Tsebo 50 Years A4

Contents

01 Foreword from our CEOs
02 Where did the Tsebo journey begin?
04 Five decades of golden history highlights
06 Our story told through our Tsebo family members:

Our clients

08 Nigel Ward: Toyota EVP of Manufacturing and Support
What makes the Toyota-Tsebo partnership stand out?
10 Brett Hoppé: General Manager, Sun City Resort
A sustainable, world-class partnership
12 Renier Swart: Director, Val de Vie group of companies
Thorburn Security Solutions protects Africa’s Safest Estate, Val de Vie

Our stakeholders

16 Mvikeli Hlophe: Investment Executive, Khulasande Capital
A common goal and ambition to reshape businesses across Africa
18 Adri Marais: CEO, Christel House South Africa
Tsebo & Christel House – Celebrating over a decade of creating a sustainable difference together
20 Brian Zulu: Director, Elevated Hygiene Services
Tsebo’s dedication to enterprise development

Our people

24 Jacqui Mathebula: Front Office Administrator, Tsebo Cleaning and Hygiene Solutions
Jacqui’s growth journey from Cleaner to tech whizz
26 Jack Ferreira: Projects Executive, Tsebo Catering Solutions
Jack’s 36-year journey of building an inspiring legacy with Tsebo
30 Lydia Okunsanya: Operations Manager (Static Sites), Tsebo Rapid Nigeria
Growing through challenges, colleague support and hard work
32 Johan Hoogeweegen: Group Customer Service Director, Tsebo Solutions Group
Tsebo’s fully integrated Customer Experience (CX) strategy
34 Lenin Tshuma: Operations Manager - Bulawayo, Tsebo Zimbabwe
Tsebo’s Lenin Tshuma Shares Perfect Recipe for Success
36 Peter Dalzell: Group Learning and Development Manager
Tsebo Learning and Development Academy is about growing together
38 Mathapelo Makoro: Training Facilitator, Tsebo Cleaning and Hygiene Solutions
When opportunity meets a brave, hardworking individual, it results in success
40 Hamid Khan: Management Consultant, Tsebo Catering Solutions
Tsebo’s expansion into Africa and beyond, plus looking after 47 remote oil rigs onshore and offshore
44 Kamogelo Mmutlana: Former Divisional CEO, Barloworld Automotive & Logistics
Tsebo - a building block on the road to success
46 Andrew St Clair-Laing: Management Consultant, Tsebo Solutions Group
Andrew’s 40-year journey of building uplifting community legacies with Tsebo

Foreword

From our CEOs

It’s with great pleasure that we As a client-centric business, people remain at the
celebrate a major milestone core of everything that we do. By partnering with
in our company’s journey – and developing people, we have touched tens of
Tsebo’s Golden Jubilee. thousands of lives across Africa.

For over half a century, we at Tsebo have been This focus on people – from clients to
reimagining the world of work and building a stakeholders and employees – is what has
legacy for the businesses, communities and allowed us to grow and thrive over the past half-
employees of the future. century. Our people are our legacy and without
you, 50 years of Tsebo wouldn’t have been
From city-based corporate headquarters to possible.
hard-to-reach remote sites, we create, manage
and maintain environments that are pleasant, What follows is our stories of building a legacy
safe and healthy to work in – ultimately and inspiring the future, told by our diverse
enhancing productivity, transparency and and vibrant Tsebo family. From some of Tsebo’s
compliance. By taking time to understand our longstanding clients, employees, community and
clients’ businesses, we create bespoke and agile SMME partnerships to employee development,
solutions to meet their needs. This allows Tsebo transformation and new client-service
to remain relevant and helps our clients reduce partnerships forged - these are our stories of
risk, complexity and costs. pursuing our purpose to DEVELOP people, to
SERVE people to UPLIFT society.
Tsebo’s 50th comes in the year that we celebrate
our new shareholders: Investec, Nedbank, Thank you for being part of the Tsebo journey
Khulasande, NinetyOne and Standard Chartered. and helping us build a legacy and inspire the
We are proud to have retained and strengthened future.
our Level 1 B-BBEE certification with a
procurement recognition of 135% for our clients. Tim Walters & Dr Chris Jardine
Our black ownership component continues to Group CEOs, Tsebo Solutions Group
grow and currently stands at 53.7%, with a 45.9%
black female ownership element.

Furthermore, we have introduced a host of
exciting, innovative solutions such as Tsebo Agile
Solutions, Vacant Property Solutions, app-based
food ordering and delivery, Aerial Surveillance
Solutions and our second state-of-the-art
National Control and Command Centre (NCC), to
name a few.

Beneath our strategic efforts lies a robust
dedication to sustainable development,
transformation and equal opportunity
employment. This foundation, which dates
back to the 1980s, together with our company
values, informs our ultimate destination as an
organisation and has seen Tsebo Solutions Group
surface as an African progressive corporate entity.

01

Where did the

Tsebo journey begin?

Over the last 50 years, Tsebo When Tygerberg decided to set up its own
has built a legacy of service, factory, plans went awry for Fedics, prompting
innovation and growth. the caterer to obtain clients on a management-
fee basis.
For five decades, we have found ways to
empower our people and uplift our communities. Fedics then broadened its horizons to obtain
‘WE DEVELOP PEOPLE, TO SERVE PEOPLE, TO catering clients on a management fee basis,
UPLIFT SOCIETY’ is a purpose statement we live using the client’s facilities with the option of
by, and it will continue to be part of the legacy we frozen meals. Growth in the early stages was
build in the future. primarily through South African-based partners.
The catering financial model started to evolve to
It might be hard to imagine, but the integrated a risk-based model in the late 90’s, where Fedics
workplace management solutions company you took over more of the catering financial risk.
see today evolved from a single catering contract.
In 1971, Fedics – a partial acronym for Federale At the time, the concept of contract catering
Volksbelegging (FED) and Imperial Cold Storage did not exist in South Africa, making Fedics the
(ICS) – formed a triumvirate partnership with industry pioneer – a position it continued to
Gardner Merchant, a subsidiary of Trust House maintain over the next half-century.
Forte Hotels. The first contract entered into was
with Western Cape Province administration to In 1983, Fedics implemented its first affirmative
provide frozen meals to the then-new Tygerberg action programme, indicating its commitment
hospital. A factory was set up at Paardeneiland to progressive management and transformation.
to produce the meals and specialised employees
was brought in from Britain to assist.

02

The Fedics Equal Opportunity campaign was
started under the auspices of former CEO of
Fedics, David Wigley, and John Moore, the
then Fedics Human Resources Director. They
were instrumental in driving transformation
in Tsebo and the catering industry as a whole.
The ambitious campaign started way before it
became the norm and was seen by sceptics, at
the time, as foolhardy and unnecessary!

Fedics also launched the Institute for Hospitality
Studies in 1994, which grew into Tsebo’s current
in-house Learning and Development Academy.
Also in 1994, we were awarded Sancorp’s
Investor in People Award, followed by the
Black Management Forum’s Most Progressive
Company of the Year Award in 1995.

Meanwhile, Tsebo, as we know it today, has
evolved into a large-scale integrated workplace
management solutions company by increasing
its scope of services and pan-African markets.
If we look at what Tsebo has accomplished over
the past 50 years, we can say with certainty that
it was worth it. Here’s to the next 50 years and
beyond.

Please view our 5 Decades of Golden History Highlights to
discover more amazing milestones in Tsebo’s golden journey.

03

5 Decades of golden
history highlights

1970s 1980s 1990s

AN ECONOMIC A LEADER IN NEW SOLUTIONS,
PIONEER PROGRESSIVE NEW HORIZONS
BUSINESS
Fedics is founded in 1971 Purchase of 40% equity in
Implements first Protea hospitality group
First large-scale affirmative action
outsourced caterer in programme Awarded Sancorp’s Investor
South Africa in People Award
Sponsors SA Chef’s
Association to develop First steps to establish
black chefs in-house learning and
development academy
Venture into airline (IHS)
catering after winning
SAA’s in-flight catering Win Black Management
tender and launching Forum’s Most Progressive
Air Chefs Company of the Year Award

Fedics’ training college Concludes first BEE
opens transactions with Nozala
Investments, SIP and IPG

Enters full array of Facilities
Management Solutions
(Drake & Scull Engineering)

04

Imagine what we can achieve together
in the next 50 years.

2000s 2010s

A GROWING INTEGRATED PAN-AFRICAN SOLUTIONS THAT
MULTINATIONAL SUPPORTS SUCCESS
FORCE
Charitable foundation established
Landmark contract - All
Africa Games (Nigeria) Pan-African merger with Allterrain Services Group (ATS)

Tsebo Outsourcing Enter Security Solutions & Energy Solutions
Group is formally
established Scale-up: 12 acquisitions in 5 years, with multiple international
Pan-African clients
We are one of the first
organisations of its size Achieves historic Level 1 Rating on the 2015 Amended BEE
to achieve ‘Excellent’ codes
BEE accreditation
through Empowerdex Enters multiple new markets – Mozambique, Zimbabwe,
Kenya, Nigeria, Lesotho, Egypt and more
Enter Cleaning
Solutions Tsebo Solutions Group rebrands

05

Our story told through our
Tsebo family members

06

Our clients

07

Nigel Ward

Toyota EVP, Manufacturing
and Support

What makes the Toyota-Tsebo
partnership stand out?

Understanding that every Fostering a transparent
one of our clients requires relationship
something different is
what started Tsebo on our In 2004, Nigel headed up the procurement and
progressive development purchasing division at Toyota, which is when,
journey 50 years ago. It all Fedics, the Tsebo Group’s contact catering
comes down to this: we are pioneer, first partnered with the renowned
in the business of developing company. Tsebo was contracted to provide meals
people, to serve people, to to Toyota’s employees. And today, after working
uplift society. together for over 15 years, we provide in excess
of 90 000 meals a month to around 7 500 team
Nigel Ward, Executive Vice President of members.
Manufacturing and Support at Toyota South
Africa, had a very similar story when he joined We have consistently delivered seamless service
the Toyota group nearly 40 years ago. From and a diverse choice of meals to Toyota employees,
humble beginnings to helping fine-tune most even through challenging circumstances. This
departments within the company, he shares our includes adapting to COVID-19 health and safety
philosophy to grow, build and uplift people. recommendations and working with Tsebo’s
Fostering a transparent relationship dietitians to enhance the nutritional value of
meals served, ultimately to better support Toyota
Toyota-Tsebo Partnership: employees’ immune systems throughout the
pandemic. By working predictably and proactively,
 Over 15-years strong partnership Tsebo has been able to efficiently provide Toyota
 Over 90 000 meals served a month with the stability and consistency needed to allow
the company to increase productivity and keep
to over 7 500 Toyota members delivering on its work.
 Over 400 Tsebo employees
“No partnership is without its ups and downs,
but what sets this relationship apart is Tsebo’s
transparency with us and their willingness to
adapt,” Nigel explains. “This is why our partnership
with the company has lasted so long, and after all
these years, we still turn to Tsebo to cater for our
people – whether it’s for those in management, or
team on the factory floor.”

08

Going above and beyond The future of Toyota and
Tsebo
The Tsebo-Toyota partnership has grown since
2004. Tsebo’s Thorburn Security Solutions team As Tsebo celebrates its golden jubilee
has been assisting Toyota for the last five years this year, Toyota also celebrates 50-years
by providing flexible, reliable security services. of manufacturing and 60-years of
From settling unrest to performing routine Sales in South Africa in 2022. “I think
checks, our employees are committed to serving our shared passion for uplifting local
the people at Toyota and putting a smile on communities, creating jobs, and
customers’ faces. empowering people is why Toyota and
Tsebo have been around for over half a
“Technology also plays an important part in century,” Nigel shares.
ensuring the safety of our team, our intellectual
property and our physical assets,” Nigel Toyota’s priority is to stay competitive
continues. “With over 900 cameras on-site and – and this is especially difficult in the
airborne drones, the Thorburn Security team global automotive industry. “What
adds value to Toyota by proactively managing we need from our service providers
the company’s security and safety risks.” is for them to also contribute to our
competitiveness,” Nigel adds. “For you
A great example of what Tsebo’s to be in business, you need to make a
stellar service helps enable is Toyota’s profit. Once we determine what a fair
impressive production flow. Nigel profit is, we can stay competitive. I know
shares that a brand-new Hilux bakkie that Tsebo is always looking to provide
is built every 90 seconds. And with a more efficient service to help keep
such efficient production processes, us on a competitive level so we can
time is of the essence. If the Tsebo team continue to build our export operations
is late, this causes a loss to Toyota – and grow society by employing people.”
which is why we work so hard to avoid
this and do our part to keep the Toyota On celebrating Tsebo’s 50th anniversary,
production lines running. A great Nigel has this to say: “We really value
example of this is how Tsebo is able our relationship with Tsebo and your
to feed over 7 500 employees lunch contribution to our people and our
within a 30 min window. business. Thank you for providing our
people with food and keeping us safe.
Although Toyota will always follow
responsible procurement processes,
we look forward to the next 50 years
because we will be here, and we would
like to take you on this journey with us.”

09

Brett Hoppé

General Manager:
Sun City Resort

A sustainable, world-class partnership

Tsebo’s ambitious nature is The scope of work
one of the many reasons why
we have been able to survive Sun City has a complex and extremely diverse
and thrive for the last 50 engineering setup. To start with, the resort
years. Our recent partnership itself resembles a small city and needs to be
with Sun International’s Sun self-sufficient due to the remote location.
City Resort is an example Additionally, the infrastructure is over 40 years
of our enduring tenacity. old and requires continuous coordination,
To date, this is our biggest maintenance and care from an experienced
engineering contract, and we service provider with extensive engineering and
are incredibly proud of this energy management knowledge.
accomplishment.
 Over 80 Tsebo employees on site
 Over 20 additional subcontractors
 Over 5 000 maintenance job tickets

issued monthly

Sun City is one of South Africa’s most popular As an entertainment complex operating 24/7,
holiday destinations and was built back in 1979. Sun City was looking for a service provider that
The Valley of Waves is one of the country’s would provide a good organisational fit through
most exciting water parks and, when it was first an always-on, problem-solving approach. They
established in 1992, it was the biggest in the wanted a partner that would not only respect
world. The challenge lies in keeping Sun City’s their customer-centric business by conducting
mammoth engineering infrastructure in pristine themselves professionally with meticulous
condition throughout the years, ensuring that cleanliness and attention to detail, but also
one of Africa’s largest themed resorts remains through strong ethical values, productivity and
relevant and exciting for guests to enjoy. economic mindfulness.

10

Tsebo’s role in Sun City’s In addition, Tsebo introduced on-
inf rastructure the-job training to upskill Sun City’s
maintenance employees and established
Tsebo was initially contracted to complete basic systems and processes to ensure
an asset condition assessment. Once the that the correct checks and balances
assessment was completed, Tsebo proposed a were in place for effective engineering
strategic CapEx repair and replacement roll-out services and monthly reporting.
that considered the lifespan of equipment and
budgetary implications of replacement over In the current economic climate,
time. This is a more cost-effective approach to it is amazing that Tsebo has a
doing business and offers a staggered solution proven track record in excess of 50
to equipment investments. “Tsebo’s strategy to years. When we were considering
preserve existing equipment rather than opting the outsourcing of our complex
to replace it every time an issue arises, made engineering requirements,
them stand out from the crowd,”said Sun City partnering with a reputable partner
General Manager Brett Hoppé. “They understand with over 50 years of cumulative
that we have to work within an allocated budget intellect and expertise was a deep
and have found a way to ensure we can continue consideration for us. Today, we
our operations without incurring additional costs. are really proud of our association
It’s this kind of considerate problem-solving, with Tsebo of and thankful for our
economic mindfulness and flexibility that makes partnership with their Engineering
Tsebo a great partner.” Solutions Team.

The Tsebo difference – Brett Hoppé,
General Manager: Sun City Resort
One thing that has reassured Brett about the
Tsebo partnership is the fact that our team 11
seeks to collaborate and understand the
resort’s unique needs. Working together, we
explore sustainable solutions and implement
them accordingly. This led to the partnership
encompassing more than just the initial
assessment, so that today, Tsebo is responsible
for all of Sun City’s engineering requirements.

This includes everything from changing
lightbulbs in each of the over 1750 bedrooms to
ensuring that the Valley of Waves is beautifully
restored and maintained through regular system
upgrades and constant maintenance.

To achieve this, Tsebo devised a three-pronged
operational model comprised of:

An Infrastructure Team
To conduct major maintenance
and repair.

A Rapid-Response Team
To enhance the customer
experience by quickly dispatching
technicians on scooters to fix
smaller faults in rooms etc.

A Rooms’ Care Programme
To take 20 rooms out of circulation
at a time for full inspection and
ongoing maintenance work.

Renier Swart

Director, Val de Vie group of
companies

Thorburn Security Solutions protects
Africa’s Safest Estate, Val de Vie

As a proudly African company Thorburn Security Solutions is a division of Tsebo
rooted in South Africa, Tsebo that delivers integrated, intelligence-driven
understands the security safety and security solutions to its customers,
needs of the country and how one of them being Val de Vie Estate. Thorburn
to address them. With over currently provides the estate with guarding,
50 years of experience behind technical maintenance and specialised security
the Tsebo brand, partnering solutions, including the use of sniffer dogs. Val
with such a company is de Vie is one of the largest estates in Africa,
reaffirming for customers coming in at around 1000 hectares with over
looking to invest in a business 1600 units and counting. The estate is home
that supports both the to an array of world-class amenities, including
country’s economy and the entertainment venues, restaurants, a signature
various industries within it. golf course, equestrian facilities, a retirement
village, a preschool and 300 hectares of parks,
fynbos and wildlife reserves.

Renier Swart, Director of the Val de Vie group
of companies, believes that by partnering with
Thorburn Security Solutions, and thereby Tsebo,
they are joining forces with a truly South African
company that intricately understands what risks,
and labour-related as well as other challenges
we face as a country.

12

Unmatched services An example of how technology has changed
within the estate is that they have made the
While Renier has only been with Val de Vie move from only using fingerprint biometrics to
since 2010, Thorburn had been with the estate being able to read an entire hand. This solution
long before. Since his time at the estate, he has works better for older residents because as
put the security contract out on tender twice, you age, your fingerprints tend to become
and Thorburn won it both times. He says this is less prominent, making it difficult to scan. The
because Thorburn always comes out on top in Thorburn technology team actively looks for ways
terms of deliverables. to improve the security within the estate, and
whenever new technologies come to light, they
The estate has a detailed security risk matrix that research them to see if they will work or not.
is continuously updated and adjusted as the risk
landscape evolves. Val de Vie is looking to rely It’s about more than just
more on technology-driven security solutions security
and less on human protection. With this in
mind, Renier comments that Thorburn is one of Highly-trained and visible security employees
the most impactful businesses in this realm of create a friendly and efficient first point of
security. contact when entering the estate, and security
guards patrol the interior and exterior of Val
Part of the estate’s security strategy is stress de Vie. “First impressions last and the effect
testing their systems. This involves having guards that those impressions have on the customer’s
picking a random spot along the 18-kilometre perception of our brand, should not be
perimeter fence to try to breach and have the underestimated,” says Renier. “We have worked
security teams stop them. This tests the team’s closely with Thorburn and their HR Department
reaction time as well as how long it would take to ensure that the guards at our entrance gates
someone to break in. receive ongoing concierge-level training to
provide the best customer experiences.”
Always looking for new
technology In addition to managing human threats, the
Thornburn team have also had to undergo
Val de Vie is always looking for new and snake handling training as the estate is located
innovative solutions to add to its security alongside a mountain. This means that snakes,
processes. One of the estate’s milestone along with other animals, can and do make their
achievements is being voted safest estate in way into the estate.
Africa and home to the safest house in Africa. To
date, the estate has not had any major security “If there is a snake in the estate, security is called,
breaches. “We fully intend to keep it that way. and they go to catch the snake. Once we have
I think that’s why we’ve got the reputation of the snake, it’s taken to the Cape Nature Reserve
being the safest residential estate in Africa,” says to be safely released,” Renier proudly adds.
Renier. Celebrating Tsebo’s 50th anniversary “For us,
it is important to know that we’re dealing with
Thornburn has helped by providing technical a credible, truly South African company – a
advice and backup, testing different solutions company that’s been around the block and
and changing the offering to meet the changing is familiar with the needs of South Africans.
needs of the estate. Of course, Renier could go Together, we can grow alongside one another,
into a lot of detail about their security processes. learn alongside one another and build a better
“We cannot share all our secrets; it’s an important future for our country,” Renier concludes.
part of ensuring the safety of the estate. We do
give our residents an indication of what we are
doing to ensure their safety,” says Renier.

13

Our story told through our
Tsebo family members

14

Our stakeholders

15

Mvikeli
Hlophe

Investment Executive,
Khulasande Capital

A common goal and ambition to reshape
businesses across Africa

A trio brought together The beginning of a passionate
by a common goal and partnership
the ambition to reshape
businesses across Africa Khulasande Capital, a private equity and
through impactful investment vehicle, first had the opportunity
transformation. Mvikeli, to work with Tsebo after one of their partners,
Khulasande Capital, and Investec, introduced them to the company.
Tsebo all share this goal, and
were driven to create a solid In 2020, a consortium of South African banks and
foundation for a powerful, life- financial investors, including Khulasande Capital,
changing partnership. Investec Bank, Nedbank Private Equity, Standard
Chartered Bank and Ninety One, concluded a
Interesting fact: Mvikeli first transaction to acquire the operations of Tsebo
heard of Tsebo while at UCT Solutions, together with management and the
Tsebo ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
While studying to be a chartered accountant at Trust.
the University of Cape Town (UCT), Mvikeli had
the opportunity to interact with one of Tsebo’s “We assisted Tsebo last year when it went
catering brands, Fedics. They were responsible through a change in ownership. Our experience
for the meals served at the residence where he in managing assets and our common vision to
was staying. So, when the time came to partner empower people and clients across the continent,
with Tsebo, he already had an idea of who the was the coming together of natural partners,” says
company was and what they were about. Mvikeli.

16 “Partnerships built on shared goals and ambitions
are critical to us. Our purpose statement is ‘growth
through impactful transformation’, and this relates
to all the businesses we’re involved in,” he adds.

A shared goal in action

The Department of Trade and Industry has
recently notified Tsebo that they have managed
not only to retain their Level 1 B-BBEEE
certification, but also to improve their score year-
on-year.

This was one of the goals set out by the Tsebo- A people-driven business
Khulasande partnership and, in reaching this
significant achievement, it’s clear how powerful People are at the heart of Khulasande and, by
the right partnerships can be. extension, Tsebo. The companies are shaped
by their employees, clients, communities,
“I can’t say I was surprised when I heard the shareholders and other partners they work with.
news,” says Mvikeli. “With our involvement and
Tsebo’s track record as a development and “This business not only empowers our clients
transformation partner, I knew all the elements across the continent to focus on their core
were already in place to retain their certification. offering and do their best work, but it also
Nevertheless, I’m extremely proud of what we’ve impacts our people,” Mvikeli says. “What starts as
achieved.” an entry-level job that gives people the ability to
do good work and look after their families, soon
Mvikeli is actively involved in the business and provides them with the skills and knowledge
serves as a Tsebo Non-Executive Director (part- they need to grow and succeed in the long term.
time) as well as the Chairman of the Group’s If that’s not a rewarding thing to witness, I don’t
Social, Ethics and Transformation Committee know what is.”
Board.
The secret to Tsebo’s success
Tsebo attained a procurement recognition
score of 135%, with a growing black ownership Tsebo’ magic ingredient for success? According
component of 53.7% and a 45.9% black female to Mvikeli, it’s the business’s clear understanding
ownership element. of its higher purpose and its relentless dedication
to service excellence. By staying close to their
LEVEL 1 clients’ needs, they have been able to adapt,
evolve, innovate, and grow. This has helped Tsebo
B-BBEE CONTRIBUTER achieve its ambitious goals and remain relevant
for over 50 years.
Powering transformation and
diversity across Africa A birthday message for
Tsebo
A drive and passion for empowerment and
transformation are critical across the continent. In closing, Mvikeli wanted to make these final
Research has found a correlation between remarks: “We’ve certainly enjoyed the journey
diversity in teams and how this improves so far and I hope this is a long and fruitful
performance. The shared experiences and relationship. I’d like to congratulate Tsebo for
different perspectives all contribute to a greater ‘raising the bat’ when the going gets tough. I’d
understanding, not only of the work itself, but also like to thank the myriad employees who
of the spaces in which people and businesses dedicate themselves to our clients every day.
operate. Their work makes achieving major milestones
like a 50th anniversary possible.”
“It’s important that we as a business take active
strides to include the previously excluded parts The partnership between Tsebo and Khulasande
of our populations in the economic machine. Capital has proven to be an unstoppable force.
This helps ensure a harmonious and prosperous The future looks bright for Tsebo and celebrating
future for all. As a responsible corporate citizen, another 50 years is something we look forward to
it’s something that we need to promote actively,” seeing.
says Mvikeli.

17

Adri Marais

CEO, Christel House
South Africa

Tsebo & Christel House – Celebrating
over a decade of creating a sustainable
difference together

Tsebo and Christel House “To change the world, you need to enable
South Africa have had a 10- change. You need to enable education. All of this
year partnership that has can only be done if you have the tools to succeed.
allowed them to truly make You need a full stomach; you need to get to
a difference in many lives. school; you need glasses to see. Our magic sits
Driven by a mutual goal of in being able to put children in a position where
transforming and enriching they can learn and not worry about any of these
the lives of children at all things,” says Adri.
stages of their development,
it’s easy to see why this is a Twelve buses bring children to the school each
remarkable partnership that day, and they have recently built a pop-up
will continue to grow. dormitory. This is utilised during matric exams
to ensure that children have a safe, warm, quiet
Changing the world where it space to study during this important phase
matters most of their education. Each of these children
survives on less than R1 500 a month and would
Christel House seeks to provide impoverished otherwise not have access to this type of high-
children with the tools needed to break the cycle quality education.
of poverty through education and other support.
This support starts in Grade RR, when children A decade in the making
are around four years old, and continues up until
they’ve made their way through university or The Tsebo Siyakhula farming initiative
college. But it’s not just about the curriculum; it’s is a beautiful relationship because it
about a holistic approach to learning, explains touches on many aspects that help
Adri Marais, CEO of Christel House South Africa. change lives.

18 - Adri Marais:
CEO, Christel House South Africa

Christel House and Tsebo first crossed paths 10 Tsebo currently sponsors 16 tunnels which
years ago through its 50-year strong pioneer in are used to grow Tsebo sponsored seasonal
contract catering, Fedics. Fedics was tasked with vegetables, working closely with Christel House
supplying the centre’s catering and running the to make sure the farming initiative is a success.
kitchen. The structure provides greater control over
essential inputs, like water, fertiliser, pest control
Touched by what the centre was doing for the and temperature. The protection from harsh
children and recognising a shared vision and weather, especially wind, reduce lost crops,
passion for uplifting the local community, it allowing the initiative to get more produce to
wasn’t long before the partnership grew to market. In addition, Tsebo recently built and
new heights. In 2017, Tsebo started a learner- sponsored a cold storage packhouse to ensure
sponsored programme at the school to empower that the suitable crops yielded remain fresher for
young women. Each year, Tsebo sponsors five of longer.
the girls who attend the school.
The farm also provides an opportunity for the
The partnership also includes running the children’s parents to become employed and
Siyakhula farming initiative. “It’s a beautiful earn an income. They are guided by individuals
relationship because it touches on so many and businesses with farming know-how to assist
different aspects: enterprise development for them every step of the way. In this way, parents
Tsebo, a potential income stream for us, and are also able to benefit from the same initiatives
providing educational material for our children. afforded to their children.
So, it’s really a beautiful story,” Adri explains.
A collective 70 years of
The Siyakhula farming initiative was borne out success
of the question: “How can Tsebo sustainably
support a non-profit organisation?” The idea While at Tsebo we are celebrating our 50th
of starting a farm came from Tsebo’s interest anniversary, Christel House is also celebrating
in sustainable food paired with available land. a major milestone – their 20th anniversary. By
The produce from the farm is used to generate working together and building on this collective
income and is added to the value chain, knowledge and heritage, partnerships like these
producing and delivering fresh produce to a can be used to change lives across the continent
commercial partner who in turn delivers to sites and make a real difference to the lives of people
across the Western Cape. Christel House will then in our communities.
use the funds to support the centre, providing
opportunities for further education to so many
more students.

The farm had to be moved from its original
location due to drought and contamination of
the groundwater in the area. The entire Siyakhula
initiative is now situated on the school’s premises.

19

Brian Zulu

Director, Elevated Hygiene
Services

Tsebo’s dedication to enterprise
development

As an industry leader with Tsebo is invested in developing
over 50 years of experience in small businesses and making sure
helping businesses become that we come out of the process
more successful, Tsebo better than we were before. This is
recognises the need to develop rare to see in such a big company.
SMMEs and bring them along Thank you to Tsebo for being there
on our journey of growth. One for us.
of the many small businesses
we’ve been privileged to – Brian Zulu
support over the years is Director, Elevated Hygiene Services
Elevated Hygiene Services.
Since our initial partnership When asked about his partnership with Tsebo,
in 2014, Elevated Hygiene Brian explained: “Tsebo is invested in developing
Services has become Tsebo’s small businesses and making sure that we come
cleaning and hygiene solutions out of the process better than we were before.
enterprise partner of choice. This is rare to see in such a big company. Thank
you to Tsebo for being there for us.”
Elevated Hygiene Services is run with passion
and commitment by founder Brian Zulu and his
business partner, Desmond Maswanganyi. Brian
started the business after he identified a gap
in the market regarding the proper technical
know-how of cleaning services in the food
industry. Today, thanks in part to Tsebo’s support,
the business employs 125 people and provides
services to 6 companies.

20

The journey to a great Through Tsebo’s dedication to enterprise
partnership development, Elevated Hygiene Services has
been able to leverage a wealth of knowledge and
Before Brian established the business, he was a experience to accelerate its growth. And we have
food safety systems auditor, and it was through benefitted from having a reliable, professional
this work that he noticed a need in the food partner who will uphold our reputation. Brian
industry for better cleaning services. This led to admires the dedication that Tsebo has to
the establishment of Inspired Hygiene, which enterprise development, stating: “It’s not just
would later become Elevated Hygiene Services. about the BEE points for them. This is a true
When Tsebo first partnered with the business, partnership, and they are genuinely developing
Brian had only one client and 25 employees. our business.”

In 2016, Brian brought Desmond on as a business Tsebo in action
partner and changed the business’s name to
Elevated Hygiene Services – and the rest, as they Elevated Hygiene Services has recently taken
say, is history. over one of Tsebo’s contracts. This contract is
Elevated Hygiene Services’ largest, allowing them
Now, the business offers services that include to enter the general cleaning services sector and
expert cleaning of food factories, food employ an additional 45 people.
safety audits, factory inspections, and the
implementation and maintenance of systems. Tsebo facilitated this partnership and even
negotiated with suppliers to ensure that Elevated
Giving SMMEs the tools to Hygiene Services could procure cleaning supplies
succeed at a good rate. This has been a major cost-saving
and shows our dedication to assisting SMMEs.
Tsebo has supported the company’s growth
since 2014. From project management Brian truly values the partnership with Tsebo,
assistance to negotiating more affordable saying: “The relationship with Tsebo has
supplier contracts, we have leveraged our skills, benefitted us enormously, not just through
experience, and market position to ensure that training for specialised health cleaning, but
Elevated Hygiene Services has access to the tools also by allowing us buying power, normally only
needed to succeed. available to large corporations. We’re small now,
but we hope to grow up to be a Tsebo one day.”
Brian explains that being a small business owner
in South Africa is no easy task. There are so many Brian’s wish for Tsebo is that we continue to
laws and regulations that need to be adhered to, thrive for another 50 years, because as we
and managing several aspects of business with continue to grow, so will small businesses like
a small team is tricky. Tsebo had helped Elevated Elevated Hygiene Services.
Hygiene Services navigate complex regulations
and laws, and offered human resources services,
which were incredibly beneficial when the two
businesses had a employees changeover. This
included contract advice as well as managing
administrative issues, such as UIF.

It’s not just about the BEE points for

them. This is a true partnership, and

they are genuinely developing our

business.”

– Brian Zulu
Director, Elevated Hygiene Services

21

Our story told through our
Tsebo family members

22

Our people

23

Jacqui
Mathebula

Front Office Administrator,
Tsebo Cleaning and Hygiene
Solutions

Jacqui’s growth journey from
cleaner to tech whizz

Jacqui Mathebula has been The first step in the right
with Tsebo for 12 years and direction
is proud to be part of the
Tsebo family. She started In 2019, she was noticed for her enormous
as a cleaner, and a chance potential by CEO Chris Jardine and Faith Burn,
encounter in the lady’s former Group Chief Information Officer. Faith
bathroom changed her life approached Jacqui and asked her if she would
and jump-started her career. like to work with her. Jacqui went on to become
For her, it has been incredible Faith’s personal assistant, completing an
working with a company that internship in the IT department. The role meant
notices employee potential she had to start connecting and interacting with
long before you do, and finds a the people around her. She was the first point of
way to nurture it. contact when people entered the office, which
helped her gain confidence and overcome her
Jacqui recalls how shy she was on her first day at shyness.
Tsebo and how her supervisor encouraged her
to speak up. Although this was a challenge for Once I gained confidence and skills,
her, she started by greeting people. Her shyness I was out of my cage. I was ready
meant she would come into work early to clean to make phone calls, send emails
before anyone else got there to avoid interacting and talk to anyone from anywhere
with people. She was always dedicated to the job, without being shy or second-
making sure that she cleaned perfectly, which guessing myself.
meant Tsebo clients had the highest praise for
her. – Jacqui Mathebula
Front Office Administrator, Tsebo Cleaning

and Hygiene Solutions

24

Thinking back on that time, Jacqui fondly recalls: Jacqui has been on numerous development
“Even though I was shy, Faith saw something in and IT training courses. Her willingness to make
me. She looked past the shyness and believed in the most of the opportunities we’ve provided
me when I didn’t even believe in myself.” means she’s been promoted to Front Office
Administrator at Tsebo Cleaning and Hygiene
She admits that although she was working in Solutions, where she continues her development
IT, she needed help to get basic tasks done. journey. Her journey is evidence that we value
This meant that she had to ask for help and our employees and are always looking to find
was pleasantly surprised by everyone at Tsebo’s ways of upskilling employees.
willingness to assist. As a result, she is now quite
the tech whizz and has become the go-to person Words of wisdom for future
when other people need assistance. Tsebo employees

“Once I gained confidence and skills, I was out When it comes to welcoming new employees
of my cage. I was ready to make phone calls, members to the ever-expanding Tsebo family,
send emails and talk to anyone from anywhere Jacqui has this advice: “You cannot be shy; you
without being shy or second-guessing myself,” need to put yourself out there so that they can
she laughs. take notice of you. Tsebo will never shame you for
not knowing anything; it is a place that will help
Working for Tsebo is you grow as long as you want to grow.”
rewarding
She looks forward to further developing herself
She sees herself as very much part of the Tsebo and excelling in her career at Tsebo. The future
family. We’ve been there for her throughout her of Tsebo – and Jacqui’s career – is bright. Jacqui
journey and helped her to grow. Jacqui is a proud believes that “Tsebo is not turning back; it’s
Tsebo advocate and cannot imagine working moving forward. I look forward to being part of
anywhere else. Tsebo’s journey for the next 50 years.”

During her time at Tsebo, she has used the
resources available to her full advantage to
further her development and career. She
encourages those around her to ask questions
and seek guidance and assistance when
necessary, saying: “Don’t be afraid to ask; it will
show that you are willing to learn and take on
more.”

25

Jack Ferreira

Projects Executive, Tsebo
Catering Solutions

Jack’s 36-year journey of building an
inspiring legacy with Tsebo

As one of Tsebo’s longest- “A friend at a placement agency suggested I
serving executives, Jack speak to John Moore, then HR director at Fedics.
Ferreira believes that people I was hesitant because I had a false perception
are at the heart of the that Fedics was an ‘institutional caterer’, but
company’s success. From in- my friend convinced me to go for the interview.
house training and mentoring It lasted two hours, and at the end of it, I was
to client centricity and the offered a job as District Manager for a large
progressive passion Tsebo client’s catering outlet.
has for transformation and
community development. Jack maintains that hotel school and the
experience gained at a premier South African
“Happy Birthday to a very young and vibrant hotel were nothing compared with his formative
50-year-old company. I wish you many more years at Tsebo. “It was the best move I could have
successful years. Keep treating your employees ever made. How wrong I was about institutional
well, and they will respect and treat you well. catering!”
To the employees of Tsebo – set your goals and
strive relentlessly to achieve your objectives and Happy Birthday to a very young and
never give up on your dreams – life is short.” vibrant 50-year-old company. I wish
you many more successful years.
Jack’s Tsebo journey begins Keep treating your employees well,
and they will respect and treat you
Having started his career at the then-iconic well. To the employees of Tsebo –
Carlton Hotel, which sent him overseas to set your goals and strive relentlessly
gain international experience through Cornell to achieve your objectives and
University, Jack was well placed for a successful never give up on your dreams – life
career in hotel catering. But with a keen eye on is short.”
what the future holds, he decided to make the
move to Tsebo, a decision he’s never regretted. – Jack Ferreira
Projects Executive, Tsebo Catering Solutions

26

A challenging first day that Building a legacy
became an inspiring life
lesson From District Manager to his current position
as Projects Executive, Tsebo Catering Solutions,
Sometimes it’s the challenges in life that Jack has travelled the country and the continent
positively define us. This was the case for Jack, to serve in a variety of challenging, creative,
who was thrown in the deep end with a “prickly” and affirming positions. His most notable
client on his very first day as a District Manager achievement, and the one he is proudest of, was
overseeing 13 outlets for Fedics. his position as Managing Director, Inland, which
This experience, he says, defined how he treats he held for 11 years – the longest anyone has
new employees. maintained this title.

“It was 14 October 1985, a day before my birthday, “I have been very fortunate to have fulfilled many
and it’s a day I will always remember because roles at Tsebo. I’ve served on just about every task
it was stressful. I arrived at the head office, was team and have moved from Johannesburg to
handed the keys to my company car – a well- the Eastern Cape and back again, as well as from
used Toyota Cressida – and was told I was about Project Manager to Managing Director.”
to be late for a client meeting. On the way there
I ran out of petrol and missed my first meeting. Another memorable achievement was when
They had forgotten to give me the petrol card Fedics received a Guinness World Record,
and the key to the petrol cap. It was a day that which Jack instigated by getting the team in
defined how I treated new employees. I always the Eastern Cape to cook up 32.66kg of fish and
try to make them feel special on the first day so chips. Although the record has subsequently
that they will remember their induction period been broken, it was a proud and happy moment
with fondness.” in Fedics’ history.

At the time, Fedics was a young company. While
this came with the advantages of fresh thinking
and youthful vigour, Jack believes Tsebo has
matured in the best way possible – optimising
its care for colleagues and communities while
maintaining a culture of fun and innovation.

27

“In my 36 years at Tsebo, I’ve never been bored, The key to a 50-year strong
and I’ve been allowed to fulfil many roles in heritage
the company, so I never stagnated. Fedics has
always been a learning and teaching company. I From his current vantage point as one of
have benefitted significantly from this learning Tsebo’s longest-serving senior executives, Jack
culture, from formal executive programmes is uniquely placed to understand the ebb and
to overseas exposure and direct involvement flow of challenges that face every business,
in several project teams. My current role in the from economic downturns, changes in political
company is perfect for me as it allows me to leadership to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
leverage my experience to give back to the up-
and-coming management. It’s no longer about He believes the key to Tsebo’s success over the
me pursuing my next promotion; it’s about past half-century lies in the company’s visionary
me helping someone else to get their next leadership and the fact that its shareholders have
promotion – and I’m happy with that.” passionately shared in this vision. Tsebo has also
always adopted a “people first” approach and has
remained ahead of the curve when it comes to
transformation.

Over the years and to this day, Tsebo has been
fortunate to have forward-thinking leadership
that sees past the humdrum of normal business,
believes in the company’s transformation journey
and expansion into the rest of Africa.

“On a personal level, Gunther Wecke was my
mentor. He put me on an accelerated growth
path in my early years at Tsebo and was
extremely highly regarded. He taught me about
risk management and client relationships. That
was where my learning really started, with an
individual who was so knowledgeable.”

“Tsebo has always operated off a solid foundation
and has stood the test of time as a result. Client
centricity is at the centre of everything we do. I’ve
always followed the three Rs of client retention
– Relationships, Reliability, and Responsiveness.
This is supported by engaged employees and a
culture of innovation, operational excellence, and
growth.”

Jack's three Rs of client retention:

Relationships

Reliability

Responsiveness

28

The future of catering

Although catering is an industry that Covid-19
has hit hard, Jack is optimistic about the future
of catering at Tsebo.“What is truly exciting is
watching the new leadership team embrace
the challenges that we are facing. I see the
likes of our new Culinary Director changing the
landscape of catering to accommodate new and
fresh ways of nourishing our clients’ success.”

“Fedics was the first catering company in the
country and has always led the way when it
comes to innovation, product offering, and
robust systems. But it’s our people that set us
apart from our competitors. Our offering is just a
byproduct of excellent people.”

“In 36 years, I have received 432 paycheques from
Tsebo, and not once were they late or incorrect.
I see this as a metaphor for the care Tsebo takes
of its employees. Tsebo has been good to me. If I
were given the opportunity to re-live my working
life, I would do the same again.”

In 36 years, I have received 432
paycheques from Tsebo, and not
once were they late or incorrect. I
see this as a metaphor for the care
Tsebo takes of its employees. Tsebo
has been good to me. If I were
given the opportunity to re-live my
working life, I would do the same
again.

– Jack Ferreira
Projects Executive, Tsebo Catering Solutions

29

Lydia
Okunsanya

Operations Manager (Static
Sites), Tsebo Rapid Nigeria

Growing through challenges, colleague
support and hard work

When it came to joining Growing alongside the
Tsebo’s Rapid Nigeria family business makes all the
seven years ago, nothing difference
could get in the way of Lydia
Okunsanya’s ambition. She When Lydia first joined Rapid in 2012, it was still
joined the team as an assistant relatively new and consisted of a small team. It
facility manager, growing then grew to become a more prominent facilities
in her career to become an management contender in the local market,
operations manager just a finally joining the Tsebo Group. Lydia joined the
few years later. Her strong intimate team as an assistant facility manager,
relationships within the team describing the atmosphere on her first day as
helped form a solid foundation “really cool”. The MD at the time also encouraged
for the years to come. her to join meetings and get involved with the
bidding process to deepen her knowledge
and prepare for more ambitious future career
advancements.

“There was lots of guidance and nurturing,
specifically at the beginning. When you’re just
getting the hang of everything, this is a great
help,” said Lydia.

A year later, she went on to become a facility
manager for a multinational information
technology company in Nigeria and had to
manage her own team. Soon, Lidia was in charge
of managing multiple contracts as a roaming
facility manager, and in 2017, when Rapid
became part of Tsebo, she was introduced to
even more clients.

30

Calm seas never made a Pearls of wisdom
skilled sailor
When you are starting your career, you need to
She remembers getting to the office one be open to learning, and even once you’ve got
morning and having 15 missed calls. Rain had the experience, you need to keep on learning.
flooded the penthouse where management was Often, change can be daunting and off-putting,
meeting, and it was a disaster. but take it all in and find the opportunities.
“Tsebo is brave, and dares to cross boundaries –
“The pressure was on, and all I wanted to do this is what has made them so successful. Your
was get in my car and race to get there. But approach to your career should be the same.
then I reminded myself to take a step back and Don’t be afraid to take on the unknown,” Lydia
think about it realistically. There’s traffic, but I concludes.
do have people on the ground to manage the
situation until I get there. You know, it’s all about Lydia lives by this mantra as she plans to
remaining calm and level-headed,” said Lydia. further her career by enrolling for a Masters
in Operations Logistics and Supply Chain
Fast forward a few years and she’s now able Management, either full- or part-time, next.
to handle any crisis with ease. When she looks
back at her career development, she’s amazed It’s about more than just your
at how much she has been able to achieve. And capacity; it’s about having a big
more importantly, how partnering with the right name behind the brand. This goes
employer can make the world of difference. a long way in building a reputation
and, reassuring clients that they
The Tsebo difference can trust the brand. We have the
global experience and standards of
After joining Tsebo, the team managed to a multinational company, but with
acquire one of the largest independent the local know-how and nuance
telecommunication companies in the world, as a needed to support clients on the
client. When this happened, Lydia was appointed ground.
as the operations manager in this space. Lydia
remembers that this milestone helped show – Lydia Okunsanya
other businesses just what partnering with Tsebo Operations Manager (Static Sites)
meant.
Tsebo Rapid Nigeria
“It’s about more than just your capacity; it’s
about having a big name behind the brand. This 31
goes a long way in building a reputation and,
reassuring clients that they can trust the brand.
We have the global experience and standards
of a multinational company, but with the local
know-how and nuance needed to support clients
on the ground” says Lydia.

Lydia felt supported and encouraged by Tsebo
Human Recourses to develop her skills alongside
the growing business in-country. She is currently
on the brink of completing an internationally
recognised Facility Management Professional
(FMP) certification.

Johan
Hoogeweegen

Group Customer Service
Director, Tsebo Solutions
Group

Tsebo’s fully integrated Customer
Experience (CX) strategy

Johan Hoogeweegen While Johan has made quite a name for himself
says what sets Tsebo when it comes to empowering Tsebo to deliver
apart is its fully integrated on customer experience consistently, it was not
Customer Experience (CX) his initial plan.
strategy. Listening to and
understanding client needs, “I didn’t come up with the idea; it was actually
striving to exceed expectations Chris Jardine, our joint Group CEO, who came
and responsiveness are key up with the suggestion. He was the CEO of the
attributes of the Tsebo DNA. Catering Division at the time, and he decided
that the business needed someone to manage
Born in The Netherlands, Johan spent most of customer service in a permanent role,” Johan
his working life abroad before settling down explains.
in South Africa. It was here that he joined the
Tsebo family three decades ago. “Long story short, the position started within
Catering and achieved remarkable success
A head-start in the in terms of building client relationships and
hospitality industry measuring client satisfaction. I very quickly got
the idea to expand the methodology and the
Johan studied international hotel management benefits to the rest of the Tsebo Group.”
at the Hotel School, The Hague in The
Netherlands. Working in the hotel industry  Over 2 000 customer surveys
requires managing an often taxing schedule, conducted annually
working crazy hours, leaving little time for family.
Eventually, Johan was drawn to Fedics Food  Over 82% average client satisfaction
Services (as it was called at the time). He spent score
13 years in operational management at Fedics
before leaving for another position. A few years  Over 96% average client retention
later, he was back to rejoin the Tsebo family. rate for the last 5 years

 Over 12 years average contract
tenure

32

Since then, Johan has played a vital role in Our employees understand this through focused
driving client retention throughout our business. training interventions, rigid processes and
The key factor is obviously client satisfaction, group-wide application of best practices, in turn
which averages in excess of 82% and is still boosting brand value and market share. Over
rising. High levels of consistent client satisfaction time we have achieved a cultural transformation,
naturally benefit our client retention rate, which enabling anyone of our employees to create
has averaged 96% for the last 5 years. Another the kind of customer experience that makes a
key measurement that sets us apart from our difference.”
competition is that our average contract tenure
is 12.8 years, while the industry average is only 7.9 Customer feedback is critical
years. The customers that we have tend to stay
invested in our business for a very long time. One One of the ways Tsebo establishes how our
of the reasons for this is our superior customer customers and clients truly rate us is by
service. conducting detailed one-on-one surveys. The
survey process is outsourced to an external
The secrets of customer research company to ensure objectivity. We
satisfaction reach out to all our customers, from Cape
Town to Cairo, to find out what they think, and
According to Johan, there are two critical we respond accordingly. The feedback that
ingredients to successful customer experience we receive from these surveys is generally
management. very positive and complimentary. It is worth
mentioning that these surveys are voluntary.
“From a data perspective, you need to constantly Our customers complete them because they
check that your brand is living up to the promises want to share their thoughts. On average, Tsebo
it makes and customer expectations. The other conducts over 2 000 surveys annually.
is to ensure that you build operational business
support, agility and resilience to support great In the event that any individual score falls below
customer experience”, he explains. our minimum satisfaction benchmark, a unique
alert management process is triggered to
When asked about the importance of cross- immediately remedy any issues. “Now that the
selling and up-selling, Johan says, “We have set relevant individuals and teams are aware of the
ourselves some very ambitious targets, and new issue, we can monitor, track and remedy the
business is obviously critical, while at the same situation in what I think are typically astonishing
time retaining our clients. It’s all about staying response timeframes,” Johan says.
close to our clients. I believe everyone has a part
to play in exceeding customer expectations, The future of Tsebo
client retention and growing our business.
Johan is fully confident that Tsebo will easily
Noting one of the interesting make 100 years. “Our business has stood the
insights derived from customer test of time, and our employees are standing
feedback, Johan comments: “I’ve side by side with our customers and clients,
never come across a customer who providing consistently reliable outcomes. So,
struggled to get hold of anybody or congratulations, Tsebo. Here’s to the next 50
had issues finding the person they years of possibility,” he concludes.
needed to speak to in Tsebo. I’ve
never encountered that.

– Johan Hoogeweegen
Group Customer Service Director, Tsebo

Solutions Group

33

Lenin
Tshuma

Operations Manager -
Bulawayo, Tsebo Zimbabwe

Tsebo’s Lenin Tshuma Shares Perfect
Recipe for Success

If you’re looking for an Becoming part of the Tsebo
exceptional example of what family
happens when you partner
with an industry-leading Lenin was first introduced to Tsebo while in
company that values growth college in 2009. “Tsebo was interviewing at
and development, look no the hotel school to select their next batch of
further than Lenin Tshuma. graduates,” he recalls. He started in the graduate
Starting out as a Graduate programme in January 2010. Although he was
Trainee with Tsebo in 2010, nervous about whether he had made the right
he has since moved on to choice, his first impressions of Tsebo won him
become the Operations over in no time.
Manager for our Bulawayo
region in just 10 years. He is From being a graduate trainee, Lenin’s hard
proud of what he’s achieved work, ambition and dedication to learning meant
in 10 years and how he has his career progressed quickly. In addition to
contributed to Tsebo’s 50 climbing the ranks, Lenin has also sought out
years of success, and he looks ways to upskill himself. He had a Higher National
forward to seeing what the Diploma when joining Tsebo and decided it was
future holds. not enough. This led him to study for a Bachelor
of Technology Degree before going on to obtain
his Honours Degree in Hotel, Catering and
Tourism Management, graduating at the top of
his class.

34

“The approach that the organisation has is According to Lenin, “This presents an interesting
nurturing. The ability to develop talent and challenge because the type of product you
develop people are part of what makes Tsebo put out needs not only to meet but exceed the
number one. The company provided the demands and expectations of different people.”
platform for me to take on a journey of personal Lenin has been instrumental in nurturing the
development by giving me the necessary time relationship with the school, and they firmly
away from work.” He is currently working on believe in Tsebo’s ability to always deliver. Lenin
his Master of Business Administration and is sees the contract as an opportunity for growth,
looking at ways of bridging the gap between the having approached the school to consider
hospitality industry and innovative technologies. possibilities of looking after their cleaning needs
Tsebo has also recently enrolled Lenin in the too. He adds to this, saying: “We’re pursuing our
Tsebo Africa Management Development growth organically within the contract itself
programme for upcoming talent in the and also growth outside of the contract into the
organisation. mainstream private schools’ sector as there is
potential to build lasting relationships with other
He will, no doubt, put his learnings to good use private schools in the country.”
in his current role as Operations Manager for
the Bulawayo region, serving businesses on the Tsebo’s 50th anniversary
southern side of Zimbabwe. Catering is Tsebo’s
core business in the area, but cleaning services For Lenin, celebrating this major milestone
have started to grow too. shows Tsebo’s dedication to a solid strategy and
investing in the people who can turn it into a
Proactive partnerships reality. Lenin expands on this, saying: “We need a
company that will make us believe that anything
When considering strategic relationships within is possible; and in my short journey, I’ve seen that
Tsebo’s operations in Zimbabwe, a leading girls’ it is possible with Tsebo.”
high school based in the heart of Bulawayo easily
ranks as our flagship client within the private Starting out in your career is not always easy, but
school sector and has been so for more than a Lenin has some advice for people joining the
decade. Currently home to around 130 boarding workforce: “You need to know who you are. You
girls at capacity and 10 kitchen employees need to know yourself. You need to know what
members, the school needs to meet the needs of you want and work towards it. Tsebo is more
a very diverse range of scholars and, as such, so than willing to meet you not only halfway, but
does the catering department. to go all the way with you as it is committed to
Developing People, To Serve People and Uplift
Starting as a Graduate Trainee with Society.”
Tsebo in Zimbabwe, the company
has helped develop and grow my
career in just 10 years.

– Lenin Tshuma,
Operations ManagerBulawayo,

Tsebo Zimbabwe

35

Peter Dalzell

Group Learning and
Development Manager

Tsebo Learning and Development
Academy is about growing together

One of our longest-standing The managing director at the time, David
employees, Peter Dalzell, first Wigley, had seen the session, and two weeks
joined Tsebo in April 1982. later, he offered Peter his first role in the training
Thirty-nine years later, he is centre, starting him on his official learning and
still as excited about going development journey.
into work each day in his
role as Group Learning and Since then, Peter’s passion for learning and
Development Manager. It’s a training has meant he’s found himself in
position that has allowed him foundational roles, like being the first chef
to give back to the company trainer at OR Tambo Airport (then called Jan
that he says has given so Smuts Airport), developing a curriculum and
much to him. courses from scratch.

The start of a fulfilling When asked what his secret to success is, Peter
journey says, “I’ve always had a lot of confidence, and it
helps you get those new skills and pass them
Peter joined Tsebo as a bookkeeper, but he on to other people. I’ve been enabled to learn so
soon moved to other positions in the company. many new skills throughout my time at Tsebo.”
In 1987, while working as a catering manager In 39 years, Peter has made a difference in many
for Festive Farms, the client had mentioned to different teams and departments at Tsebo,
him that some of the employees weren’t able to and he treated each unit he moved to as an
communicate effectively with customers. Peter’s opportunity to learn and build on his repertoire.
solution? Getting straight to work by hosting Nothing was or is too big a challenge. He says
informal training sessions in the dining room. that part of the reason he’s stayed with Tsebo for
so long is that “there’s always something new to
learn or a new challenge to overcome”.

36

An inspiring Group Learning Tsebo changes lives
and Development Manager
Although a lot has changed since he started
In his current role, Peter is charged with making working at Tsebo, Peter feels that something
sure that Tsebo is an organisation that uplifts that’s remained the same is our desire to see
people through learning. He oversees our people grow. From the early days when we were
training managers and programmes, ensuring just a catering company until now with multiple
that our courses meet the highest standards and divisions and countries, we still develop people.
their goal of developing employees. An example of this that stands out in Peter’s
mind happened around the time of our 40th
Tsebo has a long history of learning and anniversary. Nonhlanhla Matshediso joined a
development, going back to when our company learnership programme for a group of young
first started. Under Peter’s guidance, the people with disabilities. She excelled in the
Learning and Development Academy has grown programme and Peter offered her a position as
into a world-class institution that serves each a receptionist. She attended additional training,
of our divisions and countries and helps us and has since become one of the academy’s top
ensure that each job has a clear learning path facilitators.
to help people grow and move into more senior
positions. Peter’s message to current and future employees
is to let the company guide your growth. “Get
 Over 40 000 people trained annually into this company, and then put your hand up
across the continent if you want help. Get yourself noticed, and don’t
be frightened to take a chance.” Tsebo’s success
 Over 70 training modules leverages on the fact that the company has never
 Over 190 cloud-based e-learning been afraid to take a chance on something new,
and that’s why Peter believes Tsebo is on a path
modules to grow even more over the next 50 years.
 Over 3 800 vendors and
Peter’s message to current and
entrepreneurs upskilled in the future employees is to let the
communities in which we work company guide your growth. “Get
across the continent into this company, and then put
your hand up if you want help.
On average, the Tsebo Learning and Get yourself noticed, and don’t be
Development Academy trains approximately frightened to take a chance.”
40 000 people annually across the continent,
comprised of both our own people and our – Peter Dalzell,
local partners. Our skills development initiatives Group Learning and Development Manager
include a range of formal accredited training
programmes aligned with the National 37
Qualifications Framework (NQF) and registered
with the South African Qualifications Authority
(SAQA). In total, Tsebo has around 70 different
training modules available, plus a further 197
modules on our cloud-based e-learning platform
ranging from compliance refresher modules to a
full Management Development Online course.

According to Peter, one of the biggest benefits
of his job is seeing people receive promotions
and knowing he had a part in helping them get
there. He also thinks that part of Tsebo’s success
is our willingness to recognise employees for
their hard work. Some of his proudest moments
include receiving two Senior Manager of the Year
awards.

Mathapelo
Makoro

Training Facilitator, Tsebo
Cleaning and Hygiene
Solutions

When opportunity meets a brave,
hardworking individual, it results in
success

Mathapelo Makoro was born Mathapelo had to get up early in the mornings
on 23 November 1983, to before school started to make “vetkoek” batter
Benedicta Makoro. She grew so that her mother could prepare vetkoek. Her
up without a father under mom sold the vetkoek at Mathapelo’s school.
the nurturing hands of her She was in Grade 1 at the time. During soccer
mother. Times were hard and matches, they would wake up very early, make
although her mother was vetkoek and arrive at the stadium at three o’clock
hardworking, she did not have in the morning.
a permanent job.
When she was 14 years old, they arrived at the
Difficult times growing up soccer stadium one morning and she saw some
men standing around. They told her they were
“We used to sleep inside stormwater drains when there for a security job. She asked to speak to
family and friends could not put us up for the their supervisor and asked if he would consider
night,” Mathapelo shared. She was about seven her to work for the day, even though she was
years old at the time. Her mother was a strong underage. He allowed her to work for a day as a
woman who instilled the values of respect and security guard and she earned R70.
care. She encouraged her to finish school and
make a better life for herself. She also taught Mathapelo’s Tsebo journey
Mathapelo life skills; how to cook and how to earn begins
money.
These difficult times and a strong mother shaped
her into a determined young woman with
respect for those around her and a passion for
helping others.

38

She joined Tsebo in 2006 as a cleaner at a In 2010, she was able to buy her own house as
hospital in Fourways. Whenever the supervisor well as a car. She was able to enrol her children in
was off sick or on leave, she would take charge good schools. When her mother inherited a two-
and supervise for the day and so showed her bedroom house from her mother, Mathapelo
manager that she embraced every opportunity was able to convert it into a three-bedroom
to learn. She attended as many Tsebo courses as house in 2019.
possible, and this proved to be very valuable to
her career growth. Mathapelo’s commitment to her own career
growth, her bravery and willingness to sacrifice,
Pathway to success and a good personal support structure and her own
growth personality have taken her far in Tsebo.

In 2007, she was promoted to a supervisor, and “She is positive and always willing to embrace
in 2008 she was promoted to Junior Manager opportunities to enable herself to support her
at a commercial law firm with 26 subordinate family. Furthermore, she is an example of the
employees. She conducted on-the-job training Tsebo values and inspires others to become the
with all her employees. From 2010 to 2012, she best they can be,” says Cindi.
was appointed Senior Manager at a hotel and
casino convention resort in Gauteng, with Mathapelo is currently involved in facilitating
120 employees under her care, including four the Supervisory Development Programme for a
supervisors reporting to her. In 2014 she was group of supervisors in the Cleaning Solutions
asked to return to Gauteng to assist at a hospital. Inland Region.
In 2017, she was promoted to Cleaning Manager,
where she served at two more prominent “Benedicta Makoro, sadly passed away on 28
hospitals in the province. From 2019-2020 she January 2021, but I would imagine that her
worked as Senior Manager in Braamfontein, daughter made her very proud. Mathapelo
looking after 32 buildings and four supervisors. followed in her mother’s footsteps and became
a strong, hardworking woman,” Cindi comments
Mathapelo completed the Management proudly.
Development Programme, Level 3, offered by the
Tsebo Learning and Development Academy. She My determination to make a better
was then appointed at a university hospital in life for myself and my family is what
Johannesburg and this is where Cindi du Preez, drives me.
National Training Manager, Tsebo Cleaning
Services met her for the first time. – Mathapelo Makoro,
Training Facilitator, Tsebo Cleaning
“We were shooting a cleaning video at the time
and her knowledge and input impressed me and Hygiene Solutions
greatly. She had a very special way about her. As
soon as an opportunity arose, I appointed her as
a training facilitator,” Cindi added.

Determination comes with
personal sacrifices and
rewards

Her work life has not been without sacrifice.
There were times when she was working in
Limpopo and her mother was looking after her
children. She only saw them once a month or
during school holidays. This was very hard for her.
“My determination to make a better life for myself
and my family is what drives me,” Mathapelo
says.

39

Hamid Khan

Management Consultant,
Tsebo Catering Solutions

Tsebo’s expansion into Africa and beyond,
plus looking after 47 remote oil rigs
onshore and offshore

Having served Tsebo for 35 “Importantly, we forged partnership agreements
years, Hamid Khan is not only with local partners in those areas who could
one of the Group’s longest- unlock the red tape for us because they were
standing employees but has already established, understood the landscape
also contributed significantly and could fast-track things we couldn’t from
to Tsebo’s expansion into South Africa.”
Africa and beyond. The
success of which he attributes Where it all began
to service excellence, local
partnerships, and care for Like many Catering Division employees,
people and communities. Hamid began his career in the hotel sector at
a prominent KwaZulu-Natal beachfront hotel
“We did well to offer clients a full basket of before being invited to interview for a position at
workplace management solutions. We took time Fedics.
to establish what they wanted and presented a
solution where we could provide skills they didn’t “Hotel life was great, but the hours were difficult.
have, thereby enabling the clients to ‘stick to You never worked a straight shift and always had
the knitting’ and outsource non-core activities a day off in the middle of the week, never the
to us. In many cases, we had to work in remote weekend.”
locations, be creative, and find solutions to how
we could provide services in these hard-to-reach “I was approached by a hotel colleague Vivienne
areas.” Podmore – wife of the late Nick Podmore,
the then MD for Fedics KwaZulu-Natal – and
invited for an interview. I was excited by what
I was offered, more particularly in terms of the
regular working hours. When I joined Fedics, I
was amazed to find so many of my former hotel
industry colleagues already there.”

40

Climbing the corporate Growth and expansion –
ladder looking after 47 remote oil
rigs onshore & offshore
Hamid started at Fedics on 1 August 1985 as
a Catering Manager for a management-fee In 2012, Hamid opted to move to Saudi Arabia to
contract in the south of Durban. Compared to take up a position as Country General Manager
the fast pace of hotel life, the work was relatively for Karam Fedics Services in Saudi Arabia and
easy, but it wasn’t long before Hamid’s potential Bahrain, and manage the Middle East division
was recognised and Fedics began sending more for Tsebo. The decision was both professional
challenging positions his way. and personal. On the one hand, he welcomed
the challenge of providing a professional service
“I was there for a year before being transferred in extremely remote locations. On the other, the
to a full-risk contract in 1986, which required a move allowed him to accomplish a significant
completely different mindset because you have personal goal.
to ensure that you run the business efficiently
while achieving forecasted results. The contract
was running at a loss, and I was approached to
fix it. I did that successfully for two years; then,
in 1988, I was promoted to District Supervisor
overseeing six contracts.”

From there, Hamid was promoted to District
Manager with 10 contracts, from 1989 to
1993; Operations Manager from 1993 to 2001;
Operations Director for Cape Town from 2002
to 2004; during which period he was promoted
to Managing Director in Cape Town. He stayed
in the latter position from 2004 to 2012 and
became a Board Member during that time.

41

“From my side, my interest was that Saudi is a
Muslim country and part of our religious beliefs is
that one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca
at least once in your lifetime. So, for me, that
worked out perfectly because I could do what I
do for Tsebo, and at the same time, I could fulfil
my spiritual path. Saudi was a highlight for me
because I was able not just to grow the business
significantly, but I also experienced tremendous
spiritual growth.”

“We sat down with our clients to first understand
their niche needs. We took a holistic approach
to the solutions we provided and utilised the
network of our Saudi partners to achieve our
business objectives. It wasn’t just catering as we
offered our clients a holistic solution with our
bouquet of services.”

Tsebo formed partnerships and joint ventures
with local businesses to unlock supply chains
and provide superior service. Saudi Arabia is very
different from most developing countries. “If we
didn’t have the local partners, we would have
been adrift – they know how the country runs
and what boxes to tick to assist you in achieving
your objectives.”

“We provided integrated workplace
management solutions for 18 offshore and 29
land oil rigs. The services we provided were
similar to what we provide in South Africa, the
only difference being the logistics in getting
everything that was needed to the offshore rigs
on time. It’s what we normally do here in South
Africa, but in adverse conditions, so we just had
to manage our resources, people, and logistics to
provide a high level of service on time, every time.
We created a central warehouse and distributed
to all our sites – in that way, we could manage
the supply chain and control where the supplies
went while benefitting from the economies of
scale through increased purchasing power.”

“For onshore sites, we could use trucks, but for
offshore, the logistics had to be spot on because
you were given a schedule to get all your goods
in refrigerated food containers to the designated
port at a certain time. If we were late, you would
miss the boat, and your provisions wouldn’t go
out to the offshore rig for another two weeks. This
meant that you had to have adequate provisions
available on the rig to continue service if the
delivery is delayed because of logistics or in case
of bad weather delaying the departure from port
to the rig.

42

“We had to ensure that all our employees were 50 years of excellence
well taken care of at our base camp during
shore leave. We made this a ‘home-from-home’ Hamid believes that Tsebo’s ability to grow and
experience, as most of them were on lengthy thrive even through adverse conditions is largely
contracts and went home on leave only after because it has always “done something different”.
two or three years, depending on the conditions “When I joined in 1985, Tsebo was already an
of their employment contract. As for the rig equal opportunity employer long before anyone
employees, they were stuck in the middle of the else. Fedics brought in-house branding to the
ocean or desert, so we had to ensure that they industry and a high-end, restaurant-type look
had the best of food – steaks, seafood, whatever and feel. Others are doing it now, but we already
they wanted because that’s the only luxury they did this in those early years. Tsebo was always
could get.” way ahead of its time, has always been one step
ahead and first to market with many initiatives.
Leaving a legacy “Congratulations to the team that has brought
Tsebo to where it is now, 50 years down the
In true Tsebo spirit, ongoing training and people line. Tsebo has seen extraordinary growth
development were at the forefront of operations and achievement over the past five decades
in Saudi. This included upskilling the local – through organic growth, mergers and
partners and grooming them to the point where acquisitions, people development, capacity
they would eventually take over the business. building, and innovation - I wish the team well for
the next 50 years.”
“We had a fully dedicated training department
ensuring that our people were trained at all Importantly, we forged partnership
times. Furthermore, we couldn’t just send people agreements with local partners in
onto a rig; there was a whole bunch of training those areas who could unlock the
and certification to meet stringent Aramco red tape for us because they were
Health & Safety requirements. I’m so grateful that already established, understood
we didn’t have any casualties in our rigs in the six the landscape and could fast-track
years I was there. things we couldn’t from South
Af rica.
“It was a very fruitful 11-year stint for Tsebo in
Saudi Arabia. By the time we exited the country, – Hamid Khan,
we had upskilled and empowered our local Management Consultant,
partners to the point that we could hand over the
company to them.” Tsebo Catering Solutions

From Saudi, Hamid returned to South Africa
before relocating to Zimbabwe to assist in
integrating Tsebo Servcor (a new acquisition) into
Tsebo; our local partners once again helped via
their networks to ensure success for Tsebo.“The
local partners were well connected within the
mining sector, which was a significant part of
our revenue stream, and this, together with our
excellent service delivery, enabled us to retain
substantial business.”

43

Kamogelo
Mmutlana

Former Divisional CEO,
Barloworld Automotive &
Logistics

Tsebo - a building block on the road to
success

When you join the Tsebo “I had just completed my MBA and understood
family, it’s not a once-off lots of theories, but practically ’it’s all different.
partnership. It’s the beginning I had to put everything else aside and just run
of a lifelong journey. with it to maintain a profitable business,” said
Kamogelo.
Kamogelo Mmutlana knows all about how being
part of Tsebo can contribute to a successful “When I joined the team, it was a comforting
career. He spent two years in our Fedics business moment. The business leaders were committed
before taking on other blue-chip executive roles. to supporting and assisting me,” says Kamogelo.
Although Kamogelo is the former Divisional CEO “Jeff’s approach was simple. You have got to
of Barloworld Automotive & Logistics, he still find your way and get things done. That was his
sees his time at Tsebo as a formative experience, expectation and although I was thrown in at the
helping him set his career path. deep end, I was able to figure things out,” he
added. He admits that it was a challenge, but
Before becoming Divisional it was rewarding and set the tone for his time
CEO of Barloworld there. Every moment was an opportunity to
Automotive & Logistics learn, and if you made a mistake, you owned it
and learnt from it.
Kamogelo joined Tsebo in August 2000 as the
Operations Director at Fedics, our contract Understanding the bigger
catering subsidiary. Here, he was in charge of picture
the development and expansion of the business
through new business deals and joint ventures. One of the most complex parts of his role as
He worked alongside Managing Director Jeff Operations Director was managing the financials.
Marco. “Everything had to be calculated down to a T. You
needed to know exactly how much food to order,
what the portion size needed to be and how to
ensure that nothing went to waste,” he says.
This is something many people do not consider.
Have you ever wondered how there is the
right amount of food on offer at a buffet? Or
how kitchens know how much to order to
prevent unnecessary expenses? These careful
calculations were part of Kamogelo’s duties to
ensure that budgets were adhered to.

44

Tips for planning your career Celebrating Tsebo’s golden
jubilee
Kamogelo’s advice is to acknowledge that
your career starts with you. You need to know Kamogelo believes that one of the secrets to
what your plan is and how it aligns with the Tsebo’s success over the last 50 years is their
opportunities available. investment in their people

“It’s one thing being given an opportunity, but I would like to thank Tsebo Solutions
where does that opportunity fit in terms of your Group for the opportunities they
overall plan for the next 10 years?” he says. “It’s afforded me. Working for them is a
important that as you make your plans, they are great investment in oneself as they
within the context of your vision and where you are dedicated to developing their
want to take your life, so that will always be the people. I also want to congratulate
starting point,” he adds. Tsebo’s employees, its shareholders,
and the executive leadership team
The world has gone digital, which means that on this momentous occasion and
instead of competing with fellow South Africans milestone, and wish them well as
for jobs, you now need to compete with global they continue to build and create
peers. You need to work incredibly hard to value.
ensure that you can compete on a global scale.
Kamogelo believes this is often forgotten and is a – Kamogelo Mmutlana,
message that he shares with his children as they Former Divisional CEO,
prepare for their futures. Barloworld Automotive & Logistics

Grab every single
opportunity

When it comes to growing in your career, you
need to apply yourself and work hard. Each
assignment is a chance to put your best foot
forward and perform to the best of your abilities.
Work on your skills and seize every opportunity.
“You need to take advantage of the opportunities
afforded to you, but above that, you need to
believe in yourself,” he says. “Each opportunity
is an indication of a leader recognising your
potential or believing in you. With the right
support, you will flourish,” he adds.

45

Andrew St
Clair-Laing

Management Consultant,
Tsebo Solutions Group

Andrew’s 40-year journey of building
uplifting community legacies with Tsebo

With 40 years of service under “Medunsa was quite a political hotspot at the
his belt, Andrew St Clair- time and there was a fair deal of demonstration,
Laing holds the esteemed but we were there to serve food as best we could
title as one of Tsebo’s longest- and to ensure the satisfaction of our customers.
standing employees. He We later opened an a la carte restaurant, which
credits Tsebo’s success with was a first in Fedics Pretoria. There was quite a
insightful leadership, agility, lot of unknown territory in those days. Fedics was
and strong partnerships with a growing organisation and we were the people
local stakeholders. A proudly who had to make it happen. Most catering was
African company. in-house at that time, so outsourcing was a new
concept to many of our clients.
I believe it’s more important to be a person of
value than to chase success. Being a person of “Catering in those days was called ‘industrial
value is about being a team player. I learned catering’, which didn’t give it a great shake in
that lesson fairly early on in my career and have people’s minds. We wanted to move away from
always had a passion for involving other people in that label and take the canteen business into the
what we do and achieve. employees-restaurant environment. We felt it
was much spicier and good for our margins.”
It began 40 years ago
A learning environment
Andrew began working for Fedics at the-then
Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa) on From his starting position as Unit Manager
1 September 1980 with a starting salary of R90 a at Medunsa, Andrew climbed the ranks to
month. As a newly married man, he left the hotel become District Manager, then Quality Manager,
sector for more favourable working hours, but Operations Manager to General Manager,
he couldn’t have imagined the rich and varied gaining valuable experience across the business
career he was about to embark on. before being appointed as a Director.

“The great thing about Fedics was the fact you
could work your way up the ladder. Fedics was
an excellent school and I always felt that we
were blessed to undergo such intensive training
and development as aspirant young business
managers. It would be fair to say that Fedics was
the university for this fledgeling industry.”

46

Andrew cites one of his proudest moments A proudly African
as completing his MBA through the Charles organisation
Sturt University in Australia, where he majored
in the Theory of Project Management and For Andrew, part of doing what he liked to do was
Management of Organisational Change. Tsebo’s helping to set up business for Fedics Site Services
strong transformation agenda during the early (as it was then known) in remote communities
years of South Africa’s democracy allowed across Africa. This involved partnering with local
Andrew to build many case studies around what stakeholders and helping them to develop their
he was experiencing in the company. Fedics businesses. In turn, creating sustainable and
challenged Andrew to apply his learning and reliable supply chains across the continent.
experience in large catering establishments
when Tsebo won the tender for catering, “We quickly realised that to set up business
cleaning, hygiene and housekeeping services in Africa, we needed local partners because
at the All Africa Games in Alexandra in 1999 and you can’t be street smart in someone else’s
again in Nigeria in 2003. country. Our approach has always been to offer
respect and recognise each and every country’s
Diversity and transformation uniqueness, which seemed to be part of the
recipe that fostered our growth in Africa.
Tsebo’s transformation agenda dates
back to 1983 with the implementation of At Tsebo, we have always had a
the organisations’ first affirmative action passion for involving other people
programme, as well as its sponsorship of the SA in what we do and what we achieve
Chef’s Association to develop black chefs. In 1995, by working with local teams and
The Black Management Forum bestowed its uplifting communities. A Legacy
Most Progressive Company of the Year Award on mentality is captured in that simple
Tsebo and Andrew is proud to have attended the saying, ‘give a man a fish and he
event. eats for a day. Teach him to fish and
he eats for the rest of his life’
“We knew we were nominated but didn’t realise
that we’d won until that evening. It was a very – Andrew St Clair-Laing,
prestigious award, and I think we are still proud Management Consultant,
to have been one of the early recipients and to
be recognised as worthy pioneers in the field of Tsebo Solutions Group
transformation in South Africa.

“As a company, we are progressive in our thinking
and committed to transformation, as reflected in
our current Level 1 B-BBEE certification. We were
the first organisation in the catering industry
to achieve our Level 1 B-BBEE status. We also
employed a full-time AIDS counsellor to guide
the organisation through this very sensitive
time. Transformation is in our mindset and what
makes the organisation special is the vision
we had and the authentic commitment of our
leadership.

“From the very start, we’ve had really solid
people in our company with forward-thinking
leadership. The whole learning experience for me
was dynamic, and the other thing I liked was that
I mostly got to do the things I liked to do.”

47

“At Tsebo, we have always had a passion for Now in semi-retirement, he still plays an active
involving other people in what we do and what role as a Management Consultant for Tsebo;
we achieve by working with local teams and allowing the organisation to draw on his vast
uplifting communities. A Legacy mentality is experience and expertise. “I like to keep my hand
captured in that simple saying, ‘give a man a fish in the business. I think if you’ve spent 40 years
and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish and he with an organisation, it would be difficult just
eats for the rest of his life’. to cut ties. I’ve chosen a path to stay attached
and connected, which excites me. I think that
“My experience with some of our large public Tsebo is a magnificent organisation and it is
utility clients’ was a real eye-opener in this indeed my privilege to stay linked to the latest
respect. The local community was actively developments in the organisation.”
partnered with Tsebo and they learned from
us, while at the same time, we learned from Celebrating 50 years of Tsebo
them. We listen and learn from the guys on
the ground who understand the local nuances “I believe that agility and relevance are what has
and we upskill and train local people to grow as allowed Tsebo to achieve this 50-year milestone.
part of our business community.” This business We have a great recipe for getting stuff done by
philosophy has been mutually rewarding and has developing and implementing good systems
delivered some very successful reference points and investing in our people. In the instances
for Tsebo. where we’ve needed to reinvent ourselves, we’ve
always bolted on to our core business skill set and
Career highlights that is what we’re really good at”.

Aside from achieving his MBA and the All “In essence, we have given back to move forward,
Africa Games, Andrew has a long list of career not only in terms of putting money back into
highlights, including serving on a number of developing the business but also through the
boards, working across Africa, and being part people in the organisation and being prepared to
of the team holding a Guinness World Record share experience to develop others – so you have
for hosting the deepest underground catering this constant stream of people who are aspirant
experience. within the organisation”.

“We sat together and thought, what could we do “I hope that our employees have a long and
to challenge Jack Ferreira [who held the record happy stay because Tsebo is the kind of
for the largest serving of fish and chips]. So we organisation where you can achieve whatever
embarked upon hosting a fine dining experience your heart desires. I think it’s an excellent
deep underground at one of the Gold Mines in organisation in which to develop your career”.
Johannesburg and invited 15 of our top clients to
attend this lunch; we first did our homework to “Achieving a milestone of 50 years is indeed an
confirm that this was indeed the deepest gold awesome achievement. It sets us apart from
mine in South Africa at the time.” many companies in the country. We are now a
longstanding company with many longstanding
One of Andrew’s proudest moments, however, clients. While it is our birthday, let’s not forget
was being made a Director on the Fedics we should also be celebrating the loyalty of
Catering Board and assuming responsibility many of our clients. Congratulations Tsebo, on
for the future direction of the organisation and this magnificent milestone and I hope that the
for the careers of the people in it. “I don’t think organisation will be blessed with many more
anyone is born to be a director; you become a years of prosperity.”
director and you learn to think like a director
by watching your colleagues and other smart
people around you. Not only was that a proud
moment for me personally, but my family was
proud of me. One of the proudest moments is
being a hero in your own home.”