Safmarine Computer Services (SCS) and a consortium led by I-Thina Technology Group have created SCS Africa in a significant black economic empowerment (BEE) deal. SCS is the technology international solutions company that grew out of the services arm of maritime giant Safmarine. Under its new ownership structure, SCS Africa firmly embraces the spirit of economic empowerment to create a business that is inclusive and builds wealth for all South Africans. Financial details were not disclosed.
All commercial business in SA will be driven through this new entity. SCS Africa has been challenged to grow new business and focusing on market segments previously unaddressed by SCS.
"We are wholly committed to this empowerment initiative, and are structuring it for long-term success," said Temba Qukula, MD of SCS Africa.
"I-Thina Technology Group has a 51% stake in the business. To ensure that the new business will succeed, SCS Africa will initially be supported by the SCS Group with resources and people being seconded allowing us grow a sustainable organisation quickly."
"We've hit the ground running with SCS Africa, with our teams already moving into place to focus on the vast array of business opportunities that our new BEE partners bring in both the private sector and government. By embracing the ideals of the ICT charter, we can also help to build a stronger, more equitable SA," said Qukula. "This is a huge opportunity for our people in SA at SCS Africa to show the world what we can do. We have excellent integration skills that no one else in the market can touch, especially in advanced IBM-based technologies."
SCS Africa has procurement policies in place to source from BEE suppliers.
The company also supports the Safmarine Group's extensive community and social responsibility projects. SCS Africa will continue to manage its training and recruitment activities to increase racial and gender parity in the workforce, with skills development programmes to ensure the company keeps its place as a pre-eminent provider of highly sophisticated business solutions.
The existing SCS operation in Europe will focus on AP Moller group business, and SCS Africa will continue to have access to SCS's worldwide operations for resources and specific competencies. The SCS Group affords its clients the benefits of such large group with its "global reach and local touch" philosophy.
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