InTouch
Sappi Head Office Internal Newsletter
01 October 2021
We love trees (especially this one)!
Arbor Week may be behind us, but at Sappi we believe that every day is a good day to plant a tree. Our overarching theme for Arbor Week 2021 was #SappiTreesOfHope, which encouraged everyone to respond to the global threat of climate change and to become active participants by planting trees.
At Sappi Head Office we collaborated with PAMSA to donate and plant Spekboom trees as a symbol of hope.
We chose the Spekboom because of its very special characteristics:
01. The Spekboom is
proudly South African, predominantly found in the semi-arid Karoo region.
02. Hectare for hectare in the right conditions, a Spekboom thicket is as effective as
the Amazon rainforest in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
03. They can live up to 200 years and can grow as tall as five metres. It propagates very easily. A broken-off branch can quickly grow roots and form a new plant.
04. You can eat it! The leaves are juicy, full of moisture, and have a slight lemon taste. It is the perfect pick-me-up after a long day.
Check out some of our Arbor Week activities posted on the SSA Facebook page.
Click here
These are our Arbor Week competition winners
Congratulations to Sonel Botha, Aubrey Billings, Graeme Wild, Lloyd Mudau (Sappi Technology Centre), Stella Mdletshe (STC), and Ron Braunstein (STC) who each won a Spekboom tree. The winners were chosen through a lucky draw of participants who answered the questions correctly.
Well done to the winners! Your prizes will be delivered to
you soon.
Arbor Week winners at the Technology Centre. From left: Lloyd Mudau, Stella Mdletshe and Ron Braunstein.
01.
InTouch
Stronger together as we celebrate Heritage Day
Diversity is not about highlighting how different we are, but about embracing each other’s uniqueness.
At Sappi, we marked Heritage Month by wearing traditional outfits, eating traditional foods, learning about different cultures, and spending time with our fellow colleagues.
Some of our best-dressed employees at our Heritage Day celebrations:
Christinah Sibiya From left: Ayanda Gumbi, Shoni Mulaudzi, Laazrus Machini, Refilwe Moloto, Solly Chauke, Salphina Chauke and Eleweni Tshishonga.
Matshediso Moshoeshoe Zolani Mbindwane Shoni Mulaudzi
02.
This is how some of our colleagues spent Heritage Day (24 September):
Serena McGinn – Treasurer
“Spring is the most beautiful time of the year and the weather is fabulous! I spent Heritage Day outdoors with my son, and no doubt the man of the house insisted on braaing lamb chops and rashers. Yum!”
Jabulile Nkambule – Analyst
“We spent the day visiting the Mantenga Cultural Village at Eswatini as a family. This place incorporates a cultural village where Swazi history, culture and tradition are brought alive for visitors and tourists. The village is a mini complex of sixteen huts, each with its specific purpose, kraals for cattle and goats. The Mantenga waterfall is also an eye-catching landscape that gives calm and peace to the environment.”
This is why we braai on Heritage Day
The National Braai Day in South Africa was developed by Stellenbosch native, Jan Scannell – more commonly known as ‘Jan Braai’ – who quit his job to focus on this national braai Initiative.
Two years later, Archbishop Desmond Tutu became patron of National Braai Day, backing the idea that donning an apron to braai
a boerewors, could be a unifying force in a country that had been previously divided. The following
year, the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa’s National Heritage Council. It couldn’t be a more apt way to bring a rich and culturally diverse nation such as SA together in unity, because what good South African doesn’t love a braai?
Sappi Head Office Internal Newsletter
From left: Mandisa Mhlongo, Serena McGinn and Natalie Stevens
Khethiwe Hlubi Jessica Nkosi Rani Subban
03.
InTouch
One step for Vulindlela, a giant leap for Sappi
A momentous milestone was reached this week in Sappi’s quest to meet the Thrive25 objectives of creating a sustainable and prosperous company.
Vulindlela’s first cook was a great success and as a result, there is renewed confidence that the huge amount of work that has been done over the past three years, has been worthwhile.
Successful cooking is about attention to detail, having an in- depth insight into all the cooking variables, and understanding how they influence the cook.
The years of experience and
technical insight that the
commissioning team brought to
the digester start-up, have made
this possible. Their efforts, combined with the young and eager-to-learn Digester and Brown stock operating team, have resulted in a triumph.
Meeting the specifications is no easy feat, but without getting our product up to standard, we won’t have a market. The digester pulp quality is the first step to produce pulp. If the digesters produce good quality, this will make the quality control in the rest of the mill easier and will result in a good quality product that meets customer specifications and will perform well in their plants.
We move forward with relief that the digester pump-out technology, which is new to Sappi Saiccor, is a success. The success with the first cook has also brought a
fresh sense of energy and the ‘Sappi can-do’ spirit
that we all need to achieve our goals in challenging circumstances.
This achievement is an indicator to all Sappi employees, customers, and suppliers that Sappi is proactively working
on the Thrive25 vision. Completing the first digester cook is
the indicator that Project Vulindlela is very close to completion!
The Saiccor pulping and Vulindlela commissioning team members celebrating the first MgO3 pulp.
04.
Sappi Head Office Internal Newsletter
Remember to complete your performance review
Each employee on HRL13 and above and his/her supervisor must complete their performance review for FY2021 on Sappi Learning (Cornerstone). The review period will be open from 01 September to
31 October 2021.
For guidance on how to complete the review process, you can access a step-by-step training guide on Sappi Learning (Cornerstone) by searching for ‘Performance Enablement Part 3 Performance Reviews’.
It is important to note that overall ratings on the system will be uploaded from Sappi Learning
(Cornerstone) into the MIS/Increase sheets as part of the review process. Employees and managers are therefore encouraged to complete the review process as early as possible, but before 31 October 2021.
Should you require any additional assistance, liaise with our HR team.
In need of physio wellness?
A therapist is back on site
The onsite physiotherapy services of Suede Wellness have resumed. The physiotherapist will be available every Wednesday at
the Sappi Head Office Clinic from 13:00 to 16:00.
For Sappi employees, the consultation price remains the same as last year – ZAR640 per session, which is still below Bestmed tariffs.
Important to remember:
The practice is part of Bestmed’s network providers. These accounts will be paid from Bestmed members’ available benefits. The benefits are paid first from the annual savings account. Once the annual savings account is depleted, benefits will be paid from the scheme risk, at 100% of the scheme tariff contract fee; depending on the member’s option.
For more information and appointments, contact:
Zelda le Roux (Operations Manager):
Tel: 061 825 3588 | email: zelda@suedewellness.co.za
Happy birthday
Congratulations to all our employees who celebrate their birthday in October.
11 Barry Jones
12 Natalie Stevens
16 Busisiwe Nene
16 Matshidiso Sereme
16 Renee Van Hoeve
18 George Rautenbach 20 Carmine Costantini 21 Beleng Goronyane
22 Lesiba Lamola
23 Liza Koen
27 Akhil Panday
29 Greschel Ramkelawan
05.
InTouch
Welcome to the
Sappi family
Welcoming
our new
intern
Landiwe Mahlangu joins us as Process Improvement intern.
Q: What do you hope to gain from this intern experience?
I consider this opportunity as great exposure to the business side of the manufacturing industry. I hold a Civil Engineering degree with minimal knowledge in manufacturing, finance, sales, logistics, and supply chain. However, the Process Improvement internship allows me to engage with these departments. From this internship experience, I hope to improve my current skill set. Secondly, I want to learn how business processes work in the manufacturing environment. I want to develop a stronger understanding of team dynamics and collaboration.
Q: How has the intern experience been
so far?
So far, I have been exposed to several teams. I admire how they work together to achieve the OneSappi goal. I believe I will grow under their guidance. Secondly, I want to develop a professional network. In the past few weeks, I have met and worked with people from all Sappi regions. I am excited to be part of this global team.
Q: What makes Sappi a company that you would like to work for?
I would say the people. Sappi employees are committed to continuous development. Their adaptability to the dynamic and fast-paced world around them amazes me. The work ethic is evident in the quality initiatives, processes, and products. Sappi is a force in business to be reckoned with and I would love to be part of this exceptional team!
Zolani Mbindwane has joined us on
01 September 2021 as Sales Administrator in the Supply Chain department.
1. What was your first
impressions of Sappi?
I started working for
Sappi in 2020 as an
intern. It was on my top
list of companies to join,
so I feel so privileged to
be a part of this global team
– a company with high values,
hardworking staff, and many opportunities to grow and develop oneself. I am over the moon!
2. What is the golden rule in life that you live by?
My motto is “fend for yourself ”. It has pushed me towards fulfilling my potential and it has definitely led me to where I am today.”
3. What makes you ‘tick’?
If you want things done, you need to act.
I always tell myself that things will not get themselves done unless you put in the work.
Thank you for loyal service
Congratulations to André Oberholzer for 20 years of commitment to Sappi.
Your knowledge, hard work, and dedication are greatly appreciated! We wish André continued success in his Sappi career.
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Sappi Head Office Internal Newsletter
In the media spotlight
Join the Karkloof Classic and help boost the economy (Maritzburg Sun)
A Tourism KwaZulu- Natal survey found that the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trails Festival accounted for a
ZAR7 million injection into the local economy. Sappi invited participants to “head for the hills on 09 and 10 Oct and see why the Karkloof trails have been voted best in the country”.
Read more
Luxury brands are sticking with printed adverts
(LinkedIn)
Although the advertising world is increasingly going digital, luxury brands are sticking with printed advertisements, adding multisensory experiences made possible with print.
This is according to a LinkedIn post by Sappi Graphic Papers.
Did you know about this unique aspect of our business?
Sappi is a well-known name in the printing industry, known for
its high-quality paper,
its dedication to sustainability, and more. We can deboss wood grain on wood products that use printed laminate for products such as cabinets, or create a 3D paper-based structure that can imprint leather grain on artificial leather products. Nicholas Yardy, Director of Release Technology, Sappi North America, explains this in a video chat.
Watch it here
Meet the shapeshifters of modern packaging design
Designers believe that they can improve the design of the classic paper cup to streamline the amount of packaging needed and reduce
its carbon footprint, according to a Twitter post by Sappi North America.
Read more
Read more
Get serious about that butt!
It is never too late to become clean-up conscious. One of the best ways is to start small – literally.
According to Clean-up & Recycle South Africa, it is often the smallest of polluters that contributes to the biggest problem – cigarette butts! They’re a problem, because they do not biodegrade and are almost impossible to recycle. The residue of tar and nicotine also make them highly toxic.
Research shows that in South Africa alone, 15 billion butts make their way into the environment every year!
So when you’ve had your smoke, make sure you discard it in a dustbin, and not use the environment as a
dumping ground!
Read more on how to contribute to the circular economy through recycling of waste.
Find out about an innovative team who are removing the butts from the environment and turning them into something useful. Click here
07.
InTouch
“Why we chose to vaccinate...”
With our Head Office vaccination rate at 95%, we thank all employees who have made the effort to vaccinate. It is the responsible choice if you want to keep yourself and others safe by curbing the spread of the virus and its severity.
If you still need to get the jab but feel unsure about what to expect, read what fellow colleagues are saying.
Erick Jacobs – Business Process Engineer
What convinced you to get the vaccine?
Better with, than without it! There is just no better alternative at the moment to fight this pandemic. Vaccination reduces the risk of getting infected – keeping you
out of hospital, intensive care, preventing Covid-related death.
What was it like getting the jab?
My arm was sore for about two days, but luckily I had no other side effects or symptoms.
Why would you encourage others to get the vaccine?
The social aspect is very important for us as humans. Although there is not a 100% guarantee on the vaccine, we need to get closer
to a state of normality. Being vaccinated will help us get there.
Pramy Moodley – Chief Financial Officer, SSA
What made you choose vaccination?
It was a no-brainer. I was just relieved that I was able to get it as quickly as I did to protect myself and those around me.
What was it like getting the jab?
It was a pleasant experience. Once inside the vaccination centre, it was professionally organised and the nurses had a great attitude, even after a long day.
Were you worried about any of the vaccination myths?
I didn’t need any convincing. I did my research and never believe any of the myths.
Why would you encourage others to get vaccintated?
It’s a safe and effective way to save lives. We are not only protecting ourselves, but also those around us.
Michelle Thain – General Manager Sales and Marketing
What made you decide to get the vaccine?
It’s the responsible thing to do – for our own health, and that of your family and friends, so that we can all get back to building the economy.
What was the vaccination experience like?
It was done professionally and safely. The experience was so much better than I expected. I also had no side effects or discomfort.
Why would you encourage others to get the vaccine?
So many people have been, and are being, affected negatively because of this virus. It’s vital that we play our part to get back to normality.
08.
Sappi Head Office Internal Newsletter
Are you allowing the Covid-19 virus to become more deadly?
Don’t give Covid-19 more power Vaccinate and tame the virus
Remember those alien movies? Strange creatures descending on planet Earth, invading human bodies and wrecking chaos and destruction?
The Covid-19 virus is not that different.
It’s an alien invader that fights to survive by invading our bodies and moving from one person to the next. If it’s left untamed, the chances are that it will continue to mutate (change) into more serious, contagious variants that will persist to infect people – causing more sickness and death.
By vaccinating, you are, in effect, becoming a Covid-fighting warrior. How?
We know that vaccinated people can still become infected, and they can still infect others. But they are more protected against Covid,
because the vaccine helps to build our immune response.
Like any alien invader, the Covid-19 virus is constantly fighting to survive. It does this by moving from one body to another, working hard to mutate and avoid our immunity.
That’s where our fighting power comes in.
Science shows that when we
are vaccinated, our immunity becomes strong enough to overpower the virus when it enters our body.
• Not only does the viral load drop – making us less likely to get sick or become seriously ill,
• But the transmissibility (how easily the virus spreads from one person to another), decreases by 50%!
#Mythbusted
Can the vaccine make me infertile?
No such cases have
been reported to date. Vaccines stimulate an immune response against the particular protein or antigen of the virus. There
is no way they can interfere with the functioning of the reproductive organs in either men or women.
By NOT vaccinating, you become an enabler.
You are giving Covid-19 more power.
In unvaccinated bodies, the virus can spread more easily from one person to another. And in people without a strong immunity (which is boosted by getting the vaccine), the virus can go about its business unchecked – mutating (changing) into more dangerous, contagious variants.
The longer we allow this, the more people will get infected with current, or more dangerous future, variants – leading to more infections, sickness and death.
But we can tame it – by getting the jab, increasing our protection, and slowing Covid in its tracks. Sounds like the responsible thing to do, doesn’t it? The power is in your hands.
09.
InTouch
Up close with...
1. 2.
Jodene van Schalkwyk, HR intern
Describe yourself in together they still respect and
10.
For more information on the challenge please contact Khethiwe.Hlubi@sappi.com.
three words. Free-spirited, cherish one another. They
Sappi HeadOffice
outgoing, loving. have raised my brothers and
How do you define
success? To me, success
would be being content with keep me motivated daily,
Arbor Week aHnedrit
Jodene and her parents at a family photoshoot in the Vaal Triangle.
everything you have achieved they support my dreams and
in life as well as living a ventures, and they’ve been eudemonic lifestyle. my backbone all my life.
3. What do you do to de- 7. W
hat i
o
fashion, through her music,
st stress? There’s one of three courageous thing you
things I do. I spend time have ever done? I was the Submit your department's Jerusalema
with my family, I cook a first female chairperson
11.
How would you want to be remembered one day?
I would like to be remembered as a lady who was determined to reach
her goals and work towards her dreams no matter the circumstances.
What do your colleagues not know about you?
I never played sports and
Dance Challenge video through homemade meal or I spend of the Arts Society NWU –
MS Forms no later than Wednesday, some time alone, journaling. DIVACO since 2000. Under
30 September 2020.
received? Recognise when
Atorwe yinou in it
4. What is the best piece of
managed to win four awards
advice that you have ever presented by NWU Arts.
you are forcing things and learn 8. What is your favourite
to let go. My brother always book and/or movie? I don’t tells me to learn when to move like reading, however, my all-
on fr
time favourite movie has to be
om
friendships, cities etc. American Gangster.
certain
things,
pe
5. What personality trait
has gotten you in the
most trouble – when
and how? Being blunt and straightforward. I often find myself saying things without thinking, or without thinking how it would sound to the next person. At times this has offended people, but mostly it has resulted in me having to explain exactly what I mean when I say something.
6. Who or what inspires you? My parents are my greatest
9. What do you do in your spare time (eg hobby, sport etc)? I enjoy cooking and experimenting with food to create new dishes.
10. Which famous person
would you like to be
best friends with and
why? The singer, Rihanna.
She is authentically and
unapologetically herself. I
love that about her. She is
free-spirited and she is not
afraid to express herself
cultural activities like singing, participating in eisteddfod competitions, and doing public speaking.
13. Why do you enjoy working at Sappi? I love the people. There is always someone to laugh with, someone who is willing to listen and someone willing to help. Most of all,
I love the fact that I’m learning new things and face new challenges every day.
the competition.
ople,
it?
12.
me in the best way they know how. There is not a thing they won’t do for their family. They
s th
em
or performances.
my leadership, the team and I
Jerusalema Dance Challenge Competition
whether verbally, through
Share your department's Jerusalema Dance Challenge video clip with us to be eligible for
inspiration. After 35 years
age Month 2020
always spent my time doing
Great corporate prizes to be won - the more creative your video the better your chances of
,
Is one Covid-19 vaccine better than the other?
Sappi now has both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines available at our clinics, giving you the option to choose which one you want to be vaccinated with.
Sappi Head Office Internal Newsletter
Although each vaccine is unique, both offer strong protection against severe disease.
What about the results from clinical trials used for vaccine approval around the world? Different trials take place at different locations and times, where the rate of infection and the mix of variants can differ. Trial participants also vary in age, ethnicity, and underlying medical conditions. This makes it difficult to compare one vaccine’s trial results to another.
However, importantly for South Africans:
Pfizer’s initial trials in America took place before significant variants came. How well the
vaccine protects against severe illness is now estimated at between 91.3-97%.
The J&J trials took place in
SA during the peak of the
Beta variant. It also included groups from the elderly with comorbidities (including HIV) and various ethnic groups.
Data from the J&J trials showed that it was 85% effective at preventing severe disease.
The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at -70°C; requiring special freezers and once thawed, must be used in 30 days.
The J&J vaccine can be kept at “standard” fridge temperatures of 02 to 08°C.
This, plus the fact that the J&J vaccine requires only a single dose, makes it the more “ideal” vaccine for areas of South Africa where transportation and refrigeration are challenging.
However, with the latest Delta variant, the efficacy of all the vaccines is less effective at preventing mild to moderate disease, whereas they have shown to be very effective at reducing hospitalisation and death.
Ultimately, the best vaccine is the one you can get now.
Come and join Pilates
Tone. Flex. Build.
Sappi lower basement – Every Monday and Wednesday 12:00-13:00
Contact Sonel Botha or Jessie Freitas to be added on the WhatsApp group to receive any updates.
11.
InTouch
Try it out!
Healthy and delicious recipes from our Tsebo canteen
Cranberry, caramelised red onion and feta burger
What you’ll need:
200g red onion (sliced) 30ml vinegar
100ml water
150g cranberry sauce 30g sugar
2g salt
4 burger rolls 480g beef mince 120g feta cheese (crumbled)
2g salt
1g black pepper
To serve:
Spinach leaves
Onion rings
Rosemary
Skinny fries, dusted with dried chilli salt
1.
2. 3. 4.
5.
Coconut yoghurt cake
What you’ll need:
200g unsalted butter, at room temperature, chopped 2 tsp finely grated lime zest, plus extra to serve
3/4 cup (165g) caster sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
60g fine semolina
1/2 cup (50g) almond meal
1 1/2 cups (225g) self-rising flour, sifted 3/4 cup (45g) shredded coconut
180g natural yoghurt
120ml lime juice
Whipped cream, to serve
Syrup:
370g caster sugar, finely grated zest of 2 limes plus 1 cup (250ml) lime juice.
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease
a 25cm round springform pan and line the base and side with baking paper.
2. Place the butter, lime zest and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat for five to six minutes until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix to combine.
3. Combine the semolina, almond meal, flour and coconut in a bowl and gently stir into the egg mixture. Add yoghurt and lime juice, stirring until just combined (be sure not to overwork the mixture). Spoon batter into prepared pan and bake for one hour or until lightly golden on top, and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from oven, cover with foil and stand for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, for the syrup, combine sugar and juice in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer uncovered for five minutes or until slightly reduced. Stir in the zest.
5. Using a skewer, prick holes into the cake, then pour half of the hot syrup over the top. It will be absorbed through the holes. Leave to stand for one hour before removing from pan and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Top the cooled cake with whipped cream and scatter with extra lime zest. Serve with remaining syrup on the side.
Method:
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In a pan, cook red onion, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and cranberry sauce over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is tender, and sauce is reduced and thickened.
In a large bowl, mix beef mince, feta cheese, salt, and pepper. Shape mixture into patties. Fry patties in a pan, or on a grill or a flat top, until just cooked through.
Cut rolls in half and toast. Top with spinach leaves, then patties, onion and cranberry sauce, onion rings and burger bun tops. Serve with hand-cut skinny fries.
InTouch
Perseverance doesn’t always mean winning and losing. Perseverance means showing up, rising to the occasion and
performing.”
– Michael Chiesa
Send your article contributions to Khethiwe.Hlubi@sappi.com.
Next issue is on 29 October 2021
Scan the code for instant access to the email address via your mobile phone.
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