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EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

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Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2013

C

urrently

we’re

spoilt

for

and news media want us to be affected

choice in as far as global crises

and moved by their stories but rely

and reasons for outrage are

on our shallowness and superficial

concerned and while the mainstream

interest in global events to keep their

media have placed a snipers scope

newspapers and websites moving.

upon a rail-gun in their attempt to

It is the responsibility of the media to

highlight the most important of these

report the news, to make it available

it does feel that the most important

to us and it is the responsibility of the

issues of our time are all fighting for

companies behind the media to supply

their fifteen minutes of fame.

the demand. But it is the increased

As I don’t have a particular position

hunger we have for these global

on the situation in Syria because as it

travesties that suggests a real need by

turns out ‘too many cooks really does

us as people to have too many options

spoil the broth’ I find myself thinking

to choose from thereby removing our

about what’s happened to all the

responsibility to choose something to

anger and outrage about the Anti-

define ourselves by.

Gay Propaganda laws in Russia, or

My grandfather was so moved by

the electoral corruption in Zimbabwe,

the tyranny that was occurring in

what about the 300 tonnes of

Germany in 1940s that he went to

radioactive material still pouring

war because of it. It was his inability

out of the Fukushima Power Plants

to allow such a thing to continue that

in Japan and falling into the Pacific

defined him as a person.

Ocean right now.

Any number of the inhumane and

The news today seems to be a flat

disgusting things that have appeared

ocean that we stare at, able to

on the news over the last month could

accommodate only one surfacing

escalate into something similar or

whale at a time and while that whale is

worse to what my grandfather faced.

out of the water we’ll throw everything

But will any of us have the chance to

we have at it only to forget about it the

be so moved?

moment it goes under again, happy to let it go.

While this isn’t new to anyone and far be it to be called news to anyone else, it is still true, the mainstream gossip

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS FEATURES

32

Ska Project Focus On The Stars

38

Ministry Of Planning TT Planning Ahead

44

Buffalo City A South African Metropolis

50

King Pie Achieving Success Is As Easy As Pie

58

Agrocaribe Establishing The Human Element

64

McLeod Russel Uganda An Infusion Of Quality

70

Omnicane Nation With A Sweet Tooth

78

Norpalm Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

84

Kenmare Resources The Mona Lisa Of Mozambique

92

Fima Films With A Bow On Top

96

Pres-T-Con Pride, Innovation And Excellence

102 CIFA Building On Rock And Stone

70 Omnicane 4 | Endeavour Magazine

84 Kenmare Resources

58 Agrocaribe

ARTICLES

6

Venus Williams Keeping The Eye On The Ball

24

Exercise The Ultimate Stress Buster

10

Protecting The Tribe Of Ghosts

26

Business Headlines

12

I Am Just Saying

30

Glamping It Up At Paws Up, Montana

14

A Super Business Opportunity

16

Of What Value Are Your Values?

106 Real Alchemy:

18

BMW I3: Zero-Emission Mobility, Customary BMW Driving Pleasure

108 Don’t Be A Lazy Writer - Some Steps

Gadgets

110 Book Reviews

20

BIZ-TAINMENT Music Into Rum

To Increase Your Online Profile

Endeavour Magazine | 5

Venus Williams KEEPING THE EYE ON THE BALL

P

rofessional athlete and entrepreneur secondly and a big

BY DONNIE RUST

equality for the genders in the sport.

sister first, Venus Williams has created a legend around

Known as a dominating player with a preference with playing

herself for being something unique not only in the sporting

on grass, Venus Williams has played a part in shaping the way we

world but as an iconic heroine. Born in June 1980, Venus Ebony Starr

view tennis today, by bringing on a strong sense of beauty, technical

Williams is arguably one of the most famous sportspeople: A world

brilliance and talent to the game. Often sharing the limelight with her

class, professional tennis player who has been ranked Number One

sister Serena there are very few people who have accomplished as

in the world on three separate occasions, the first time on February

much on the court as these two sisters.

25, 2002 when she also became the first African-American woman to achieve it during the Open Era. We’ve waited a long time to feature Venus Williams.

Growing up in Southern California It is safe to say that Venus would have succeeded in whatever

Credited with changing the women’s game and ushering a new,

arena she chose. If she had grown up in South Africa she may have

modern era of power and athleticism on the women’s professional

pioneered women’s rugby or brought about the revolution in volley

tennis tour and for her dedication to promoting and influencing

ball three decades early however it was tennis that took her hand

6 | Endeavour Magazine

and it didn’t take long for her

This has been said that part of it came from the racial problems with

offer many opportunities to

coach Rich Macci from the

the other kids, which according to Venus, was not a prevalent point in

opponents.

Macci Academy to notice the

her childhood:

“I’m

better

adapted

to

talents of the two sisters. At

“I guess some kids around me had to grow up quickly, had all those

grass,” she says, “It’s where I

the age of 11 Venus had a 63-0

problems. But I wasn’t one of those kids, or around those kids, not at

am comfortable. I’ve got a long

win factor in the United States

all,” she’s said, “I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals

wingspan and had to develop into

Tennis Associations in the junior

and I try to ignore the rest.”

a volleyer.” Additionally, Venus

division!

Ranked at No 1 at the age of

has a notable agility around the

In tennis

net, great court coverage and

11, her father pulled both her

Tennis is a fast paced game that takes a lot of tactical technique as

with her long reach the ability to

and her sister Serena out of the

well as stamina and Venus, who has been a professional player since

play balls that most opponents

Macci Academy and took control

the age of 14, has always been a strong all-rounder and powerful

would not be able to reach,

of the coaching from their home.

baseliner, equipped with an attacking all-court game that does not

hammering

outright

winners

Endeavour Magazine | 7

from a defensive position. The strength of all this is reflected in the five Wimbledon singles titles won in eight of the last ten years.

The record holder for the fastest female serve clocked at a racket shattering 130 mph (209.2 km/h) Venus also holds the record for fastest serve in three of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Known for being an explosive hitter of the ball from the ground her backhand has proven to be the most reliably consistent

for

groundstrokes

which is effecting down-theline or crosscourt.

Even her

forehand, which has a tendency to break down under pressure, still yields many winners from

“If I didn’t play tennis I don’t know where I’d be.”

a variety of court positions. In fact, even though the weakest of her arsenal it is one of the most powerful forehands in the woman’s game, frequently struck in the region of 85-90 mph (140km/h).

Interestingly

enough, the only other women who are known to have such a powerful strike are Ivanovic, Justine Henin and her own sister Serena Williams.

devastating weapon and while clay is Venus’ weakest surface and has

sister from birth has created a

caused numerous injuries she has still succeeded in winning many

kind of mental focus that keeps

titles.

her working to constantly better

“My goal is always the same: to keep the other player from ever scoring a point,” she says in explaining the basics of her game play, “That doesn’t always happen, but that’s what I try for.”

Venus Williams, tennis player, entrepreneur and big sister

herself.

“The day I’m not improving will be the day I hang up the racket.”

The product of a family ethos of striving to improve, Venus was

Unlike many celebrity sportspeople who get caught up in the

accustomed to practicing for four

turn

storm of being a celebrity, Venus’ main focus is to be a positive force.

to five hours a day to develop

her serve into an even more

A relentless work ethic that her father ingrained within her and her

their physical discipline and have

Grass also produces low bonces

that

tend

to

8 | Endeavour Magazine

“ in-depth

G N I V O R P I’M NOT IM

THE DAY

e racket.

up th will be the day I hang

conversations

”

with

IN 2010 she became a New

didn’t stop there, in 2009 Venus and her sister, Serena Williams, also a

the family around the table on

York Times bestseller with her

tennis champion, announced they had become limited partners in the

subjects such as economics and

book “Come To Win: Business

NFLs Miami Dolphins and became the first African-American women

social Darwinism. Her mother

Leaders, Artists, Doctors, and

to obtain ownership of an NFL franchise.

inspired within them a curious

Other

How

It isn’t often that you find a pair of sisters so evenly matched in a

nature and most importantly a

Sports Can Help You Top Your

game, who have played each other in major tournaments on a number

resolute sense of self-worth and

Profession” by Williams and co-

of times and Venus and Serena have made records as they have, for

an entrepreneurial attitude.

author Kelly E. Carter, published

the most part, remained parallel all the way up the tables. Yet, while

by HarperCollins.

competitive on the court it has not affected the relationship between

This attitude was brought

Visionaries

on

to providence when in the early

“In the book, I’ve interviewed

2000s, while at the top of her

such luminaries as Sir Richard

game she took the initiative and

Branson,

enrolled in an interior design

and Vera Wang about how their

programme

a

early experiences as competitive

Certified Interior Decorator, this

athletes and how it helped forge

led to the creation of V*Starr

their successful careers.” Venus

Interiors 2002 which capitalized

Williams.

and

became

on a long love affair she had with interior designing.

Condoleezza

Rice,

One of her own heroes was tennis pioneer Billie Jean

Soon after she followed this

King who had a reputation

move by obtaining an associated

for being very vocal on the

degree in fashion design which

topic

led to the launch of EleVen, which

pay rates for male and female

for her was the opportunity

players. After a failed attempt

to fill a niche in tennis gear for

in 2005 to change the minds

something that was not only

of the Wimbledon Officials,

accessible and comfortable, but

Venus wrote an essay that was

fashionable as well. Recently

published in the New York Times

she’s also enrolled in an online

on the eve of Wimbledon 2006

programme at the University of

putting a spotlight on the double

Indiana East to pursue a business

standard. It had such a significant

degree.

impact that in 2007 Wimbledon

of

inequities

between

“I’m this overachiever type,

announced parity in the prize

I’ll just work and work and I’ll

money for its male and female

just do it over and over and over

champions.

again.”

them.

As Venus has been quoted on many occasions, “My first job is big sister and I take that very seriously.”

The fall, Sjögren’s syndrome The rise, tennis hero It was well documented that for some time before the summer of 2011, Venus was suffering from a mixture of symptoms including fatigue, muscle aches, breath shortness and the inability to recover during a set. While doctors were convinced it was a case of adultonset asthma nothing they prescribed brought any relief and it was discovered that it was actually Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease in which immune cells attack saliva and tear glands.

However, like anything Venus has attacked this with her usual aggressive focus and has become an advocate for a vegan/raw food diet which helps minimize the inflammation brought on by the condition. No more cherry pies, as sugar is strictly verboten and her training is now tempered with one or more rest days per week.

Her return to tennis was enivitable and recently she has once again stood her ground in a Wimbeldon Grand Slam, surprising everyone with the strength of her comeback.

“If I didn’t play tennis I don’t know where I’d be.”

The fight for gender equality

Endeavour Magazine | 9

WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

PROTECTING THE TRIBE OF GHOSTS T

his is only the first part

this news report is that of those

of this article and you

attacked most of them would

will lose your faith in

never be reported and most of

humanity. It will vanish. You will

them were women and children.

realize that the human race is

Purely because they are different

destined to tear itself apart from

that they are singled out.

its core and it will not be missed.

A soup of desperation, greed,

This is not an article for the faint

superstition and ignorance has

hearted.

driven people to murder and butcher people for their body

Like any African country, of

parts, a chilling reminder of the

development and the storm of

cruelty that man can inflict upon

activity has created a business

man. It is unfortunate that this

industry that has raised the

sort of crime goes unpunished

wealth of the country and

by the Tanzanian government

unfortunately has also widened

whose hands are filled with the

the divide between classes. The

development of their country

rich have become very rich and

and so the plight of the “Tribe

the poor have become desperate

of Ghosts� is merely lumped

and something truly horrible has

alongside the pleas to end sexual

been occurring.

exploitation

Tanzania

is

a

cauldron

According to a March 2013 news report, there have been attacks on people with albinism.

Four attacks were reported in 2013 between 31 January and 15 February where body

and

trafficking

of young girls that still goes

Due to nothing more than a genetic fluke that removes the pigment from their skin, hair and eyes, the segregation these people have been forced to endure is intolerable to think of.

unanswered.

Due to nothing more than a genetic fluke that removes the pigment from their skin, hair and eyes the segregation these

parts, which can sell for a total

people have been forced to

of US $75,000, were used in

endure is intolerable to think of.

witchcraft.

While alive, they are ignored and

What is not mentioned in

10 | Endeavour Magazine

feared. Shop owners will not look

them in the eye if they are even

action is very seldomly forthcoming in a country known for its tribal

However, it does not take a lot of

served at all, they are attacked,

fear and nepotism. For the albinos however, the government have

people to destroy someone’s life.

beaten in public and spat upon

not even given them this avenue of aid. Offering nothing more than

There are pockets of people who

while other people turn a blind

a token gesture and response to keep the international community

fall under the guidance and rule

eye… parents abandon them as

happy and quiet, the Tanzanian community have basically turned their

of witch doctors who teach that

children out of fear of reprisals

backs on albinos seeing them as a minority. They may not persecute

muti (tribal medicine) is the only

from community members. This

them, but through their inaction they have basically turned their back

way to gain power or health. Who

is a daily occurance which makes

on them.

propagate superstition because

their lives a living hell. However,

The sickening state of affairs is summed up clearly in a Dailymail.

it is the best way to gain control

once killed and dismembered

co.uk report that told of a 17 year old girl named Angel who when she

and, more damaging, they rely on

their body parts are sold for

was born her father said she was a “gift from god,” but not because he

a mobbish culture to install fear

potions and medicines by witch

loved her as a father but because he wanted to butcher the girl and

upon their people. One of the

doctors, still the only source of

sell her body parts.

easiest ways to politically gather

medicinal, family and spiritual guidance for villages in the area. Claiming that they will cure ailments, improve health and generate wealth in what amounts to nothing more than cannibalism and collection of human parts.

Young men diagnosed with HIV will abduct young Albino girls and rape them, believing they will be cured of their ailments, fishermen will pay for an arm or two to jazz up their boats and load up their nets.

According to a website: http:// www.vice.com/en_uk/read/thetanzanian-albino-hunt over 71 people have been murdered in the last six years with a lesser degree happening to a seven year old boy was maimed on his way home when a group of guys “liked the look of his arm.”

There is a help-line that has been implemented by the Tanzanian

government

in

a

token effort to ratify some of the situation, however this is part of the Law of The Child Act established in 2009 to curb the rise of sexual explotation,

people,

Second Part Kabanaga Protectorate Centre in Kabanga, is home to 70 albinos of a range of ages who have been driven out of their communities and away from their families. Located in the north-west of the East African country, close to the Burundi border the Centre offers a glimmer of hope and a radiant reminder of the strength of human kindness.

There are a number of communities in Tanzania who work together and offer everything from safety, solace, education and medical treatment to the albinos. Founded by Susan DuBois, who is a Caucasian woman, who has also written the book, “Raising a Child With Albinism, A Guide To The Early Years,”. The aim of the centre is to empower those there with education, awareness and strength of character, it is not about anything as ignatious as fighting fire with fire, or violence with violence, they’re fighting all the evils that they faced with calmness, education and intelligence.

Entirely not for profit they make all of their money through donations which is why awareness and international exposure is so important.

Many albinos suffer from sight problems and many of them are technically legally blind, skin cancer is also a serious concern as lack of pigment in their skin removes much protection from the sun so there is also medical treatment that is offered.

Education is a weapon against the ignorance that causes these things. Education of communities about what albinism is.

Communities such as Kabanaga Protectorate Centre do not just aim at offering a safe house, they want these men, women and children to be able to return to their communities and gain the acceptance they deserve without fear.

Cutting Away Ignorance

violence and child trafficking

Tanzania is such a large country with a population predicted to

offenses. This does nothing to

hit 51 million by 2015, that it is unfair to tar everyone with the same

stop these offenses because

brush, it is the minority of people who are causing the most damage.

turn

them

towards

someone who is different.

Reminescent

of

the

apartheid killings, reminiscent of the Conflict Diamonds, the persecution of races by the Church, the witch trials and killings.

Education is the only weapon that works against ignorance and it is ignorance that is at the root of the problem. Ignorance creating a demand from those believing that muti works, that albinos are imbued with magic of any kind, and greed, for those seeing the opportunity to supply that demand. It is said that nobody is specifically evil, however ignorance combined with greed and a wilful decision to remove your humanity to supply either is as close to evil as you can get.

There is much that needs to be repaired in the world and it will take time, but we won’t be moving in the right direction until we successful abolish ignorance and establish a standardized level of human compassion and tolerance.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

I AM JUST SAYING WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

A

psychologist

explained

hours playing World of Warcraft this

away the operations behind

does make perfect sense. (read LAB

the long pandered Ouija

MOUSE)

Board as nothing more than a muscular

A group of people will sit around

effect which, I am sure, made all of us

the board each with their hands

who have played this game relax and

touched onto the game piece which

feel content in the knowledge that no

can be anything from a glass to a game

matter how terrifying the experience

pointer, depending on the level of

probably was that it was all down to

authenticity you want to use and how

science.

long you don’t want to sleep.

Thank you science.

12 | Endeavour Magazine

You then call to the spirits who are

For those readers who have not

just loafing around the area, getting

played this game, it is a board game that

their haunt on or the ones who have

is imbued with the power of creating

been following you around desperate

a bridge of communication between

to speak with you. Then with your

this world and the next, where spirits

fingers upon the game piece, the spirit

are apparently so incredibly bored

will move it to a series of symbols

with their eternal afterlife that they’d

and letters and spell out their name

rather pester the people who are

and their intention. Which could be

still alive and play games with them.

cool I suppose ie. “Charlie Chaplin… I

Judging by the enthusiasm of people

want to make you laugh,” to “Charlie

in our world who would happily spend

Manson… I want to make you into a

skin suit.” (and you all though he

If you’re doing this experiment in

spirits, it is enough to plant the

was still alive…?)

daylight you’ll probably have less

seed of doubt in any scientist’s

No, when it’s dark and

tension than if you were, once

mind.

you’ve surrounded yourself with

again, in a basement surrounded

candles to give it a specifically

by candles and nervous friends

eerie effect, it doesn’t matter if

who are afraid of someone they

the spelling of said name is off.

know appearing on the board

After all, the pointer being able

and asking them about the family

to move on its own is enough to

cat, your muscles are going to be

make you really wish you could

tensed, they’ll burn out quicker

understand the message. Oh and

and as you all have your fingers

if anyone removes their hands

upon the pointer it’ll be a case

before the game is finished you

of course of least resistance and

could release the entity into the

the glass will, inevitably move.

real world.

But science has sorted this.

Psychologist Daniel Wegner, has explained that the movement of the pointer could be caused

If It’s Such A Simple Explanation, Why The Hype?

That Nagging Seed Of Doubt I believe whole heartedly that even Richard Dawkins, the author of The God Delusion who has made a reputation and a career for slicing through religious

superstition

and

hyperbole, has at some point laid down upon his bed and been afraid to let his foot slide over the edge in case something cold and wet unexpectedly licked it.

Because, the crux of my argument is this, it doesn’t

by the ideomotor effect which

This is a fine example of a hoax

is where muscles move without

that tricks everyone involved and

your intention. Has your arm

the better the setting (candles,

ever jumped, or flinched, with no

basement, darkness, maybe a

reason whatsoever. Depending

distant groaning or howling of

on where you are (ie. in the park

wind) the better it works and

surrounded by sunshine, friends

nobody will come away from

anticipation, anticipation leads

and family or in a basement,

it sniggering thinking, I tricked

to tension, tension leads to panic,

surrounded

them all. Everyone is sold on it.

panic leads to tall South African

by

candles

and

matter what science says. If you cannot explain something the answer could be anything, either a surprise or a disappointment.

It’s either magic or it’s a trick.

But the unknown leads to

wide eyed, terrified people)

And for most people playing

you’d probably put it down to a

this is enough to convince them

muscular twitch or a nerve fire.

that it works and since it’s been

Now, here is something

An easier way to explain

scaring people since it was

else for you to ponder on. The

this is to dangle a ring on a foot

invented as a parlour game in

Psychologist Daniel Wegner who

length of string at the end of a

1893 it’s obvious that for us to

is the gentleman cited above who

straightened arm. Hold it as still

not believe its magic we need

has proved this, died not long

as you can and the ring will start

someone to own up and say, “Yup,

after explaining it away…. If that

to sway because your muscle

you’ve been duped.”

isn’t enough to make you shiver

comedy writer running away from his friends in terror.

fibres work less like a hydraulic

Also, religion. We cannot

then try this. If you’re planning

arm and more like a rugby scrum,

ignore the role that religion has

on playing this game, watch

they push together as a team but

played in the cultivation of our

Paranormal Activity 1-4 and

each fibre tires at a different pace

civilization and still plays in many

have the confidence of Science

and as they tire your arm moves

places. The strength of many

slapped out of you by the sheer

a fraction each time. Causing the

people’s faith combined with the

hibby-jibbies.

ring to start to sway.

Ouija Board being a mainstay of

Mindset also plays a part in it.

any horror film/story involving Endeavour Magazine | 13

A Super BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITY WRITTEN BY JIM BLYTHE

I

am a man with too much time

next contract is coming from. During those thumb-twiddling times

on his hands. People often tell

my mind busies itself, completely unbidden by any conscious thought

me so and it’s because of the

on my part, to working out what exciting alternative money-making

nature of my work. I am either

14 | Endeavour Magazine

opportunities might exist.

so busy I forget to eat or drink

I’m sure we all know the basic rules of how to make money. You

for several days, recuperating

need something that people want and that isn’t on the market at

from extreme dehydration and

the moment. Popular but non-existent. Becoming a God seemed an

malnutrition or twiddling my

obvious idea on the basis of those criteria but actually that appears to

thumbs wondering where the

be an over-crowded marketplace if anything. But then I had a brilliant

idea. I could set myself up as a superhero.

Now that might not sound like a hugely original

why. Firstly there’s the fact that science simply hasn’t pulled its weight.

of superheroes and he’s a billionaire.

So

we

could

conclude

that

idea; I know lots of people have created superheroes

I should point out that I like science.

superheroism is a rich person’s game and

over the years. In fiction there are examples of

Not all science, to be fair, but on the

that’s a shame. I appreciate of course that

everyday folk setting themselves up as superheroes

whole I think science is good. Without

we’re supposed to have both rich and

– the Kick Ass franchise being an example - but I

it I’d be dead and so would quite a lot

poor people in the world. If that wasn’t

can’t find any record of anyone successfully setting

of you I suspect. And over the past year

so we wouldn’t have Waitrose or Lidl. But

themselves up as a superhero in reality. And it took

science has given the ability to jump

it does seem to rule your ordinary, man-

me literally no research at all to start to work out

from space to the earth unharmed, the

on-the-street out of the game. And this

knowledge of growing burgers in a lab

goes directly against what I was trying to

without slaughtering any animals at

do in the first place which was a way to

all and electric pants all of which are

make money. So it really seems to me that

brilliant. But it hasn’t managed to give

the time must be right for a whole new

anyone superpowers. No one has started

approach to superhero-ism.

flying, walked through a solid wall or

We won’t have superheroes until

turned green and smashed up a tank.

it’s within the reach of people who need

Even accidents haven’t done the job.

money, not who already have it. If I was

It’s been 27 years since Chernobyl and

a billionaire with a choice of doing… well,

I think by now we’d have seen results if

whatever the heck I liked quite frankly

we were going to. So we must conclude

or risking being killed catching criminals

that science isn’t going to give anyone

then I’m going to choose option one. It’s

superpowers, at least not in the short-

a complete no brainer. But if I’m not a

term.

billionaire and I knew people would pay

Evolution might do the job but if

me for my services then I might happily

anything that’s slower than science and

put on some lycra and a cape and race

without even the fun of electric pants. So

to the rescue of whatever it was that

whilst it’s amazing in many ways, for our

needed saving.

purposes evolution is rubbish.

So here’s what we need people. We

But should we let this stand in our

need Government grants or start up

way? Is this a reason or simply an excuse

loans from wealthy businessmen. We

for a lack of superheroes? Well let’s

need dedicated training establishments

take a lesson from the fictional heroes

teaching hand to hand combat, advanced

of this world shall we? Batman has no

weaponry use and stale platitudes to

superpowers. Neither does Batgirl or

spout following victories. Then, and only

Robin come to that. They rely on gadgets.

then, might we start to see superheroes

The Green Arrow fires arrows at people

become a reality. Now surely that’s a

and The Punisher just shoots them. So

business venture worth following. In fact,

clearly there is absolutely no need for

yes, I’m off to write the business plan for

superpowers to do the job. But what

the ‘Jim Blythe School of Superheroism’.

you clearly do need, apart from a healthy

Hah! Take that people who say I have too

disregard for law and order, is money.

much time on my hands!

Batman is, let’s face it, one of the daddies

Endeavour Magazine | 15

WRITTEN BY ROB JAMES

OF WHAT VALUE ARE Your Values?

I

I’m sure we’ve all heard companies talking about their “values”. If you’ve recently joined a new company the chances are that part of your onboarding training was a vast PowerPoint slide deck several of which focussed on their “values”.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against companies having values; in fact it’s probably a pretty good thing if they do. Provided, that is, they live by those values.

remember a few years back when the footballer Wayne Rooney was the face of one of the different and yet surprisingly similar fizzy cola drinks made by Coca Cola. Then some allegations about

his private life appeared in the media and Coca-Cola decided to drop him. They said that they “did not feel it was appropriate” to use him at this time on their Coke Zero packs. Now this may sound fair enough but at this point Coca- Cola were alleged to be behind the kidnapping, torture and murder of union leaders in Columbia, of labour abuses in China, of over-exploitation and pollution of water sources and of aggressive marketing towards children. I have no idea whether any of the allegations made against either Wayne Rooney or Coca Cola were true but am I the only one who feels that there’s something slightly off-kilter about the company values in this example?

Or how about a more recent example that also concerns a sportsman and a large, international corporation. The sportsman in question is a golfer called Phil Mickelson and, unlike Wayne Rooney, no one has made any recent allegations about his personal life that I’m aware of. What he did do which was considered newsworthy was to win the recent Open Championship. I have no interest at all in golf so this was of no interest to me. But it was of interest to his sponsors Barclays who were so excited at Phil Mickelson’s achievements that

16 | Endeavour Magazine

they took out a full-page advert

you how this fits the values of excellence, integrity and stewardship

that they as an organisation

in the national press. In this

which Barclays are so committed to.

claim to have. As a company you

advert they said, “Excellence never gives up.

Phil’s

brilliant

Now there are two things I must stress at this point. Firstly,

decide your own values that you

everything I have mentioned at this point are either allegations which

want to trade by but if you’re not

performance

can be found from a number of online sources and I have no idea as

prepared to do that then why

highlights the games’ values

to their truth or otherwise or they are a matter of public record. The

have the values in the first place.

of

and

second is that Coca-Cola and Barclays are just two companies whose

And once you’ve been caught

stewardship – the same values

excellence,

integrity

values don’t appear to come up to public scrutiny but they are far from

out engaging in behaviour that’s

we are committed to at Barclays.”

the only ones. Is this a problem? The truth is I don’t really know.

against your values then having

Isn’t that nice? Well it might

Apple Inc. has received criticism for the alleged use of sweatshop

the bare-faced cheek to quote

sound nice but let’s consider

labour, environmental destruction, and unethical business practices.

them the next month in an advert

that this is Barclays who in July

Additionally, it has been criticised for past behaviour of suing before

really seems to be treating your

this year was fined £300m by

first gathering all the facts necessary to pursue a legitimate lawsuit.

customers like fools. But here’s

US Regulators for manipulating

But their mission statement is “Find Small Business Solutions For

the biggest thing that annoys

electricity prices in California,

Your Business. Get It Done Now!” and I can’t see how any of these

me. Big PowerPoint slide decks

fined a further £2bn for mis-

allegations are against their company values so I guess I’m more

in onboarding training! So why

selling

relaxed about that.

not do away with the company

payment

protection

insurance and interest rates

The thing is that we all know that companies exist to make profits

value slides if your values are of

swaps and due to a regulatory

and we all know that some of them go about it in a more ethical way

so little value and save us all a

shortfall in its finances also had to

than others. The behaviour of the company should be the thing

few precious minutes of our lives.

ask investors to stump up £5.8bn

that really matters and like everyone else I get annoyed when any

in a rights issue. All that in the

company appears to be behaving in a way that is against my values.

space of just ten days! Now I ask

But I get even more annoyed when it appears to be against the values Endeavour Magazine | 17

THE BMW I3: ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY, CUSTOMARY BMW Driving

Pleasure

WRITTEN BY GARY BUSEY

T

he BMW i3 is the world’s first premium car conceived from the

range extender combustion engine is specified.

ground up to provide all-electric mobility. Its electric motor

Although not particularly the choice of a long drive the BMW i3 is

develops output of 125 kW/170 hp using power supplied by a

best suited for city runs, operating within a radius of fifty miles from

lithium-ion battery pack mounted in a low, central position in the car’s

home, my Chief lives thirty miles from the office and needs to charge

under body.

the battery every night which takes about eight hours from zero to

Like the extraordinarily light yet extremely rigid CFRP passenger cell, the electric drive system and battery were developed and

full and can be plugged into a regular home socket. So much like a phone, he plugs it in while he sleeps.

produced by the BMW Group and as it weighs only 1,195 kilograms

The BMW i3 is based on a new kind of vehicle architecture.

(DIN kerb weight) and offers a range of 130 – 160 kilometres

The LifeDrive concept underpins the car’s visionary form, which

(approx. 80 – 100 miles) in everyday driving. This can be increased

is defined by a standalone design language and generous levels of

to a maximum 300 kilometres (approx. 180 miles) if the two-cylinder

space for all four seats. A signature theme of the BMW i brand is the

18 | Endeavour Magazine

thread of sustainability running

Leipzig is generated 100 per cent

this does cost extra however. The all-electric version has a range of

throughout the value chain. For

by purpose-built wind turbines.

between 80 and 100 miles in normal driving, although this increases

example, the carbon fibres for the

The BMW i3 will be available

when the Eco Pro modes are used. The range-extender adds around

passenger cell are manufactured

as either a fully electric model,

at Moses Lake in the USA using

or as a range-extender with a

The fully electric i3 will cost £25,680 after a Government grant of

hydro power alone, while the

small petrol engine on board

£5000 is taken into account, and it’ll be sold through a UK network of

energy required for production

that’s used solely to recharge the

47 specialised BMW dealers. The range-extender model costs £3150

of BMW i cars at BMW Plant

battery pack for longer distances,

more than the EV version, starting at £28,830.

80 miles to the distance possible on a single charge.

Endeavour Magazine | 19

GADGETS

BISTRO B.over Coffeemaker

By James Martin

www.currys.co.uk RRP: £199.00

T

hey say the heart of a home is the kitchen with the cooker

undertone of plastic you nearly always get from standard machine’s.

taking centre stage, so in my honest opinion so too is the

Then we move to the filter, it has a metal mesh filter that’s cleaned

kitchen area in any office except centre stage here would be

after every use, this takes away the need for a paper filter. This is

the coffee machine.

important as the full flavour of your bean is in the natural oils, in a

If you’ve ever worked in publishing you’ll know that a simple cup of tea will not come close to driving a publishing house & all its deadlines,

paper filter these oils are trapped preventing us from actually tasting the coffee’s flavour as we should.

so this month we decided to review the BISTRO b.over Coffeemaker.

The BISTRO b.over Coffeemaker. Pours into a thermal jug in a

This innovative machine is truly amazing & perfect for the small

matter of minutes, therefore removing the need for a hot plate and

office/directors office.

the occasional burned jug.

Starting with the difference in flavour from a standard auto drip machine, it’s actually quite incredible. With its shower head application, showering water at the exact temperature evenly over your coffee grounds to maximise the taste of the bean. Not to mention

Lets not forget its stylish look, it comes in a range of colours which look fantastic.

All in all, Bodum have left no room for criticism, functionality, practicality, Looks, but more importantly great tasting coffee.

the glass tube technology within the inner workings eradicating that

MeteoEarth, the Perfect Travel app View the maximum temperature across Europe for August.

By Gary Busey

C

www.meteoearth.com Free download

limate data and storm

a 3D globe, has been released.

MeteoEarth for iPad 1.2 also introduces new weather elements.

trackers are amongst

In Version 1.2, users can switch

Previously on MeteoEarth users could see the forecast precipitation

the

from the normal forecast mode

but couldn’t differentiate between the type of precipitation, now

launched on MeteoEarth for iPad

to

mode.

MeteoEarth shows the difference between rain and snow. The cloud

1.2. The new features, designed

This feature includes a global

cover layer has been enhanced with a new lightning feature so that

for planning travel and watching

overview of climatic conditions

users can track thunderstorms and a new storm feature enables users

out for summer thunderstorms,

and users can check the climate

to track tropical storms taking place around the world with information

are released in time for the last

for any location around the

including category, type and wind speed.

few weeks of summer.

new

features

the

climate

data

world including temperature,

A new function on the app now shows precise information for

version

of

water temperature and rainfall

pinpointed locations on the map, including forecast rainfall, percentage

iPad,

the

throughout the year, making this

of cloud cover, temperature etc.

stunning app from MeteoGroup

the perfect tool when planning to

that brings the weather to life on

travel.

The

latest

MeteoEarth

for

20 | Endeavour Magazine

MeteoEarth for iPad 1.2 is available to download for iTunes now.

QuietComfort 20 Headphones: The Most Versatile Bose Headphones Ever

By Tammy Jenkins

www.bose.co.uk RRP: £295.95

T

he new QuietComfort 20 headphones are the first in-ear noise cancelling headphones from Bose.

They deliver a

Bose engineers first placed two

tiny

microphones

electronic chip –- exclusive to

in

Bose, and the first of its kind --

stunning breakthrough in noise reduction, audio performance

each earbud; one senses the

calculates an equal and opposite

and comfort, and offer two ways to listen – one to shut out the world,

sound approaching, the other

noise cancellation signal within

and one to keep you connected. They fit in your pocket, weigh just 1.5

measures the sound inside. The

a fraction of a millisecond. The

ounces, and rival the performance of much larger headphones.

measurements are then sent to

resulting noise reduction is so

The QC®20 headphones benefit from over 30 years of continuous

a digital electronic chip located

dramatic, it has to be heard to be

research in noise reduction technology, and integrate more U.S.

in the control module found on

believed.

patents than any Bose® headphone ever made.

the headphone cord. The digital

www.lat56.com RRP: £149.99

LAT56° Back-Pack

by Stuart Platt

T

his month I have tested

The secret is the use of specially moulded EVA foam that’s got a

carries all my gadgets needed for

the LAT56° Back-pack

bit of give in it, but only a bit. It has good sized side pockets which are

work safely; it survived a drop

and first thing that comes

big enough to carry sunglasses, chargers, IPods etc

at over 40mph with nothing but

to mind is how comfortable the

I know that the protection works as I managed to drop my Back-

bag is to wear. It looks more like

Pack whilst riding my motorbike at a reasonable 40mph only to find

futuristic body armour than a

the bag was absolutely fine and all my belongs safe which was a great

simple gadget bag, it’s designed

relief.

to make the travelling easier,

At the back behind some unusually comfy shoulder straps is

this tough aircraft cabin-sized

a bombproof NASA-spec memory foam laptop compartment for

backpack from LAT56° keeps

models up to 15.6 inches, while inside are some dividers that can be

your gadgets protected as you

flattened for full access to its 15-litre capacity.

barge through the world airports, bus stations and hotels.

a mere mark which just wiped away and its very comfortable.

Overall I think the Back-Pack is a well-designed, well put together and good looking as far as Back-Packs go, would I buy one? Yes! It Endeavour Magazine | 21

The TomTom GO Live 1005

By Tyler Harrison

Available from leading electrical retailers RRP: £249.99

T

his month I’ve been on the hunt for a reliable Satellite

feature can only help improve

computer processor allows for

Navigation system which does more than just bark random

safety on the roads.

faster route calculation then

orders at me in a stern Irish accent. Out the box the GO Live

The GO Live 1005 is the

you’ll be used too, as well as

1005 carries substantial weight having a definite feel of quality to it,

first Satellite Navigation system

richer maps which cover roads

with the easy click mount system ensuring that the device will easily

that incorporates online travel

across 45 European countries.

attach to your windscreen. This particular model promises an array of

services,

Twitter

Even if you don’t take advantage

quality features including HD Live Traffic information, highly detailed

functionality allows drivers to

of all the ‘bells and whistles’ that

points of interest and 5 day weather reports.

and

the

tweet your destination to your

the GO Live 1005 has to offer,

The HD Live Traffic information is outstandingly accurate

followers with the estimated

the Live Traffic Information in

providing the most up to date traffic information available, and can

time of arrival which I found

itself is a sure fire winner, which

even tell if there’s a traffic jam or road works ahead. I found the GO

particularly convenient. All of the

for me is definitely worth the

Live 1005 beautifully equipped to sniff out any obstacles on the

features on the GO Live 1005

higher price tag.

road, and was remarkably swift in recalculating my journey. The Live

are straightforward to access

Services also provide information on mobile and fixed speed cameras

with the intuitive extra wide

which may frustrate the local authorities, but ultimately this type of

touch screen and the super-fast

The Arm Band Controller that Reads Your Muscle Movements

By Donnie Rust

S

mall devices like this

www.thalmic.com $149

of awesomeness.

You can see clearly why this technology will take over. one,

that brings us one step

Thalmic Labs have created a

because it removes the need for actual contact. Using this you could

closer to an autonomous

wearable armband name MYO

type on an imaginary or holographic keyboard and have an entire

machinery,

which can actually detect the

house hold electronics run from simple hand gestures and thanks to

programming and gaming proves

electrical activity occurring in

the revolutionary design it will eventually become as convenient as

that we are living in the future

your muscles to identify specific

wearing a watch.

and are currently riding a wave

gestures and movements.

control

of

22 | Endeavour Magazine

Keep an eye on this one peeps this is the future.

11001 BISTRO

B.Over Coffee machine

no capsule

no paper

www.bodum.com

WRITTEN BY LEE ASHFORD

Exercise

THE ULTIMATE STRESS BUSTER It is an unfortunate fact of life that most of us experience stress on a daily basis. The rigours and strains of modern living combined with a high profile career and the daunting task of parenthood can leave even the calmest, laid-back individual wanting to climb the walls and pull out their hair by the handful. Mounting pressures at work to meet deadlines, piles of housework in an environment surrounded by demanding children and relationship woes are daily problems facing most adults in today’s society.

A

nything that causes stress is called a stressor. The most common stressors are work, relationship or family related.

Stress is experienced when there is an awareness of

an imbalance between demand and capability, under conditions where failure to meet the demand is thought to have unwanted consequences. Stress can be positive and negative. On the positive side it alerts us to a threat and increases our levels of arousal and activation. This can help us be more effective in coping with the threat. Mismanaged stress causes strain on its victim which in turn can be devastating.

Many would agree with the statement – “stress can be harmful to your health”. When handled inappropriately, stress lowers our resistance to illness and disease. Serious physical and emotional problems can arise, and in a worse case scenario, even lead to loss of life. Physiological symptoms of stress include: increased heart rate, high blood pressure, insomnia, headaches, diabetes and fatigue.

These health related symptoms can trigger off emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety, anger and withdrawal.

So, how does one manage stress and stay healthy and happy?

Answer – exercise! Exercise is important to each and every one of us, regardless of age or ability. There are, of course, the physical, emotional and visual improvements gained through regular and effective exercise. Weight loss, muscle tone, increased self esteem, improved cardiovascular system, improved posture and change of body shape are to name but a few.

Exercise is also beneficial for stress reduction through the release

24 | Endeavour Magazine

of endorphins. Endorphins or

classes are just a few of the

causing frustration and further stress. Addictions to exercise on a

“happy hormones” can make us

possibilities.

daily basis, although considered by some to be a positive addiction, as

can in fact create problems through withdrawal effects. Not getting

revitalised. These chemicals are

boxing, kick boxing and martial

your daily fix of endorphins may contribute to increases in hostility,

increased during physical activity

arts are for many people, the

anxiety and depression.

of twenty minutes or more.

most satisfying and rewarding

Everyone experiences stress at some point in time. You can

Chemically similar to opiate

ways to relieve tension. Banging

either manage and control it or face the consequences. Exercise is a

compounds, endorphins are a

away on a punch bag or exploding

healthy, enjoyable and rewarding way to combat the effects of stress

similar substance to morphine.

with a crisp left hook with

when used safely, effectively and within one’s capabilities. Let stress

They have been shown to

precision and power towards

become a thing of the past – not yourself!

provide a pain relieving effect

an unsuspecting trainer’s focus

and promote a sense of euphoria.

pad can help relieve the built up

Sleep patterns can improve and

stress of a hard day’s work. These

blood pressure can even be

sports are not all about sparing

reduced by the release of these

and getting a bloody nose, thick

is low impact and will burn calories.

hormones.

lip and cauliflower ear. Training

2) Take a dip. Swimming is a non-impact exercise and works virtually

What types of exercise are

sessions can be taken in a class

every muscle and joint. Rhythmical movements can provide a

recommended for stress relief?

format, allowing you to enjoy the

meditating effect.

It is important to find an exercise

session without risking injury to

3) Join a yoga class. With endless physiological and psychological

which is enjoyable and easy to

yourself.

benefits, yoga can seriously improve your health and well-being.

feel energised, recharged and

Contact

sports,

such

Here are my top ten stress busting exercise tips: 1) Go for a walk. Available to most of us walking suits all fitness levels,

commit to on a regular basis.

The fact that the stressor

Calming the mind and enabling us to handle anxiety and stress, yoga

Repetitive exercises, such as

may inhibit physical activity

is second to none. This exercise is suitable for all fitness levels – from

walking, running, cycling and

should not be a reason not to

the beginner to the advanced athlete.

swimming can promote a relaxing

participate.

to

4) Keep it regular. People who exercise regularly tend to be more

sensation for some individuals,

family or work may reduce the

conscious of their diet, encouraging them to eat more nutritious food.

giving

to

time allowed, so making small

Good nutrition helps stress management and increases energy levels.

meditation. Some people enjoy

changes to your daily routine

5)

gradual and fluent movements,

may help you dedicate more time

encouragement when the going gets tough. Exercising on your own

focusing on breathing, stretching

to exercise. Some health clubs

can feel very lonesome. This is especially noticeable when running or

and posture. Examples, such

offer childcare. Lunch breaks at

working out at the gym.

as yoga and tai chi can be more

work can be used productively.

6) Try something new. Taking part in a new sport or activity such as

beneficial than regular exercise.

Even a half-an-hour break can be

badminton or salsa classes can be a refreshing change. Making new

Stretching relaxes tense muscles

efficient time with which to enjoy

social contacts will also help your self esteem.

and improves flexibility and joint

the stress relieving benefits

7) Know your limitations. Don’t throw yourself in at the deep end

efficiency.

exercise has to offer.

when you are new to a particular activity. You should start off gently,

an

effect

Activities

similar

progressing gradually as fitness levels start to increase. It is also just as

and varied in order to sustain

duration can depend on personal

important to progress to the next level once an activity gets too easy.

a suitable level of interest and

goals. Moderate activity for

A plateau in your regime will not be beneficial to stress reduction.

to reduce the boredom factor.

at least twenty minutes three

8) Keep yourself sexually active. Involving sexual activity within your

Slogging tediously away for hours

times a week is the minimum

physical activity will aid the release of muscular and emotional tension

on end enduring mind numbingly

requirement,

whilst burning off extra calories.

boring exercises can destroy

physicians. Training once a week

9) Separate yourself from work. Choose an activity that’s away from

one’s

participate,

is probably insufficient to achieve

work and home. A physical job or active home life may burn off calories

subsequently increasing stress

any noticeable changes. Rest

but will do little to lower stress levels.

levels. Remember exercises you

days should be incorporated into

10) Seek advice from a professional. Incorrect technique and form

enjoyed as a child. The chances

intense and advanced training

may contribute to injury. Bouts of inactivity on the sidelines do not

are that you will still like them.

schedules. Overtraining can give

contribute to stress reduction. Advice usually costs nothing. Don’t be

Group activities, such as fitness

negative results. Overuse injuries

afraid to ask.

classes, team sports and dance

will hamper training schedules,

to

be

fun

Exercise

frequency

Find a partner. Training in pairs helps motivation and

and

desire

should

Commitments

according

to

Endeavour Magazine | 25

A MUST READ BEFORE YOU SET UP A SMALL BUSINESS OVERSEAS

BY ALINA JONES WWW.UKBAGUIDE.CO.UK

T

he current economic climate makes it difficult to start any

average costs of start-ups could be minimum which can help in kickstarting the venture at a good pace.

Learning the process of incorporation Future profitability and the startup costs of any business venture can only be gauged well only if the business owner is well aware of the process involved in starting up the company.

If you are particularly interested in making investments in certain countries like United Kingdom, Google in ukba phone number, talk to the representatives and get a firsthand information on the rules governing overseas business in the country.

business on account of financial pitfalls and difficulties cropping up their ugly head now and then. However, it is

always a risky venture to begin a business overseas and only those people who have a full knowledge of the facts should embark on this venture. The formula for successfully setting up of an overseas business becomes all the more muddy depending on the logistics - whether you will be staying state side or actually be a part of the country. There are some important guidelines that must be checked before planning a new business venture overseas.

Corporate laws and the local body It is extremely essential that the country that you choose for overseas business has a proven track record of dealing with international visitor in a fair manner. In this sense, if you are starting out on a new business venture in North America or EU especially United Kingdom you will be fairly protected as the country has a separate authority known as United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) to deal with matters relating to overseas business. A detailed consultation with a lawyer is also essential not only in your home country but also in the country you are planning to invest.

Opening a business bank account Although it isn’t compulsory to own a business account in the country of your business operation, but the following conditions have to be met: The first contact point should be the bankers of that particular company for they are the best persons who can guide you on the banking regulations of a particular country. Although many entrepreneurs would like to open bank accounts dealing with the country’s currency but some countries like Britain allow the overseas business investors to set up a foreign currency account.

Know-how of the local market Although a business owner does a lot of homework before planning to invest in an overseas country but these are important: When it comes to choosing the locale, the whole process becomes a complicated affair. It is extremely important that you conduct a market research for service based, retail or manufacturing business.

Conducting interviews or setting up a trial run with the potential customers is a good idea.

Trading conditions have been made extremely difficult due to

Researching the economic situation of the country

the financial slump but a thorough research coupled with the right guidance can guide you through troubled waters.

Starting a business abroad will always be a venture filled with

The long term growth of the business should be well supported

risk, and that will be the case regardless of the underlying economic

by the bright economic prospects of the country as it might so happen

conditions. The worldwide financial slump that has blighted much of

that the country might be in financial troubles. However, if your

the developed world has made trading conditions extremely difficult.

financial analyst predicts that the future outlook for such a country is

However, with the right guidance from lawyers, financial advisers

still bright, then starting your business during this low growth period

and experts, now may even be the best time to start a new business

can bring in some benefits. Corporation taxes, rental rates and the

overseas.

26 | Endeavour Magazine

MOODY’S LOWERS OUTLOOK FOR ASIA’S STEEL INDUSTRY TO NEGATIVE

M

oody’s Investors Service is expecting Asian steel

year. The low reading indicates

manufacturers to report historically low profits over the

very limited expansion in the

next 12 months, prompting it to lower its outlook for the

country’s manufacturing sector.

industry from stable to negative.

Asian steelmakers would not

Demand for steel was expected to weaken in the second half of this

benefit from the lower prices of

year, owing to destocking and slower economic growth; particularly in

iron ore and coking coal -- the

China, a Moody’s assistant vice president and analyst Zou Jiming said

two main raw materials used in

on Wednesday.

producing steel -- because steel

“Manufacturers, distributors and customers will reduce their

prices would also fall owing to

stocks because of weak demand and excess steel supply in the Asian

the weak bargaining power of

market; a move that will put further pressure on the overall profits of

the manufacturers against their

steelmakers,” he said.

customers.

Zou was speaking on a just-released Moody’s report titled,

However,

“Destocking, weak demand and excess supply depress steel

steelmakers’s

manufacturers’ profits.”

fall, due to a worsening supply-

Asian demand for steel is expected to grow at a slow pace of

demand

South profits

imbalance

Korean would following

between 2% and 3% in the 12 months to June 2014, which is in stark

capacity expansions by major

contrast to the 16% compound annual growth rate between 2000

domestic players, as well as a

and 2010.

likely appreciation of the won

The slower demand was attributed to the China government’s

against the yen and renminbi,

shift in emphasis from infrastructure spending to consumption and

and the weak demand from

the country’s slower GDP growth.

Korea’s

As Moody’s report points out, data from the World Steel Association (WSA) showed that China accounts for over 70% of

September book reviews

shipbuilding

sector,

which is one of the key end-users of domestically produced steel.

Asia’s consumption and production of steel. China Iron and Steel

While Chinese steel mills

Association’s data showed total inventory levels held by China’s major

would continue to sell products

steelmakers remain at historically high levels.

at close to or below breakeven

The WSA said China’s monthly steel production decreased to 64.7

cost, making them the least

million tonnes in June from its record high of 67 million tonnes in May.

profitable of all their Asian

Moody’s report pointed out the outlook for Asia’s steel industry

peers, the profits of Indian steel

also hinged on China’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) which fell

manufacturers are helped by

to 50.3 last month from 50.8 in May. Although the reading in July

their management of input costs

was up slightly from June’s 50.1, the lowest level in the past nine

through

months, China’s PMI remained weaker than at the beginning of the

mines.

their

ownership

of

The Moody’s report said the industry outlook could revert to stable if China’s PMI improves and stays above 50, and if the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) per tonne for the region’s largest steel makers

Turn to page

does not deteriorate during the outlook period.

Endeavour Magazine | 27

SA’S CITIZENS MUST STAND UP TO THE ZANUFICATION OF POLITICS

BY MAMPHELA RAMPHELE

T

he process leading up to the last week’s Zimbabwean elections and the way they were conducted are a grim reminder of the results of a failure of accountability and citizenship activism to

nurture and sustain democracy.

The failure of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union (AU) leaders to follow through on their own set of conditions for a credible, free and fair election bode ill for the promise of freedom and democracy in Africa.

We seem to be drifting back to the old political culture of African leaders protecting their peers, who hold on to power by thwarting the will of the people.

South Africa’s government is also implicated in this failure to insist on the conditions for a free and fair election in Zimbabwe. Every one of the rules set by the SADC task team was violated: constitutional guarantees; freedom and rights to all citizens; a conducive environment for free, fair and peaceful elections; non-discrimination in voter registration; an updated and accessible voters’ roll; a timeous announcement of the election date; transparent funding of political parties in accordance with the law; deployment of observer missions to all voting stations to ensure neutrality; neutral polling station locations to ensure accessibility to all; and vote-counting to be done at polling stations.

How could the AU pronounce so quickly on the fairness and freedom of these elections knowing that none of the above conditions were met? Why has SADC, which expressed concern about the status of these issues only a few weeks ago, be so tame in letting the elections go ahead before the mission of the task team was accomplished?

SADC has failed to live up to its promise of becoming a more robust custodian of good governance and protection of citizens as well as an enabler of sustainable development. To pronounce the elections as free and peaceful when every one of its own conditions was violated is incredible. The disenfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of voters, who were turned away from polling stations, and the blatant stuffing of ballot boxes are just some of the most outrageous of the violations. Citizens of SADC countries have to know they are on their own when it comes to governance issues in their countries. South Africa has lost its moral authority in SADC and the AU. The failure of President Jacob Zuma to discharge his responsibilities as an honest broker in Zimbabwe adds insult to the

28 | Endeavour Magazine

injury inflicted by the role of

In addition, the inexplicable

his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki.

use of R500m (£33 million) from

was widely believed to have

pension funds to support the

been stolen by Mugabe with the

purchase of Independent News

Third, the culture of impunity with regard to corruption has

acquiescence of South African

& Media smells of a further

reached new levels. The insistence of the ANC on the mayor of

government leaders. What is

attempt to bolster control over

Tlokwe municipality retaining his position despite the many charges

being hidden in the review report

the media by the government —

of corruption against him reveals the true culture of a government

by the South African team on that

at the expense of the security of

that has lost the will to be accountable. Instead of dismissing the

election, despite court action by

retirement benefits of teachers,

mayor, it expelled its councillors who were standing on the side

opposition parties?

nurses

public

of accountability. To add insult to injury, the minister of social

We should be concerned as

servants. No credible pension

development was dispatched to offer food parcels to aggrieved

citizens that we have a governing

portfolio manager could justify

residents, who want nothing more than respect for their human

party that is not showing a

investing that kind of funding in

rights, dignity and freedom. Public funds are used to buy votes in this

commitment to democracy as

a traditionally underperforming

manner, not only in Tlokwe, but in Mzombane in Limpopo.

the expression of the will of the

sector with an uncertain future.

other

the benefit of Zanu (PF) leaders, including Mugabe?

The citizens of South Africa have a choice to remain passive

Public

because they are afraid to speak up against this abuse of power and let

Investment Corporation and the

the country slide into authoritarian rule. Or citizens can do what we

Government Employees Pension

did to apartheid and stand up together and say no to the destruction

Fund allow this to happen?

of the promise of the freedom for which so many fought and many

So

people.

First, there is the systematic

and

employee

How different is this from Zanu (PF)’s approach of commandeering the agricultural land, minerals and the use of Zimbabwean airlines for

The disputed 2008 election

We have seen worrying trends

government

servants to escort them to Sun City?

why

did

Second, a

culture

the

we of

have disregard

seen

others died. Citizen power is the only thing that stops unaccountable

for

governments worldwide. We have the strong protection of the

erosion by this government over

accountability in the conduct of

the past few years of institutions

this government — not dissimilar

We have to ensure that the Independent Electoral Commission

and values that are essential to

to Zanu (PF)’s to governance

(IEC) is protected and defended against any intrusion into its space by

sustaining

over the past decade.

the governing party. Next year’s elections are a testing ground for how

our

constitutional

constitution, the courts and the rule of law.

democracy. Freedom of speech,

The abuse of state resources

citizens can be effective in protecting the gains of our democracy and

expression and association are

knows no bounds as the personal

halting the erosion of our watchdog institutions. Opposition parties

under attack through multiple

interests

must work together to support the IEC and to monitor performance

attempts at silencing dissent:

the ANC and those of the

the “Secrecy Bill”, the Traditional

government and the state are

Citizens get the quality of democracy that they deserve.

Courts Bill, and the undermining

treated as one. How else can

Accountability in government is directly related to the extent of

of the SABC’s independence

one explain the use of more than

citizen activism. Reliance on the liberation credentials of political

through the appointment of a

R200m (£14 million) to build a

leaders is a recipe for authoritarian, unaccountable governance.

chief operating officer with no

palace for Zuma?

Zimbabweans have paid a heavy price for relying on Zanu (PF)’s

of

the

president,

of all the key elements to ensure free and fair elections.

qualification for the job and the

How else to explain the

leadership despite unspeakable abuses of power. South Africans need

instability brought on by political

landing of the Gupta chartered

to heed the lessons and start mobilising to strengthen institutions of

interference in the functioning of

flight

democracy. Next year’s elections offer us an opportunity to vote for

its board.

Waterkloof and the use of public

at

Air

Force

Base

the future and not the past.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

GLAMPING IT UP AT

BY DENNY MCELLIS

Paws Up, Montana I had to fight off a list of writers to get the chance to go to Paws

and boasts the most expansive views on the entire 37,000-acre ranch

Up, Montana. This assignment is known as being a drop-what-you’re-

the aptly named Cliffside Camp features a dining facility, lounge and

doing-and-go opportunity and my Chief had barely sent me the

six safari-style luxury tent accommodations ranging from 605 to 977

confirmation email before I was booking flights.

square feet. Each tent is privately nestled in groves of pine trees for a

Even the name Paws Up, Montana brings to mind one word rustic, leather boots, cabins, cedar woods, wild animals, bears and mountains.

American mountains (cue eagle cry).

natural privacy that offers the beautiful smell of pine-needles.

Four of the six tents feature two-bedrooms with a king bed in one and two twin beds in the other, making them ideal for families and the

A global trend, glamping (short for glamorous camping) has caught

remaining tents are designated as “honeymoon tents” and feature a

fire and offers outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recreation.

copper tub at the foot of a king bed, making them the quintessential

Paws Up is North America’s finest provider of this indulgent vacation

romantic accommodation. However, by design I am here by myself

experience and has opened its fifth and most extravagant camp this

and found the honeymoon tent perfect for a couple of nights away.

year, the “Cliffside Camp”.

Just me and the wild.

Paws Up have continually pushed the envelope with innovative

Maybe for this reason, one of the features I love the most is that

glamping design and amenities and at Cliffside Camp they have swung

each tent includes an ensuite bathroom with double sinks, heated slate

for the fences in a big way.

flooring and large, glass-enclosed showers which is one of the main

Situated atop a majestic cliff that overlooks the Blackfoot River 30 | Endeavour Magazine

differences between glamping and camping- no sharing. The porch

deck is rustic, with comfortable

camp

seating that provides a front-row seat to Mother Nature’s daily and

designing Cliffside Camp, we

than a mere guest makes it all

delectable cuisine, and a camp

incorporated

worthwhile.

butler attends to all of the guests’

our guests and valued travel

nightly performances. There’s

needs. He was kind enough to

professionals

the

be better to have someone to

even air-conditioning, hardwood

prepare gourmet s’mores in the

optimum level of luxury and

share the experience (and price)

flooring and electricity.

camp’s fire and even helped me

singularity.”

with, especially as the rates

Central to the Cliffside Camp is an impressive, private dining

chef

to

prepare

the

plot out the best itinerary for my time away from the office.

insight to

create

from

I will say that I believe it would

Glamping is not cheap, but

are based upon two adults and

it needs to make no apology for

also include three meals daily.

pavilion that not only offers

“Year after year, we continue

it. The combination of the most

Starting at $1,475 (£944.00) per

restaurant-style seating, but a

to see increased demand for

spectacular views, rustic luxury

night the experience did have it’s

lounge area with couches and a

our

camps,”

of the highest level and the

lonely moments because there is

fireplace.

stated Larry Lipson, owner of

sort of attention to detail that

only so much a girl can do in the

The Resort at Paws Up, “When

makes you feel more like royalty

forest by herself.

Paws Up employs a private

luxury

tented

Endeavour Magazine | 31

SKA PROJECT 0027 11 442 2434 WWW.SKA.AC.ZA

32 | Endeavour Magazine

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

What we see in the sky at night is nothing short of messages from the beginning of time as the light from the very nearest galaxy to our own left it before our human species even evolved. To achieve a deeper sense of enlightenment we need to uncover and study the nature of the universe to better understand ourselves first. We spoke with Managing Director, Dr. Bernie Fanaroff.

Endeavour Magazine | 33

SKA PROJECT

In South Africa, astronomers want to build the most powerful telescope ever, to see back to before the first stars and galaxies formed into the very source of all that is.

“T

he Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be a radio

MeerKAT is cutting-edge and the

telescope,” explains Bernie, “Instead of seeing light

project is creating opportunities

waves, it will create images via radio waves.”

for a large group of young

This is a landmark occasion as the majority of the SKA - the full

scientists and engineers with

dish array and the dense aperture array - will be built in Africa. The

world-class expertise in the

core - i.e. the region with the highest concentration of receivers - will

technologies which they did not

be constructed in the Northern Cape Province, about 80 km from

have previously. This will prove

the town of Carnarvon which is incidentally the same site where the

to be crucial in the next 10 – 20

MeerKAT is being constructed. The sparse aperture array which is

years in the development of

the low frequency array will be put together in Western Australia.

super-computing which will have

“South Africa has already demonstrated its excellent science and

an impact on data transport,

engineering skills by designing and starting to build the MeerKAT

the creation of large sensory

telescope as a pathfinder to the SKA,” Bernie reveals, “The first seven

networks, radio software and

dishes, KAT-7, are complete and have already produced its first

imaging algorithms.

pictures it has created a bit of a media storm and we’ve attracted great interest internationally.”

“MeerKAT will be the most sensitive radio telescope in the

In fact more than 500 international astronomers and 58 from

southern hemisphere until SKA

Africa have submitted proposals to do science with MeerKAT once

comes online,” Bernie is quick to

it is complete.

point out, “It is by this credit that

One of the reasons is that the technology being developed for

leading radio astronomy teams

“South Africa has already demonstrated its excellent science and engineering skills by designing and starting to build the MeerKAT telescope as a pathfinder to the SKA” 34 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 35

SKA PROJECT

around the globe have already signed up to use the instrument as

top of the piles to add further

400 grants (2012) for studies in

soon as it is ready.”

stability. Upon that thirty two

astronomy and engineering from

The concrete for the first MeerKAT antenna foundation was

“holding down” bolts are pre-

undergraduate to post-doctoral

poured on Wednesday 14 August 2013 at South Africa’s SKA site

assembled in a circle to form a

level,

in the Karoo. This is the first of 64 similar foundations that will be

steel ring cage, which is called

in

constructed for this telescope over the next nine months with each

an engineering “bird’s nest”, into

technicians. Astronomy courses

foundation consisting of 78 m³ concrete and nine tons of steel.

which the concrete is then cast.

are being taught as a result of

while

training

also

investing

programmes

for

“Designing a foundation for a high-tech telescope is complex and

“This first foundation will

the SKA Africa project in Kenya,

challenging since it has to meet a set of stringent requirements,” Tracy

now be verified through a series

Mozambique, Madagascar and

Cheetham, general manager for infrastructure and site operations at

of load tests to ensure that all

Mauritius (which has had a

SKA South Africa explains. “The foundations must ensure that each

specifications have been met,”

radio telescope for many years)

of the 19-m high antennas with its 13.5 x 16 m main reflector will be

Cheetham says. “Getting this

and are soon to start in other

exceptionally stable and able to point accurately at distant celestial

absolutely

countries.

objects at wind speeds gusting to 69 km/h as well as survive wind

important for the science to be

speeds of up to 144 km/h. Another challenge for the design team was

done with this instrument, and

to ensure that each antenna was carefully earthed and would not be

will also inform the construction

damaged in the event of a lightning strike.”

of foundations for other SKA

currently taking shape in South

dishes to be built in the Karoo.”

Africa’s Karoo region, is a world-

In order to meet these stability requirements, each foundation

right

is

critically

MeerKAT The

MeerKAT

array,

consists of eight steel-reinforced concrete piles at depths of between

Since 2005, the African SKA

class radio telescope designed

5 to 10 m, depending on the local soil conditions. A square slab of

Human Capital Development

to do ground-breaking science.

concrete over five meters wide and over one meter thick rests on

Programme has awarded close to

It will be the largest and most

36 | Endeavour Magazine

sensitive radio telescope in the southern hemisphere until the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is completed around 2024. Via MeerKAT, South Africa is playing a key role in design and technology developments for the SKA. Close to 100 young scientists and engineers are working on the MeerKAT project. Based at the engineering office in Cape Town, and at universities and technology companies across South Africa and Africa, these researchers interact closely with SKA teams around the world. In collaboration with South African industry and universities, and collaborating with global institutions, the South African team has developed technologies and systems for the MeerKAT telescope, including innovative composite telescope dishes and cutting-edge signal processing hardware and algorithms.

Prof Justin Jonas, Associate Director: Science and Engineering at

“Designing a foundation for a high-tech telescope is complex and challenging since it has to meet a set of stringent requirements,” Tracy Cheetham, general manager for infrastructure and site operations at SKA South Africa explains. “The foundations must ensure that each of the 19-m high antennas with its 13.5 x 16 m main reflector will be exceptionally stable and able to point accurately at distant celestial objects at wind speeds gusting to 69 km/h as well as survive wind speeds of up to 144 km/h. Another challenge for the design team was to ensure that each antenna was carefully earthed and would not be damaged in the event of a lightning strike.”

SKA South Africa, is very excited about the implications of the SKA site decision for the role that South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope will play in the future of the SKA. “The decision recognises MeerKAT as a key instrument that will make up one quarter of SKA Phase 1 midfrequency array, and the science planned for SKA Phase 1 is very similar to the MeerKAT science case - just much more ambitious,” he explains. “Our researchers and students who participate in the MeerKAT surveys have a huge advantage. They are well placed to enter SKA Phase 1. They have the opportunity to become science leaders in future SKA projects.”

Up to 2016 South Africa will be constructing the 64 MeerKAT dishes in the Karoo and construction on 190 SKA Phase 1 dishes should start more or less when MeerKAT is complete. “The design of the SKA dishes is not yet final, but they should look similar to the Gregorian-offset dish design chosen for MeerKAT,” Prof Jonas expects.

KAT-7 (seven-dish MeerKAT precursor array) The seven-dish MeerKAT precursor array, KAT-7, is the world’s first radio telescope array consisting of composite antenna structures.

South Africa is currently building the Karoo Array Telescope, or MeerKAT, a mid-frequency ‘pathfinder’ or demonstrator radio telescope, alongside the SKA core site.

The first seven dishes of the local precursor instrument - known as KAT-7 - were completed by December 2010 and are now being commissioned.

It is the world’s first radio telescope with dishes made of fibre glass. KAT-7 is an engineering prototype for the 64-dish MeerKAT, but the world’s scientists see it as a useful instrument in its own right, and they are keen to switch it on for doing science as soon as possible.

“KAT-7 has already delivered images of the Centaurus A, a galaxy 14-million light years away,” Bernie concludes.

Endeavour Magazine | 37

MINISTRY OF PLANNING TT 001 868 627 9700 WWW.PLANNING.GOV.TT

38 | Endeavour Magazine

PLANNING Ahead WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Trinidad and Tobago had experienced a swell of development and interest in the island nations and with their hungry pursuit for the next level of industrial and commercial growth came the creation of the Ministry of Planning. Established in July 2012, we spoke with the Minister of Planning, Senator The Honourable Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie regarding the ministries plans for the jewels of the Caribbean.

Endeavour Magazine | 39

MINISTRY OF PLANNING TT

“It is the responsibility of this Ministry to expedite and strengthen the National Framework for Sustainable Development,” Tewarie opens up, “And one of the key objectives is to highlight achievements and facilitate meaningful interaction between the Ministry and the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”

T

he Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development (MP and SD) is the primary vehicle for the alignment of the activities focicentral to the government’s Seven Pillars for

Sustainable Development.

“These

include

People

Centered

Development,

Poverty

Eradication and Social Justice, National and Personal Security, Use of Information and Communication Technology, Creating a Diversified and Knowledge Intensive Economy, Good Governance and Foreign Policy,” Tewari explains, ticking off the boxes to their plans for change.

“The Ministry’s obligation,” he goes on to explain, “Is the coordination

of

the

National

Framework

for

Sustainable

Development, as well as, the systematic execution of key projects to fulfill the selected strategic initiatives for the planning period 2011 to 2014.” And the Initiatives adopted by the Ministry include a range of solutions covering a selection of sectors from national leadership and innovation through to marketing practices.

With a vision to become a major player in the global arena, a cornerstone for the development of national policies, the ministry aims to act as an anvil on which to test the mettle of the plans and strategies that will lead the country into the future. The responsibility 40 | Endeavour Magazine

of taking a step back away from the abundant list of things that need to be done, being able to prioritize which sectors need to be developed first- ie infrastructure such as roads and bridges need to be developed to develop other sectors like logistics, construction and engineering, and make the right choices on the best way to initiate and put plans into action.

On this, Tewarie is insistent, “The only way to drive the transformation of Trinidad and Tobago is by defining, coordinating and facilitating the implementation of the National Policy Agenda,�

Although the ministry has a long list of values that it upholds and uses to make its decisions innovation is the one that stands out as the most important. Judging by the business ethos in the country, innovation is one of the factors that define Trinidad and Tobago, new ideas are embraced with enthusiasm and spirit and this attitude has been capitalized upon by the ministry. Helping them avoid the environmental cost of relying on historic fuels such as coal and petrol without looking at renewable energies first.

Already they have defined five specific geographic areas (Growth Poles) throughout the country for economic development and to become centers of investment. These chosen areas will benefit from special fiscal packages, including the granting of Free Trade Zone status and access to tax incentives provided to the agriculture,

Endeavour Magazine | 41

MINISTRY OF PLANNING TT

manufacturing, and tourism sectors. Areas like Invader’s Bay in Port

important social and economic indicators,” he tells us.

of Spain, the Chaguaramas peninsula, Tamana Intec Science and

Because of this, the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable

Technology Park, Cove Estate in Tobago and the capital city of Port

Development partnered with the IDB to turn Port-of-Spain into a

of Spain.

Sustainable City, defined as a city that offers a high quality of life for

“Projects like the new “protected areas management system” is just what we look for,” Tewari specifies, “This will cover areas such

its inhabitants, minimises their impact on the natural environment and has a government that can maintain its economic growth.

as the use of clean technologies like compressed natural gas to run

The City of Port-of-Spain was one of five pilot cities chosen for the

public buses and the installation of solar lighting, among others.” It

Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (ESCI) and began in June

will go toward the government’s implementation of the National

2011, focussed on the development of the communities of East Port-

Environmental Policy, Forest Policy, Protected Areas Policy and

of-Spain, Belmont and Gonzales.

National Climate Change Policy. It covers a period of eight years.

“The implementation of the Action Plan is estimated to cost (US)

“The purpose of the agreement is to assist government in

$200 million,” Tewari says, going on to say that the Government and

implementing national policy to achieve these objectives,” Tewarie

the IDB have designated approximately (US) $98 million towards

said. “The agreement should be seen as a tool to help execute and

implementation.

implement policy by providing financial assistance and guidelines to implementation.”

There is still a long way to go, “Trinidad and Tobago has experienced

The Government and the IDB anticipate that in 2013 and 2014 almost half of the IDB’s total financing to Trinidad and Tobago will go to the urban sector activities under the ESCI

considerable economic growth since 1995, however the citizens have

“We can only achieve lasting prosperity if we are creative, if we

not been spared from experiencing growing levels of poverty and

work together and if we keep an eye on innovation in everything that

inequality observed in income, education, life expectance and other

we do,” concludes Tewarie.

42 | Endeavour Magazine

CHAGUARAMAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

CHAGUARAMAS ...the place to be

Investing In A New Future

CDA’s current investment drive seeks to select the best partners for the development of its major projects.

Such investments must adhere to best international practices toward achieving world class results, allowing for the sustainability of CDA’s developmental strategy and achieving its vision to making Chaguaramas the premier provider of the ultimate customer experience.

www.chagdev.com www.facebook.com/ChaguaramasTT 868-634-4311

Endeavour Magazine | 43

BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY 0027 43 705 1749 WWW.BUFFALOCITY.GOV.ZA

44 | Endeavour Magazine

South African WRITTEN BY LANCE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

A young city with a population comprising mostly of people under the age of 29, Buffalo City has often been called one of the most forward thinking and applicable municipalities in South Africa.

Boosted by the strength of a thriving Industrial Development Zone, a real hunger for success from the youth and a rise in education matriculates the area seems destined to continue in the same vein. I was fortunate enough to speak with Municipality Manager Andile Fani regarding his favourite city.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY

“It is our responsibility,” Andile tells us, “As municipality to structure and manage the administration, budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of the community and promote the social and economic development of that community.”

uffalo City Municipality is in the Amatole District of

B

Andile, is definitely the man for the job: he has a diploma in public

the Eastern Province and has incorporated two former

management from Walter Sisulu University, a diploma in labour law,

municipalities King Williams Town and East London into

certificates in municipal financial management and local government

itself making the municipality the ultimate political decision-making

management. He also has an extensive experience in local government.

body of the region.

Before he was officially appointed City manager of Buffalo City and

“The Executive Mayor of Buffalo City, Zukiswa Ncitha takes

he had filled the role in an acting capacity for more than a year after

overall strategic and political responsibility for the city, while myself,

he was seconded from the provincial department of local government

the Municipal Manager heads the city’s administration.”

and traditional affairs.

From this position of immersion within the governmental

His approach has certainly stuck. In what was only supposed to

routines and cycles Andile Fani is the very word on the focusses and

be a six month tenure but he has been in the hot seat since November

determinations of the municipality and takes his job very seriously. A

2010 during which time he has made a lot of impressive steps to clean

fact that has awarded him the respect of everyone he works with.

up the city for his people.

A humble, rural upbringing taught Andile the importance of being part of the people and not above them. He is straight forward, direct,

“I used to drive around the city and it was dirty,” he recalls, “The beach and streets had been filthy for some time. I wasn’t proud of it.”

principled and stubborn enough and has spent the time in his position,

Pride in one’s home city is the starting point for improvement

first appointed in 2010, clearing out the corruption that has tainted

and development. He understood that for things to change he had

and marred many governmental departments in South Africa.

to make Buffalo City a place where it’s people could be proud of.

“When you do not have ambitions of staying you can make

His initial changes included City clean-up campaigns, a turnaround

decisions,” Andile explains, “I am acting on certain things that will make

strategy on financial management, getting the council ready for

me unpopular. But I am not here to make friends.”

the transformation to a metropolitan, service delivery hotspots, a

Pride in one’s home city is the starting point for improvement and development.

46 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 47

BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY

turnaround strategy on supply chain management, a turnaround strategy on audit findings and the appointment of a chief financial officer and a general manager for supply chain.

Almost three years down the line and things have definitely improved from the ground up.

“We have finally become a metropolis of South Africa,” he tells us.

Developments In Buffalo City

How To Stimulate Economic Development Municipalities are regarded as vehicles for local economic development, suggesting that they should aim to create a climate conducive to investment and economic growth. Buffalo City has a plethora of important growth and development opportunities on offer.

A number of major projects are in the pipeline, including an

“We have an Integrated Development Plan IDP, which is a single,

Industrial Development Zone and a campaign to stimulate growth

inclusive and strategic plan for the development of the municipality”

in the tourism sector. The municipality has recognised its important

he tells us.

economic development role and has established a local economic

This will enable the municipality to achieve its constitutional

development unit to achieve it.

objectives of democratic and accountable leadership for local

“There is a strong focus on securing foreign investment, creating

authorities of energy, water and waste removal. The sustainable

international partnerships and twinning relationships including

provision of services to communities and the promotion of social,

relationships with many international experts including SIDA and The

economic development in a safe and healthy environment.

Dutch,” Andile tells us, “Buffalo City Municipality also actively builds

“We encourage community participation in local government matters,” Andile explains, “And the IDP is seen as a management tool for the city administration as well as a tool for the development of partnerships and strategic alliances on different levels.”

48 | Endeavour Magazine

its relationships with the business community and major economic role-players.”

This was prompted by the establishment of a Business Forum that provides a useful platform for engaging the private sector and

building a strategic city development partnership and the mayor and deputy mayor hold regular meetings and other interactions with key stakeholders such as Daimler Chrysler.

Buffalo City Municipality has strong relationships with neighbouring cities, and has come far along the road in identifying and developing common interests and needs. It is involved with the Nelson Mandela Metropole and the Cacada and Amatole district municipalities through the Coastal Mayor’s Forum. These relationships allow the municipality to play a useful co-ordinating and strategic role for the Eastern Cape which in turn will help in its own increase development.

2013 And Beyond Water system upgrades and the laying of a state of the art

“I used to drive around the city and it was dirty. The beach and streets had been filthy for some time. I wasn’t proud of it.”

fibre optic network to encourage industry and foreign investors to set up shop in the region and take advantage of the new level of infrastructure are well under way. Add to this the like mindedness of the team of leaders in charge of Buffalo City and there is no end to what they can accomplish.

“It’s all down to working together,” Andile concludes.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

KING PIE 0027 11 564 9701 WWW.KINGPIE.CO.ZA

50 | Endeavour Magazine

ACHIEVING SUCCESS IS

As Easy As Pie WRITTEN BY CHRIS DAVIES

In a rapidly changing and evolving quick service restaurant industry, King Pie is convincing customers that its products are a healthy and nutritious alternative to junk food.

Endeavour Magazine | 51

KING PIE

From small and humble beginnings in 1993, where pies were cooked and distributed among family and friends, King Pie has now become a well-known and established household brand. Within the first year of trading, a staggering 30 franchises opened up due to demand from hungry consumers.

T

wo decades later and King Pie has grown and developed into a hugely successful empire, boasting 290 franchises across South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia, selling in

excess of 3 million pies per month.

In addition to this prosperous retail network, King Pie produces each and every pie that gets sold in-store thanks to its own manufacturing facility, which ensures quality is of the highest standard possible.

Unique selling point “The thing that differentiates us from competitors is our unique products,” notes Andre Els, CEO, King Pie. “Our pies are made in a completely different way. We use quality ingredients and puff pastry, but do not include soya or any additives or preservatives.”

Changing the opinion of existing clientele and potential customers is one of King Pie’s main concerns, as there is a common misconception that pies are a type of junk food. However, as Andre reveals, King Pie’s commitment to nutritious eating is looking to change that.

Snack-A-Juice Superior Fruit Juices has been the preferred supplier for King Pie since 2008. Over the past 5 years Snack-A-Juice and King Pie have joined hands to deliver fresh superior tasteful products to the King Pie Empire at a great price.

Snack-A-Juice provides the King Pie Franchisees with personalized service.

Snack-A-Juice always delivers according to customer’s specifications and goes the extra mile to ensure stock is rotated and returned.

If you want to be part of the revelation, contact Snack-A-Juice on 011 823 5254.

www.snackajuice.co.za 52 | Endeavour Magazine

“We want to move people’s perception of pies away from an unhealthy and fatty food, to a healthy meal made with the best ingredients that is very good value for money,” he says.

In an industry where producing and selling products may seem easy, Andre knows that King Pie’s focus on quality will stand the company in good stead, especially since the current market is enjoying plenty of interest and success.

“The quick service restaurant business in South Africa, which is the category of the economy we operate in, is growing in excess of

KING PIE

10 per cent each year,” cites

even daily basis, we do micro swabbing and DNA testing to make sure

Andre. “This is because more

we only use pure chicken or beef in our pies.”

and more people have money to

Along with an in-house quality control team that inspects

spend, but also time constraints

everything from raw ingredients to the finished product, King Pie also

with working mean fast food and

has a taste panel to make sure every batch meets exacting standards

takeaways are popular.”

when it comes to flavour.

Recently,

Continuous improvement meal,

received

CUC

(Control

Union

management policy, quality management and good manufacturing

In order to guarantee that nourishing

company

Certification) HACCP accreditation for its existing environmental

the customer receives a delicious and

the

the

company pays close attention to the manufacturing process.

“When we produce the pies

practices. However, there is no room for complacency, as this stringent dedication is an ongoing process.

“We do continuous capital investments in our factory to ensure we have the latest technology in order to produce cost-effective products and maintain an efficient and world class operation,” notes Andre.

The importance of people When we ask Andre about the role King Pie’s employees play in the business, he notes that the nature of the quick service food industry means they are of the utmost importance.

“You can have all the best products in the world, but if the interaction with customer and their experience in-store is not of a satisfactory level, they will not buy from you, as there are numerous alternatives out

in our factory, we have tests

there,” he says. “Therefore we

at every aspect and phase of

have continuous training for

manufacturing to make sure we

new recruits and development

meet quality standards as well as

programmes

food safety requirements,” says

employees.”

Andre. “On a monthly, weekly,

While

for educating

current and

world’s finest

54 5266 | Endeavour Magazine 1_2 Page Ad.indd 1

2013/08/30 8:22 AM

training staff is one aspect of people management, contacting and understanding the customer is another. Therefore, King Pie reaches out to its target market in order to provide the best product possible.

“What is very important to us is knowing who our customers are, what they want and how we can deliver,” reveals Andre. “People’s demands can change as the industry is constantly growing, changing, developing and evolving.”

Therefore, King Pie has set up focus groups with current clientele and non-customers to take them through what the business is all about.

“They tell us what they like, what they don’t like, what they want and what they expect,” says Andre. “We then make sure we stay in touch with our customers so we can deliver the service, store environment, product range and quality they want.”

Another consideration that is a prime concern for King Pie is the

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supply of raw ingredients and materials, as this is pivotal to success.

Thankfully, strong and loyal relationships mean this area of the business has been taken care of.

“We strive to develop long-lasting relationships with our suppliers as this is a benefit to both them and us,” explains Andre. “They receive a continual stream of business and we are ensured cost-effective,

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efficient and competitive pricing.”

Ma Baker was founded in 1987 by

Wayne Lund and Marcel Briner. During 1995, the company merged with a Durban competitor and, at this time, Russell Moore joined the company.

From small beginnings in a tiny factory in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, the company has grown rapidly and today, at its present factory complex, in excess of 500 staff are employed.

The company is now the dominant supplier of pie and pastry products in KwaZulu Natal.

KwaZulu Natal Head Office Gauteng (033) 386 9228 (011) 474 5451 Pietermaritzburg Johannesburg

Eastern Cape (041) 819 7333 Port Elizabeth

“What is very important to us is knowing who our customers are, what they want and how we can deliver,” reveals Andre. “People’s demands can change as the industry is constantly growing, changing, developing and evolving.”

Endeavour Magazine | 55

KING PIE

Confident of future success Looking forward, Andre believes King Pie can achieve the same levels of success that has seen the company reach its landmark 20th anniversary in existence this year. Along with continually opening new franchises and redesigning the interior décor of stores across Southern Africa, King Pie is working on introducing two additional retail formats in the coming months.

“In five years time, we will see that the franchise business will continue to grow and go from strength to strength, both in the current and new formats” he notes. “We are also diversifying by supplying pies to the retail industry.

“Finally, we are looking at how we can grow and diversify the brand itself by not concentrating solely on pies.”

Most recently, King Pie launched a range of frozen, oven-ready savoury pies and sausage rolls to broaden its reach and appeal to a whole new range of consumers. With the same fantastic quality and superb value for money guaranteed, there is no doubt that this will be a prosperous endeavour for the company. If the same number of people buy and eat King Pie products at home as they do in-store, there is no reason why one of South Africa’s most popular quick service food outlets cannot carry on trading for another 20 years.

The origins of Digistics can be traced back to the

Anderson Dubose Company, a Quick Service Restaurant Distribution Operation in the United States. In 1995 it set up a partnership in South Africa, ASP Distributors, which had an exclusive commercial procurement and distribution agreement with McDonalds South Africa.

A management buy-out of ASP Distributors took place in 2003 and the company commenced trading operations under the name

of Digistics. In 2004 Digistics secured an exclusive distribution agreement with KFC, which was the beginning of a significant growth phase for the business. In 2008 King Pie joined the Digistics network as its third Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Customer.

Super Group acquired a controlling interest in Digistics in 2012 cementing its position in the multi-temperatures and QSR market segments.

associated dry goods distribution through its 9 distribution centers located in Gauteng, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, with its head office in Midrand. It has a fleet of over 130 multi temperature vehicles that service both its secondary distribution and primary managed freight business with a team of 800 employees. Additionally, Digistics provides import, export and cold storage services to its customers.

Digistics specializes in national multitemperature food and

Waterfall Distribution Campus Bridval Veil Road Cnr Allandale Road and K101 Old Pretoria Road Midrand

Tel 011 663 3500 www.digistics.co.za

DIGITAL LOGISTICS

56 | Endeavour Magazine

Managing two farms, producing approximately 47.5 tons of mushrooms per week, Country Mushrooms runs its own pack houses and delivery fleet and is able to deliver anywhere in Gauteng and surrounding areas on a daily basis.

Their broad customer base includes restaurants and fast food outlets as well as wholesalers and chain stores.

Mushrooms are sold 90% fresh and 10% processed. All their facilities, including the pack houses and growing rooms, are fully accredited by Haccp, Global GAP & Farming for the Future. We also pack Halaal.

Country Mushrooms are proud being a supplier to King Pie and may they prosper in years to come!

Untitled-2 1

10/09/2013 09:48

Tel: +27 (0)11 964 1349 www.countrymushrooms.co.za morris@countrymushrooms.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 57

AGROCARIBE 00502 2207 3000 WWW.AGROCARIBE.COM

58 | Endeavour Magazine

ESTABLISHING THE Human ELEMENT WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Hopefully, Endeavour Magazine has established that we are on a mission to determine the key components and ingredients, the actions and decisions, the methodology and beliefs of the most successful and influential companies in the world. To this end we are highly selective of the companies we feature, ensuring that their stories will be the sort that will engage our readers in the right way. Neatly, this brings us to Agrocaribe.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

AGROCARIBE

One of the things we look at is a company’s willingness to be accountable. There is no such thing as a Superman company, no company is perfect and all powerful because all businesses rely on the human element which is at the same time the greatest asset and the first perceptible weakness. However, a company’s willingness to be accountable is a testament to their focus on longevity, it is a statement of intent that they will play by the rules that will benefit their customers, partners and employees.

S

o, we spoke with Corporate Director, Bernardo Roehrs who

experience and talent that they can rely on in the future.

had some very interesting things to say about the state of

“We have a social outreach toward our employees and the

the industry and the important steps that they have been

communities surrounding our facilities,” Bernardo explains, “And have

involved with since joining the RSPO. Also we spoke with the sales

implemented a number of environmental and social programs that

manager, Javier Palomo, who told us about the industry trends.

contribute to the development of our workers, their families and the

“In our wish to become a member of the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) we created the Environmental and Social

communities. You see, Agrocaribe is totally committed to providing comprehensive support and to build the common good.”

Responsibility Department,” Bernardo opens up, “This was in order to promote, apply, and support the principles and criteria of the RSPO.” And, in order to encourage the sustainable palm oil production,

The State Of The Industry?

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors that our planet

Agrocaribe has promoted the Oil Palm Growers Association through

relies upon. Farming was one of the first industries to develop and

which the company wants to start the implementation of the same

no civilization can exist without it. According to the UK Technology

principles and criteria.

Strategy Board, by 2030 we are expecting the overall population of the

“Additionally, we have recently become a member of Centrarse,”

world to increase to 9 billion which creates an unprecedented demand

he adds, “This is an association supported by the World Business

for food crops. Along with this demand is the fast development of the

Council for Sustainable Development and is in charge of promoting

presence of organized farming in countries that previously were not

and developing the Social Responsibility Program in Guatemala.”

self-sufficient. This has created a landscape previously unseen.

With approximately two thousand employees working for

“At the moment, we see that prices are low due to the increase

Agrocaribe a lot of emphasis is placed upon the development of the

of global production and an increase in inventories,” Javier explains,

human element as the best way to create a long lasting foundation of

“However, we tend to think that prices are going to stabilized as the

“We have a social outreach toward our employees and the communities surrounding our facilities and have implemented a number of environmental and social programs that contribute to the development of our workers, their families and the communities. You see, Agrocaribe is totally committed to providing comprehensive support and to build the common good.”

60 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 61

AGROCARIBE

culture medium in the nursery

our agricultural and industrial

However, one of the biggest questions currently faced by

area,” Bernardo explains, “And in

practices are done in time and

organizations like the Technology Strategy Board is how to get

the plating area we have sown

with good quality.”

more from less. Approaching the task of producing enough calories

cover crops to reduce the soil

worldwide to feed nine billion people is about increasing the efficiency

erosion and weed control. This

of current agricultural regions to produce more crop yield from the

department is also in charge

same farming area (per hectare) and with less input. This is part

of

because development has a lot to take into account.

programs based on foliar, soil

need for food staples increases as the world’s middle class grows.”

developing

fertilization

2013,2014 And Beyond And

what

of

the

new

“As an industry, we need to focus on increasing productivity in a

and production analysis in order

developments for Agrocaribe?

way that protects the surrounding communities, the environment and

to apply only what’s necessary

What is the company planning to

our natural resources,” Bernardo explains, clearly adamant about this,

for the plant. However this is not

do in the future to ensure their

“And our focus continues to be to produce more with less resources”.

the key to our efficiency.”

lead and to increase it?

With this in mind, Agrocaribe is very well know for their high

“We have been able to

“We are about to finish

efficiency, be it with their Search and Development Department who

build a highly motivated team

a cycle of investments and

are in charge of the implementation of new technologies for crop

that is obsessed with results,”

developments,”

he reveals proudly, “And we

explains,

have developed a commitment

months we will be focused on

reduce the use of pesticides and look for alternatives for pest control.

to

consolidating the expansions and

An example of this would be the creation of a snake hatchery for rat

searching for issues before they

control, a plague that notoriously affects the crop.

become problems and finding

One of these is surely the

solutions for them. As a result,

Clean Development Mechanism

management.

This area has made an Integrated Pest Management program to

“Also, we have started the use of the empty fruit bunch as a

62 | Endeavour Magazine

continuous

improvement,

“So

Bernardo for

next

12

plans.”

or CDM. This project, approved

carbon footprint does not rise

by

the

Nations

with it and making use of biogas,

that

consists

United

capturing

extracted from decomposition

methane or biogas from water

and lagoons through tenting,

treatment lagoons, which uses

which can be burnt as an

methodologies

produce

alternative to petroleum. The

electric power for the use of the

main objectives is to one reduce

extracting plant and monitors the

their emissions and secondly to

burning of biogas.

protect the environment that the

of

to

“The UN grants Certified

communities rely upon.

Reductions-CER’s,

“Our human element much

or carbon bonds to industries

be protected and supported at all

that show investment in Clean

times,” Bernardo concludes.

Emission

Development

Mechanism

projects

use

that

Yara as a responsible company is concerned about the environment, that is why it contributes to reduce the carbon footprint throughout the lifecycle of the fertilizer through new technologies that consist on catalysts which reduce by 90% the emissions of N2O on fertilizer production. Nutrition knowledge and precision tools are also important to reduce carbon footprint.

less

contaminant technologies for the environment,” he explains.

This is important for as the company is set to grow at an exponential rate they are taking action to ensure that their

Solutions for sustainable agriculture and the environment

Knowledge grows

Yara Guatemala, S.A. Tel: +502 2421-2600 Fax: +502 2439 5771 Calzada Roosevelt 33-86 Edificio Ilumina, Nivel 11, Oficina 1102 zona 7. www.yara.com

Endeavour Magazine | 63

MCLEOD RUSSEL 00256 3824 20000 WWW.MCLEODRUSSEL.CO.UG

64 | Endeavour Magazine

Even though McLeod Russel Uganda is part of the world’s largest producer of tea, the company remains committed to fundamental values like product quality, employee happiness and community welfare.

WRITTEN BY CHRIS DAVIES

AN Infusion OF QUALITY, COMMITMENT AND SUCCESS

Endeavour Magazine | 65

MCLEOD RUSSEL

There is an old saying that the entire British Empire was built on cups of tea. While this may not be strictly true, tea remains an incredibly popular drink around the globe.

M

cLeod Russel produces approximately 100 million kilos of high quality tea a year from estates in Assam, West Bengal, Vietnam, Rwanda and Uganda. Thanks to this

expansive footprint and over 90,000 members of staff, the company is the world’s largest producer of tea.

Wanting to discover more about the company’s presence in Uganda, we contacted General Manager Billy Singh, who told us about McLeod Russel Uganda’s commitment to quality, its various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the latest technological advancements that are improving production, and plans for the future.

Facts and figures McLeod Russel Uganda Limited (MRUL) annually produces approximately 16 million kilograms of black tea. The operation is spread out over 6,700 hectares, of which 3,350 hectares is tea. The company also has a 1,060-hectare eucalyptus plantation.

In addition to these areas, the company remains committed to the local environment with 1,700 hectares of natural forest, which is protected by the law of the land and home to indigenous species of tree, wildlife and insects.

Since establishing its presence in Uganda, McLeod Russel has spent over $9 million on upgrading factories, planting more tea, constructing staff housing and developing welfare programs.

Quality commitment “We differentiate ourselves with the quality of our products, attention to detail and concern for the sustainability of the business and environment,” boasts Billy.

Along with Rainforest Alliance, Food Safety Management System, Quality Management System and Environmental Management System accreditations, MRUL received FAIRTRADE hired labour certification for its Mwenge and Bugambe tea estates in early 2013.

As well as achieving the latest Gold Award for Tea in the President’s Export Award (PEA), the organisation is also a member of the Uganda Tea Association and the East Africa Tea Trade Association.

Employee development and welfare “We are the world’s largest tea producers but share the chairman’s 66 | Endeavour Magazine

people centric vision to care about the welfare of individuals who work for us,” notes Billy.

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To this end, MRUL spends around $500,000 annually on caring for employees through various welfare services and entitlements.

On every estate, clinics are provided for employees and registered dependents to receive medical services such as immunisation, family planning and HIV/AIDS voluntary counselling and testing.

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is also of the utmost importance as Billy explains: “Taking the business forward, we are committed to working in a safe, healthy and professional environment. Employees have been sponsored to engage in sports and drama competitions between estates. Trophies are competed for on an annual basis.”

Despite having a staff compliment of over 6,000 people, MRUL still finds the time and resources to educate employees. “We have inhouse training, as tea is quite a specialised business and there are very few institutions where you could send managers to learn about the industry,” says Billy.

“We also organise training programmes for human resources development and specific areas of the business, for example accounting and engineering departments.”

Endeavour Magazine | 67

MCLEOD RUSSEL

Operational expansion MRUL has completed the first stage of expansion in three of its five factories, but upgrading facilities is an ongoing process according to Billy. “This is a never-ending business,” he adds. “As new technology comes in, we adapt ourselves and make them available to the process.

In recent years, more and more people have moved from rural areas into towns and cities, which has resulted in a shortage of workers for the labour intensive tea industry. However, technology holds the answer for MRUL. “We are pioneering the use of mechanical harvesters, which is now well established and expanding,” notes Billy. “To harvest one hectare of tea manually would need between 25 to 30 people. Two machines can cover this ground but only requires six people.”

Even so, Billy is quick to assert that this is not removing or doing away with the MRUL’s valued employees. “We can bring in technology and increase the area we are covering rather than cut staff.”

Supporting the local economy and community Even though MRUL remains focused on the happiness and well

68 | Endeavour Magazine

being of its own employees, the wider community is also a prime concern. Therefore, the company is involved in various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and continues to put faith in the local economy.

“We have an active CSR programme where we work with communities to develop the primary schools in our vicinity,” says Billy. Since 2011, four primary schools have been allocated around $12,000 each to renovate classrooms and construct new buildings.

Although MRUL’s expansion project will increase capacity, it is also an opportunity to work more closely with small farmers and holders.

The necessary equipment and investment required to process tea is not adequately available to these individuals. MRUL is looking to change that, demonstrated by the latest factory expansion projects planned with consideration for small farmers.

“We believe the way forward is to be able to make crops beneficial for our neighbours,” notes Billy. “If we expand our capacity, we can take leaf from small holders and encourage tea plantations as an income generation for farmers.

“We also believe that a steady engagement in this horticultural practice can control deforestation and keep a focus on making a good living from tea. This has both social and economic benefits.”

Market conditions and future growth Over the past 6 to 7 years, MRUL has enjoyed success in the big East African tea consuming markets of the Middle East, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan. “More and more people are drinking tea now and the distribution systems are better organised to reach new markets,” reveals Billy. “We are very optimistic about the future of the product.”

Looking forward, MRUL is planning a steady production increase of 1-2 per cent annually, so in five years time its yearly yield will be in the region of 19-20 million kilograms of tea. Although capacity expansion is important, increasing the brand’s reach and reputation remains vital according to Billy.

He explains: “What we are currently working on, and have been for the last three years, is up scaling our quality profile.

Unfortunately, over the years Ugandan tea has been relegated to a poor price against products from Rwanda and Kenya. So with our investment and technology we are looking at upgrading the quality profile.”

MFSL employs over 50 qualified staff with strong logistics experience in the Region, MFSL is well positioned in Uganda and in the Great Lakes Region to deliver quality service to meet and exceed our customer requirements and expectations.

United by a commitment to our customers and energized by our role in helping them succeed, we have steadily grown in the region since our establishment in 2008.

Our dedicated customer relationship managers in Uganda, at border posts and finally at the port of Mombasa ensure a seamless supply chain service from origin to destination.

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www.multiplesolutions.com Endeavour Magazine | 69

OMNICANE 00230 212 3251 WWW.OMNICANE.COM

70 | Endeavour Magazine

“Sugar” says Jacques M. d’Unienville, Chief Executive Officer of its largest producer, Omnicane, “is the history of Mauritius.

The nation was built around sugar.”

WRITTEN BY BEN WALKER

NATION WITH A

Sweet Tooth

Endeavour Magazine | 71

OMNICANE

But what is built can fall. And this volcanic island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches in the Indian Ocean has a fabled mascot and legendary victim of ill fate - the dodo.

S

o

when

the

EU

trade

underpinning

in

2009

and add value to survive.

removed

And no company has taken

preferences

this pathway more successfully

and

than Omnicane. Traditionally a

export price, it might have been

quality

major sugar mill organisation

wondered whether Mauritius’

with origins reaching back to

sugar industry would follow

the 1850s, its current offering

the fate of that flightless, once

is significantly more diverse,

indigenous bird, now extinct for

reaching out from sugarcane,

300 years.

refined sugar and bio ethanol, to

“You’re right. The Mauritius sugar

industry

could

have

power plants and most recently, the hospitality business.

gone along that way,” laughs

72 | Endeavour Magazine

Launched

in

July

2009

d’Unienville. “At Omnicane we

through a strategic re-branding

had a choice of phasing out of

of

sugar or to survive and remain

Omnicane has been proactive

competitive. This last option is

in its approach to stabilise not

the one we took.”

only its own operations, but

MonTrésor-MonDésert,

Mauritius itself diversified

also the island’s economy. And

into textiles, upmarket tourism,

as a result the future now looks

banking and business process

brighter both in terms of further

outsourcing, while the sugar

expansion and development into

industry was forced to cut costs

Africa.

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P: 00 27 11 463 3317 | F: 00 27 11 463 3367 | E: eurogear@global.co.za www.eurogear.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 73

OMNICANE

“What we did was necessary, with vision from the private sector,

Simultaneously

thermal

investing in the cane cluster

government and workforce making it possible to survive and hopefully

energy operations at La Baraque

at La Baraque moving up the

a very successful reconversion,” says Jacques M. d’Unienville

and

value chain by producing direct

Saint

Aubin

are

now

For cost cutting, Omnicane took a centralisation route, closing

generating some 28 percent

consumption

refined

sugar

seven of the eight factories it was operating ten years ago, and

of exported electricity to the

for Europe, bio ethanol from

focussing operations on one unit, at the flexi-factory at La Baraque,

national grid.

molasses, bio fertilisers from

with a crushing capacity of 9,000 metric tonnes of cane per day. Being

“Before, we produced raw

vinasseand with the bagasse -

the only one to have adopted the diffuser technology on the island, it

sugar and molasses that were

the fibres of the sugar cane - we

is one of the most modern and energy efficient sugar cane mill in the

both exported wWe have now

are generating electricity for the

region.

moved up the value chain,

national grid in a substantial way.”

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M&E Office Tel:+230 677 9838 Fax: +230 677 7200 Andre Gerard Closel: +230 5 7275201 Website: www.m-e.mu info: mec.eng@intnet.mu 74 | Endeavour Magazine

Waterman (Mauritius) Inc. Ltd. While Mauritius is close to optimizing its full biomass energy potential, on the African continent there remains much to do, says d’Unienville.

Unsurprisingly, Africa holds a central position on Omnicane’s expansionary agenda, with a 25% share in the construction of a 200 million dollar sugar complex in Kenya, south of Mombasa. Production of both sugar and electricity is scheduled to start there next June.

With a capacity of 3,000 tonnes of cane per day, it will include an 18 megawatt power plant running on bagasse, and is expected to boost competition in the sugar industry where manufacturers continue to be bogged down by high production costs due to use of old technology. Other African projects include the development of a 5 MW hydroelectric power plant in Rwanda, due to be operational in 18 months.

“Our vision is to be a significant regional sugar and electricity

Experts in Manufacturing and Exporting Sulphur and Lime

producer and develop further value-added activities,” says d’Unienville. The recent strategic alliance with a British company, Liverpool-based The Real Good Food Company plc, and its sugar division Napier Brown - Europe’s leading independent non-refining sugar distributor - is a striking example. “We want to have more integration into our products and make the most of value-addidition.”

waternet@intnet.mu 00230 2655084 Palm Ave, Triolet, Trou Aux Biches, 171 Mauritius

31, Nicolay Road, PO Box 20, Port Louis, Mauritius Tel: (230) 206 5280 | Fax: (230) 216 0484 - (230) 240 7159 | ecs.co@intnet.mu | www.ecs.mu

Endeavour Magazine | 75

OMNICANE

And while Omnicane continues to roll out its diversification strategies, the main challenges says d’Unienville are the careful monitoring of growth and matching expansion with financial resources.

Mauritius Airport close to the

the

fast-expanding airport.

philosophy. “We strive to be

Scheduled

to

open

company’s

culture

and

in

an inspiration for sustainable

December, the hotel is part of a

development in all our activities.

“This is why last year we went through a 100 million US dollars

25-30 year development plan

We have a long term vision, and

bond issue with a multi-currency facility. So far, we have raised two

that includes office parks and

to be sustainable we have to care

tranches out of the three and each has been oversubscribed.”

residential properties.

for the social and environmental

Omnicane’s most radical diversification - into the hospitality sector - is flag shipped by a 140 room business hotel – Holiday Inn

Social

and

responsibilities

environmental

needs,”

are

d’Unienville

core

to

says

Jacques

Through

its

M.

corporate

social responsibility initiatives, Omnicane has established real partnerships human

for

and

sustainable community

development in the vicinity of its main operating locations.

“In all our activities we are concerned to be environmentally friendly

aiming

towardswith

zero waste and generating as much renewable energy as achievable.”

76 | Endeavour Magazine

is

AIR

The prospects for developing sugar clusters in Africa are, says Omnicane’s

CEO,

healthy growth rates.

“The cane industry is at the

“fantastic.

centre of three very important

First of all, it is a food industry,

elements; food, energy, and

and secondly it provides energy,

environment. Six years ago we

which in terms of electricity

took the option of rising to a

many regions desperately need.

great challenge: there was no

Sugar plantations are very

mid-way option. Now we are into

environmentally-friendly, one of

a very dynamic operational field

the best carbon converters and

and very much right with our

with substantial social benefits.”

timing.

The challenge for Mauritius,

“I am very passionate about

says d’Unienville, is to be a

what we are doing and very

hub provding services for the

excited about it.”

LAND

SEA

We deliver, at all levels.

development of Africa and acting

Whether it is at the moment we collect your goods at your doorstep,

as a link between Asia and Africa.

load and unload your goods, or track and deliver them to their destination,

“Mauritius privileged

is

in

position

a

very

pack and transport them, take care of your customs clearance, we always do our best to ensure that you get the highest quality of service… at all levels… and in the most cost-effective way.

between

two extremely dynamic zones; Asia - with China and India the economic engines - and Africa

Sea freight • Air freight • Inland fleet • Cargo consolidation • Customs brokerage • Warehousing & freeport

with vibrant economies and

Head Office - T: 204 7800 F: 204 7816 • Airport Office - T: 603 7900 F: 603 7999 • www.mceasyfreight.mu

Endeavour Magazine | 77

NORPALM 00233 31 2093295 WWW.NORPALMGH.COM

78 | Endeavour Magazine

Despite taking over a business that had seen better days, Norpalm has managed to become one of Ghana’s leading palm oil producers thanks to technological advancements and strong customer relationships.

WRITTEN BY CHRIS DAVIES

NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING

Gained

Endeavour Magazine | 79

NORPALM

Established in 1998 to acquire the assets of state owned National Oil Palm Plantations Limited, Norpalm Ghana continues to be one of the country’s prominent crude palm oil and crude palm kernel oil producers. The company took over operational responsibility of Ghana’s oldest plantation in September 2000 after the government decided to divest certain state owned businesses.

“F

or us, the success of Norpalm is that we took a divested

In order to secure and guarantee a supply of raw materials for its

state organisation from almost nothing to a leading

soap business, PZ Cussons Ghana approached Norpalm in 2003 with

business in the country today,” asserts Eric Anang,

a view to form a strategic relationship.

general manager at Norpalm.

“They wanted to have a palm oil supply for production because

“We have been able to meet our stakeholder aspirations - forged

in Ghana all the major plantations are somewhat aligned to an end

very good relationships with our suppliers and customers, taken care

user,” Eric explains. “At this point, sourcing palm oil became an issue

of our shareholders through reasonable dividends and an enhanced

which is where Norpalm came in.”

business, and above all remained profitable with good palm oil prices in the last five years.”

For the past 10 years, Norpalm has supplied all of its production to PZ Cussons after signing an exclusivity arrangement. Although

A chartered accountant by profession, Eric has been with

this ended in March 2013, the company will enter a new agreement

Norpalm for the majority of its existence. He previously held senior

in September to carry on this winning relationship. However,

financial positions at Coopers & Lybrand, DHL and Carson Products

maintaining high standards and continuing to deliver quality products

WA, which is now L’Oreal West Africa.

remains the company’s prime focus..

“We have an excellent relationship with PZ Cussons,”adds Eric.

Ownership and customers

“We have parameters for production, so before we supply to PZ we

The current ownership of Norpalm is a joint venture between

have to meet certain quality standards in terms of fatty acid content,

Norpalm AS (68.6 per cent), based in Norway, and PZ Cussons Ghana

oil moisture etc. For every delivery we make, all of these factors are

(31.4 per cent), a company that produces family care products, with

recorded as part of our quality checks and cross-checked on receipt

notable brands as Imperial Leather and Duck soap.

at PZ’s tank-farms..”

“We knew that in the commodity market things can change and we were hopeful prices would eventually get better,” notes Eric Anang. “We improved the facilities and doubled mill capacity.

We also fixed the palm kernel oil station, installed a new boiler to the mill and made a lot of significant investments.”

80 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 81

NORPALM

Plantation and facilities transformation At the time of taking over the former state owned business, palm oil prices were low, production facilities run down and the plantation was in a poor condition, with trees requiring lots of attention.

“The price was around $300 per tonne, compared to last year’s average price of $1150 per tonne,” reveals Eric. “So at that time, things were very bad and we needed to find a way to get going again.”

Recognising the potential in the market, Norpalm paid close attention to the plantation and facilities in order to achieve prosperity.

Through various upgrades and maximising production to meet market demand, the company began to find success.

“We knew that in the commodity market things can change and we were hopeful prices would eventually get better,” notes Eric. “We improved the facilities and doubled mill capacity. We also fixed the palm kernel oil station, installed a new boiler to the mill and made a lot of significant investments.”

However, maintaining the estate and updating the premises is an ongoing process at Norpalm, as the company continues to put its faith in technology. Without certain advancements, Eric believes Norpalm would struggle to operate and remain in business.

“We have put in standby equipment to operate 24 hours a day without any breaks during the peak season,” he says. “So we can maintain 30 metric tonnes per hour, but have backup for key equipment like a press and digester, should a breakdown occur. . We try to always maintain this rate of throughput. If we cannot make our volumes, we cannot survive, so every effort has been made not to lose any fruit during the peak season.”

Although the boiler is a significant part of the production process,

The efficient service providing organisation providing services to the mining & quarry, construction & the processing industries.

Manufactures’ Representation • Procurement & Supply • Technical Service

as it helps to sterilise and cook the fruit before processing, Norpalm has managed to utilise this piece of machinery for other uses.

“With the steam it generates, we have a steam turbine to produce our own electricity, close to 1 megawatt of power from our own operations,” cites Eric.

Recognising what is required Norpalm currently has around 280 members of staff on the payroll., Due to the seasonality of the business , additional workers are taken on between January and June. During this six-month period, 70 per cent of the company’s annual production takes place, so meeting requirements through addition recruitment is vital. To ensure each and every worker is able to carry out their job competently, various training schemes exist.

“We perform annual appraisals to come up with individual and departmental requirements,” says Eric. “We then organise training

Process & Plant Sales (GH) Ltd

programmes for the needs we identify.

Head Office, Tema Thokey House, Room 301, Community Four[4], Tema, Ghana.

Tel: 00 233 (0303) 207709 Fax: 00 233 (0303) 207710 Web: www.ppsghana.com

“We have contract staff who carry out various maintenance operations within the the plantation, harvest the fruit, apply fertiliser and other activities, all of which is sub-contracted. Over 1000 employees are involved in the plantation operation.”

82 | Endeavour Magazine

PPS QP.indd 1

09/09/2013 11:28

CHEMICO LIMITED Although Norpalm is also eager to recover as much oil as possible, this isn’t possible if the fruit is of low quality. Therefore, the company is working alongside the community to improve yields by providing them with high quality seedlings for planting. This not only has the potential to increase efficiency for Norpalm, it will also improve the local economy.

“We are developing relationships with farmers to produce a higher quality crop that they can sell back to us in the future,” reveals Eric. “We are able to mill or process over 80,000 tonnes of fruit per annum, but about 60 per cent of this is sourced from outside

Gallant Super – Special Selective grass herbicide for oil-palm, nurseries, circles, interrows and paths for control of grasses

independent outgrower farmers. Our main aim is to improve the yields from these outgrowers.”

Reflecting on the company’s achievements, Eric is proud about how far Norpalm has come and remains positive about what the future has in store.

“We pride ourselves on being one of the leading palm oil companies in Ghana. From nowhere, we have achieved a lot in the past 12-13 years and can now be seen as one of the top four in the country.

“We believe that in the future, profitability is the key, especially when it comes to the standard of fruit and processing everything we obtain,” he signs off.

Chemico presents the opportunity for sustainable oil palm intensification by installing a state of the art bulk fertilizer blending plant in Ghana to provide specialized mineral fertilizers for the oil palm and other crops.

Chemico has also developed a special oil palm fertilizer (NPK 10:10:30) and micromate oil palm (Cu 20%, Zn 10% S6%)

NPK 10-10-30 – Special Oil palm fertilizer

Comm. One Industrial Area, P. O. Box CO.950,Tema, Ghana TEL: 233-303-202991, 202992 FAX: 233-303-202000 E-mail: chemico@chemicogh.com

Chemico QP.indd 1

13/09/2013 13:44

Endeavour Magazine | 83

KENMARE RESOURCES 00258 21 494921 WWW.KENMARERESOURCES.COM

84 | Endeavour Magazine

THE Mona Lisa OF MOZAMBIQUE WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

New developments in all sectors are creating a storm of excitement in Mozambique, however, for the companies who pre-empted this interest this is a wave on which they can ride well into their future.

Kenmare Resources have been enjoying a lead on the competition for the last twenty five years and we spoke with the Country Manager for Mozambique, Gareth Clifton about what’s happening.

Endeavour Magazine | 85

KENMARE RESOURCES

A very direct and discerning individual, Gareth’s approach is something that Mozambique as a country needs more of. There is no hyperbole and wrapping of the details which is what makes Kenmare’s story all the more impressive.

I

ncorporated

1972,

Ilmenite is a titanium dioxide principally used as a pigment in paint.

Kenmare Resources plc is

We currently produce approximately 7% of the world’s ilmenite, ” he

a mining and exploration

explains, “As a company we’ve had an interest in Mozambique for a

company, and has a primary

long time and we first started working the country in 1987 exploring

listing on the London Stock

a heavy sands deposit at a place called Congolone, about 70km north

Exchange and secondary listing

of the current mine site. The feasibility study showed the deposit was

on the Irish Stock Exchange.

not large enough to justify the financial investment. We therefore

“When

we

in

started

our

expanded out exploration focus to other licenses along the cost of

primary focus was to be on a

Nampula province and in 1996 the Namalope deposit, site of the

global exploration company but

current mine, was discovered.”

now our principal activity is the

Feasibility studies on the Moma Mine were completed in February

operation of the Moma Mine

2001 which provided a detailed assessment of all aspects of the

which is located on the north

proposed development and confirmed the technical feasibility and

east coast of Mozambique,”

commercial viability of the mine. The detailed market analysis showed

Gareth tells us.

a strong market for the minerals produced and this information

of

“The Mine contains deposits

allowed Kenmare to approach funding institutions to finance the mine

heavy

and appoint a contractor to carry out the construction of the mine in

ilmenite,

minerals rutile

and

such

as

zircon.

August 2004.

“As a company we’ve had an interest in Mozambique for a long time and we first started working the country in 1987 exploring a heavy sands deposit at a place called Congolone, about 70km north of the current mine site.

The feasibility study showed the deposit was not large enough to justify the financial investment.”

86 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 87

KENMARE RESOURCES

“The Mine is in operation and producing good quality products for our customers,” Gareth says, touching on some of the main steps that have marked the success of the company, “In 2010 we implemented an expansion programme to increase production levels by 50%.”

Moma Project Financing With the co-operation of lenders, Kenmare Resources have made certain amendments to the terms of the Moma project financing.

These amendments were agreed as part of on-going management of their financial resources and took into consideration the current

What Is The State Of The Industry?

product market conditions and funding of remaining expansion costs.

Still prevalent in many markets affecting Africa, the uneven nature

Included within these amendments was the effective postponement

of global economic activity continues to cause a drag on market

of the date on which deferred subordinated debt is required to be

prices. While market conditions are improving in the rest of the

brought current from 1 August 2014 to 1 August 2015, deferment

world, particularly in the United States, the Chinese economic activity

of the 1 August 2013 principal instalment of US$13 million of senior

remains subdued resulting in somewhat softer ilmnite prices

debt to 1 August 2014 and an extension in time and quantum of the

“The pigment industry which is the principal consumer of titanium feed stocks, has gradually reduced its finished goods inventory which

ability of the Project to fund expansion-related costs from Project operating cash flows.

had become too large in 2012 following a slow-down in off-take

It is hoped that these amendments will improve liquidity and

volumes by the paint and coatings industry,” Gareth candidly reveals,

enable Kenmare Resources to focus on the ramp-up of expanded

“The inventory levels of the pigment industry are now approaching

production, from which the Company expects to generate increasing

normal levels and this is expected to lead to a resumption of normal

operating cash flows.

buying patterns and increased feed stock demand. In respect of the

Michael Carvill, Managing Director was quoted in saying: “We

zircon market, the demand outlook continues to improve and we have

are greatly encouraged to see the expanded facilities operating

achieved some modest price increases for recent shipments.”

and starting to contribute meaningful production. The Company’s

88 | Endeavour Magazine

operations team at Moma are now in full control of the plants and we all look forward to completing the ramp-up as quickly as possible”.

Production Production during May 2013 was 104,300 tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate (“HMC”), 68,100 tonnes of ilmenite and 4,300 tonnes of zircon. Production of HMC during June 2013 was steady at 101,600 tonnes. Due to a scheduled shutdown of the mineral separation plant (“MSP”) to integrate the new auxiliary ilmenite plant into the control systems of the existing MSP, production of ilmenite in June was at the reduced level of 36,400 tonnes and production of zircon was also reduced to 1,000 tonnes. Consequently, a stockpile of 54,800 tonnes of HMC was built up as at 30 June. July production of HMC was approximately 100,000 tonnes, with the new wet concentrator plant (“WCP B”) contributing materially to this total. Approximately 80,000 tonnes of ilmenite products were produced in July, including 16,500 tonnes from the auxiliary ilmenite plant. The non-magnetic circuits, which produce zircon and rutile, were the last part of the

Reactive Power Compensation – Supercharging the weak transmission systems in Africa HVT Power Systems is a leading provider of reactive power compensation solutions which are used to optimise and supercharge the weak transmission systems found throughout Africa. Congratulations to Kenmare Resources for the expansion of their plant at Moma. We are pleased to have been a part of enabling that expansion through strengthening of the transmission network so that Moma can extract the necessary power from the EdM network.

For further information, contact Dale Pudney on dale@hvt-ps.co.za.

expansion to be finished. This work is now substantially completed and the non-magnetic circuits are in ramp-up phase. Shipments

Endeavour Magazine | 89

KENMARE RESOURCES

during

the

second

quarter

increased to 245,600 tonnes

Resources has always endorsed and something that Gareth is very

Balancing out their heavy focus on staff is their focus on

keen to promote himself.

of total products from 48,500

“Staff training is an ongoing determination and we offer rigorous

customers and here Gareth

tonnes during the first quarter.

training for all of our employees,” Gareth tells us, “ Unfortunately the

makes it very clear that there

(www.kenmareresources.com)

education level within the sector in Mozambique is not the best so

are no secrets, no genie-tricks

we’ve put a lot of emphasis into developing this industry at the entry

to keeping customers loyal and

level. This includes targeted programmes for development, bursaries,

happy. No special method of

internships, and artisan shadowing/training to help locals train on the

staying competitive in the market

job.”

place.

Staff And Customer Focuses Mozambique is a country with a wealth of natural resources

He continues, “Currently in certain sections such as finance and

“Customer happiness is tied

and a hunger for development,

engineering there is a heavy reliance on expats working in house

to product quality,” he explains,

unfortunately this has been

however through the natural organic movement of career change

“And the timely fulfilment of

stumped from growing in the past

and promotion we are looking to bring in a higher volume of the local

contracts. You have to be a

due to political risk uncertainty,

workforce who have developed through our programmes,”

reliable supplier to their demand.”

an unfortunate hangover from

There are always many reasons to employ locally and the direction

the civil war which ended in

that Kenmare has taken ensures that the future foundations of the

1992, however governmental

company will be held together by the skills and development of the

“For 2013,” Gareth reveals,

reform established in 2011 has

country’s greatest assets. The ripple effect on not only educating

“We are focussed on ramping up

begun changes to this. This has

but employing from local peoples is a keystone to economic growth,

Phase 2 to a full production by

only aided the quest for organic

something that has clearly been recognized by this milestone

year-end, this will open up the

staff development that Kenmare

company.

possibility for a future Phase 3

Consulting

2013 And Beyond

Training Centre

Facilitating efficiency and effectiveness for mining, industrial, construction and commercial clients through applied logistics and outsourced services.

Supply Chain Management

IMLS is committed to supplying professional, practical and consultative services with the emphasis on safety, energy efficiency, staff development and the environment.

Fleet Management

P.O. Box 168 Kwambonambi, 3915, South Africa Telephone: +27 35 580 1113/4 Fax: +27 35 584 4719 Website: www.imls.co.za Email: john@imls-online.com

Mine Planning

Dry Mining

90 | Endeavour Magazine

Industrial Cleaning Services

Dune Rehabilitation

Electrical Services

Labour Hire

however it has to be organically grown.”

Phase 2 includes a number of new developments such as a new 2,000 tph Wet Concentrator Plant (WCP) fed by a single dredge, an increase in Mineral Separation Plant (MSP) capacity from 135tph to 225 tph and a New Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separation (WHIMS) circuit which aids in the more efficient upfront separation of magnetic and non-magnetic minerals. Enhanced efficiency of existing operation, a modular approach to construction to avoid disruption to existing operations and an enhanced non-magnetic circuit with additional driers further add to the robustness of the mine.

Associated infrastructure and equipment, particularly electricity and water supply, have also been upgraded as part of the expansion.

(Kenmareresources.com Moma Mine August 2013 Report)

In house Crating Consolidation Cargo Large Warehouse Facility

Looking from the outside in it would appear that Kenmare’s preferred approach to business includes a patient attention to detail.

Usually the biggest projects are the ones that make the news but it is

Road transport to Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, DRC

often the smaller ones that make the big difference.

“Our growth from junior exploration company to major titanium minerals producer has been a giant leap over the last decade.

+27 11 392 1553

However, it would not have been possible to make this progress without constant attention to the little details” Gareth concludes.

Fuels, Oil Bases and Lubricants Biofuels, Biodiesels 00258 213 602 78 Praca dos Trabalhadores No. 9, Maputo - Moçambique

www.pess.co.mz

Endeavour Magazine | 91

FIMA FILMS 0027 11 761 7500 WWW.FIMA.CO.ZA

92 | Endeavour Magazine

WITH A Bow ON TOP WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Fima South Africa, previously known as Treofan South Africa is the packaging solutions partner for the day to day packaging needs of business across South Africa. Specially in the production of Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) with a local production plant in Chamdor, South Africa. Today BOPP has become a popular packaging solution because of its wide variety of benefits including the unique combination properties such as stiffness, transparency, sealability, barrier shine. Providing the wrap up of the industry we spoke with CEO Patrick Munyebate.

Endeavour Magazine | 93

FIMA FILMS

“We can offer you a range of clear, white, matt and metalized products in packaging, labelling and carton overwraps.”

Fima South Africa was a part of the Treofan Group for over 25 years, and during this time built a solid reputation as producers and suppliers of BOPP products with expert knowledge in the industry.

Quote

F

ima South Africa was a part of the Treofan Group for over 25 years, and during this time built a solid reputation as producers and suppliers of BOPP products with expert knowledge in the

industry.

In October 2009, a management buyout saw the local company gain financial control and Treofan SA was re-launched as Fima, which is short for “film making”. Now having gone solo, making this the first local management buy out, we aim to focus on our own product range as well as the development of a bigger and better product range.

The Treofan Group, with whom we are still closely connected, has granted Fima exclusive rights to sell their product range into Africa and southern Africa, so there are no worries about not being able to get your hands on your most loved Treofan film, as we will still be working very closely with them. To add to this, we have also teamed up with the well known Dor Films which will enhance our already impressive product range and your packaging solutions needs.

In August 2010 a BEE transaction took place and now Wendile Investment Holdings, a 100% black-owned company, has a majority shareholding of Fima, making us a value added company in terms of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment. The principal shareholders of Wendile are Empowa Investments, represented by Molefi Madisikwane, Caesar Molebatsi, Abner Mariri and Patrick Munyembate.

Focus On Staffing In 2011, Fima launched a bid to meet the growing demand of the plastic market and began expanding plans to ultimately produce 94 | Endeavour Magazine

32,000t of film at plate capacity per annum. In addition, this naturally had a downstream effect of creating jobs.

“It is imperative for the local market to support local production to ensure sustainability and growth of this industry.”

“With this investment, we aim to produce a Plastics Campus in

Previously part of the Treofan group, Fima is the exclusive

Chamdor offering an array of plastic products that include Biaxially

producer of BOPP products in South Africa and has exclusive rights

Oriented

terephthalate

to sell Treofan products in South Africa and southern Africa. In

(PET) / Cast Polypropylene (CPP) and metalised films,” said Patrick

Polypropylene

(BOPP),

Polyethylene

line with Fima’s business growth strategy, the company aims to be

Munyembate, Chief Executive Officer at Fima.

exporting to the greater part of Africa and largely the West African

Munyembate went further to say that as a 100% BEE Company -

market based on the new film line, which will increase capacity and

Fima’s values and strategy are kept in line with government’s strategy

ensure that the market needs are met.

to create jobs in South Africa and this capital injection will assist to

New Developments For 2013 And Beyond

address this need. “The plastics industry in our country is declining and job creation is a challenge. The DTI is working hard to revive this industry and with our plant expansion, we will realise this with

“We are currently installing a metalliser which would be

approximately 110 job opportunities by 2013 and the industry as a

operational in January 2014. This would benefit the current market

whole is projected to create approximately 2,000 jobs.

as metallised films are problematic when it comes to printing due

According to Caesar Molebatsi, head of Empowa Investments,

to rapid treatment decay,” Patrick reveals, “All metallised BOPP

which owns majority shareholding at Fima, job creation and

is currently imported. Local supply would eliminate some of the

preservation is important in our country and through government’s

problems with ink adhesion during printing.”

back up and support against imports, the company will have the ability

The market for Anti-mist and MAP films for the fresh produce

and capacity to serve the growing local market without resorting to

industry is increasing and Fima are currently developing a suitable

imports.

grade for this market and will be able to supply second quarter 2014.

He added, “In order for businesses to survive in the plastics

“And as always, more variations on our 3 layer films with lower

industry, Fima needs to expand and the plastics industry relies on local

densities that will be available for the snacks and confectionery

production as opposed to imports, as well as sustainability of jobs.”

markets.” He concludes.

We run a fully automated core winding and cutting operation and are a major supplier of cores to paper mills and textile suppliers.

We focus on supplying superior quality products timeously at affordable prices.

spirally wound tubular cardboard cores Visit us online today www.transpaco.co.za Endeavour Magazine | 95

PRES-T-CON 001 868 643 2367 WWW.PRES-T-CON.COM

96 | Endeavour Magazine

PRIDE, INNOVATION and EXCELLENCE WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Manufacturers of Precast & Prestressed Concrete Structures in the Caribbean Basin, which is how Pres-T-Con identify themselves. Founded in 1966 with the intention of developing and manufacturing prestressed concrete products for the construction industry they have perfected their trade since then and supplied projects to the eastern Caribbean from Cayenne in the south, to the Bahamas in the north – from Barbados in the East to Aruba in the west. We caught up with CEO Jan Landreth-Smith regarding his company.

Endeavour Magazine | 97

PRES-T-CON

With over 150 workmen operating from their twenty acre manufacturing facility in Arima, Trinidad, they serve clients from around the globe. With what started as an initial single product line, they now use over ten thousand feet of steel formed stressing beds to manufacture over twenty four different Prestressed Concrete members.

“O

ur

reputation

cubic yards of concrete per

Located in the Caribbean

quality

month, and a 25% export rate,

nation of Trinidad and Tobago,

workmanship

Pres-T-Con has proven it can

a region which is proving to

has spread and is acknowledged

handle any sized project in the

be a launching platform for

throughout the industry,” Jan

Caribbean or northern South

many

reveals, “We strive to put forward

America. Alongside this, the

companies

new products whenever needed,

company maintains its own fleet

undertook a careful investigation

manufacturing innovations, and

of delivery trailers, erection

of all the world’s hollowcore

reliable

through

cranes and pile driving rigs which

production

this providence we continue to

allows them to keep the control

deciding

expand.”

for

equipment

international-standard Pres-T-Con

solutions to

before

implement

the

in house. Their own in-house

region’s first Elematic extruded

and

concrete testing laboratory and

hollowcore production system in

architects as far afield as Paris,

their aggregate and readymix

early 2006. This was an essential

Munich,

batching facilities is the other

part of their development to keep

secret to their quality control.

ahead of their local competition

Serving

engineers London,

Houston,

Vancouver and Tokyo, PresT-Con has become a truly vibrant

and

established

internationally

firm

which

“We maintain a fleet of cranes for both land and marine

by rising themselves to a new standard.

has

operations with eight piling rigs

Being one of the region’s

outlasted competitors due to a

which are available for driving of

most comprehensive suppliers of

diligent and day-by-day focus on

our custom manufactured piles -

structural prestressed concrete

improvement and development.

from 305 to 610mm in diameter,

building

and all erection is done with

T-Con has established itself

our own equipment and trained

as one of the few firms in the

How do they do it?

components,

Pres-

It is all down to the production

erection crews to ensure quality

Southern Caribbean that can

capacity which they use to their

and on-time completion ” Jan

create a structural design for a

full potential. Over five thousand

tells us.

concrete structure, engineer the

98 | Endeavour Magazine

prestressed components as well as manufacture them in-house at its own plant in Arima, Trinidad and install them at the customer site.

“Developers trust us to provide a very complete solution for their projects,” explains Jan. A request from the developer of a high-rise waterfront parking structure in the Trinidadian capital of Port of Spain prompted PresT-Con to enter the hollowcore market. The size and dollar volume of the project justified entering the new market, in competition with being one of the main hollowcore supplier in the Southern Caribbean region.

The hollowcore production equipment The decision to bring in the Hollowcore production equipment was one of the crucial turning point, and the company initiated an extensive search for the right type of hollowcore production equipment. The goal was to find an automated system that would dovetail easily into Pres-T-Con’s existing production facility.

“It was critical for us to find a system that would work with our current casting beds,” said Jan. “Our goal was to minimize our initial infrastructure costs.”

It was the simplicity of the Elematic extrusion system that eventually made it the choice of the Pres-T-Con staff. “In this case,

Endeavour Magazine | 99

PRES-T-CON

being simpler doesn’t mean it was simplistic,” said Jan, “The Elematic system was much easier for our employees to implement and operate, yet it met the productivity goals we were aiming to achieve.”

A key factor for the success of Pres-T-Con has always been the high standard and provision of their after-sale support which has In 1954, Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) commenced

cemented the relationship between them and their clients. They also

production of the English-speaking Caribbean’s

run an uncommonly self-sufficient manufacturing facility at a location

first regionally manufactured cement. Since then

far removed from traditional sources of support and supplies.

investments in modern plants and equipment have

“Only prestressed strand is imported, cement is manufactured

allowed TCL to utilize 100% Caribbean raw materials

locally and local Trinidadian gravel pits supply all the other raw

in the manufacture of more environmentally-friendly

materials for concrete manufacturing,” Jan explains.

cement while allowing for strong and strategic

Pres-T-Con was particularly hard hit over the period from mid-

relationships with our wide customer-base, which

2009 to 2012, having not envisioned that the crisis and stagnation

includes Pres-T-Con: one of our major, long-standing

of the construction industry within the region, particularly Trinidad

clients.

and Tobago, would have lasted so long. However, being very vigilant from month to month and tightly monitoring its expenses in order to survive another day, Pres-T-Con has begun to see encouraging signs of recovery and is cautiously optimistic for the balance of 2013 into 2014.

Another one of Pres-T-Con’s strategic adjustments undertaken

100 | Endeavour Magazine

five years ago was to get into

piling works for the embankment

Continuous Flight Auger (CFA)

soil improvement approaches

Piles. The company formed a

for the North-South Bridge. This

collaboration with Morris-Shea

project, coupled with a number

Bridge Company Inc. (www.

of small to medium projects has

morrisshea.com) to undertake

contributed

the piling works for the CBI on

continued existence during the

the Petrotrin Refinery (Trinidad)

difficult recession.”

Upgrade project in 2009.

to

Pres-T-Con‘s

Ultimately, Jan identifies the

“We have also been fortunate

true strength of the company

for our involvement in the

quite simply, “The company’s

Churchill-Roosevelt

Highway

survival has been a testament

and

Highway

to

Uriah

(CRH/UBH)

Butler

its

dedicated

staff

and

Interchange

workers, ensuring that their

as a subcontractor to Vinci

professionalism and integrity

Construction Grands Projects

remain intact allowing Pres-T-

of France,” Jan points out, “We

Con to live up to its mantra.

provided precast concrete slabs,

“Pres-T-Con

– with

A

Trinmesh Limited, incorporated in 1967 is the leading manufacturer of steel reinforcement based products in Trinidad and Tobago.

Emphasis on quality, due diligence and know how gained from years of experience in our production has earned us an export market throughout the Caribbean.

Whereas today words like quality and experience are bandied about as marketing ploys, this is the philosophy on which the foundation of Trinmesh Limited is built on and also the basis of our growth and future endeavors.

name

AASHTO IV Beams and various

synonymous

types of piles, including CFA

Innovation and Excellence.”

Pride,

Trinmesh Limited, incorporated in 1967 is the leading manufacturer of steel reinforcement based products in Trinidad and Tobago.

Emphasis on quality, due diligence and know how gained from years of experience in our production has earned us an export market throughout the Caribbean. Whereas today words like quality and experience are bandied about as marketing ploys, this is the philosophy on which the foundation of Trinmesh Limited is built on and also the basis of our growth and future endeavors.

Endeavour Magazine | 101

CIFA 0039 02 990131 WWW.CIFA.COM

102 | Endeavour Magazine

Customer service focussed companies are a rarity nowadays as are businesses determined to use this as the tip of their sword. With an entire philosophy aimed at changing their industry through developing a concrete reputation with their customers for top end service, reliability and a steadfast approach of face to face dealings. I spoke with Davide Cipolla, CEO of CIFA to discuss his company’s ideals and their plans for 2014.

BUILDING ON Rock AND Stone WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Endeavour Magazine | 103

CIFA

To give you an idea, CIFA is a leading company in the construction equipment and machinery industry with a focus on offering a complete range of products in the concrete business. Founded in 1928 July 7th, by Carlo Ausenda, Compagnia Italiana Forme Acciaio CIFA was dedicated to the design and production of radio transmitting antennas and formworks for concrete pours. The company underwent a change after the second world war as they shifted focus and became entirely entrenched within the concrete industry as they aided the rebuilding of Italy.

I the

n fact, it was the years

of our machines,” Davide opens

between 1947 and 1950 that

up, “We value dealing face to

allowed CIFA to fully develop

face and based on direct dialogue

industrial

activity,”

Mr.

with the personnel operating

Cipolla goes to reveal, “With the

our products, CIFA engineering

realization of dams to meet the

always takes the lead.”

growing demand of electricity for industrial and civil purposes.”

Since

then,

CIFA

to

the

industry

developed

has

through an extensive history has

undergone a constant evolution

CIFA present in every worldwide

focusing on concrete. In 1958

main market that relate to

the first mixer was born together

related technological processes

with the first mixing plants. In

with concrete, including mixing,

1965 started the production of

distribution, pumping, placing

the first mixing trains, at the end

and forming.

of the 60s the first truck mounted

“We take full control of the

pumps. The first truck-mixer-

whole engineering process,” Mr.

pump was developed in 1975, in

Cipolla explains, “From our in-

1977 the first recycling plants

house research and development,

and the first sprayed concrete

and to the final checkout. This

pumping units in the 80s

allows us to closely manage the

CIFA’s history is made of research,

104 | Endeavour Magazine

A comprehensive approach

perseverance

technological choices which can

and

often be radically innovative, a

passion leading CIFA to become

trait characterizing CIFA’s high

an

level of quality.”

International

innovative

benchmark in the fields of

Something that sets CIFA

transporting, pumping, mixing

apart from they’re competitors

plant designing of concrete.

is their pursuit of an immutable

Employing 700 people in Italy

ethic standard. On June 17, 2013

they have literally paved the

they adopted the Organizational

road for their future success by

Model pursuant to the Italian

laying down the foundations with

Legislative 231/01 and the Code

people.

of Ethics.

“CIFA’s strength comes from

“The Code of Ethics is a

the focus on the real expectations

substantial part of our model,”

of our customers and of the users

Davide explains, “It goes beyond

mere certification and leans more towards the duty any organisation

“The industry moves very fast and we put all of our employees

wishing to operate legitimately has to express its ethical principles

through relevant training, be it either in safety (which everyone

clearly and transparently.”

needed to undergo), vocational training, college and marketing,

The Code of Ethics extends throughout CIFA creating an environment governed by standards of conduct that effects all

whatever the skills that the employee needs to complete their work, we’ll make sure they get t.”

collaborators of the company. From business partners and suppliers

Cifa’s focus on employee development and growth brings to

through to clients, it is similar in a way to the Broad Based Black

mind the analogy of building a wall via the perfect laying of each and

Economic Empowerment legislation that has been within South

every brick. As a company they have ensured that every part of their

Africa in as much as it is a standard of which companies are expected

business is as sharp and as strong as possible.

to reach as an absolute minimum.

Staffing

New Developments “In 2012 we launched a joint venture with RI.BA (named Top

“We hire qualified people but also employ and train as necessary if

Carbon srl) to start a company that could create a sustainable supply

they have the right approach and skills,” Davide tells us when speaking

of composite materials. Carbotech,” Davide explains, “Pumps in

about CIFA’s approach to employees, “It is important to be driven by

Carbotech technology are required on the Chinese and European

innovation and you only get innovations that work from people who

market and many units per year are required by customers. So

understand their industry.”

bringing it in-house became important.”

Featuring a large research and development department, the

“In 2013 (this year) we are launching a model of Truck Mixer

drive for innovation and movement, for CIFA is directed to both the

using hybrid technology, “Energya E9,” Davide says, “It’s using

large and small. For clients and even some staff the most important

hybrid technology so there is less noise pollution and a lower carbon

and game-changing developments are often small adjustments that

footprint.”

go unnoticed but make big differences.

Endeavour Magazine | 105

Real Alchemy: Music Into Rum Sammy `Red Rocker` Hagar, former vocalist of Van Halen, is the proud father of five swanky beach bars… who would have thought?

Sammy and Guy toasting the new rum

Starting with Maui and spreading his vigour to Las Vegas, New York, St Louis and newly adopted Roseville, the seventies rocker successfully knocked up five locations with the help of grub provider HMSHost, all under the name of `Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill`.

And there are more brewing as we speak…

Sammy with Anna

Classy, fresh and oozing with A-listed ambience, Sammy’s bars were a sure fire hit as soon as they pitched their rafters. The food is bang on theme, the shrimp barely skims the sand before it lands on your plate and, not to mention there is always a possibility of the man himself mingling with his customers.

As enticing as the “Chickenfoot” attribute’s bars sound, that’s not why we’re here. We haven’t given you the news yet. We haven’t pulled you the big guns.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should have a Cristal soaked plaque made in his honour since the birth of the news we are about to deliver to you.

Or perhaps a rum soaked plaque would be better suited?

There, we said it. We gave you a little something. We might as well tell you now.

106 | Endeavour Magazine

The California born guitar hero has only gone and made his own

which are custom made to ensure

rum. Why has the rum gone, we hear Jack Sparrow say? t’s in Sammy

the rum pours in at the highest

Hagar’s back pocket, that’s why. And it’s bloody good.

standard.

Sammy’s rum is premium silver, and it prides itself on being made

So what’s the story of the Halen

from the best sugar cane on the globe. The silky rum is concocted in

Hunk and his new found gift for

the heart of Maui, and since Maui is the home slice of Sammy’s Beach

materialising booze?

Bar & Grill, you can be assured that business is staying in the family.

Sammy met a local distiller one

The Hawaiian island is well known for being a server of unbearably

fine afternoon; it was discovered

beautiful cocktails, such as the Mai Tai; several shades of lip-tingling

that he was in the process of

Mojito and of course, the signature Maui Libre. Let’s not forget about

making some good quality vodka.

the Maui Libre.

After spending some time testing

So Sammy wasn’t daft when he put two and two together; the sugar cane rum and the Maui Libre.

As Sammy sings in one of his rock studded anthems, “One sip and you’ll surrender”. But of course, we don’t want to surrender; we want the five-day fermented climax. So we sip and sip and sip.

each other’s alcoholic experiments, Sammy and the distiller joined hands with a promise to produce the neatest rum around.

No magic wands, no special

The five-day climax isn’t the only characteristic of Sammy’s rum

celebrity contacts- just a local

that makes it so…surrendering. The sugary sweet cane is worked

distiller and a friendly former rock

on for two full years before it is harvested and gently pressed near

god.

the local distillery. Only the toughest crops make it through the vats,

Meet you in Maui?

Endeavour Magazine | 107

WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

DON’T BE A LAZY WRITER

SOME STEPS TO INCREASE YOUR ONLINE PROFILE Self Promotion Is Vital

It’s simple, the more people who want to read your articles directly translates into your value for any company looking to hire you to write. A magazine will pay more for high profile writers because they know those stories will be read thereby increasing the scope of their own viewers. If you want to be scratching at the dirt for commissions from magazines that will pay a penny per word then by all means don’t bother about developing an online presence and leave things as they are.

But for the sake of a couple of hours additional work (don’t panic, just a little bit of extra work) you can increase your income dramatically.

High Profile Translates Into Honesty A simple belief strategy, like religion. If enough people believe in 108 | Endeavour Magazine

something it doesn’t matter the scope of truth it has, people will believe it to be true. You cannot underestimate the importance of being a popular writer.

Popularity

does

not

necessarily mean that people like you or even need to like you. The secret to good writing is to have an opinion, to make a statement, to take a side. Fence sitters are not good writers because they are nothing more than mere reporter. To get people interested in your writing, you have to write with a voice. If you

put your voice into it, readers will

the way but consider these to be

use it as theirs.

your skeletons, your must haves.

A voice has to have a face

Twitter: Here, if people like

to it and writers who have good

what you’re writing they can

profile pictures on all their online

read it easily. It’s all down to

networks notoriously do better

appearance. Tweet a lot. Not

because it makes you a real

only articles you’ve written, but

person.

photos, videos. Get out into the world and see what’s interesting,

Model Yourself On Greatness

take a picture or video of it on your phone and write about it.

Twitter is a simple process but

Quick, what does Oscar Wilde look like? You know, you’ve seen

pictures.

What

about

Shakespeare? What about JR Tolkien or JK Rowling? Ensure

If you get stuck or get lost along the way, just contact me. My Twitter and LinkedIn profiles are below. The rest is up to you: twitter.com/Godhunterbook

writing has a face to come from. It doesn’t have to be a professional picture, but it does have to be clear and depict exactly the kind of person you want to be.

head around it but when you get it you have to Tweet a lot. Some writers even pay Twitter Teams to tweet their articles every day

that your picture is everywhere, ensure that the voice of your

it takes some time to get your

linkedin.com/donnierust

and all day. 300 tweets a day to start with.

LinkedIn: for every writer you have a cross section of people that you want to read your work and there will be people

If you write about travel, a

out there that you can network

picture of you up a mountain

with who deal with these people

would be good. If you write about

every day. LinkedIN is the social

comedy, you with a comedian is a

networking site for professionals

great idea.

and if you’re not on there you

But model your image on a

really should be.

writer, celebrity and personality

The point is simple. You need

who best represents you. If it

your writing to be read and if

works for them it’ll work for you.

you’re not on the above, as the

Find out what websites they’re

most popular sites used, you’re

on and get onto them, find out

missing out. And if you haven’t

the shortcuts that they took and

realized this by yourself you’re

take them.

not watching your market and have become a lazy writer.

Which Sites To Use?

If you get stuck or get lost

I’m going to stick with the

along the way, just contact me.

obvious ones because these are

My Twitter and LinkedIn profiles

the ones that right now, need to

are here. The rest is up to you.

be used. You’ll find others along Endeavour Magazine | 109

BOOK REVIEWS

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The detective, and narrator, is Christopher Boone. Christopher is fifteen and has Asperger’s Syndrome. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour’s dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

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110 | Endeavour Magazine

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald http://amzn.to/15iY4Sj

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott

lavish parties on Long Island at a

Fitzgerald’s third book, stands as

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the supreme achievement of his

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career. This exemplary novel of

and sex the national obsession,”

the Jazz Age has been acclaimed

it is an exquisitely crafted tale of

by generations of readers. The

America in the 1920s.

story of the fabulously wealthy

The Great Gatsby is one of

Jay Gatsby and his love for the

the great classics of twentieth-

beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of

century literature.

Who Moved My Cheese?

By Dr. Spencer Johnson http://amzn.to/15iYeJv

Who Moved My Cheese? is an amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish them and make them happy. Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life - whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money or a possession, health or spirital peace of mind. And the maze is where you look for what you want - the organisation you work in, or the family or community you live in.

This profound book from bestselling author, Spencer Johnson, will show you how to anticipate change, adapt to change quickly, enjoy change and be ready to change quickly again and again. Discover the secret for yourself and learn how to deal with change, so that you suffer from less stress and enjoy more success in your work and in life.

Written for all ages, this story takes less than an hour to read, but its unique insights can last for a lifetime.

Endeavour Magazine | 111

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