Nathi Nkonde 2015 DMA winner
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MAGAZINE FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE ALTRON GROUP ISSUE 3/2015 Nathi Nkonde 2015 DMA winner Our 3-point plan to A celebration of achievements return to the top and milestones Altron’s new business strategy The 2015 Altron Annual Awards and management structure in words and pictures
BU S I NE SS P RO F I L E 1
FROM OUR EDITORS
Achievers past and present
Regulars This year’s annual awards
event was perhaps one of
successful in many ways,
defined by a kaleidoscope
the most significant in the of prosperous businesses,
history of the group and was happy memories, supportive
the primary vehicle used colleagues and enduring
for celebrating Altron’s 50th relationships. The group,
Editorial 1 anniversary. he said, had been through
14 16
More than 300 of good times and bad times,
the group’s most senior enjoyed victories together and
News in Brief 2 Grant Rogerson and Liezl Kruger
executives gathered at the fought battles together. He
Theatre on the Track at called these the things that reflect on the many exciting was presented to our cover
Wellness Profile 30 Kyalami, Midrand, to reflect constituted the fabric of the developments that are taking man, Nathi Nkonde of the
on five decades of progress organisation and helped to place in the group and to Altron Tax Department.
Ally’s Tech Corner 32 since the company was build a winning culture. see how our companies are Despite having been with
established in 1965. The different speakers on chartering new territories the group for only two years
In his keynote address, the day elaborated on this along the way. he has managed to shine
which set the tone and theme and paid tribute to the In traditional fashion, the brilliantly in a demanding role.
highlighted the theme for the chairman, Dr Venter, for the group paid tribute to its top We hope you will enjoy this
30
event, Altron chief executive, significant role he had played achievers for their significant awards edition and join us in
Robbie Venter, pointed in the group’s development contribution in a challenging celebrating Altron’s achievers.
out that anniversaries are over the years. year.
opportunities for recollections The event also provided The top award for the Best regards
of years gone by. The past a great opportunity for day, the Altron Chairman’s GRANT AND LIEZL
50 years for Altron had been the guests to pause and Distinguished Merit Award,
Features Business People Editorial information
Profile is co-edited by Grant Rogerson and Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
6 New strategy and structure 5 PTSI and smart meters 12 Nathi Nkonde: DMA winner Liezl Kruger of the Altron Group Corporate
Communications Department. http: //www.facebook.com/AltronGroup
@Altrongroup
16 Altron celebrates at the 10 How to use IP symbols 14 Mkhuseli Tindleni and the Altron The Profile editorial committee members are:
annual awards TMT Facilities success story Michelle Doyle – Altron
Regula Niehus – Altron Power Direct all queries to:
11 Altech Netstar jams jamming Chris Van Zyl – Altron TMT Tel: 011 645-3600
Shona Minards – Altron TMT Email: grogerson@altron.com/lkruger@altron.com
Tanya Gruhn - Altron
Design and production:
Profile is also available on the Altron internal Words’worth (www.words-worth.co.za)
website (Alix) or on www.altronprofile.com
Profile is printed on NeoMatt paper, supplied and partly sponsored by NOR Paper, a Bytes Document Solutions
subsidiary. Neo Matt is chlorine-free to reduce the impact on the environment. The paper is produced in a plant On the cover: 2015 DMA winner Nkosinathi Nkonde.
that generates its own steam to conserve resources, and that is chimneyless to avoid air pollution.
2 B U S I NE SS PR OFI LE BU S I NE SS P RO F I L E 3
NEWS IN BRIEF
Self-service banking moves into the cloud It’s business as usual for Altech Autopage PTT's new
Through its partnership Kalpana software runs reducing operating costs, platform will greatly Altron announced on contracts will simply on new contracts across all
tech man
with NCR, Bytes Managed ATMs remotely. It is designed and will greatly improve reduce the expenditure 12 May this year that it be transferred and the networks, upgrade customer
Solutions (Bytes MS), has to eliminate malware and and accelerate the process associated with power was negotiating the sale of contractual arrangements handsets on existing
introduced the biggest enable the rapid deployment of bringing new ATM management, security Altech Autopage’s cellular with our customers will be contracts and resolve product
change to the way an ATM of new devices and ATM services to market,” says updates, paper receipts and subscriber bases. For the maintained on the same or service-related queries.
operates since the self- services. The results are an Alan Anderson, Bytes MS’ other consumables and the time being, however, it is terms. This means that The same applies to
service banking channel was amazing customer experience business development deployment of new ATMs.” business as usual, according our customers will not Altech Autopage’s customer
invented nearly 50 years ago. and a 40% reduction in the director. “Apart from the Kalpana software is also to Boyd Chislett, managing lose any of the benefits of services. “Our customer
The source of this cost of running an ATM. operational cost savings more secure than traditional director of Altech Autopage. their contracts with Altech services and call centre teams
revolution is Kalpana, an “This new software and commonly known ATM software because “Our operations and Autopage. Pricing, services continue to respond to our
enterprise software platform platform will revolutionise efficiencies that come with all software updates are customer services will and deals on handsets customers’ and partners’
that moves ATM software the domestic ATM security any cloud-based platform originated and controlled at continue uninterrupted,” when upgraded also remain enquiries or service-related
and operations to the cloud. market in addition to or solution, the Kalpana the server level. says Boyd. “The upgrading unchanged.” matters as before,” says Boyd. Powertech Transformers’
of existing customer Altech Autopage’s “If anything, we are striving new group manager:
contracts or taking out of significant number of even harder to improve these technology, Mluleki
ACS’ paperwork remains in place Farewell to Craig Venter new contracts will continue retail outlets countrywide services. My message to our Hlatshwayo.
should the proposed will continue to provide customers is to have faith in Mluleki Hlatshwayo is
In 2014, bank and requirement for all sale go ahead. Customer customers with assistance us during this period.” Powertech Transformers’
card fraud cost the payment solutions new group manager:
South African economy providers, says Attie technology, and member of
R454 million, according to van der Linde, general Your call is important to BPS Exco, with effect from 1 July.
the South African Banking manager: integrated Mluleki joined Powertech
Risk Information Centre transaction solutions at In 2012, Samsung outsourced centre agents and specialist the contact centre achieving Transformers as an
(SABRIC). ACS. “Our foremost priority its South African customer contact centre processes. The its global top-ten position. engineer-in-training in 2009.
Against this backdrop, is to protect cardholders’ care contact centre to Bytes setup is unique: although the “With South Africa currently He filled different positions
Altech Card Solutions’ (ACS) information by equipping People Solutions (BPS). A contact centre is based at earmarked as a business over the years, the most
achievement of PCI DSS V3 ACS’ systems with the On Tuesday, 28 July, Altron bade an official farewell to Craig Venter. mere three years later, the Samsung SA’s headquarters process outsourcing (BPO) recent being development
certification, for the third correct software to Pictured above at the event are Craig’s personal assistant Paula local centre has received a in Rivonia, everything and destination of choice for large and support manager –
consecutive year, is far safeguard them against Pereira, and Craig in conversation with Laurence Savage, group top-ten ranking, recognising everyone contained therein, offshore organisations, it is electrical as of 2013.
more than an exercise in malware or spyware.” executive: telecoms and multi-media. Below: Dr Bill Venter, his it as one of Samsung’s best is provided by BPS. critical for local companies Mluleki completed his
paperwork. To retain its certification, wife Penny and Dr John Carstens were among the guests. managed contact centres. Where other contact to provide platforms of BSc electrical engineering
The Payment Card ACS had to undertake The company operates centres pay their agents a opportunity and growth to the degree at the University of
Industry Data Security specific measures such 49 contact centres across regular monthly salary, BPS many jobseekers who lack KwaZulu-Natal in 2008 and
Standard (PCI DSS) aims to as ensuring the networks the globe. The South African has created a unique pay- the necessary skills to start in 2013 obtained his master’s
make credit and debit card used in the production centre was among the worst for-performance model that a career,” says Madelise. degree with distinction
transactions as secure as and processing of card performing operations at the incentivises the agents based “Our Samsung achievement from the University of the
possible and, in so doing, to transactions are protected time of its outsourcing. on customer feedback. This confirms Bytes People Witwatersrand. He is a
protect cardholders against with reputable firewalls, BPS provides Samsung structure, says Dr Madelise Solutions’ status as one registered professional
the misuse and abuse of and that internal access with an end-to-end solution Grobler, managing director of of the foremost contact engineer with the
personal information. to the system is restricted that includes the latest Bytes People Solutions, has centre service providers Engineering Council of
Certification is a and monitored. technology, contact contributed largely to in South Africa.” South Africa (ECSA).
4 B U S I NE SS PR OFI LE BU S I NE SS P RO F I L E 5
NEWS IN BRIEF PTSI plays the smart card
An (almost) paperless annual report In a world hungry for energy, smart meters
When Altron’s 2015 annual a technology company, to use Furthermore, Altron report can also be updated can help to increase generation capacity while
report was released on the functionality offered by the engages its stakeholders when necessary, making
10 June, it was with the online world to communicate every three years to Altron’s latest information mobilising people to use power more efficiently.
S
press of a button. In what its annual performance. revisit its material issues, immediately available. The
is a first for Altron, and Secondly, we had a lot to say and adapt its strategy only information that may mart meters are no longer a inquiry by the eThekwini (Durban)
probably for any South and the web-based format accordingly. This was done in not be changed are the nice-to-have in South Africa. municipality is presently under
African-listed company, makes it possible to publish the 2015 financial year and audited financials. The Department of Energy has adjudication.
the annual report was not a big report without breaking had to be covered extensively “We really try to lead the passed regulations stipulating In Johannesburg, City Power is
printed (apart from 20 hard the bank.” in the annual report. pack in the quality, impact that customers who use more than a implementing a major advanced
copies) but published on The bigger report was In terms of technology, and presentation of our certain amount of electricity in a month metering infrastructure project. The first
the web. necessary to explain the the Altron annual report annual reporting,” says should have a smart meter system in phase is due for completion in October,
According to Jannette significant changes Altron has some useful features. Jannette. The 2015 annual place and be on a time-of-use tariff. having been reprioritised as City Power
Horn, former group underwent in the previous For instance, its PDF tool report certainly achieves this The metres are furthermore vital to wants to use “load limiting” to avoid
sustainability manager, a financial year, notably the allows readers to select and goal. the programme that enables Eskom to load shedding altogether.
number of reasons drove the creation of Altron TMT and print only the sections of the To read the annual report, buy renewable energy from third-party To date, about 65 000 domestic smart
decision. “Firstly, we felt the Altron Power and their report they are interested in. go to www.altron.com. producers. They can account for surplus meters have been installed; the target is
time was right for Altron, as implications for the group. Being web-based, the energy generated from solar panels and 150 000 by October. The ultimate aim is
wind turbines, thus feeding power back that every one of City Power’s 330 000
to the grid and allowing consumers to domestic customers will have a meter.
Change of leadership Crabtree impresses at Decorex Hennie du Plessis, CEO of be paid for it. This is in addition to the 12 000 smart
at Altech Multimedia Powertech System Integrators. Smart meters are already being
rolled out in Tshwane, while a tender
meters installed at large power users
already.
The PTSI picture
Powertech System Integrators load control equipment on geysers in “There is enormous scope for
(PTSI) has been involved in energy 40 000 homes in the Western Cape and smart metering in Africa,” says
metering since the late 1980s. In automated meter reading installations Hennie du Plessis, CEO of PTSI.
fact, it was one of the first companies for large power users in Johannesburg. “While not all the features of
to supply automated meter reading In Uganda, PTSI is currently part of smart metering are necessarily
(AMR) systems in South Africa. a project to install automated metering applicable throughout the
Today it offers effective, end-to- infrastructure for 1 500 large power continent, we believe that smart
end energy management systems users and has completed the first phase metering in Africa will, in time, be
that integrate hardware, software, of a similar project for 250 users in on par with Tokyo or Amsterdam.
automated metering, quality Swaziland. For now, the solution is likely to
management, data collection, In Nigeria, the company successfully be a hybrid or ‘best fit’ model,
As part of its increased marketing thrust for 2015, Crabtree
Danie du Toit (left) has resigned as managing director of Altech exhibited at the Johannesburg Decorex show at Gallagher analysis and reporting. undertook a smart metering pilot meaning that smart meters will
Multimedia (AMM) with effect from 31 July. Francois Stols, Estate recently. More than 55 000 visitors passed through the The company’s track record project for a private investor and is be employed, where applicable,
previously executive: technology at Altech Netstar, has been Crabtree exhibit, pictured above, and were exposed to the includes, among others, the preparing to help deliver several alongside more conventional
appointed to lead AMM. company’s exciting new product range. installation and connection of private sector off-grid projects. technology.”
6 B U S I N ESS PR OFI LE BU S I NE SS P RO F I L E 7
ON A HIGH NOTE Questions:
1. Does this mean that the
operations that are not in IT
and telecommunications will
not receive attention?
Definitely not. In fact, management
will do everything possible to drive,
guide and support these businesses.
But we will not make much capital
available for expansion purposes until
we see a meaningful recovery in market
conditions. Remember that we have
already invested significant capital to
Companies only succeed when they change with, and even ahead support businesses in particularly the
power generation sector.
of, the times. Altron’s struggles over the past financial year were
2. Does the new structure mean that
an indication that change was needed. The board and our senior Altron TMT will be disbanded?
executives took the signs seriously and after much thought and Absolutely not. The merger has
delivered too many benefits already
deliberation identified three focus areas that will return Altron to for it to be undone. The new structure
only influences reporting lines at the
the road to prosperity. Altron chief executive, Robbie Venter, very top level and has been designed to
explains the focus areas and what will be done in each. make sure we retain the benefits of the
Altron TMT collaboration.
T
he three areas that our advantage lies predominantly in the Cost reduction
Execution executives and the board IT and telecommunications space. Our cost reduction objectives will be
timeline believe are crucial in order
to steer the group into the
Our continued growth in these sectors
over a number of years supports this
achieved in three ways:
1. The leaner management structure.
arly August – action plan was
E future, are: conclusion. 2. Continued implementation of shared
presented to the Altron board. 1. Business strategy and structure This strategy supports Altron’s services to bring down central costs.
End of August – heads of Shared 2. Cost reduction evolution from an investment holding 3. Consolidation of our current three
Services functions were appointed. 3. Assets company to a fully-fledged operating head offices into one site, most likely
End September – implementation entity with emphasis on sustainable in Parktown.
of the Shared Service heads’ Detailed plans for each are still being growth.
structures starts. finalised, but for now I can give you a Practical implications:
broad indication of what we want to Practical implications: • Shared services will be consolidated CFO, until he takes over as CEO of Altron chief executive, Robbie Venter
achieve. • Resources and capital will in at an Altron level to further reduce Bytes Technology Group in March
future go to the segments of the support service costs, improve 2016. Then he will report to Robbie
Business strategy and structure business where we anticipate alignment and enhance efficiencies. Venter. Also reporting to Alex is the better use of shared services due to
The guiding principle behind the new growth. The following support services will full finance function, including tax, economies of scale and giving Altech
business strategy and management • As of 1 August we have a simpler in future be managed by Andrew treasury and financial reporting. Radio Holdings space to grow. A
structure is focus. From now on, Altron management structure that will Holden until February 2016, and then • The smarter use of the buildings that detailed review of timing and cost
will focus on areas and industries where speed up decision making to keep by Emile Burger from March onwards: currently house the Altron, Altron savings is currently underway.
we have the resources, competence up with our fast-moving industry. procurement, risk, employee services, Power and Altron TMT head offices,
and skills to leverage a competitive The Altech, Bytes and Powertech information technology, marketing/ as well a few other large premises, Assets
advantage. excos will remain in place while the comms, legal and facilities. Andrew will bring benefits such as cost In order to leverage a competitive
We believe that our competitive Altron TMT exco will fall away. currently reports to Alex Smith, Altron savings (around R20 million a year), advantage, certain material non-core
8 B U S I N ESS PR OFI LE BU S I NE SS P RO F I L E 9
Please do not lose sight of your day-to-day tasks. Take assets have been identified for disposal:
pride in what you do. No matter how insignificant your task • The sale of the GSM base of Altech
Autopage should be completed by
The consolidation of head
may seem to you, it makes a big contribution to Altron. December 2015. offices and functions
• The sale of the Altech Node business
is imminent.
• The sale of Dynamic Batteries in the WHERE ARE WE NOW
UK was finalised during August.
The new Altron management structure In addition, we are exploring the
possibility of entering into equity
sale agreements for Powertech
•W
illie Oosthuysen assumes Transformers, Powertech Cables and
PREVIOUS ALTRON & ALTRON TMT STRUCTURE additional responsibility for our telecom cable joint venture.
business development and the
key account management (KAM) Practical implication:
programme. • Altron will be a smaller but far
•S
hared services will be extended more agile group with high growth
across the group and are potential and financial sustainability.
consolidated under Andrew Holden
(and later Emile Burger) who The next few months will be
reports to Alex Smith. challenging for the senior management
•J
ohan Klein assumes group-wide levels in the group as we all get to grips
Human Capital responsibility and with our new roles and responsibilities,
reports to Douglas Ramaphosa. and as we implement the business
•G
iven the significant corporate strategy and management structure. WHERE WE WANT TO BE
activity the Altron group is Fortunately, the impact on our
involved in, a new position of group operations should be minimal. Altron
executive: corporate finance was relies on all the operations to not take
created reporting to Robbie Venter. their eyes off the delivery ball – we
Peter Riskowitz fulfils this role. cannot afford for our internal changes
•C
ommunications and Marketing to impact our customers. If anything,
NEW ALTRON EXCO STRUCTURE (FROM 1 AUGUST 2015)
forms part of group-wide Shared they should experience better customer
Services portfolio under Andrew service and quality from us.
Holden. Although results are not where we
•T
he operating executives, namely would like them to be, Altron remains
Laurence Savage (telecoms and a financially stable group and a good
multi-media), Rob Abraham company to work for.
(information technology) and Neil Take pride in what you do. No
Kayton (power), report directly matter how insignificant your tasks
to Robbie Venter in line with may seem to you, it makes a big
our strategy to adopt a leaner contribution to Altron. Your day-to-day
management structure. tasks and operating performance are Although viability is still being investigated, the Altron head office will be
•A
ndrew Johnston’s role most crucial to the sustainability of in Parktown. After the sale of Altech Autopage’s GSM customer base, the
remains unchanged. the group. operation’s Midrand premises will be empty – but the lease still has three
I look forward to working with years to run. It therefore makes sense for the bulk of Shared Services and
all of you to lay the foundations for the operations of Bytes Healthcare Solutions and Altech Radio Holdings to
the next phase of Altron’s remarkable move in once the building is available.
business journey.
10 B U S I NE SS PR OFI LE BU S I NE SS P RO F I L E 11
IP symbols: when and where to use them
Intellectual property is of increasing importance to Altron as group
companies are encouraged to innovate. The correct use of the symbols
that indicate ownership is a significant part of protecting this investment.
Altech Netstar solves a hijacking jam
A
ltron has for many years been of employees throughout the group is
registering, protecting and when and where to use the different IP
The legalese exploiting the intellectual symbols. Hijackers’ success often depends on preventing the vehicle’s recovery
property (IP) associated Because IP legislation is
device from doing its job. Thanks to Altech Netstar’s Jamming Resist
Intellectual property is a generic with its products and services. This complicated, Andrew’s advice is to
term that refers to a variety included the filing of patents for always ask. “Whenever employees product, the thugs’ lives have become a lot more difficult.
of intangible products such as inventions, and the registration of want to use these symbols in relation
inventions and patents, trademarks trademarks and design rights. to names, trademarks and documents,
A
and brand names, industrial But, says Andrew Johnston, Altron’s they should either ask their own legal
designs, copyright, plant breeder’s group company secretary, an area that or secretarial departments, or call me ccording to Harry Louw, MD of transmits the emergency message via Jamming Resist will resist jamming efforts
rights, trade secrets and know how. often causes confusion in the minds directly for advice.” Altech Netstar, the jamming of the beacon, on an alternative frequency, from all small to medium-sized jammers
Some of these products are GSM signals during vehicle to the Altech Netstar control centre and typically used in hijacking situations.”
protected by specific laws, such theft has become widespread the recovery is initiated. Altech Netstar responds to around
as the Patents Act of 1978, the A dummy’s guide to IP symbols in South Africa and standard GSM Thanks to Altech Netstar’s private 10 hijackings a week in which jamming
Trade Marks Act of 1993 and the stolen vehicle recovery systems are radio network that covers large parts of devices have probably been used. With
Copyright Act of 1978; others, such ineffective against this new threat. southern Africa and contains a number the trend likely to increase, Jamming
You can use this symbol when you have adopted a new
as trade secrets and know how, trademark and have filed for registration. “To counter GSM jamming, the of private radio frequencies, Jamming Resist is the right innovation at the
are governed by the common law. vehicle tracking device must be able Resist has alternative frequencies at its right time.
This symbol is used to alert third parties that you claim
Patents are filed to protect an to do three things,” says Harry. Firstly, disposal.
rights in a trademark.
invention under the Patents Act it must detect the signal interference. Altech Netstar first deployed
Trademarks are registered to This symbol may be used only if a trademark is registered. Secondly, it needs to transmit an jamming resistant technology in 2009.
secure the exclusive use of that It alerts third parties that you have registered rights in a
emergency message to tell someone that As a result of extensive development How does signal
name or mark (including logos) to trademark. it’s being jammed. Thirdly, and most
importantly, the emergency message
and testing work over the years,
Jamming Resist is now unrivalled in its
jamming work?
its owner for periods of 20 years at It is a criminal offence if you use this symbol for an
a time, provided that the name or must be transmitted on an alternative functionality and effectiveness. GSM jamming devices emit
unregistered trademark.
mark is indeed used by the owner. frequency to the one being jammed. “In 2013 Carte Blanche tested the signals that prevent the GSM
The registration mark must be used with all the Altron
Copyright protects the author “Without this alternative frequency jamming of our private frequencies tracking device in the vehicle
companies’ logos.
of a literary, musical and/or that is not being jammed, the solution using a GSM jamming device,” says from receiving and transmitting
artistic work from having it copied, is not a solution at all,” says Harry. Harry. “The test failed, proving that messages. The signals form a
You may use this symbol for any work in which you claim to
published or reproduced in any be the copyright owner. Fortunately Altech Netstar offers a our private frequencies could not be bubble around the vehicle and
manner, subject to the exceptions real answer. Its Jamming Resist product interfered with.” effectively “silence” the tracking
You do not have to register copyright to use this symbol.
set out in the Copyright Act. is the only device currently on the The only likely exception would device, without anyone knowing
This symbol is used to alert third parties that you are the
market, locally and internationally, that be industrial-type jammers that can what has happened.
owner of the copyright.
Source: Practitioners effectively counters signal jamming. disrupt GSM traffic over very large Jamming devices, which are
A copyright notice should include the year when it was
Guide to Intellectual Property When an Altech Netstar customer areas. “Fortunately these devices are illegal, can be small enough to
created or released to the public, e.g. 2015 © Allied
Law – Adams & Adams 2011 vehicle is being jammed, Jamming expensive, difficult to obtain and not fit in a person’s hand or big
Electronics Corporation Limited.
Resist immediately detects it and easy to use in a hijacking situation,” enough to fill a briefcase.
activates a recovery beacon. It then says Harry. “We are comfortable that
12 P EO P L E P R OFI LE P E O P L E P RO F I L E 13
The man who loves tax
or undervaluation of goods and the
improper declaration of countries of
origin. Conversely, he also looks for
instances where Altron might have
overpaid import VAT and duties.
His other duties include monitoring
Altron’s 2015 DMA winner is only 30 years old and has been with the the actions of clearing agents that act
on behalf of the operating companies,
group for a mere two years, but Nkosinathi (Nathi) Nkonde of the Altron presenting in-house workshops on VAT
Tax Department knows what he’s here to do and pursues it with passion. and customs regulations, forging closer
ties with Treasury and Internal Audit
in aid of better risk management and
“It’s either you love tax or you don’t; SARS looks to make life easier for effect, the necessary paperwork will be compliance, and helping to manage
if you don’t love it, you won’t enjoy importers who meet certain criteria. submitted. supply chain risks as Altron moves into
it.” Nathi couldn’t agree more with They are, for example, exempt from foreign jurisdictions.
the wisdom of Graham Walker, the regular audits and upfront payment of Winning the DMA Arguably one of the most interesting
man who recruited him into Altron. duties. Nathi marvels at the thought that Altron aspects of his job, however, is engaging
“You have to love the ups and downs Nathi was part of the first team was established 20 years before he was with SARS on specific issues. The
of it,” he says. For him the thrill is who audited importers that had been born and appreciates the chance to be import duties imposed on Altech UEC is
in the interaction with SARS and the identified by SARS for preferred status. part of the company’s future. “I feel a good example. A difference in opinion
satisfaction he derives from fighting for One of these was Altron. Graham honoured to have received the DMA on whether Altech UEC imported
taxpayers’ rights. Walker spotted the young man and in the company’s 50th anniversary components or completed products
These are fairly novel feelings – up made him an offer he couldn’t refuse – year, and to have the opportunity to for an assembly contract led SARS
to two years ago Nathi was on the other and it was not about the salary. shine as an individual in the context to impose completed product duties.
side of the fence. “When I worked for “The biggest challenge in of the vision Dr Venter had when he Nathi’s argument, that the complexity
SARS collecting tax excited me,” he government entities is people in acting established the group. People leave and irreversibility of the assembly
confesses. positions,” Nathi explains. “I was one companies when their career objectives process indicated that components
of them and had very limited decision are not linked to the company’s vision – were being imported, won the day.
Switching sides making powers. Graham said to me ‘we that’s not the case for me!” As a result, Altech UEC recovered
When Nathi enrolled at the University appoint you to make decisions, and In the award citation, Nathi is R84 million from SARS.
of Johannesburg for a national diploma we will support you as long as you can commended for changing the Tax The complexities of indirect taxes
in accounting, he believed he was prove your methodology’.” Department’s approach to customs risk is why Nathi loves what he does. But
destined to be a cost accountant. Moving to the private sector was management. He agrees that it was a there are two golden rules: “You have
A BTech in cost and management the best decision he could have made. somewhat neglected area, and that his to choose your battles and you have
accounting strengthened his conviction, “I have developed as an individual, SARS-eye allowed him to introduce to approach the authorities with clean
but then he joined SARS in 2007 and thanks to working with open-minded a culture of being as proactive with hands,” he says, quoting group tax
was introduced to the world of customs people who are willing to share their customs as the department already was compliance manager, Annette Brits.
duties. It was, one might say, love at knowledge with me,” he says. with other taxes.
first collection. As for Altron’s preferred trader In practice this entails Altron
In his five years at SARS, Nathi filled
different auditing positions. It was,
status, Nathi is still on the job. He
wants all the group companies that
requesting trade statistics from
SARS. Nathi then analyses the listed
After hours Nathi is a serial student. He completed an advance
course in taxpayers’ rights last year, is currently busy
Nathi relaxes by spending time with his friends at either with a BCom degree in law through Unisa and has been
however, his work on SARS’ preferred import and export goods to gain imports and exports and identifies
the News Café in Woodmead or Skhaleni in Kathlehong on accepted to start a distance education master’s degree
trader pilot that led him to Altron’s door. preferred trader status and as soon risks such as underpayments of VAT
the East Rand. He grew up, and still lives, in the township’s in customs administration through the Charles Stewart
With this international programme, as the new Customs Act comes into and custom duties, misclassification
Nhlapo Section. University in Australia in 2016.
Having lost both his parents, Nathi credits his As for his DMA prize, he hasn’t decided on a destination
grandmother for the man he is: “She played a major role yet. But his devotion to his eight-year-old son could very
“You’re only as good as your team – the better your team is, in my life, my strength comes from her.” well see the two of them jetting off to Disney World.
the better you are. The credit for my award goes to my team.”
14 B U S I NE SS PR OFI LE BU S I NE SS P RO F I L E 15
O
ver the past 18 months, THE HIGH LEVEL FACILITIES TEAM
Mkhuseli Tindleni and
his facilities management MKHUSELI TINDLENI
team have saved Altron FACILITIES LEAD:
SHARED SERVICES
TMT almost R14 million – and it’s
not a once-off either. The savings are
sustainable, generated as a result of
new lease agreements, shared premises
SHARMAIN VENTER FERIEL BAUMGARDT BRIAN STEYN BRIAN LEDWABA WENDY HESSE JENNA CARSTENS
and improved contract management. CONFERENCE AND
ALTRON TMT HEAD OFFICE BYTES - MIDRAND BYTES MS- SELBY INTER-ACTIVE CAPE TOWN
At the end of the current financial MEETING COORDINATOR
year, Mkhuseli plans to have R33 million
worth of savings in the bank.
The money, however, is not the
full story. In some cases, Altron TMT higher than the lease agreements stated. one of the Altron TMT businesses by operational managers. And while they
companies are now getting better In one instance he discovered that a some 48%, from R169 million over the did the best they could in an area that
facilities and services at a lower price, landlord had not passed on a significant five-year period to R81 million. The new was outside their scope of operations,
while a group of employees are enjoying municipal rates reduction; instead he had deal includes a low annual escalation fee. the successes of the shared services
more fulfilling jobs. upped the rental by the savings amount. Where existing leases had to be left model have underscored the importance
Armed with the information he had to run their course, Mkhuseli has given of appointing people who understand
How are they doing it? gathered, and backed by Altron TMT’s the landlords notice to expect some the property management business and
As the head of facilities at Altron TMT strategic intent, Mkhuseli knocked on serious discussions when the leases do whose core focus is facilities management.
Shared Services, Mkhuseli is responsible landlords’ doors. come up for renewal. This ensures that the business receives the
for both the strategic planning and Leases that were coming up for Aligned to the lease negotiations best deal and provides employees with the
the day-to-day management of the renewal were subjected to intense has been the move of various Altron best services.
organisation’s buildings and premises. negotiations. “Renewing a lease is TMT businesses into shared premises. When the Facilities Shared Services
not simply a case of signing on the This resulted in significant savings unit was set up, a number of employees
His portfolio includes: dotted line,” says Mkhuseli. “Our team as redundant lease agreements were from across Altron TMT were identified
• Procurement and contract conducts a thorough investigation cancelled and existing leases renewed to become a part of the team. Several of
management of market-related prices for similar at better rates due to an increase in the them were office managers who were
• Building and grounds maintenance properties and we look at the additional space required. subsequently equipped to take on a
• Cleaning and hygiene services Altron TMT would receive, In all their activities, Mkhuseli and variety of new responsibilities as facilities
• Catering and vending such as security, cleaning and air his team maintain a close relationship managers. “The new responsibilities in
• Utilities conditioning maintenance. All these with the Altron TMT legal team. “I am a broader environment that comes with
• Lease and space management facts and figures come into play during not a lawyer,” he says, “so I leave the its own challenges and opportunities,
negotiations with the landlord.” fine print to the experts.” have rejuvenated people’s careers,” says
The team manages 100 sites that cover a Long-term leases are a particular Mkhuseli. “You only have to look at our
combined area of more than 170 000m2. favourite of Altron TMT’s facilities expert. Dedicated experts results to know that Facilities Shared
The smallest building property is 60m2; According to Mkhuseli, leases of five Mkhuseli is adamant that managing an Services was a good move.”
the largest 13 000m2. years or more, in which the landlord asset the size of Altron TMT’s property As for the future, Mkhuseli wants to
Following his appointment early in is assured of annuity income, provide portfolio requires a dedicated team of see Altron TMT Facilities Shared Services
2014, Mkhuseli’s first order of business the lessee with the upper hand when people. become a true property management
was a comprehensive audit of Altron it comes to negotiating terms. In one In the past, lease renewals were organisation and change from a cost
TMT’s property portfolio and the instance, he reduced the rental paid by managed by finance managers or centre to a profit centre.
associated lease agreements and most
recent rental invoices.
“It was soon clear to me that there
were major opportunities for savings,”
“You only have to look at our results to know that
he says, having found instances were Facilities Shared Services was a good move.”
Mkhuseli Tindleni, facilities lead: Altron TMT Shared Services. companies were invoiced for amounts
16 AWA R DS P R OFI LE AWARD S P RO F I L E 17
On 6 August, the 2015 edition of the Altron Annual Awards
took place at the Theatre on the Track in Kyalami in Midrand.
This year’s event was not only a celebration of the past year’s
achievements; it was an opportunity to reflect on the group’s
50-year history.
Altech Radio Holdings staff members, together with Laurence Savage (far right), celebrate Altech
Alcom Matomo winning the best company in Altron award. Front row, from left: Andrew Condon, Noel
Watermeyer, Shaun Winson, Kobus Greeff, Vusi Mngomezulu, Caroline Beswick and JT Engelbrecht.
Back row, from left: Nico Els, Brett Nash, Tim Ellis and Sam Smith.18 AWA R DS P R OFI LE AWARD S P RO F I L E 19
Powertech Top Achiever Award Bytes Top Achiever Award
Individuals who inspire Nominees
• Craig Clark, senior general manager, Powertech Switchgear.
• James Calmeyer, CEO of Crabtree.
• Glenn Geldenhuis, CEO of Powertech Batteries.
Nominees
• Warren Mande, sales director: key accounts at Bytes
Document Solutions.
• Fourie van der Merwe, chief operations manager of Bytes
• Johan le Roux, managing director of Swanib Cables. Managed Solutions.
• Peter Kennedy, managing director of MediSwitch.
The winners of the group companies’ top achiever awards and the AMS Winner
Executive’s Award are all automatically nominated for the Chairman’s Glenn Geldenhuis was appointed to his current position in Winner
2010 and under his leadership the Battery Group has grown Over the past year, Fourie van der Merwe was involved in
Distinguished Merit Award (DMA). The DMA is the highest accolade from strength to strength despite intense competition and numerous projects to improve customer availability processes.
that can be bestowed on any individual or team in Altron for a truly challenging market conditions. These included Nedbank TCR, the Nedbank Cash Vault
business, the Pepkor IT contract and the creation of Bytes MS’
superlative contribution to the group. new infrastructure business unit.
AMS Executive’s Award Altech Top Achiever Award
Nominees
Nominees • Brett Nash, managing director of Altech Radio Holdings.
• Ipelegeng Thibedi, Altron Corporate Communications Team. • Koogan Naicker, quality manager at Altech Netstar.
• Nathi Nkonde, Altron Tax Department. • JT Engelbrecht, operations executive at Altech Radio Holdings.
• Jackie du Plessis, administrator at the pension fund,
provident fund and medical aid scheme. Winner
JT Engelbrecht has not only been instrumental in integrating
Winner and aligning all the business units within Altech Radio Holdings,
Nathi Nkonde has proactively raised the bar in customs risk but has been a key player in guiding the operation to win
management and played a pivotal role in the Altech UEC tariff numerous tenders.
classification dispute, the recovery of anti-dumping duties for Glenn Geldenhuis, CEO of Powertech Batteries (left), receives
Bytes Document Solutions and the realisation of a significant JT Engelbrecht.jpg the 2015 Powertech Top Achievers Award from Neil Kayton, Fourie van der Merwe (left) receives his Bytes Top Achiever
VAT refund for Bytes Systems Integration. group executive: power. Award from Rob Abraham, group executive: information
technology.
Nathi AMS.jpg
2015 DMA winner
Nathi Nkonde, from the Altron
Tax Department, is the 2015 DMA
winner. He received the DMA gold
pin, two business class international
return tickets from Ethiad Airways
and three nights' accommodation
Laurence Savage, group executive: telecommunications and sponsored by Travkor Sure
multimedia (left), congratulates JT Engelbrecht, operations Travel. Here Nathi poses with his
executive at Altech Radio Holdings, on winning the Altech colleagues (from left) Christel
Nathi Nkonde receives the AMS Executive’s Award from Top Achievers Award. Lemmer, Annette Brits, Andrea
Alex Smith, Altron’s CFO. Florence and Douglas Allanson.20 AWA R DS P R OFI LE AWARD S P RO F I L E 21
Companies that are stores of value
Altech Best Company Award
Noel and Brett.jpg
Nominees
• Altech Alcom Matomo.
The Altron Chief Executive’s Award for Excellence recognises the best • Bytes Systems Integration (part of the Technology and
Multimedia leg of Altron TMT).
company in the group this past year. This award, introduced 11 years
ago, is the highest accolade that can be presented to a company in Winner
Altech Alcom Matomo won the award for an exceptional
Altron. The winner is selected from the companies that were named revenue increase of 129% and an operating profit increase of
118% on the previous year. This resulted in a profit before tax
the best in their respective groups. of 231%.
Bytes Best Company Award Powertech Best Company Award The company has cemented its position as the largest
distributor of Motorola and Hytera products in South Africa
Nominees Nominees and during the past year has won significant tenders, worth
Noel Watermeyer from Altech Alcom Matomo (right) and
• Bytes Software Services UK. • Willard Batteries. several billion rands, in a very competitive market.
Brett Nash, managing director of Altech Radio Holdings,
• Bytes Universal Systems. • Aberdare Cables.
receive Altech Alcom Matomo’s best company award
• Cables de Comunicaciones Zaragoza. In addition to these remarkable successes, Altech Alcom
from Laurence Savage.
Winner • Swanib Cables. Matomo maintained its level 2 B-BBEE status on the
Bytes Software Services UK is crowned the best company in transformation front.
Bytes for the third consecutive year. During the 2015 financial Winner
year, its revenue increased by 28% on the previous year, Aberdare Cables continued to improve its results year after
operating profit shot up by 36% and profit before tax grew year during the past four years and has once again claimed The Altron Chief Executive’s Award for Excellence
by 34%. the title as the best operation in the Powertech group. Its
turnover has risen to R3,9 billion with an operating profit
The working capital of Bytes Software Services UK is of R86 million, which is an enormous improvement from
unsurpassed in the Altron TMT group and its financial R33 million in the previous year.
reporting and audit reviews remain exceptional.
Keith Edmond.jpg
Keith Richardson.jpg
Kobus Greeff (far right), JT Engelbrecht and Noel Watermeyer join Brett Nash (far left)
on stage as he receives Altech Alcom Matomo’s award for the best company in the Altron
Aberdare Cables CEO, Keith Edmond, accepts the Powertech group for 2015 from Robbie Venter, Altron chief executive.
Group finance and operations director, Bytes Software Services Best Company Award from Neil Kayton.
UK, Keith Richardson, accepts the Bytes Best Company Award
from Rob Abraham for the third year running.22 AWA R DS P R OFI LE AWARD S P RO F I L E 23
Most Innovative Company Glenn and Willie.jpg
in the Altron Group
Working for a sustainable future Nominees
• Aberdare Cables.
• Altech Multimedia/UEC.
• Powertech Batteries.
• Altech Netstar.
Innovation, transformation and a focus on the environment are three
Winner
elements critical to Altron’s continued growth and prosperity. Powertech Batteries’ environmental team, led by Emil
Berning, was nominated for identifying a replacement
incentive programme for the important motor industry
development programme.
Altron’s Greenest Company Award Transformation Award Glenn Geldenhuis receives Powertech Batteries’ innovation
award from Dr Willie Oosthuysen.
Nominees Nominees
• Bytes Document Solutions. • Bytes People Solutions.
• Powertech System Integrators. • Altech UEC.
• Aberdare Cables. • Altech Autopage. The Most Innovative Individual in the Altron Group
Winner Winner Nominees
Powertech System Integrators won the environmental award Altech UEC, based in Mount Edgecombe in KwaZulu- • Dulani du Pisanie,
for developing and implementing a commercialised rooftop Natal, received the Transformation Award for the second Powertech Batteries.
photovoltaic system for the energy market. The offering consecutive year. Despite noteworthy achievements from • Jyoshtie Dhunes,
includes a world class engineering capability, superior the other nominees, Altech UEC’s continued leadership Aberdare Cables.
technology and power purchase agreements for clients to on transformation in all areas of the scorecard demanded • Charles Morgan,
decrease their dependence on local electricity providers. It recognition at the highest level. Particular mention was made Altech Netstar.
also guarantees savings on electricity costs. of the success of its KwaMashu programme and its focus on • Ashley Driver,
the upliftment of unemployed youth. Altech Multimedia.
Hennie and Andrew.jpg
Douglas and Danie.jpg Winner
Charles Morgan is named
the most innovative individual
in Altron for his significant
contribution to the development
of the Vigil Dispatch Manager
solution.
Altech Netstar believes that
the system will be a game Charles Morgan (left) receives his innovation
changer in the commercial award from Dr Willie Oosthuysen.
fleet telematics market and will
Hennie du Plessis, CEO of Powertech System Integrators contribute significantly towards
(left), receives PTSI’s award for the greenest company in Danie du Toit receives Altech UEC’s Transformation Award future revenue streams.
Altron from Andrew Johnson, Altron company secretary. from Douglas Ramaphosa.24 AWA R DS P R OFI LE AWARD S P RO F I L E 25
Most Improved Company in Altech Laurence and Brett.jpg
On their way to the top
Nominees
• Altech Radio Holdings.
• Bytes Systems Integration.
Winner
This year’s winner, Altech Radio Holdings, is the holding
The Altron Annual Awards recognise its operations that are not company for all of Altech’s interests in the local converged
services market and delivered superb results during the past
satisfied with good enough, but continuous to strive for excellence. financial year. Revenue increased by 63% over the previous
year with operating profit up by 53% and a profit before tax
increase of 185%.
Most Improved Company in Powertech Most Improved Company in Bytes
In addition, the operation was awarded several noteworthy Brett Nash, managing director of Altech Radio Holdings,
Nominees Nominees tenders for customers including the Gauteng Broadband accepts his company’s award from Laurence Savage.
• Cables de Comunicaciones Zaragoza. • Altech ISIS (part of Bytes Universal Systems). Network, the City of Tshwane, SAPS and the City of Cape
• Powertech Switchgear. • Bytes Document Solutions. Town.
• Swanib Cables.
Winner
Winner Altech ISIS showed outstanding progress and business growth
Cables de Comunicaciones Zaragoza improved its revenue during an extremely challenging year. Revenues increased by Altron Chairman’s Young Leaders Award
by 25% during the past year, while operating profit rose by an 24% on the previous year while operating profit rose by 40%,
incredible 191%. From making a loss last year, the company resulting in a profit before tax of 37%. Nominees
turned a profit for the past financial year of R13,2 million. The • Parvesh Chetty,
turnaround is all the more remarkable when considered against Apart from its excellent results and strong business Altron TMT Audit and Risk.
the backdrop of the poor state of the Spanish economy. partnerships, customers have a high regard for Altech ISIS’ • Desiree Else,
strong management team. Altron Internal Audit.
Spanish team.jpg • Michelle Doyle,
Altech Isis.jpg Altron Corporate
Communications, Shared
Services Division.
Winner
Having also been nominated in
2014, Desiree Else receives the
award for her superlative work
ethic and her strong leadership
abilities. These qualities are
evident in the execution of her
duties as an auditor, as well as Pieter-Ben Pienaar, chairperson of the Altron YPC,
Veronica Iliescu, CEO, and Antonio Benal Franco, finance in her efforts to promote and with Desiree Else, recipient of the 2015 Chairman’s
manager of Cables de Comunicaciones Zaragoza, accept the Alan Currie, MD of Bytes Universal Systems, accepts the support the Altron YPC. Young Leader Award.
award for the Most Improved Company in Powertech from most improved company award on behalf of Altech ISIS
Neil Kayton. from Rob Abraham.26 AWA R DS P R OFI LE AWARD S P RO F I L E 27
The Awards' special moments
Romika Naidu, Tumi Molefe, Marilé Branders (Strategy
team), Komane Thladi, Teboho Mankga, Tanya Gruhn, Nadine
Alwyn van der Linde, Ilse Potgieter, Madelise Grobler, Theo
Combrinck and Liezl Kruger, all from Altron Communications
Bohnen, Wayne Smith, and Pieter Nel, all from BPS.
Shared Services.
Natascha Jansen van Vuuren (Altron TMT), Andrew Condon Regula Niehus (Altron), Shenanda Janse van Rensburg,
(Altech Radio Holdings) and Joshua Motjuwadi (Altron TMT). (Altron TMT) , Lizelle Brink (Altron TMT) and Caroline Beswick
(Altech Collab).
Dr Venter receives a coffee table book from his son and current chief executive of Altron, Robbie. Compiled by Grant Rogerson,
the book reflects Altron’s highlights of the past 50 years in words, pictures and letters.
Vocalist Angela Kilian poses with
Robbie Venter and Dr Bill Venter receive the painting Dr Venter, Penny Venter and Grant
Crabtree colleagues and friends: (standing) Conrad Pieterse, Standing: Tamryne Damons, Omesha Moodley, Joyce Ndaba, presented to Altron by the Aon Group to mark the company’s Rogerson.
Colin Wong, Chad Andrews, Gary Venter, (seated) James Chris Potgieter, Christine Vorster and Le Roi Naude. Seated: 50th anniversary from Paul Nanson, principal broker -
Calmeyer, John Human, Jannie de Lange and Nadine Combrinck. Jenita Suknunun, Dirk Hammann and Vanessa Grieves. corporate, Aon South Africa.28 AWA R DS P R OFI LE AWARD S P RO F I L E 29
Pianist and vocalist, Jonathan Roxmouth.
As has become the custom, the Altron
Annual Awards featured a line-up of
talented entertainers to add variety
and style to the proceedings.
The Crabtree choir charmed the audience, proving that Altron’s in-house
talent can share a stage with the country’s best entertainers. Vocalist Angela Kilian.
Altron has been a keen supported of the Joburg Ballet Company for many years,
in particular its successful outreach programme for talented young dancers from
disadvantaged backgrounds. Some of those young dancers performed at the awards.
David Bloch presided as master of
As they have done at numerous Altron events over the years, ceremonies. This year’s awards was the 10th
Angela Kilian and Timothy Moloi entertained the guests with event David produced and in recognition of
their magnificent voices. the milestone, and his excellent productions
over the years, Robbie Venter presented him
Comedian Mpho (Popps) had the audience in stitches. The Laser Man show. with a special award.30 W E LLN ESS PR OFI LE W E L L NE SS P RO F I L E 31
5. Exercise regularly 7. Eat right 9. Check your blood pressure
As little as 20 to 30 minutes of exercise Eat green leafy vegetables and fruit, Diagnose and treat hypertension or
three times a week makes a big as well as omega-3 fats. Fish, nuts high blood pressure early to avoid
difference to heart health. Exercise and seeds are rich in omega-3 fats, heart disease. Hypertension increases
that gets your heart pumping to almost which reduce the risk of stroke and pressure on the heart, forcing it to
twice its normal rate is ideal for heart disease. pump harder than normal. Over time
stimulating the heart muscle. A lack of this leads to an abnormally large,
exercise can be linked to an increased 8. Check your cholesterol level flabby heart.
risk of heart disease. Exercise does not Unhealthy fats increase the risk of
just benefit the heart but helps with strokes as well as heart disease. 10. Be happy
weight loss and controlling cholesterol The good news is that cholesterol is Aggression, anger, depression and
levels and blood pressure. manageable. Unhealthy cholesterol anxiety all increase the risk of heart
causes plaque to build up in the blood disease. Studies show that the happiest
6. Control your weight vessels, which increases blood pressure people are 22% less likely to develop
Being overweight increases the risks and strains the heart. Keep cholesterol heart diseases. Find and encourage
of high blood pressure, which in turn in check by staying away from good habits and invite happiness
puts your heart and blood vessels polyunsaturated fats. into your life.
Help your heart
under strain.
Stop smoking: are e-cigarettes the way to go?
to stay pumping fit Some people use e-cigarettes to help them stop smoking,
but research still has some way to go in understanding
these devices’ short- and long-term effects on smokers and
These and other particles found in e-cigarettes can
negatively affect the lungs and heart, and possibly
cause cancer.
secondary smokers.
How should employers manage e-cigarettes in
How e-cigarettes work the workplace?
Your heart’s job is to keep your blood flowing – from the heart to the E-cigarettes use battery power to heat up a glycerol liquid • Designate buildings as smoking-free environments.
lungs to be oxygenated, and back to the heart where it is pumped to and create a vapour that the e-smoker inhales. The liquids • Include the company’s decisions on e-cigarettes in the
found in e-cigarettes contain varying amounts of nicotine and wellness policy.
the rest of the body. With age, the heart gets tired and pumps less several other ingredients, including flavourants. • Publish the company’s policies on smoking internally.
Conventional cigarettes burn tobacco, which releases • Designate separate e-cigarette smoking areas to
efficiently. By keeping your heart healthy you will help it to remain up to 4 000 chemicals, most of which are toxic to humans. protect e-smokers from normal cigarette smokers,
efficient for much longer. Here’s what you can do. These include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, arsenic
and cyanide. Over time, the chemicals increase the risk of
and to protect non-smokers from e-smoking smoke.
• Introduce initiatives to help e-cigarette smokers quit.
respiratory illnesses and cancer. • Where workplace wellness programmes extend to
1. Cut down on alcohol 2. Cut down on salt 4. Stop smoking E-cigarettes contain trace elements of tobacco, but family members, include education and awareness
A glass of red wine a day increases good Too much salt increases your risk of Smoking increases the number of have the same levels of nicotine and other compounds, communication to them.
fats, called high-density lipoprotein getting high blood pressure. toxins in the lungs and reduces the such as formaldehyde, as conventional cigarettes.
(HDL), and decreases bad fats, called lungs’ ability to transport oxygen to the
low-density lipoprotein (LDL). At these 3. Test your glucose blood. It also overloads the heart by
low amounts, alcohol has been shown Unmanaged diabetes poses a significant worsening atherosclerosis, a condition
to protect the heart. Too much alcohol, threat to a healthy heart. Go for regular where plaque clogs up the arteries and Healthy you, Healthy people have been shown to be more productive at their work and
are absent less. Looking after your health is an important part of being
however, causes liver damage, increases
the risk of diabetes and can affect the
blood glucose tests and start treatment
as soon as possible if you are diagnosed
prevents blood from being pumped
effectively through the body.
healthy career successful at work and growing in your career.
foetus of a pregnant woman. with diabetes.
Source: Dr Lerato Motshudi, Alexander Forbes HealthYou can also read
