VOLUME 14 • 2018 One BPL • One strategy • One result THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR Big move for BPL KZN BPL is moving both its International Logistics offices and its Warehousing facility to new premises. The KZN office will move to Frosterley Park in Umhlanga. Located 15 kilometres north of the Durban Central Business District and harbour and 10 kilometres south of King Shaka International Airport, the area is ideally suited for BPL and the organisations it interacts with on a regular basis. Says Director Bruce Thoresson, “This is an ideal opportunity to consolidate certain of our KZN Divisions into one facility. Joining our International Logistics team will be a large section of our Roadfreight Division as well as our Training and Development team.” Since 1995 when Tongaat Hulett began converting former sugarcane land to urban use on the La Lucia / Umhlanga Ridge, the area has attracted more than 1 500 000 square metres of development and become one of South Africa’s fastest-growing urban development nodes. There has been an influx of large corporates, various shipping lines and other organisations that BPL interacts with on a regular basis. Therefore, when the current lease at Liberty Towers came up for renewal, it made sense to look to the Umhlanga area for a new home for the International Logistics KZN office. The new premises are in an access-controlled office park leased to BPL by Growthpoint Properties and will boast a 22-seater Training room, a self-service staff canteen, 168 secure on-site parking bays for staff and visitors and a modern boardroom and meeting rooms. The 3 167m2 office is being extensively upgraded to BPL’s requirements. The second big move is BPL’s warehouse facility, which is relocating from its current 16 000m2 Umbilo facility to a brand new state of the art building of 30 000 m2 developed by Growthpoint Properties and due for completion in July 2018. “We are almost doubling our capacity to meet the demands of current and future clients,” explains Warehouse Director Stephen Smith. “Our new facility at 1474 South Coast Road in Mobeni will be home to our divisional office staff and, in addition to facilitating general cargo, will be fully compliant for flammable liquids and flammable solids. “The facility will have four weighbridges, two to handle trucks entering and two for trucks departing. Provision has been made for 13 container loading bays and capacity to side load 10 trucks at a time, under cover. The facility has easy access to the N2 and M4 highways and is around 20 kilometres from the Durban port,” he says. This move is planned for mid July 2018. “Growthpoint Properties has a longstanding relationship with BPL and these two transactions cement it even further,” comments Greg de Klerk, Growthpoint KZN Regional Head. “Our significant investment in the BPL warehouse development reflects our confidence in the KZN logistics and industrial property sector.” The moves will take place over two phases and the planned dates are as follows: 4 May 2018 – All Support Services based at Liberty Towers, Groupage and Forwarding, Roadfreight, Training and Development and Commercial. 11 May 2018 – Sea Imports, Sea Exports, Entries and Imports Support. Architect’s impression of the front of Frosterley Park. Architect’s impression of Runway Park.
Transcript
VOLUME 14 • 2018
One BPL • One strategy • One result
THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIRBig move for BPL KZNBPL is moving both its International Logistics offices and its Warehousing facility to new premises.
The KZN office will move to Frosterley Park in Umhlanga. Located 15 kilometres north of the Durban Central Business District and harbour and 10 kilometres south of King Shaka International Airport, the area is ideally suited for BPL and
the organisations it interacts with on a regular basis. Says Director Bruce Thoresson, “This is an ideal opportunity to consolidate certain of our KZN Divisions into one facility. Joining our International Logistics team will be a large section of our Roadfreight Division as well as our Training and Development team.”
Since 1995 when Tongaat Hulett began converting former sugarcane land to urban use on the La Lucia / Umhlanga Ridge, the area has attracted more than 1 500 000 square metres of development and become one of South Africa’s fastest-growing urban development nodes.
There has been an influx of large corporates, various shipping lines and other organisations that BPL interacts with on a regular basis. Therefore, when the current lease at Liberty Towers came up for renewal, it made sense to look to the Umhlanga area for a new home for the International Logistics KZN office.
The new premises are in an access-controlled office park leased to BPL by Growthpoint Properties and will boast a 22-seater Training room, a self-service staff canteen, 168 secure on-site parking bays for staff and visitors and a modern boardroom and meeting rooms. The 3 167m2 office is being extensively upgraded to BPL’s requirements.
The second big move is BPL’s warehouse facility, which is relocating from its current 16 000m2 Umbilo facility to a brand new state of the art building of 30 000 m2 developed by Growthpoint Properties and due for completion in July 2018. “We are almost doubling our capacity to meet the demands of current and future clients,” explains Warehouse Director Stephen Smith. “Our new facility at 1474 South
Coast Road in Mobeni will be home to our divisional office staff and, in addition to facilitating general cargo, will be fully compliant for flammable liquids and flammable solids.
“The facility will have four weighbridges, two to handle trucks entering and two for trucks departing. Provision has been made for 13 container loading bays and capacity to side load 10 trucks at a time, under cover. The facility has easy access to the N2 and M4 highways and is around 20 kilometres from the Durban port,” he says. This move is planned for mid July 2018.
“Growthpoint Properties has a longstanding relationship with BPL and these two transactions cement it even further,” comments Greg de Klerk, Growthpoint KZN Regional Head. “Our significant investment in the BPL warehouse development reflects our confidence in the KZN logistics and industrial property sector.”
The moves will take place over two phases and the planned dates are as follows:
4 May 2018 – All Support Services based at Liberty Towers, Groupage and Forwarding, Roadfreight, Training and Development and Commercial.
11 May 2018 – Sea Imports, Sea Exports, Entries and Imports Support.
Architect’s impression of the front of Frosterley Park.
Architect’s impression of Runway Park.
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The team under Alison and their job portfolios:
Meet our Legal Exec Alison WixleyMeet Alison Wixley, BPL’s Legal Executive and representative of the Compliance & Risk team on the BPL Executive Committee. “I am responsible for managing our risk strategy and reporting to the board committee on risk issues, managing the insurance portfolio, dealing with insurance claims, drafting and vetting all contracts, advising on debtors, litigation matters and all other legal and risk related issues. I also oversee the security, sustainability, safety, health, environment and quality function,” explains Alison.
Alison has a BA (Hons) English and an LLB. She is an admitted attorney and a certified chartered company secretary. “I practised as an attorney in a small commercial firm for two years after qualifying, before joining Rennies Distribution Services in 2005 as an assistant in the commercial / SHERQ department. By the time BPL was formed in 2011 I was in the role of Legal and Risk Manager and in 2012 I took over as Legal Executive when the incumbent at the old Safcor Panalpina left,” she says.
Alison’s first love is sport, specifically rugby. “I played touch rugby in the KZN provincial ladies and mixed teams from 2004 to 2008. I become a SA national touch rugby referee in 2009 and then an international referee in 2011 when I refereed at the Touch Rugby World Cup in Scotland.
“Injury and age then necessitated me finding another pastime and I took up line dancing in 2014. I entered my first SA Champs last year as a novice dancer, winning my age category. I also took part in the Shall We Dance show at the Playhouse last year.”
LONG SERVICE 20WELCOME TO 22RETIREMENT / CONDOLENCES 22HATCH / MATCH 23IT’S COMPETITION TIME 24THE BPL BUZZ TEAM 24
National Sherq Manager: Lawrence Aldworth
Sherq Compliance Officer: Krishen Kisten
Sherq Compliance Officer: Belinda Hoffman
Legal & Claims Manager:
Hamida Amod
Legal & Claims Officer: Jenisha Parekh
Claims Administrator: Nthabiseng Malatji
National Security Specialist: David Bell
Compliance & Risk Administrator:
Almira Punianathan
Alison in her dancing outfit
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BPL ACHIEVERSWe win again - PMR 2018BPL has done it again. We have been awarded the Diamond Arrow by PMR in its 2018 survey of freight forwarders.
The ratings across the range of attributes are added and averaged to give a mean score, see below.
Mean Scores 2018Bidvest Panalpina Logistics 4.19DSV SA (formerly UTI) 4.11DHL Global Forwarding 4.09Hellmann Worldwide Logistics 4.02KWE SA 4.00Expeditors International SA 3.95Schenker SA 3.94Kuehne + Nagel 3.88
Receiving the PMR Diamond award 2018 are L-R: Malinda Herbst, Dee Egersdorfer, Fortunate Mboweni, Annabelle Fulton, Lodi Borstlap, Chris Carel, Marlene Kruger, Annette Naude and Sandra van Rooyen.
Annual Dube Tradeport Stakeholder awards
The Annual Dube Tradeport Stakeholder awards was held at The Latitude Conference Centre at King Shaka International Airport on Tuesday 12 December 2017. Dube Tradeport recognises agents for their top tonnages in both the Import and Export categories. Dube Tradeport handles majority of the airlines that fly into King Shaka Airport and boasts a cargo conveyor bridge that connects the Cargo Terminal to the Agents Building situated across the road. BPL was honoured to receive an award in the top 3 for highest import tonnages moved through the cargo terminal for 2017.
Malinda Herbst and Lodi Borstlap
Seelan Naidoo, Airfreight Manager of KSIA Branch received the award on behalf of BPL and
thanked the airfreight team for their continued efforts and focus in growing the branch.
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Chilli awards
Denver Responsible Care award
BPL Denver was awarded runner up in the CAIA Responsible Care awards for its initiative in the reduction of water and electricity.
KZN
Well done to the following who achieved Chilli awards in the second and third quarters of 2017.
L-R: Greg James (Business Development Manager), Thabo Sebola (Denver SHERQ Controller), Belinda Hoffman (SHERQ Compliance Officer, Gauteng),
S’Khumbuzo Ngcobo (Denver Facility Manager) and Len Pather (General Manager).
L-R: Thabo Sebola (Denver SHERQ Controller), Greg James (Business Development Manager), S’Khumbuzo Ngcobo (Denver Facility Manager)
L-R Seated: Krishen Kisten (Jalapeno), Zama Luthuli (Jalapeno) and James Sinayhakh (Jalapeno).
Absent: Maggie Pather (Poblano)
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December 2017 A Chilli Christmas for BPL IL Cape Town
It was a Christmas with a difference for the staff of the International Logistics office in the Western Cape. In keeping with the Cape’s funky foodie tradition of food vans, BPL staff were served an amazing braai. It certainly is a wonder what comes out of a food van. A good day was had by all.
Roadfreight Inland division
Chilli awards presented by Shannon Wellcome (Regional Manager) for BPL Roadfreight Inland division, during the quarterly operations staff meeting.
Information Systems
Application Support Manager Ashan Naidoo received a Thai award.
Applications Specialist Este Heyneke received
a Thai award.
Debbie Beadle handing Cynthia Jugroop a Jalapeno award.
Tiffany Matthys receiving a Thai award.
Pauline De Lima receiving a Jalapeno award.
Debbie Beadle handing Edmund Grace a Jalapeno award.The food truck.
Sonja De Bryn receiving a Jalapeno award.
Matshepo Molalathoko (Transport Controller) reciving a Poblano award from Andile Nhleko
and Shannon Wellcome.Balan Gounden (Senior Transport Controller) receiving
a Thai award from Andile Nhleko and Shannon
Wellcome.
Left: Andile Nhleko (BU Manager GTD) receiving a Poblano award from
Shannon Wellcome (Regional Manager).
Included in the festivities was the awarding of several Chilli Awards for those staff that had excelled in their work and service to BPL’s clients.
Debbie Beadle, General Manager Western Cape, handed out awards.
Well done to Pauline, Edmund, Cynthia, Tiffany and Sonja. Absent: Jeff Hibbert who received a Thai award.
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Lee-Anne Kannemeyer
Congratulations to Lee-Anne Kannemeyer, Financial Accounts
Manager Cape Town office, on completing her Management
Development Programme (MDP).
Andile Nhleko (Business Unit Manager)
Andile was appointed as an Operations Manager for the Henkel contract in February 2017. In July 2017 the Huawei contract was added to his responsibilities. On 1 January 2018 he was promoted to Business Unit Manager, managing the full business units for Denver and Alrode (Henkel). He is looking forward to this challenge and is confident that he can achieve what is set out for him.
KZN Dyna Leadership trainingDumisane Mncwabe
Congratulations to Dumisane Mncwabe, Senior Compliance Controller (left), Larissa Naidoo, Credit Risk Analyst (centre) and Mondli Hlophe, Financial Administrator (right) on receiving gold medals for showing the most growth in the KZN Dyna Leadership training. Out of the five selected, three were from BPL. Well done for raising the BPL flag.
Lindeka Ngcobo (Estimates Manager)
Lindeka joined BPL in May 2014 in the admin department and has rapidly worked her way through the ranks over the past few years. She now holds the position of Estimates Manager and has proven to be an
extremely committed individual with a passion for the industry.
Pinetown stock count
Well done to BPL Pinetown team for an improved September audited stock count. Management team awarded the staff with BPL caps and water bottles as recognition for their efforts.
Timothy Singh
Congratulations to Timothy for successfully completing his learnership in Generic Management. This is a huge achievement taking into consideration all the challenges faced in the container operations during the past year. His dedication and perseverance have certainly
paid off. We are so proud of having you as part of our team.
Promotions
Achievements KZN
Management Development Programme
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CLIENT CORNERAwesome teamwork for First National Battery
BPL IL East London received high praise from client First National Battery (FNB) for successfully arranging the forwarding and clearing of a shipment of 9 500 kg of hazardous automotive batteries. This is part of a total of 33 403 kg airfreighted over a month and was likely to continue for another month.
The team communicated via a WhatsApp group formed by a very committed FNB team who managed and monitored the shipments from the time they were loaded to the time of arrival at the client’s premises in their own vehicles. This meant communicating well into the night and over weekends due to short time lines. The fact that that this cargo is hazardous made the shipments that much more challenging.
The shipment necessitated working closely with our Gauteng airfreight colleagues to draw the cargo, often late at night. The urgency was due to the fact that the batteries were required for an automotive production line and time was of the essence. This was all made possible thanks to the excellent co-operation of our colleagues at Panalpina MIL, LUX and BPL Air Cargo, Johannesburg.
New Roadfreight 1-ton panel van
BPL Roadfreight recently took delivery of its first parcel van. This will be one of many parcel vans that will be used for those smaller urgent orders that clients and businesses may have.
Says Shannon Wellcome, Regional Manager Transport Division, “This vehicle is intended for our telecommunications principles as the cargo characteristics are generally light weight but volumetric driven. The vehicle will operate within Gauteng and the surrounding areas. It can load up to three pallets flat. Maximum payload is 1.5 tons. It has rear and side loading capabilities and will easily accommodate urgent orders.”
L-R: Malvery Bobbs (Controller), Gavin Jarvis (BU Manager) and Haydon Krull (Controller).
Batteries at LUX.
PE and clients enjoy cricket
Caption: PE entertained clients and prospective clients in its private suite at St Georges Park for the ODI cricket match between South Africa and India on Tuesday 13 February. The game was enjoyed by all and a lot of interaction took place, even though South Africa lost the game.
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Mpact Felixton Mill safety incentive
Mpact Felixton Mill held a prize giving for the operational section with the best safety record for 2017. The Logistics department received the award for the least amount of injuries during the year, incurring just one first aid case. This is an excellent achievement.
The Safety Awareness Mongoose (SAM) was introduced in a safety day to employees at the mill, creating awareness and driving our safety culture. SAM reminded employees and contractors to be mindful of safety practices.
Rationale behind Safety Awareness Mongoose (SAM)
Why is the mongoose important to Mpact? The mongoose is seen as a busy and alert character that is ever vigilant for danger and quick to dash for safety. Mpact shares many attributes of the mongoose regarding health and safety.
BPL is contracted by Mpact to run its Warehouse and Waste Yard at the Mpact Felixton Mill which is situated near Empangeni.
Says Gary Sivertson, General Manager BPL Warehousing Durban, ”At the Felixton Mill we supply staff, equipment and management services and work very closely with the Mpact team. Our intention is to provide a seamless, integrated solution to our client with the aim of receiving the ultimate accolade of being considered an integral part of Mpact. Our staff need to comply with both BPL
and Mpact Safety requirements and are subjected to dual audits.
“Based on our relationship and service delivery at Mpact Felixton and at our Jacobs facility, we were awarded the Warehousing contract at Mpact Springs in 2015 and in July 2017 we were awarded the Mpact Springs Waste Yard Contract.
“Mpact is a very valuable client and we look forward to growing with them for many years. This award is great recognition of our commitment to Mpact and a tribute to Tarzan Pillay, the Mpact Divisional Logistics Manager who has placed his trust in BPL,” says Gary.
Proud members of the logistics department,
pictured with Mill manager Brian Smith,
Divisional Logistics manager, Tarzan Pillay
and SAM.
Presentation of the safety prize (Mpact branded water bottle) by Tarzan Pillay to Dumsani Ngcobo, Logistics site Manager.
The team was awarded with
Mpact water bottles.
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Special Projects and KZN team up for urgent delivery
BPL Richards Bay Projects office and KZN Airfreight department teamed up to ensure the urgent delivery of an outlet device required on Mondi site RCB for a shutdown. Cargo tonnage was 8 450 kg which included the meticulous discharge from aircraft to ground involving cranes. The job was executed within record time and delivered to client in time to meet the shutdown. Well done to the teams involved to execute cradle to grave shipment with client compliments in abundance.
TECHNICALImportance of a Contract - Limitation of Liability Clause from a Claims perspectiveBy: Jenisha Parekh
In our industry it is extremely important that we have either our Standard Trading Terms and Conditions (STCs) or a contract in place with clients to mitigate the risks we take on as a business. A recent case study highlights the importance.
A claim to the value of R400 000 was logged for contamination of a product stored in a warehouse. After testing the product, the client’s appointed assessor rendered it unfit for human consumption and instructed that it be disposed of.
The logistics provider’s insurers disagreed with this finding and appointed their own assessor, who determined that the product could be salvaged and used for a different
purpose. The salvage amount offered was significant, reducing the claim amount. This is called mitigation of loss.
Further to this, the service provider’s STCs stated that, in the event the service provider was found to be negligent while the goods were in its custody, the claim could not exceed the lesser of the actual declared value of the cargo or R250 000 for loss or damage in its warehouse. This meant that the claim for R400 000 would be limited to R250 000 as per the STCs.
The case study highlights how important it is to have STCs or contracts in place and how pertinent it is to have a limitation of liability clause included to mitigate liability to the client.
Oil and Gas - meet two of our teamWay down south in a place where there is no water (that’s Cape Town if you were unsure), there is a small team of people who we would like you to meet. This small dynamic team handle the Oil & Gas, Perishable and ACT services for BPL.Like in any box of chocolates, there are many different flavours and “nutters” and our team is no different. We have always said, “to work in this team, you need to have something special about you”. Here are two of our extraordinary members of this incredible team.
Meet Cassandra “Cass or Cassie” as she is more affectionally known to the team. She is one of our special ladies who loves her job and continually goes out of her way in everything that she does. She has vast experience gained in 17 years in this industry. Cassandra is a mother of two. Who inspires you to be better? “My children, so that I can set a good example for them to reach for the stars and be the best they can be.”
Buhle Dyalvan
Pricing Specialist - Oil & Gas, Perishables, ACT
Introducing Buhle, a larger than life personality with a positive “we can do anything attitude”. Buhle loves life and it loves him right back. He began his career at BPL 10 years ago and is passionate about this industry. He works hard and plays harder and not many of us can keep up.
Buhle’s large and vibrant personality is very contagious. He relaxes after a hard day’s work by cycling. Who inspires you to be better? “The less fortunate”.
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HR CORNER
Taryn joined BPL in November 2017, having worked for the Sector Education Training Authority (SETA), where she gained a wealth of knowledge dealing with the various Training Authorities.
“Working for SETA revealed to me the significant reformation which has taken place in the sphere of Higher Education and Training in South Africa over the past decades, of which we should be proud to be a part,” says Taryn. “I gained vital experience relevant to promoting a culture of continuous learning in an organisation and which I hope to share with all learners at BPL.”
Taryn reports to National Learning and Development Manager Sudashini Gounden under the HR Directorship of Harry Dimo. “Our Academy team is made up of talented individuals who bring with them an array of creative expertise and innovation. I have recently had the pleasure of completing a National Learning and Development roadshow, at which I had the privilege of meeting all the dynamic employees across all Business Units. I also shared with the staff what opportunities would be available to them this year and the plans to assist them to succeed in their various challenging roles across the organisation,” she explains.
“Our focus at the Academy is to strive to understand the changing needs of the Business Units which we support and to equip our workforce with current, up-to-date knowledge and skills to remain at the forefront of our industry. Compliance and quality are the cornerstones of our vision for the BPL Academy.”
Taryn began her career in training at The Kelly Group in Sandton, where she was exposed to managing large numbers of learners for various projects and it was during this time that she realised her passion for developing people. “I became immersed in understanding how people learned, what systems were available in the market and how we could decrease unemployment and eliminate skills shortages through sustainable development initiatives.”
She grew up on a farmstead outside of Pietermaritzburg with her grandparents where she learned to speak IsiZulu as a young girl. “I continued IsiZulu as a subject at high school and it is this language which further propelled my career in training and broke many barriers to communication,” says Taryn.
Taryn has a National Diploma in Drama from the Natal Technikon in Durban, which she believes gave her the confidence to deal with people from various walks of life. She has a National Diploma in Education, Training and Development Practices from The People Institute in Gauteng. She also won a bursary from Varsity College and qualified with a National Diploma in Business Management, receiving three distinctions. In addition she is a qualified Skills Development Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator with various SETA’s.
In her spare time Taryn enjoys singing and swimming and is a writer who has had more than a dozen articles published in The Natal Witness Newspaper on Training, Skills Development, Employee Motivation and Personal Development. She is married to Riaan, they live in Umhlanga and they have a 7 year-old daughter and a 3 year-old son.
Training on the move with new National Training and Compliance Manager
ACADEMY
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PANALPINASuperyacht logistics: where the clock ticks faster
Ever wondered how the world’s finest foods are delivered in perfect condition to the most luxurious private yachts?
Superyachts have been around for a while. The concept can be traced back to El Mahrousa, which means “the protected” in Arabic. She has been sailing since 1865 and is today Egypt’s presidential yacht and, at 146 metres, she is also the eighth largest.
But what is a superyacht? Although there is no official definition, 24 metres in length as a minimum is the accepted standard, as some countries require vessels larger than that to have a permanent crew. The global elite spent $2.68bn on their floating homes in 2015. Of the 4 000 superyachts in service across the world, about 11 percent are registered to British-based millionaires, with yachts sailing throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.
Panalpina supports Superyacht Supplies to deliver globally the rarest, most refined and most desirable food and drinks from every corner of the world. “Whether it’s Parma ham from Italy, wild salmon from Scotland, or Kobe beef from Japan we work with the finest, freshest and most prestigious foods and that takes us to every corner of the globe because that’s where our clients go. Panalpina handles superyacht logistics with rigor and precision under the strictest confidentiality,” says Ian Jarvis, Managing Director at Superyacht Supplies.
Panalpina moves primarily perishables, including meat, fish, caviar, dairy, fruit and vegetables, but also dry food, wine and spirits and anything else the yachts request, even bottled water, suntan lotion and cleaning products. The produce is packed in accordance with temperature requirements and insulated cases and ice gel packs are used in many instances.
This is all bespoke ordering and crews and chefs often have one or two days to get the job done. Everything must
be arranged to perfection in very narrow windows of time. “We receive the various products at our facilities in London Heathrow Airport for consolidation. It is truly unique in as much as they can place an order on day one and expect it delivered to them by day two wherever the yacht is moored,” says Colin Wells, global head of Perishables at Panalpina.
On-board events and meals are prepared using seasonal and fresh ingredients that are often related to the area where the customers are cruising. “Superyacht Supplies serve vessels depending on the season around the globe – during the summer months these are generally cruising around the Mediterranean; during winter months in the Caribbean islands and Indian Ocean, but it can be anywhere,” adds Colin.
Capacity is king. As global airfreight demand skyrocketed in 2017, Panalpina was a reliable partner to guarantee cargo uplift. In an exceptional year for airfreight, the market developed a new dynamic characterised by tight transport capacity and sustained high freight rates. Summer was anything but the usual calm and Panalpina’s early prediction of a very busy peak season in the last quarter turned out to be correct. In October, Panalpina recorded its highest ever monthly airfreight volumes, a record that was beaten only one month later in November.
2017, the year when airfreight took to new heights
For the past two years Gauteng IL has awarded a trophy for the department that represents the spirit of Christmas best. This year was a close contest and it saw Exports beating the Ocean department by one point. The independent judging was based on the following criteria: participation, effort, originality and being different.
Asking the Export team for their winning recipe two years in a row, they said, “When the spirit of the season competition started, the Gauteng Exports Team decorated and our office with all things representing Christmas. Then last year we discussed the spirit of the season competition and realised that, if we want to portray the true meaning of the spirit of Christmas, what better represents this than giving and sharing and spreading joy and happiness?
Last year we shared a meal with those who serve us every day without ever really being noticed, our cleaning and security staff. This year we wanted to bring joy and happiness to orphaned children and for that we needed loads of
toys. We decided to theme our contribution as “Santa’s Workshop” and make our own toys. We also did a small toy drive to collect some toys. We sewed teddy bears and made bean bags and play dough. Warehousing donated 30 blackboards. A few days before Christmas we delivered everything to a children’s home in Benoni.” Well done to the Export team and we trust that they will cherish having the trophy for this coming year.
Tekkie Tax Tellebration
The 2017 Tekkie Tax “Tellebration” was cause for celebration with a whopping R8 239 625 raised during 2017. BPL brand ambassadors attended and were excited to have contributed to the raising of funds. Monies raised have already been distributed to the beneficiary NGOs.
Tekkie Tax 2018 has gone International and 25 May 2018 will be known as International Tekkie Tax Day. This year it is going to be all about “Magic and Leaving a Little Sparkle”.
BPL ambassadors are committed to doing it all over again. At the launch they were given a sneak preview of what is on offer for 2018 and were given the opportunity to order and buy T-shirts long before the public.
Back - Carla du Toit and Denise Doubell
Front - Karin Schoeman and Melissa-Lee Mosterd
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Mandela Day charity initiative by IL KZN
Thanks to BPL staff at IL KZN, Saint Giles, a non-profit organisation for the disabled, received a complete revamp of its work centre canteen. The end result looks amazing and the disabled staff have a beautiful, functional area for taking their breaks.
A message from Eileen Kings, IL KZN General Manager to KZN IL Staff:
Wow, it was so awesome to see the results of all your amazing efforts (done with lots of enthusiasm) to raise funds for Saint Giles. You will all be very proud to see how Saint Giles has put your funds raised to very good use. They have totally revamped their canteen for disabled employees, which was long overdue, including painting the walls and purchasing a new fridge, microwaves and kettles. They have a slogan on the wall stating that this facility (contents) was donated by BPL!
A special thank you to Fay Hanslo who spearheaded this project and to the team leaders who so ably led the various teams to come up with amazing food, raffles and other cool ideas which resulted in us being able to raise more than R16 000 for an organisation that gives disabled people dignity by offering them long term employment.
A big thank you to our Director, Bruce Thoresson for always supporting and donating personally towards these great initiatives. The company donated new tables and chairs which are already in good use in their revamped canteen.
Saint Giles staff were blown away. A fair proportion of our BPL IL KZN staff spent time there serving food and donating prizes to employees. We were granted a tour of their facility to watch employees pack dried herbs into boxes for Robertsons and how the various teams are motivated. They pack more than 12 000 boxes per day of various dried herbs. So when you shop for boxes of dried herbs, please check the barcode and if there is a C in the middle of
the barcode, then that box was packed at Saint Giles in Durban. You will now need to keep looking until you find a box with a ‘C’ in the barcode so you know you are supporting Saint Giles disabled employees.
A humbling experience and as always brings home the important message of how privileged we are just to have good health. Thank you all once again for your generosity of spirit to enable us as BPL KZN to give to others less fortunate than ourselves.
Some of BPL staff who assisted on the day
Certificate of appreciation
BPL’s Christopher Makhoba
BPL staff dishing up lunch for the disabled workers. Tables and chairs donated by BPL - the fridge and microwaves were purchased with the funds
raised by BPL staff.
Lunch time
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First project: Gabriel Praise Centre
Our first project was the Gabriel Praise Centre in Primrose, a centre dedicated to free housing and care for underprivileged children. It was opened in honour of the late Gabriel A. Ribeiro, who died after choking on a cherry pip on 24 November 2011. Gabriel was just under five years old. With a heart full of gratitude for Gabriel’s life and the honour of knowing and loving such an amazing little boy, it was decided to name the centre after him.
The first house opened in Primrose as a nursery school dedicated to educating underprivileged children from a nearby informal settlement, Makausi Squatter Camp. They work hand in hand with Pebbles Primrose Nursery School which runs an Early Development Centre.
BPL ambassadors built a sandpit and stocked it with buckets, spades and moulds. We also supplied the pre-school with various arts and crafts items as well as face cloths and towels. A little Christmas party was held with party packs, cold drinks and hot dogs. Ambassadors bought each child a colouring book with crayons in a plastic pouch folder which was donated by Denise and personalised with their names on.
Second project: a pit-bull rescue
Founded by Judith Meyers, Love-A-Bull SA rescues pit-bulls from harrowing conditions. Medical treatment is followed by a long process of rehabilitating these poor souls. Love A Bull-SA works hard to educate and promote responsible pit-bull ownership. They strive to advocate for a breed that has no voice and falls victim to discrimination and cruelty due to an undeserved reputation.
BPL ambassadors did a collection drive for anything that could be used at the centre. Ambassadors donated eight bags of food. The rest was donated by staff at Wrench Road as well as Elandshaven. Please visit www.loveabullsa.com and see what wonderful work they do.
Gauteng brand ambassadors chose the following projects to spread a little hope, joy and happiness in 2017.
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Third project: to find a brailler machine for Siyabonga Masombuka
Siyabonga was born a healthy little boy with no problems. As he grew older his mom noticed that when he wanted to focus on something he brought it very close to his face. She took him for a check-up only to be told he needed to be seen by an ophthalmologist at Baragwaneth hospital.
This was the start of many years of dilating his eyes under general anaesthetic to assess the damage and what of his vision could be salvaged. As his mom Penny is a housekeeper, one can only imagine how difficult this was for her, getting up early in the morning to get him to the hospital which took several taxi trips. Siyabonga was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma and his one eye was already totally blind and the second had pin hole vision.
A creche in Tembisa allowed him to stay there until the age of 7 but then he had to leave. After many meetings and assessments, they managed to get Siyabonga into Prinshof in Pretoria, a school for the blind. He had to enrol at Grade R to learn English. He resides in the boarding school during the week and his mom fetches him every Friday and takes him back every Sunday. Siyabonga is now 9 and completing grade 1. He is very good at reading, loves swimming and music and has the chance of obtaining a quality education and possibly a wonderful career one day.
The school suggested that due to his love of reading he should acquire a braille machine but at R14 000 this was
not an option. Karen-Sue Sacks brought his plight to the attention of the ambassadors and, with a lot of luck, we managed to find a barely used brailler at a bargain price. We also bought him some paper to start off with. This was a team effort as the brailler was in KZN. Deidre travelled to KZN to pay for it and BPL Transport did their bit to get the brailler to Gauteng. Thanks to Richard Theron, Balan Gounden, Malcolm Naidoo, Samuel Govender, Andile Nhleko and Marcus Ellappan. Siyabonga was in his element when we handed the brailler over to him. A huge thank you to each one of you for your help in getting the brailler to him.
Fourth project: surprise visit to homeless
Brand ambassadors surprised the homeless in Kempton Park with a lunch of cold meat, salad, a roll and cold drink. They also gave each recipient a small gift of a bar of soap and a washcloth. Your kindness was so appreciated.
This was the second visit to the homeless in Kempton Park. On Mandela Day a group of BPL brand ambassadors went with 48 warm cooked meals, thanks to contributions from employees at Elandshaven and a big discounted price for food from Royal Mnandi.
Ambassadors L-R: Fortunate Mboweni, Melissa-Lee Mostert, Noxolo Hlomendlini, Karin Schoeman and Yolande Momberg.
Ambassadors L-R: Maxdelene du Buson, Denise Doubell, Karin Schoeman, Melissa-Lee Mosterd
and Lucky Twala.
The look on little Siyabonga’s face was priceless when he received the brailler. He immediately got started and typed his name for us so that
we could “read” it.
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The Roadfreight Division once again played a vital role in assisting with ‘hydration’ projects.
We recently moved 35 000 litres of donated water from Durban to Cape Town for the Animal Welfare Society. The Animal Welfare Society cares for all livestock and domestic animals that are abandoned, neglected or injured. They provide them with a place of safety after medical treatment. They rely solely on the generosity of the public and receive no Government funding.
We are sure you are now all aware that the Western Cape is in a crisis in terms of water supply. To quote the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, “Never has any major city in the world reached such a crisis situation and its potential for disaster is likened to post WW2 and 9/11 disasters.” It’s been a horrendous time for the city of Cape Town, as dam levels reached an all-time low following soaring temperatures, howling South Easters and water consumption averaging 608 million litres per day.
BPL Cape Town formed a project team, named Project Watershed, to address this issue and in fact it is the very first real-life Disaster Recovery Plan the region has ever faced. Options were examined and included importing water from KZN via BPL Transport, putting in tanks and boreholes, porta loos and the likes.
When will day zero hit Cape Town?
It was initially projected for Sunday 21 April 2018. However, the people of Cape Town have put up such a sterling effort that day zero has now moved out to 15 July 2018.
Roadfreight delivers water to Cape Town
L-R: Zanefundu Diko, Carmen Hoy, Jaque le Roux and Chante Roberts.
Cape Town water crisis
Meet the Watershed Team L-R Ilse Swart, Debbie Beadle and Theo Ehlers.
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BPL Social Club KZN celebrates 30th anniversary
The Hilton Hotel was the venue for BPL KZN staff to celebrate the Social Club’s 30th anniversary. The theme of the event was Beauty and the Beast and Social Club members dressed for the occasion. Entertainment was in the form of Mo Magic.
“IL KZN has always had a very well represented Social Club where more than 70% of our staff are active members,” says Eileen Kings, General Manager KZN. “The company meets the fees paid by the staff and the social club is run by a committee nominated by Social Club members.”
While the Social Club holds two formal functions annually, its main purpose is to act as the conduit for staff initiatives, for example raising funds for charity. “St Giles Durban is an example where funds raised went towards internal renovations for their disabled staff. We also raise funds for cancer, which is all the more poignant as we have several staff who have been diagnosed with different types of cancer,” explains Eileen.
In addition to urging KZN staff to work with the Social Club to raise funds for charity, the Social Club arranges events and lunches on certain days. “These are really fun events, with a huge array of food on offer, massages, staff making items to be raffled, etc.
“All in all, the culture at BPL KZN meets our Value “Happiness”, as the outcomes of these events portray,” adds Fay Hanslo, who has been on the committee for 30 years and was one of the founding members. Current committee members are: Gary Chetty, Nerina Maharaj, Hamida Amod, Fay Hanslo, Marlin Naidoo, Julie Govender, Zamile Nzuza, Radesh Sewnarain, Nichlan Rajah and Sheldon Mohanram.
Celebrating the KZN Social Club’s 30th anniversary are from L-R: Gary Chetty, Hamida Amod, Nerina Maharaj, Eileen Kings, Radesh Sewnarain, Nichlan Rajah,
Zamile Nzuza, Tammy Govender and Fay Hanslo.
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Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on 14 February. Many of us associate the ‘most romantic day of the year’ with flowers and cards. This day was celebrated in traditional style at Roadfreight with staff wearing red and white. Ladies were spoilt with flowers and chocolates.
Valentine’s Day in PE
PE Capeway spread the love on Valentine’s day by dressing up in red, pink, white and black
Sandro Godinho in Super Hatch series
Sandro Godinho is once again participating in the AutoBarn Super Hatch series throughout 2018. The series commenced with round 1 at the Midvaal Raceway just outside Meyerton in Gauteng on 17 February. A total of 25 competitors entered in the Super Hatch category with 165 competitors from all categories. Approximately 3000 spectators filled the stands to watch the day’s activities.
Sandro managed to finish third overall in his class, ahead of seasoned competitors. The car performed faultlessly with improved performance from last year. The team has managed to put together a competitive package on a tight budget for the 2018 season.
Valentine’s Day at Roadfreight
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PE Social Club hosts one big birthday party
Traditionally the Port Elizabeth Social Club gives members a birthday present in their birthday month. This year they decided to do it differently and hosted a consolidated birthday party with cake and gifts.
PE Social Club’s Tenpin Bowling night
PE Social Club held a Tenpin Bowling and pizza night in March with friends and family.
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Kashiefa Gasnola - 15 years
LONG SERVICE
20 years - Vincent Gasa receiving award from Linda
Govender
Long service awards Cape Town
10 year award handed to Claudia Venter, BPL Rosslyn, by
Isaacson Ncube, Business Unit Manager.
Long Service awards KZN
20 years - Shanitha Mohanlall receiving
award from Taryn Davel
35 years - Fay Hanslo receiving award from Taryn Davel
10 years - Neeta Bhoola receiving award from
Taryn Davel
10 years - Shobanie Rao Naidoo receiving award
from Nick Taljaard
15 years - Leo Arunajalam receiving
award from Nick Taljaard
20 years - Nick Taljaard receiving award from
Eileen Kings
Long service Rosslyn
Pauline De Lima - 15 years
Edmund Grace - 10 years
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Congratulations to the following on achieving long service awards for the period January to March 2018:
10 yearsEddie Cassel Sibusiso Nhlengethwa Enrico Petersen Anvril Pietersen Thembi Thusini Johan Van TrompDerrick Nkunzi Melinda TomlinsonTitus Mokoena Brian Ndlovu Mzovele HlongwaTimothy Singh Julie Govender Christopher MbamboBuhle Dyalvan Willem Walters Asanda Lugqola
15 yearsFrancois Puchert Nicolette Willemse Kelvin Williamson Petrus Gerber Laura De Villiers
20 yearsDavid Tladi Margie Magnussen Coral Bennett Jacob Sekokope Loshini Singh Orphan Monegi Shane Van Wyk Valda Welby-Solomon Zjaneen Mattheus
At the end of last year the Gauteng IL team handed out 2017 long service certificates at a breakfast at Wrench Road. Bruce Thoresson, IL Director, handed out awards.
Grace Mamanzi - 20 years
Alphosina Ndlovu - 20 years
Michelle Toy - 25 years
Moneera Sahib - 20 years
Stanley Mthombeni - 30 years
Saskia De Wit - 15 years
Topaz Ellis - 15 years
Portia Khumalo - 10 years
Emily Gabayi - 20 years
Francina Letoaba - 20 years
Jacob Mncube - 15 years
Lucky Ngwenya - 15 years
David Titan - 10 years
Stephen Morogoe - 10 years
Florence Mogomotsi - 10 years
Nomsa Masemola - 10 years
Also receiving awards but not at the breakfast were:
Constance Gladile – 20 years
Lawrence Ndebele – 10 years
Pritham Balkaren – 15 years
Michael Mokotedi – 20 years
Morongwa Maya – 10 years
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RETIREMENTCONDOLENCES
Bronwen Bothma from BPL SACD retired at the end of February 2018 after almost 23 years of service with BPL. We wish her a well earned
retirement and thank her for her loyal service.
L-R: Ezelda Botha (GM), Bronwen Bothma and Petrus Gerber (GM),
Richard Ganesh, Air Import Controller at the Durban Airfreight Office King Shaka Airport, sadly passed away on 10 February 2018. Richard had just completed his 30-year service with the company. The team was devastated at the sudden passing of their colleague and friend. Richard leaves behind his wife Kogie and three sons, Emelyn, Shimei and Liam.
A warm welcome to the following people who joined BPL between 1 October and 31 December 2017:
WELCOME TO
Benette Lovemore
Adeleid Mphahlele
Marvin Pillay
Angelinah Ramotopo
Busi Sithole
Sherwin Naidoo
Vernon Ramanna
Thabang Bopape
Taryn Govender
Mandla Mkhonto
Sam Sattar
Vuyisile Mathiso
Lester Bomboto
Thandeka Sibiya
Leon Nogqala
Breech Rhoda
Mawande Tshingilane
Matthew Redmead
Carla Zacharias
Mishack Mhlanga
Gabriel Skosana
Jan Matlala
Rohan La Grange
Sebolaishi Selepe
Moses Manganye
Joyce Mankge
Peet Jacobs
Boet Kruger
Gert Jacobs
Justice Sibuyi
Palesa Maleho
Itumeleng Motsoane
Deidre Esau joined BPL on 8 January 2018 as Operations Manager of Paarden Eiland Warehousing Facilities.
Richard Theron joined BPL Roadfreight on 24 July 2017 as General Manager for the Linehaul and Cross Border Business Unit. Richard comes with 26 years’ experience in Logistics, Transport and Distribution of which 20 years were spent in a leadership role for a mid-sized integrated logistics operation.
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HATCH
MATCH
Congratulations to the following on the birth of their babies:
Neville and Jenny Arran on birth of Aarav Arran on 6 November 2017.
Yolanda Samuels on the birth of her baby girl McKenzie Francois on 4 February 2018.
Ashan and Trisha Naidoo on the birth of Ushay Naidoo on 26 January 2018.
Shamreetha (KZN HR Officer) and Ray Govender welcomed
their gorgeous baby boy, Reece Shiv Govender, on 17
February 2017.
Adele Clark, Senior Compliance Controller at Liberty Towers, married Johan Hugo on 16 December 2017.
Sharon Blom (HR Officer PE) was married to Stephen Scheepers on 28 December 2017.
Mark Scriven (Entries Clerk) married Catherine on 23 December 2017.
Yolande Nel (Financial Accounts Manager) was
married to James Hackney on 2 December 2017.
Sarah Uppink (nee Lindeque) married Michael Uppink in the
