It`s been a year since Business Connexion and Comparex Africa tied the knot to become the `new` empowered entity that it is today. Deputy CEO, Benjamin Mophatlane and Sydney Ramutla, regional chief executive: Johannesburg, discuss the mechanics and benefits that transformation has brought to the combined entity.
At the outset, both executives clearly believe in empowerment as a necessity to further the economic goals of Business Connexion, and in the broader context, SA as a whole. Says Ramutla: "In the socio-economic environment in which we do business, there are two critical factors for success that carry equal weight. Those are empowerment of the previously disadvantaged, and the ability to deliver."
As such, says Mophatlane, Business Connexion has succeeded over the past year in delivering good results in what he describes as a very tough market.
"We have won some new deals, and have used these deals as an opportunity to increasingly diversify our workforce," he explains, alluding that the company does not want to follow a policy of introducing previously disadvantaged employees at the expense of its existing staff complement.
Mophatlane notes that the organisation believes diversity within the workforce is critical to unlocking further value - the culture in which the company operates is not homogeneous, and therefore its staff and management should not be drawn from one group.
"Diversity, of course, is not just about race - it`s also about increasing the participation of women, the disabled and other groups that make up South African society. By actively seeking diversity, we believe we are better positioned to provide the solutions that are required by both businesses and the public sector," he says.
Prior to merger, both entities had laid good groundwork within the public sector, and Ramutla believes Business Connexion is in a better position than ever before to provide solutions to government.
"We`ve got what it takes from any angle - we have a compelling story in terms of empowerment and social upliftment initiatives, while as one of the country`s largest and most diverse - in product and solution terms - organisations, we also bring a track record that shows we can deliver the goods," he explains.
Ramutla adds that the organisation has a strong focus on key verticals, including affording close attention to the empowerment charters in the financial and mining sectors, and positioning itself accordingly to deliver.
Giving a nod to the success of the company`s marketing department, Mophatlane says Business Connexion`s efforts to create value have been well articulated through the `power of X` campaign. "Naming and positioning are key, especially in a challenging marketplace. We`ve done that very well; while the definition of value for a large business such as our own is always about more than just showing good numbers over the course of a year, we`ve seen the corporate sector as well as the government sector warming to our value proposition," he concludes.
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