Skoda Karoq: a 1-liter 115PS petrol,

There are just four models of the Skoda

for the passengers in the back, and even an

1.5-liter 150PS petrol, 1-liter 115PS diesel

Karoq to choose from, starting at the SE,

umbrella under the passenger’s seat! There is

and finally, the 2-liter 150 PS Diesel. Ours

SE Technology, SE L and finally the Edition.

more I could mention, but I guess that you’ve

was the 1.5 turbo petrol engine, which

Ours was the Karoq SE Technology, which is

grasped the idea of how many features this

gives more than enough grunt to propel

the second specification model in the range.

car backs - it’s incredibly impressive.

this car along at up to 126 mph and 0-62

infotainment

This car is anything but basic. Although a

What’s more, the car is a real looker

in just 8.4 seconds. Our fully laden trip to

basic model, you still get plenty of features:

both inside and out - it is quality through

Brighton involved a bit of town driving, but

alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, a leather

and through. Getting into the car, the doors

the majority was motorway miles, and it still

steering wheel, an eight speaker stereo

open and shut with a reassuring clunk, and

returned around 51mpg.

68 | Endeavour Magazine

In fact, on my return from the marathon weekend, I had been so impressed with the Karoq that I went out of my way and visited my local Skoda garage to check out their whole range of cars. I have been testing and reviewing cars for years and I have never done this before. At the dealers, I was amazed at the cars Skoda now offer. Now, please bear in mind I was smitten with the Karoq, but there were two more cars that really stood out for me. The first was the Superb Sportline, a 280 PS sports car. This car reminded me of my old Audi A7 with its looks and the build quality, but was available at around half the cost. The second was a Kodiq 7-seater. This model was in a luxurious deep blue with a cream leather interior, and it was nothing short of magnificent.

Skoda are a force to be reckoned with.

I can’t remember the last car I was so impressed by: couple that statement up with the fact that this was their basic model, and it is nothing short of amazing.

A final note to add is that the five of us who ran in the marathon all achieved times we were all delighted with. I followed my plan to the letter and lay my demons to bed. I didn’t repeat the hideous experience of before, but replaced it with a strong and joyous 26.2 mile run! With five tired and aching runners on the return journey in the Skoda, I can tell you without a doubt that the Karoq is comfort. The only moaning I heard was at not being able to agree on which fast food to refuel on - burgers or chicken!

Endeavour Magazine | 69

DEENDAYAL PORT TRUST WWW.DEENDAYALPORT.GOV.IN // 91 2836 238055

A PORT FOR THE WORLD It’s no secret that the key to a successful and burgeoning economy is a reliable and effective import/export infrastructure and that’s where India appears to have a global edge. The Deendayal Port Trust is leading the way in terms of volume cargo handling and expansion, which is why Endeavour Magazine decided to find out more.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

DEENDAYAL PORT TRUST

Dating back to 1931, when it was a mere jetty, the

Deendayal Port is a project steeped in maritime history and traditions, but don’t for one second assume that it is stuck in the past. Far from it in fact, as the port has consistently grown, developed and accounted for diversified needs and challenges in a bid to demonstrate an innovative, not to mention intuitive, approach to essential infrastructure design.

N

ow officially recognised as the number one port in India, a title

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held for a spectacularly impressive nine years, the Deendayal Port Trust benefits from a convenient placement, as well as a

visionary management team and combined, these elements have led to phenomenal success. What’s more, there is no sign of things slowing down.

Boasting an infinitely convenient location, the Deendayal Port Trust is “…a seaport in the Kutch District of Gujarat state, in western India, near the city of Gandhidham. The port was constructed in the 1950s as the chief seaport serving western India, after the partition

Air freight forwarding, shipping logistics, consolidation, warehousing & distribution, sea logistics

of India from Pakistan left the port of Karachi in Pakistan. Today, it is the largest port of India, by volume of cargo handled.”

Born out of a necessity for additional port services after the partition of India from Pakistan, the Deendayal Port Trust has always had a facet of necessity at its core, which is still being built upon now, but we’ll come to future developments in due course. It’s safe to say that whatever is being planned, the site will definitely be able to handle any increase in cargo handling, as it is already coping magnificently with just shy of 73 million tonnes per annum.

Aiming to be one of the most economical and contemporary ports in the world, while maintaining a steely focus on offering clients cost-effective services and solutions, the team at the Deendayal Port Trust are beholden to a clear and defined mission statement that adequately sums up everything the enterprise really stands for: “Deendayal Port will emerge as a vibrant, world-class, multi-cargo port offering services at multiple locations and having a dominant share of regional cargo by virtue of its ability to effectively

72 | Endeavour Magazine

DEENDAYAL PORT TRUST leverage its locations and land resources for facilitation of the

and potential new clients. With steadfast storage, dry dock and

growth of economic activities and investments, with the objective

clearance facilities already helping to carve an enviably admired

of developing mutually beneficial and sustainable linkages with

global name for the trust, the new strategies look set to really set

port based industries and users, thereby making Deendayal the

it in stone.

driver of economic growth in the region.”

In the short-term, there are numerous small improvements

Aligning beautifully with this ultimate end goal are the key

being made to retain all current clients and cargo contracts. With

objectives of the Trust, which are refreshingly sustainable and

this in mind, cost-efficiency is of the utmost importance, as is a

responsible. It will come as no surprise that eco initiatives and

pro-active marketing strategy. Some modernisation of the rail

ethical practices are becoming ever more essential in big business,

network will certainly help to keep things moving, both literally and

but who could have ever predicted that a busy port would be

metaphorically too, but it’s the medium and long-term plans that

leading the charge?

really promise to bring the Deendayal Port Trust into a whole new

Determined to not only satisfy clients in terms of costs and standards, but also timeframes, there are many new practices being

era: “The long-term strategy of the port will be to offer adequate

implemented by the management team at the Deendayal Port

infrastructure

Trust, all of which are proving beneficial for the wider community.

infrastructure developments, deepening the channel to handle

‘Peaceful industrial relations’ are listed amongst the most vital

vessels up to 14 metres, the installation of Eight ELL cranes of

outcomes, alongside social development and environmentally

20/25 tonnes capacity and more.”

friendly innovations and given that a period of growth is being embarked upon, there’s a lot to be excited about.

and

competitive

tariffs,

through

additional

The team went on to reveal, “Although officials declined to elaborate, given the on-going election code of conduct, it is reliably

Already offering a great swathe of port services, Deendayal is

learnt that the port will soon initiate the process of selecting

set to expand, in a bid to further meet the needs of both existing

developers for four clean cargo berths that together aim to handle

74 | Endeavour Magazine

8 million tonnes of cargo. The four berths will be supported by a 14-metre draft, capable of handling 75,000 dwt vessels. The port has already received encouraging responses, from prospective bidders, for the project, which is estimated to cost nearly 5,000 million INR�

There are few things that can compete with a dynamic schedule of development, but Deendayal has more than a good reputation and potential growth to rely on, when trying to welcome new clients into the fold. A transparent pricing schedule, free storage facilities, complimentary fire-fighting services and extensive specialist equipment all add to an already impressive bill of services and will only continue to keep making a positive impression as the site grows.

Able to demonstrate year-on-year financial performance improvements, a clear commitment to operating within a sustainable and responsible framework and with the best interests and satisfaction of clients always at the core of every endeavour, the Deendayal Port Trust is a name to cast to memory. We will be sure to revisit this enterprising organisation again and look forward to reporting on how the new developments and expansion plans have impacted on the team.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

SAIA WWW.SAIA.CO.ZA // 0027 11 726 5381

INSURING THE FUTURE The insurance industry intrinsically offers peace of mind, but in South Africa, protection comes with an extra side of assurance, in the form of the South African Insurance Association. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at what makes this representative body such a linchpin of the sector.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

SAIA

The insurance industry might not immediately seem like

a sector that enjoys a good deal of heritage, but in the case of the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), there is a legacy of stewardship that spans over 100 years.

O

riginally founded in 1907 as the Council of Fire Insurance

close links to the SAIA. The SAIA also supports the South African

Companies, the representative body has evolved and adapted

Police Services (SAPS) in combating crime, through participation

over the years, transforming into the SAIA of today in 1973 -

in various Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) initiatives.

but what exactly does it seek to do?

“The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) is the

The SAIA donates a significant amount of money to BACSA on an annual basis to further specifically identified relevant initiatives.”

representative body of the short-term insurance industry. It

Putting aside archaic jokes about insurance being daylight

represents the industry to all relevant stakeholders, to ensure a

robbery, it’s impressive to observe such a commitment to best

sustainable and dynamic short-term insurance industry.”

and legal practices, but the inherent community responsibility

Given the vital importance of fair and reliable insurance

doesn’t end with these allegiances. Recognising the importance

premiums, it makes sense that a body has been set-up in order to

of better road safety in the country, the SAIA, in partnership with

oversee all relevant companies and parties involved, but there’s so

BACSA, is constantly looking to improve initiatives that drive better

much more to it than that. Consumers and stakeholders alike can

awareness.

take comfort in the knowledge that the SAIA is fully operational,

It’s a reassuring notion that an insurance body operates under

as it seeks to promote a fair and sustainable ethos that leads to

a strict mandate of not only maintaining a fair and legitimate

competitive practices and a long-term viable market.

industry, but also improving the landscape and safety of a country

Representing the lion’s share of short-term insurance providers

as a whole, but there is an underlying sense of responsibility in

in South Africa, the SAIA has full authority to negotiate on their

every endeavor undertaken by the SAIA, as the vision of the body

behalf while also playing an active role in both the set-up and

aptly demonstrates, by stating that it aims:

continuation of external organisations that seek to improve the general landscape of South Africa: “In its quest to fight insurance crime, and especially also insurance fraud, the SAIA was instrumental in establishing the South

“To promote and represent the interests of the short-term insurance industry, while leading and enhancing the efforts of the industry to become recognised and trusted as an important contributor to the South African economy and society.”

African Insurance Crime Bureau (SAICB) at the end of 2008. The

This overarching stewardship is tailored and focused in the

SAICB is an independent organisation with its own members and

everyday operations of the governing body, to hone in on the

78 | Endeavour Magazine

people that matter most; the companies that are members of the association, as well as the customers of said organisations. The mission statement of the SAIA states that it is determined to: “Encourage fair and ethical treatment of short-term insurance customers, favourably represent the short-term insurance industry in such a way that all stakeholders have trust and confidence in the industry and to create an environment in which industry members can share information, debate important and relevant issues, and create a common vision for the short-term insurance industry.�

Aiming to also keep any and all stakeholders fully informed of developments and initiatives that might arise, while also promoting awareness of the industry and the impact that it has on the landscape of the South African economy, it’s clear that the SAIA has willingly taken up a mantle of intense responsibility, but with such aplomb.

Insurance companies have a significant impact on every facet of life, so it makes sense that a comprehensive code of conduct was introduced. With some of the most respected regional providers enjoying membership with the SAIA, proper regulation

Endeavour Magazine | 79

SAIA and behavioural guidelines are absolutely essential, to ensure that

of prioritising the needs of one faction above the other, which

everyone is representing the interests of the association and the

makes this an association that neatly accounts for the need of the

insurance industry as a whole, in the most positive way possible:

many, not the few and that’s not easy to do.

“The SAIA and its members are committed to actively contribute

Given that almost everybody needs short-term insurance

to the principles of sustainable insurance practices. This is to ensure

policies of some description, from vehicle and home cover through

that the South African short-term insurance industry remains

to personal accident and travel insurance premiums, the importance

relevant, inspires confidence amongst its stakeholders and offers

of an association such as the SAIA cannot be ignored. As a growth

products and solutions that are beneficial to both the economy and

industry, the South African insurance sector needs proper support

society at large. To support these goals, the SAIA Code of Conduct

and governance and the SAIA will always be on hand to promote

was introduced in 2010 with the purpose of promoting high ethical

best practices and new initiatives, for the benefit of everybody. If

standards and good business practices in the industry, as well as to

that’s not a promise of a lucrative future, what is?

give a clear indication of the self-regulatory guidelines followed by members.”

It takes a knowledgeable and committed board to not only govern high standards within a commercial industry but also offer consumers peace of mind, but that’s exactly what the SAIA manages to balance. Providing an easy way of verifying legitimate insurers, while always keeping member companies informed of any relevant legislation and operational developments, there’s no sense

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80 | Endeavour Magazine

AMAZING WORLD MARCHE DU NAIN ROUGE

T

BY JAMES LAPPING

urn on the news, look at your phone or

or even thousands of years, but some are far

the music genre creating hit after hit with

even go outside, and the chances are

more recent. One hasn’t even made it to its

successful artists such as Stevie Wonder,

that you will be overwhelmed with bad

first decade; a vibrant and chaotic festival

Diana Ross & The Supremes, and Michael

news. We read stories of suffering every day,

from Detroit, Michigan USA - Marche du

Jackson with the Jackson 5. What could stop

which can pile on top of the challenges in

Nain Rouge!

Detroit?

our own lives and leave us feeling hopeless

Detroit. Michigan has been significantly

Yet, in the 1970s, it all began to collapse.

or smothered. In bleak times such as long

downtrodden in recent history. It was a once

The factories left town, Motown moved to

winters or periods of suffering, humans have

prosperous city, challenging to be one of the

the west coast, and the city fell into disrepair.

often responded to hardship by lighting up

greatest cities in the US, alongside New York,

Race riots broke out as tensions rose,

the dark; we create a parade or celebration,

Chicago, and L.A. It homed General Motors

and local communities were left unfairly

often linked with a folktale about driving

and Ford, who in its heyday, produced the

stigmatised. If you walk through Detroit

off the cause of our strife. Most of these

majority of the cars purchased and driven

today, you will see that many factories still

traditions have existed for dozens, hundreds,

within the country. Then there was Motown,

lay abandoned, and block after block of

82 | Endeavour Magazine

you have to know the story behind it.

the citizens of Detroit starting off on the

Legend has it that after Antoine de la

corner of Canfield and Second and ending at

Mothe Cadillac founded the city of Detroit,

the Masonic Temple - a gothic structure that

he crossed the path of a devilish creature

certainly makes a suitable setting for casting

known as Nain Rouge (French for red dwarf/

a devilish creature from the city! Magnificent

imp). Ignoring the prior advice of a fortune

floats are assembled, elaborate outfits are

teller, who had warned him to submit to the

worn, and the parade is teeming with masks,

demands of a figure that crossed his path of

music and embroiled in madness.

his travels, Cadillac shouted, “Get out of my

Taking

aspects

of

already

well-

way, you red imp!”, and hit it with his stick.

established carnivals, such as Mardi Gras in

Subsequently, Cadillac’s fortunes began to

New Orleans, the Marche du Nain Rouge still

fail - he had been cursed by Nain Rouge!

creates a unique atmosphere and has forged

This bad fortune has long been believed to

its own local identity. As with Mardi Gras,

have stayed within the region, and has been

‘Krewes’ form and represent their local areas

blamed for many significant events in Detroit,

within the city, bringing together the vast

such as the economic downturn, riots, and

cultures and peoples that share Detroit as

the poverty that can still be witnessed today.

their home. There are even playful rivalries

The Nain Rouge is even said to have been

with ‘opponents’ to the festival: during the

sighted at the time of some of Detroit’s

celebrations, groups calling themselves ‘The

notorious events over the decades.

Friends of the Nain Rouge’ and ‘We Are Nain

For most, of course, this story is just

Rouge’ have light-heartedly ‘protested’ the

that – a story. Rather than making light of

banishment parade. Their tongue in cheek

the true causes behind Detroit’s suffering,

argument is that the Nain Rouge is not to

however, the legend instead serves as a

blame for the city’s ills, and that considering

much-needed source of stress relief and

Detroit’s population loss, no one should be

celebration. In 2010, the Marche du Nain

banished from the city - particularly those

Rouge was created; according to the official

who have been there the longest! In other

Facebook page, “The idea with the Marche

words, it’s all part of the fun.

was to tap into Detroit’s rich history and use

On the 25th March 2018, the Marche du

the Nain Rouge story as a way for Detroiters

Nain Rouge occurred for the 9th time since

to come together in common purpose. The

its founding in 2010. This may be a relatively

carnival-esque festival calls for all Detroiters

new event for Detroit, but it is nonetheless

houses are left derelict; many citizens still

to don costumes that mask themselves in

already prolific! Recent years have even

suffer from great poverty and live in squalid

front of the Nain Rouge.” In times of turmoil,

pointed towards an upturn in favours for the

conditions in deserted neighbourhoods. It is

it is paramount for communities and people

city, and perhaps the joys of the festival are

not just Detroit that is suffering, either - the

of all walks of life to come together for a

partly accountable for this revitalised spirit.

next town over, Flint, was left with a lead-

common cause: every year, the Marche

Who knows – perhaps Cadillac’s curse really

poisoned water supply - comparable to third

du Nain Rouge brings the city of Detroit

is lifted a little more each year?

world conditions. What caused all of this?

together with the ‘goal’ of casting the devilish

In a world full of pain, division and poor

The complicated answer is a catalytic spiral

imp, Nain Rouge, from the boundaries of

luck, we should rejoice in togetherness.

of socio-economic issues, political event

their proud city.

Even Tommy Wiseau, cult film director, once

and institutionalised prejudices – and yet,

The dynamic, colourful event has been

famously stated, “If a lot of people love each

some people turn to a more supernatural

held every year since, always on the Spring

other, the world would be a better place to

explanation.

Equinox. A parade congregates down an

live.” So, be gone from Detroit, Nain Rouge!

To appreciate Marche du Nain Rouge,

area in the city called the Cass Corridor, with Endeavour Magazine | 83