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Isuzu Renews NMU Partnership

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Gqeberha, 09 April 2024 – ISUZU Motors South Africa (ISUZU) is proud to announce the renewal of the partnership with Nelson Mandela University’s Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) aimed at assisting disadvantaged schools in improving their Mathematics and Physical Science results. The new partnership is set to run from 2024 to 2026.

The official launch of this partnership took place on Thursday April 4, 2024, in Gqeberha, reaffirming ISUZU’s commitment to enhancing education in South Africa.

ISUZU has joined hands with GMMDC to provide innovative teaching and learning tools to three Gqeberha schools: KwaZakhele, Newell, and Sophakama High Schools. Through this collaboration, the programme aims to empower Mathematics and Physical Sciences teachers with the latest tools and mobile learning support platforms, including the GammaTutor mobile teaching device and curriculum aligned MobiTutorZA software. These customized resources enable effective teaching and learning at schools without requiring an internet connection.

Lebogang Makoloi, ISUZU’s Corporate and Public Affairs Executive, emphasises the importance of integrating technology into teaching, recognising it as the future of learning. “Mathematics and Physical Sciences are critical subjects for graduates seeking employment in the automotive industry, and we are proud to partner with GMMDC on this project.”

The Mathematics Incubation and Techno-Blended Support (MITS) Programme, designed to bolster STEM skills development in project schools, encompasses three key components. Firstly, an intensive Mathematics and Coding incubation and skills development programme will target selected matric learners across three project schools. Led by school-based Mathematics teachers, this nine-month initiative will include twenty 90-minute Technology-assisted After-school Programme Support (TAPS) sessions annually, aligned with the school curriculum delivery sequence.

The second component will provide an opportunity to Mathematics Teachers to participate in a professional development programme accredited by the South African Council for Educators with the last component being a whole school STEM development programme for all grades which will be provided each year in the form of an online Mathematics and Physical Sciences learning platform.

“We are deliberate in the role we play in the education space. We pay particular attention to assisting schools and learners who come from disadvantaged communities. The partnership with GMMDC provides us with an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of learners, with the future in mind”, explains Makoloi.

Each session of the TAPS programme, organised as Topic Learning Cycles, aims to facilitate self-directed learning, and will be preceded by a 30-minute Coding activity conducted by trained facilitators from the LEVA Foundation, a project partner to GMMDC. Mathematics facilitators will receive Gamma Tutor teaching resources and data projectors to enhance classroom presentations and teaching assistance during TAPS sessions.

The self-directed learning journey in Mathematics and Physical Sciences for learners across all three project schools will also receive robust support from the GMMDC’s cutting-edge online platform, MobiTutorZA.

Professor Werner Olivier, Director at the Nelson Mandela Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre says, “The effortless incorporation of the latest technology into current support initiatives for Mathematics and Physical Sciences educators is worth noting. This programme aligns with the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Mathematics Grades 8-12 and Physical Sciences Grades 10-12. Furthermore, innovative digital applications functions as a supplementary after-hours support system, enriching students’ learning experiences.”

Secondly, Mathematics teachers from project schools will participate in the GMMDC’s accredited Professional Skills Development programme that is offered in the Metro. The third leg of the MITS programme will see after-school STEAM activity workshops being offered at schools to promote critical thinking and real-life problem-solving skills among learners.

As part of this partnership, 45 grade 12 learners will receive tablets and material resource for use in GMMDC’s Mathematics, Physical Science and Coding engagement projects, furthering the commitment to improve education outcomes in South Africa. In addition, each of the schools have received a projector, router and monthly data.

“It is the mission of GMMDC to develop and implement innovative techno-blended models to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Mathematics and Physical Sciences in secondary schools and to improve critical skills for sustainable economic development,” adds Prof. Olivier.

This sponsorship emphasises ISUZU’s dedication to supporting education and empowering future generations.

R48.3 Billion in Infrastructure Development in South Africa

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Gqeberha, South Africa, 3 April 2024 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) continues to make significant strides as a trusted Implementing Agent (IA) of Choice in South Africa. Since the inception of its Non-SEZ Infrastructure Development Programme in 2004, as an IA, Coega has successfully implemented infrastructure projects to an accumulative value of approximately R48.3bn, thus enhancing state capacity for service delivery and enabling inclusive growth and socio-economic development throughout the country.

During the 2023/24 financial year (FY) alone, from April 2023 to March 2024, Coega has proudly supported the Eastern Cape Department of Education (DoE) and Department of Health (DoH) with the successful completion of infrastructure projects to the value of R4bn in pursuit of its vision as a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.

Transforming the face of public education facilities

“Coega’s capacity, dedication, and prowess in the development of infrastructure in South Africa is evident through its collaboration with the Department of Education (DoE) on major infrastructure projects. From April 2023 to March 2024, Coega has played a crucial role in the completion of key educational facilities totaling R415.45m,” says Dr. Mpumi Mabula, Coega’s Executive Manager for Infrastructure Planning and Development.

The DoE infrastructure development projects by Coega include the Cebe Junior Secondary School in Kentani, valued at R59m, creating 89 jobs, and allocating 33.75% procurement spend to local SMMEs; Krazukile Senior Secondary School in Kentani, with a project value of R52m, creating 75 jobs, with 34.7% of the construction work awarded to local SMMEs; Tyali High School in Kentani, with a value of R74m, creating 84 jobs and directing 24.6% of procurement spend to SMMEs, to name a few,” continues Dr. Mabula.

Additional school projects handed over to local communities in February and March 2024, and located in the Eastern Cape, include the R49m Nkululeko Senior Secondary School (SSS) in KwaNobuhle, and the R126m Zibi Meyer Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Mount Fletcher. Nkululeko SSS generated 31 local employment opportunities, including two internships, and utilised the services of 13 SMME contractors to ensure inclusive economic growth and to address socio- economic development imperatives. The Zibi Meyer JSS awarded contracts to 21 local businesses and created 80 jobs during the construction period.

The most recent school project handed over by the MEC for Education, Honourable Fundile Gade, accompanied by MEC for Social Development, Honourable Bukiwe Fanta, was to the community of Keiskammahoek. The R55,45m Vukile Tshwete SSS project provided employment to 76 local workers and will positively impact the lives of close to 1000 learners enrolled at the school, providing them with a conducive and dignified learning environment.

With a track record of successfully managing and executing large-scale infrastructure development projects in South Africa, as an Implementing Agent of Choice, Coega has demonstrated its ability to transform the vision into reality, delivering tangible benefits to communities and advancing the nation’s educational agenda, aligning with National Development Plan Vision 2030, National Infrastructure Plan 2050, and United Nations Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 4, focusing on inclusive and equitable quality education.

In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), 36 projects have reached practical completion since April 2023 to March 2024, across various districts with Coega as the trusted IA. Collectively, the projects amount to a project award value of approximately R181m.

Enhancing service delivery capacity in the health sector

Coega’s impact extends to the health sector, with the successful completion of three Eastern Cape health infrastructure development projects to an approximate value of R1.3bn. These projects include the Sipetu District Hospital in Ntabankulu valued at R623.7m, the Khotsong Tuberculosis Hospital in Matatiele valued at R549m, and Meje Community Health Centre in Bizana worth R223m. The major health facilities located in other parts of the country include the Dihlabeng Regional Hospital Phase 2 in Bethlehem, with a construction value of R750m.

Other hospitals with Coega as IA include the following:

  • The R889m Zithulele District Hospital, which has also achieved sectional practical completion in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, has generated a total of 786 construction jobs, 417 employment opportunities for young people, nine graduate internships, and 115 technical training opportunities. Further, 939 people were afforded opportunities for life skills training, with approximately 64% of beneficiaries categorised as local labour.
  • The Bambisana District Hospital in the Eastern Cape, valued at R515m, has created 376 job opportunities, with 211 opportunities offered to young people, 49 opportunities created for women, seven internships, and training for 348 people.

Coega’s success as a leader in the public sector infrastructure development and trusted infrastructure IA is rooted in its adherence to best practices, transparency, and accountability. The organisation follows a rigorous project management approach, ensuring that infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards while ensuring good corporate governance. Through effective international best practice in project management, ISO certified processes, and excellent customer service, Coega has consistently earned the trust of clients and stakeholders. This trust has extended to clients outside of South Africa, into the rest of the continent where Coega is also implementing infrastructure projects. The Auditor-General of South Africa issued a “clean audit” to Coega for the last four (4) consecutive years, further demonstrating its excellence in supply chain management, says Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications.

Supporting the roll-out of Public Works and Infrastructure Development across the country

Currently, Coega is implementing numerous infrastructure development projects across its departmental portfolios. Coega has been appointed to implement 26 projects across the country on behalf of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure through its debut programme,the Turnkey Projects Programme, to the value of approximately R1.3bn.

These projects, which are largely in the planning phase, range from much-needed repairs and upgrades to public facilities to the construction of new facilities located across eight provinces including the cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, and Mahikeng, amongst others.

These projects further extend Coega’s footprint and portfolio of projects to every province in the country. This follows Coega’s excellent achievement on the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) development, in which the organisation completed approximately R4,2bn infrastructure development within a period of two years during the COVID-19 Pandemic, to the satisfaction of all partners and stakeholders who played a crucial role during construction.

As the new financial year 2024/25 swiftly approaches, Coega will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure development as a key priority of the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. “Based on 24 years’ expertise in infrastructure delivery and maintenance, and with projects underway across the country and into Africa, Coega has demonstrated remarkable success spearheading infrastructure development and maintenance projects for health, education, public works, and other programme sectors by virtue of its competence and expertise,” concludes Mabula.

Streamlining the Hiring Process for PE Businesses

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The recruitment landscape is evolving rapidly, with CEOs and business leaders constantly on the lookout for more efficient ways to attract and retain top talent. This need is particularly pronounced in dynamic markets like Port Elizabeth (PE), where the unique local challenges call for innovative recruitment strategies.  

With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured Ability South Africa) has established itself as a leading outsourcing agency in Port Elizabeth, becoming a beacon of recruitment excellence. Offering tailored staffing solutions that cater to the specific needs of businesses both nationally and internationally, MASA is at the forefront of addressing the complex recruitment demands of the PE market. 

Understanding the Port Elizabeth Business Landscape 

Navigating the vibrant Port Elizabeth (PE) business scene requires a keen understanding of its diverse industrial sectors. Known as South Africa’s “Detroit” for its robust automotive industry, PE also excels in manufacturing, ranging from textiles to food processing, alongside a thriving tourism sector and dynamic agricultural activities. This diversity necessitates specialised recruitment strategies to meet each sector’s distinct workforce needs, from technical experts in manufacturing to skilled professionals in tourism and agriculture.  

MASA distinguishes itself in Port Elizabeth’s multifaceted economy with its comprehensive grasp of local market dynamics and over four decades of experience. This deep local knowledge enables MASA to tailor recruitment solutions that are not just effective but deeply aligned with PE’s unique business culture and industry-specific requirements. By understanding the seasonal and project-based hiring needs of these diverse sectors, MASA equips CEOs with strategic insights to attract and retain the ideal talent, ensuring a perfect fit not only in skill set but also in alignment with their company’s values and long-term goals. Thus, MASA’s approach offers more than recruitment; it provides a strategic partnership attuned to the economic and cultural nuances of Port Elizabeth’s business landscape. 

Enhancing Recruitment Efficiency through Agency Partnership 

For CEOs and business leaders aiming to fortify their teams, the path to recruiting top-tier talent often presents complex challenges. The intricacies of the hiring process, from sourcing candidates to finalising hires, demand significant time, resources and expertise. This is where the strategic advantage of partnering with seasoned recruitment agencies in Port Elizabeth like MASA becomes evident, offering a multifaceted approach to streamline recruitment in ways that traditional methods cannot match. 

Accelerated Hiring with Broad Access to Talent 

One of the standout benefits of collaborating with MASA is the remarkable acceleration of the hiring timeline. Through MASA’s expansive database and wide-reaching network, businesses gain immediate access to a pool of vetted candidates. This accessibility is a game-changer for companies looking to scale rapidly, allowing them to bypass the time-consuming stages of sourcing and initial screening. MASA’s capability to swiftly match potential candidates with job openings not only speeds up the recruitment cycle but also frees up valuable internal resources, enabling companies to focus on their core operations. 

Elevated Candidate Quality and Cultural Fit 

Beyond the speed of hiring, the quality of talent sourced is paramount. MASA excels in connecting businesses with candidates who are not just technically proficient but also a cultural match. This holistic approach to recruitment considers the nuanced aspects of a candidate’s integration into a company, including alignment with organisational values and the ability to thrive within specific team dynamics. By leveraging MASA’s comprehensive talent pool, businesses benefit from a recruitment strategy that prioritises long-term success and employee retention, fostering a more cohesive and productive workplace environment while simultaneously driving diversity and productivity with hybrid or in-office working 

Expert Insights and Compliance Assurance 

Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of partnering with MASA lies in the depth of expertise and industry insight that the agency brings to the table. With over 40 years of experience in diverse sectors, MASA’s team of recruitment specialists possesses a deep understanding of market trends, salary benchmarks, and compliance requirements. This expertise ensures that recruitment strategies are not only effective but also aligned with the latest industry standards and legal regulations. For businesses, this means navigating the complexities of hiring with confidence, supported by MASA’s knowledge and guidance every step of the way. 

By choosing to partner with MASA, CEOs and business leaders are equipped with a strategic advantage in the competitive talent market. The combination of speed, quality, and expertise that MASA offers transforms the recruitment process from a daunting challenge into a streamlined and efficient pathway to organisational growth. In the dynamic business landscape of Port Elizabeth and beyond, leveraging MASA’s tailored recruitment solutions is a decision that promises not just immediate benefits but also long-term success in building and maintaining a robust workforce. 

Implementing a Successful Recruitment Strategy 

For CEOs looking to optimise their recruitment process, MASA offers a strategic partnership that goes beyond mere staffing solutions. By understanding the specific needs and challenges of each business, MASA crafts personalised recruitment plans that align with organisational goals and market dynamics. This partnership approach has proven successful for numerous PE businesses, with MASA’s expertise contributing to streamlined hiring processes, reduced turnover rates, and enhanced workforce quality. 

As the business landscape continues to evolve, so too will the strategies required to attract and retain top talent. For CEOs in Port Elizabeth and beyond, partnering with a seasoned recruitment agency in Port Elizabeth, like MASA offers a clear path to navigating these challenges. MASA stands ready to help CEOs transform their recruitment process, ensuring that their businesses remain competitive and resilient in the face of change. Whether you’re seeking to streamline your payroll, enhance your temporary staffing strategy, or require specialised recruitment services, MASA’s expertise and dedication to excellence make it your ideal partner in recruitment success. 

Staffing Solution for Port Elizabeth.

Video: Recruitment Agency Insights: Streamlining the Hiring Process for PE Businesses

Call for beneficiary applications for the 2024 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer Presented by ISUZU

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Non-profit organisations with an established presence in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route, and which support cancer patients and their families, are encouraged to apply to be selected as beneficiaries of the 2024 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by ISUZU Motors South Africa.

The 26th edition of the biggest mass participation charity event in the Eastern Cape will be held on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

The main event will take place in Gqeberha, with parallel Big Walk for Cancer events in East London and George.

For more information and to access the online application form, please visit www.algoafm.co.za and click on Algoa Cares.

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2024.

Kelston Motor Group welcomes Opel to its stable

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GQEBERHA, April 2, 2024 – Stellantis continues its drive to make brands easily accessible to customers through its multifranchise dealer network with the addition of Opel to an exciting new Kelston Motor Group facility in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

The Kelston Motor Group already has Jeep®, FIAT, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroën brand facilities within the group. The expansion continues to bolster dealer representation across the Eastern Cape in support of Stellantis’ ambitious plans as one of the largest importers in the South African motor industry.

Stellantis’ dealer representation in the Eastern Cape continues to allow customers easy access to its brands, providing a convenient sales and aftersales experience to the majority of customers. The standards of those facilities are tightly managed to provide the best possible customer experience.

The Kelston Motor Group history stretches back in the mid-1990s when it started with a single dealership in Kariega, formerly Uitenhage. Mike McNaughton and shareholders of the group continued to build the company, adding more brands and ultimately becoming the expansive retail group it is today. The Group introduced Peugeot and Citroën into its franchise stable during the 2000s and continued to expand by adding the Jeep, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands in 2020. With the amalgamation of these brands under the Stellantis banner, the incorporation of Opel was a logical next step.

“We’re excited to be expanding our relationship with The Kelston Motor Group, providing efficiencies for their business and our ours, which will ultimately allow more time to service customers,” says Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “We’re delighted to expand the Opel footprint in the Eastern Cape, exposing this incredible range to more customers.”

Leading the team at Kelston Opel is Managing Director of the Group, Peter McNaughton. “It’s an honour to add the Opel brand to our offering This brand has a long history in the region and is very well recognised by the community of Gqeberha,” says McNaughton. “The Kelston Motor Group has become a stalwart motor retailer in the Eastern Cape – one that is driven by passion for and commitment to our customers and our province. We are looking forward to welcoming existing and new Opel customers through our doors to travel alongside us on their Opel journey.”

The expansion of Opel’s representation in the Eastern Cape coincides with Stellantis’ major investments at Coega to build a manufacturing facility. The new plant will significantly boost the local economy and contribute to Stellantis growth in the country and across the rest of Africa.

The Kelston Motor Group is complemented by outlets through the Eastern Cape and is committed to providing the best automotive solutions to the area. That potential now exists for Opel customers who can look forward to being welcomed into their comfortable waiting areas with complimentary WiFi and refreshments. Visit them at 66 17th Avenue, Broadwood, Gqeberha or www.kelston.co.za or contact them on 041 811 0300 and follow them on Facebook for all the latest deals and details.

Perseverance Cluster achieves another milestone

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The Perseverance Cluster, the trailblazer which ignited the geographic clusters movement in the Bay, hosted its first Annual General Meeting at Spar Eastern Cape yesterday.

This Geographic Cluster, which is one of ten operating under the banner of the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber, has led the way in promoting collaboration and action to enable the experimentation and development of solutions to improve the ease of doing business.  They became the first to become a formal business association – namely the Perseverance Business Association, and at the end of last year they won the Chamber’s Cluster of the Year Award.

During his presentation, Perseverance Business Association chairperson, Siyolo Dick, highlighted their origins, emphasising how a fire incident at a local substation underscored the necessity for businesses in the area to collaborate and tackle common issues as a unified voice.

The Association was formalised after it was established as a geographic cluster of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber towards the end of 2021. The Chamber currently has 10 geographic clusters in place which are supported by an over-arching Mega Cluster.

The Perseverance Cluster has grown to encompass 21 out of 46 businesses in the area as contributing members who are working together to sustain their businesses and employment in the surrounding communities, including longer term plans to elevate  the status of Perseverance as a recognised eco-industrial precent.

Perseverance is a strong economic hub that is strategically located in terms of proximity and access to other key industrial areas in the Bay, including the Coega IDZ, and to transport and logistics linkages. The area was established in the early 1970s and businesses in the area have a collective annual turnover of R16 billion, and employ over 10 000 employees. A diverse range of businesses operate in the area from automotive components manufacturing, food and beverage distribution, engineering, construction and transport and logistics.

Dick said that businesses in the area decided to formalise their collaboration in order to effect positive change as a collective. “It is apt to refer to Perseverance as the trailblazer for the concept of geographic business clusters in the Metro, not only because we were the first but because we were literally born out of fire. The fire at a nearby substation caused severe disruptions to business and manufacturing operations in this area for days, weeks and even months afterwards,” said Dick.

“It was also the catalyst for realising that we needed to work together as business in our area to address shared problems – and that if we collaborated, we could amplify our impact as a united voice.”

Key challenges identified by the cluster include electricity outages, water supply issues, illegal dumping, road maintenance, and safety concerns. In response, the cluster has undertaken various initiatives, such as repairing potholes, securing the electrical substation, clearing illegal dumping sites, and improving water infrastructure.

“Due to many of our businesses being members of the Chamber, we approached them to take on the geographic cluster concept, thereby plugging this into their networks and task teams.  This has resulted in the formalisation and strengthening of our cluster into something bigger  which is now on a journey to realise a united vision for a better Perseverance,” he said.

As part of accessing provincial and national government support to upgrade infrastructure within the area, the Cluster has hosted engagements and site tours with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, AIDC-EC and the Municipality. These engagements have laid the groundwork for potential support in declaring the area as an eco-industrial park, opening avenues for infrastructure development and integration into the national industrial system. “I believe we are contributing to creating hope for business and citizens, that the potential of the Bay can be realised if we all act and move together in a positive direction.”

The association also adopted its five year business plan which will guide its next steps and the feasibility of what it aims to achieve in its projected plans. Part of this includes the appointment of a project manager who will lead the activation of its plans.

Dick said: “We’re all here taking action because we believe that the Metro is a Bay of Opportunity, and we know that the only way to move forward is to take action ourselves, rather than sitting around and complaining.”

The Perseverance Cluster’s journey exemplifies the power of collective action and underscores the potential for grassroots initiatives to drive positive change within communities and industries. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has geographic clusters located in the following areas of the metro: Baakens Valley, Beachfront, Deal Party, Fairview, Kariega, Neave/Korsten, North End, Perseverance, Struandale and Walmer.

Perserverance Business Cluster
Seated are Manco members Andrew Gush (Treasurer), Siyolo Dick (Chairperson), Brenton van Vuuren (Vice Chairperson), Anelle Bailey (Secretary) and Japie Strydom (Vice Chairperson).

Puppy Love

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Algoa FM presenters will be sharing puppy love on air from March 18 to March 23, which is national puppy day.

“All the presenters on Algoa FM are pet lovers and we are using international puppy day to educate listeners all about puppies – where to adopt them, how to care for them, exercising them and how to train them,” says Algoa FM programme manager Mio Khondleka.

National Puppy Day on March 23 originated in the United States to raise awareness of the poor conditions on many puppy farms, where dogs are bred purely for profit.

Selected puppy shelters in Algoa Country will be given an opportunity to talk about puppy adoption and to share photos on Facebook of puppies ready for a new home.

“The puppy shelters we have selected have very strict adoption requirements, which include visits to the home where they will be living, as well as follow up visits and calls.

“The message is ‘adopt, don’t shop,” says Carol-Anne Kelleher of Algoa Cares.

Local vets, a behavioural specialist and other experts on puppy care will be interviewed during the week.

“We will also be talking to a psychologist about the benefits of having a pet and how they can change your life,” says Kelleher.

Their interviews will be made available through the Algoa FM website for those who missed them.

“Our campaign will encourage listeners to have their pets sterilised, and to support organisations which sterilise animals in disadvantaged communities.

Listeners will be encouraged to share their puppy pictures on Algoa FM social media pages, and animal shelters in Algoa Country will share photos of puppies available for adoption.

Leander Kruger and Wayne Hart
Algoa FM Morning Breakfast presenter Wayne Hart (right) with husband Leander Kruger-Hart and their rescue huskies, Willow (left) and Lily.

Boardwalk Hotel and Casino appoints new duty managers

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Nelson Mandela’s Playground, Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, has appointed two new hotel duty managers to keep the four-star Sun International beachfront hotel in top shape.

Lubabalo Gxaleka and Busisiwe Vellem are responsible for front office operations, managing the cleaning contractor, staff morale and performance to keep the hotel functioning at optimum levels. The two alternate shifts to ensure the hotel is covered by a duty manager 12 hours a day.

When Gxaleka grew up in the Transkei, the idea of hospitality as a career did not enter his thoughts. “After school I started working in IT and got into hospitality by chance. I gave a friend my CV and I started as a barman at a hotel,” he said. A few years later he studied a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality Management and project management in Hotel Opening at NHL Stenden University. He also holds a Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. “Hospitality is my passion, even though I knew nothing about it when I started. I have fallen in love with helping people and it was a blessing in disguise because there are many opportunities,” Gxaleka said.

The 36-year-old has returned to Gqeberha after 14 years and is adjusting to life in Nelson Mandela Bay. “I am currently studying management at Regent Business School so I don’t have much leisure time, except to visit my nine-year-old daughter Siyolise in Port Alfred.”

Vellem, who joined Boardwalk in 2012, has worked her way up from the housekeeping department to the front desk, and now, works with Gxaleka managing a team of 13. “I had aspirations after school to become a nurse, but financial constraints led me to get a bursary to complete a Marketing Management certificate from Buffalo City College.” The Qonce-born mother of two said she fell into hospitality by accident after moving to Nelson Mandela Bay. “I completed a housekeeping learnership programme through SETA, then become a desk clerk, housekeeping supervisor and assistant housekeeper. I also did my in-service training at reception, and I have learnt so much in the past 12 years. You never get bored.”

Lubabalo Gxaleka
Lubabalo Gxaleka
Busisiwe Vellem
Busisiwe Vellem

R4 Billion EC Property Deal

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Two of the Eastern Cape’s largest shopping centres – Baywest Mall in Nelson Mandela Bay and Hemingways Mall in Buffalo City have changed hands.

The iconic super-regional malls, which have been in business rescue since 2022, were sold to South African property company, Hangar 18, for R1.3-billion each in September 2023 and have now transferred to their new owners.

“We are very excited with the acquisition of Baywest and Hemingways, and have enjoyed our interactions with our centre management teams, tenants and shoppers. First and foremost, we, as a business, look to form close working relationships with our tenants,” said Hangar 18 Co-Founder and joint CEO Marc Edwards.

The acquisition of the malls along with Hangar 18’s acquisition (also out of business rescue) of the Gauteng based malls Forest Hill City, Bloed Street Mall and Sunny Park Shopping Centre saved more than 50 jobs, as well as hundreds more indirect jobs of the tenants and service providers who work at the malls.

The 90,000 square metre Baywest Mall opened its doors in May 2015 and the 74,000 square metre Hemingways Mall opened in 2009. Both are firm favourites for shoppers living in and visiting the two metros of the Eastern Cape.

“We are excited to take ownership of these landmark properties and look forward to bringing fresh new energy and ideas which we hope will translate in an enhanced customer experience. We have clear plans for each of the Malls and look forward to rolling out our strategy with our shoppers, tenants, and staff. We are encouraged by the development of the residential node surrounding Baywest and believe that this will continue, bringing more shoppers to the mall.

Hemingways is well established in its community, and we plan to enhance its look and feel over time,” said Edwards.

The new owners have a long history in the property industry in both listed and unlisted properties in South Africa and abroad.

“We have excellent relationships with banks, capital providers, national tenants and listed real estate investment trusts. We will be using this network of contacts and the company’s expertise to manage the properties in a very hands-on way,” said Edwards.

Hangar 18’s shareholders include the Ubuntu Football Trust and Jade Capital Partners. The beneficiaries of the Ubuntu Football Trust are South African youth in their not-for-profit football academy.

“The team at Hangar 18, with the support of centre management staff, intend being actively involved in the local community, including forming close relationships with local schools where the malls will become an integral part of the surrounding communities,” said Edwards.

He stressed that the focus for now will be on “doing the basics right” and offering a shopping experience deserving of the local and visiting shopper at both Hemingways Mall and Baywest Mall.

Baywest Mall
Baywest Mall

20 Years of Heritage Celebrations

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KARIEGA – In March 2004, the Volkswagen Group Africa plant in Kariega opened the doors to its own heritage centre for the first time. The VW AutoPavilion, which was built following a R13-million investment, was established with the ultimate aim of giving a home to Volkswagen’s history and iconic vehicles, which could be enjoyed by employees and automotive fans alike.

In the 20 years that have followed, the AutoPavilion has established itself as a landmark for Volkswagen history, doubling its vehicles on display and boasting various exhibitions. Over R5-million has been invested in expanding the AutoPavilion’s offerings.

Among the 51 vehicles in the museum are the icons in the 70 Years of Volkswagen exhibition, as well as a variety of Volkswagen Beetles, concept cars and even vehicles from the different brands produced in Kariega since the plant opened in 1946 (then called SAMAD).

Aside from the exhibitions, the more than 670 000 visitors welcomed in the past 20 years have also had an exclusive look at the plant’s production operations. Though the plant previously offered FactoryTours, this has been part of the AutoPavilion experience since its opening, with more than 350 000 tours being conducted in the past two decades. The tours, which are offered on weekdays and are free of charge to the public, are especially popular among school groups.

“The AutoPavilion is how we share Volkswagen Group Africa’s history with our customers,” said Andile Dlamini, Head: Group Communication. “We are proud that this centre has been preserving our heritage and representing our company’s story for the past two decades. We hope to keep sharing our automotive story for many years to come.”

To book a FactoryTour or find out more about the AutoPavilion, contact 041 994 5941 or autopavilion@vwsa.co.za, or visit the AutoPavilion adjacent to the Volkswagen Group Africa plant at 103 Algoa Road in Kariega.