We know that if we’re going to deliver on the meaning behind our name – “solution finders” – we need to not only provide the best possible service to our clients, but also to build an ecosystem of excellence in the communities we work with.
Structured to unlock impact in stakeholder communities, all of our community empowerment initiatives are guided by our values, which include:
People, Innovation, Nonpareil, Driven, Useful, Leadership, and Ownership.
Pindulo’s approach to community empowerment rests upon three pillars. In order to transform and enrich the lives of our communities, particularly those that are socio-economically challenged and previously disadvantaged, we have identified three strategic areas where we are able to make a significant impact:
- Food security
We place an emphasis on safeguarding the nutritional needs of our most vulnerable members, with a particular focus on children and individuals with physical challenges. Our initiative seeks to replace hunger and uncertainty with stability and the promise of a well-nourished future. - Disaster Relief
As experts in logistics solutions, Pindulo is in a unique position to provide vital support during disaster situations. In this way, we help affected communities recover and rebuild. - Education
Pindulo is committed to supporting a range of educational initiatives. Our vision is to open doors to opportunities, in order to foster personal growth in our people as well as development within the wider community around us.
As part of our education pillar, our community empowerment programs cover:
- The #Siyaphambili supplier development program with Transalloys
- Bursaries for promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Learnerships, including for workshop staff and disabled women
- Management development programs to grow our people
Pindulo created the #Siyaphambili program in partnership with its key customer, Transalloys, in response to ongoing community and stakeholder conversations. This was developed to support the growth and sustainability of selected local transport SMEs in the region where we operate. The vision is for #Siyaphambili to start unlocking the region’s full potential and take all stakeholders closer to the vision of collective success together.
Applicants for the #Siyaphambili program had to demonstrate transport experience as well as a passion for their work. They had to be committed to their growth, with a clear desire to add value to their clients. Pindulo and Transalloys selected three SMEs to benefit from the program. Once these suppliers unpack their strengths and identify areas for development, they will have the opportunity to approach Pindulo when they need additional resources to service Transalloys.
“People” is the value that catalysed from our bursary program, launched in 2022. We have specifically selected black women to empower them in joining our industry, which has traditionally been male-dominated. We know how important it is to walk the walk, and we’re proud of the talent we’ve been able to nurture and grow.
Through our efforts at promoting diversity and inclusion, we have been able to support the education and career development of two incredibly talented young women, Musa Tibane and Nazihah Essa. We support these students, not only financially, but through mentorship as well as work experience within our finance and human resources departments. Once Musa and Nazihah graduate, they will join the Pindulo team as full-time members. Both Musa and Nazihah recommend Pindulo to aspiring students looking for a supportive company that offers a leadership-centric approach to development, something we are very proud of.
It’s that word – leadership – that is key to the culture we’re building at Pindulo. “We can all be excellent leaders in our workplaces, at home, and even in our communities,” says Amory Dirkse, one of six Pindulo staff who has recently taken advantage of the opportunity to study further. Whether completing a Management Development Programme, as Amory has, or the advanced Safety Management Course undertaken by Health and Safety Officer, Juanita van der Merwe, people at Pindulo are taking advantage of opportunities to develop themselves both professionally and personally.
All of these pillars and programs are in line with Pindulo’s mission to be the preferred logistics partner that adds value to all our stakeholders. We know that investing in people leads to growth and success. We are proud that all of our community empowerment programs are a testament to our vision of leadership by example, and we plan to keep setting the standard for excellence in everything we do. In this way, we are collectively paving the way for a brighter future, not only for our company but also for our community and upcoming generations of leaders.
As Operations Assistant Laurika Hess reflects after completing her course, “I learned a lot about leadership qualities and I believe it will be helpful to improve my leadership skills in the company. Anyone can become a great leader overnight but it also takes time and practice. Thank you to Pindulo for the opportunity to do this course.”
Pindulo and Transalloys B-BBEE Partnership
Pindulo and Transalloys have partnered to develop a B-BBEE initiative within their local community that delivers on Pindulo’s Preferential Procurement and ESD objectives. The vision is for a programme that makes a tangible, positive difference to communities within a 50km radius of the Transalloys facility.
The programme, which is designed to deliver against DMRE (Mining Charter) scorecards, focuses on training and coaching ESD beneficiaries to become trusted suppliers to Pindulo and Transalloys. The vision is that these black-owned, woman-owned and youth-owned SMEs are empowered to grow organically, and eventually become suppliers to external companies.
The programme recognises that entrepreneurs are all unique individuals, and need specific support in order to embark successfully on the next chapter in their journey. After initial selection, programme participants are introduced to key people and systems at Pindulo. Each SME is carefully onboarded so that each entrepreneur understands the level of commitment needed, as well as any technology training gaps. They are then mentored by experts and encouraged by inspired peers.
After initial onboarding, the programme is rolled out according to specific, and highly structured calendar. SMEs are supported with a distance learning toolkit, which allows entrepreneurs to access learning material and videos, including practical sessions with facilitators and mentors, and online discussions and forums. Client feedback and reporting takes place on a monthly basis and regular progress meetings are scheduled with Pindulo, which shares ongoing updates with Transalloys.
The partnership between Pindulo and Transalloys is not short term. Long-term ESD development solutions where impact can be quantified are vital. To this end, a process of continuous improvement is facilitated with quarterly surveys to track programme feedback – both in terms of perceptions and actual results. Finally, each year the programme is officially closed out, with a celebration of the achievements of programme graduates.
A unified and phased strategic approach for entrepreneurial and supplier development in the supply chain industry is key to the vision of the Pindulo and Transalloys partnership. As proudly South African solution-finders, we’re fully committed to this journey of excellence with the communities around us.
