Like any developing nation, one of the biggest issues on the South African agenda is economic growth and job creation. With the global economic outlook still highly uncertain, companies can no longer afford for socio-economic development (SED) and enterprise development (ED) initiatives to take the form of well-meaning, charitable efforts alone.
In this light, leading document solutions company PanSolutions has re-evaluated its SED and ED projects in terms of real-world returns. The company has a number of initiatives that in total contribute over R670 000 to support small businesses in the technology arena. But it is not the amount of the investment that is interesting, but the creative way in which PanSolutions is using the investment to realise long-term returns.
One of these stories is that of TBG Technologies. Founded by Tebogo Radebe, TBG Technologies serves schools, NGOs and small businesses by repairing and maintaining multifunctional photocopiers, printers and faxes, reselling consumables such as toner cartridges and ink, and supplying refurbished computers.
In addition to receiving ongoing support, TBG Technologies received a major boost from PanSolutions through its enterprise development programme, whereby PanSolutions donated over 100 second-hand copier machines and fax units to TBG Technologies. An investment valued in excess of R240 000, the provision of these machines will allow TBG to resell, expand, serve more customers, increase revenue and employ more people.
The second of PanSolutions' success stories is that of Nkamulo Technology and Stationery. Founded in 2010 by Charlotte Tshabalala, the company supplies and maintains multifunctional printers, copiers, IT hardware, PABX systems, PA systems and CCTV solutions. With a sizeable investment of R284 000, PanSolutions donated 3 640 rechargeable, low-energy lights to Nkamulo Technology and Stationery. Not only will these be resold at a profit to increase revenue, Nkamulo also plans to use the lights as purchase incentives to strengthen customer relations and also to donate many of these useful devices to worthwhile causes to strengthen its BEE scorecard.
These lights, which are useful during power outages, are also helping to light the way for underprivileged kids. PanSolutions has donated 880 lights to needy schools and children's homes, brightening the lives of those less fortunate and helping learners to study after dark.
The most promising possibility for sustainable job creation exists in the entrepreneurial sphere, where many South Africans are showing increasing resourcefulness and determination. This entrepreneurial culture is something to be encouraged. This is a belief PanSolutions has turned into an SED strategy. The provision of these resources will allow both businesses to expand, serve more customers, increase revenue and employ more people, all of which are outcomes on PanSolutions' SED and ED agendas.
Ronel Erasmus, Communications Manager of PanSolutions, explains: "As a leader in business solutions, PanSolutions has a steadfast belief that socio-economic and enterprise development initiatives should do more than tick boxes on a company scorecard. We believe that every investment should have a high-performing return on investment. For this reason, PanSolutions' contributions form part of a strategy with the goal of sustainable growth."
These initiatives are an example of how companies are getting creative about the business of socio-economic development and enterprise development to support new job creation and contribute to a stronger, more stable economy.
For more information about PanSolutions' SED and ED initiatives, please contact: (011) 313 1616.
Share
Editorial contacts