Johannesburg, 02 Sep 2013
Sage South Africa has announced the launch of Sage HR Africa, a new business unit for HR and payroll software and services in Africa. This comes as a result of Sage's drive to expand operations in Africa and to continuously deliver world-class solutions in Africa, addressing the unique business needs of African companies.
Sage HR Africa is a joint venture between Sage VIP and Sage Pastel Payroll & HR's international divisions. "By uniting the two divisions, we can better leverage the Sage brand, which is well known and respected in Africa. As a united force, we believe we can be more successful on the continent by consolidating our infrastructure and developing a mutual business partner network," says Anton van Heerden, managing director for Sage VIP and Sage Pastel Payroll & HR.
Sage HR Africa will be a developer, implementer and support provider of HR and payroll management software and services for any size business in Africa. The business unit will operate in 35 African countries, and together with an extensive business partner network, it will be able to assist with installation, training and on-site support.
"The Sage HR Africa team is serious about delivering excellent customer service. They are experts in their field and have been developing innovative software and services for more than 28 years," says Van Heerden.
Heading up Sage HR Africa will be Gerhard Hartman, previously Head of the International Division at Sage VIP. "Our business requires someone with a passion for the development and implementation of technology focused HR and payroll solutions, who understands the complexity of business in Africa and is able to spearhead the growth of the business," says Van Heerden. "Gerhard brings with him a key understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the African market, as well as a wealth of experience in tailor-making HR and payroll solutions to customers with very specific business needs. Gerhard is therefore the perfect fit for the position as Head of Sage HR Africa."
Sage HR Africa's innovative product line includes Sage Pastel Partner Payroll & HR (for start-up and small businesses) and Sage VIP Premier Payroll & HR (for medium-sized to large businesses and enterprises). The two products complement each other well and present a comprehensive offering.
Hartman says: "These solutions are cost-effective, easy to use and will cater for the growth of any business in Africa by providing the perfect fit for their unique business requirements." Other important features include: seamless integration with all accounting solutions; integration between payroll, human resource management and employee self service (ESS); powerful business intelligence reporting; functionality for advanced leave; and a thorough needs analysis and implementation management plan.
In addition to the extensive business partner network, customers will also have access to a dedicated call centre that offers expert advice. "The business partners will also have to complete a rigorous annual certification programme, ensuring that customers will, at all times, enjoy the best local support available," says Hartman.
"Sage remains at the forefront of HR and payroll legislative changes, and with the new unit, we will continue to provide the African market with legislative-compliant software solutions in conjunction with government and local authorities," says Hartman.
Sage HR Africa will join forces with Sage ERP Africa and Sage Pastel Accounting in opening a new office in Lagos, Nigeria. "I am excited about our company's continuous expansion into Africa. We appreciate the importance of having a local presence and employing local people. We look forward to working with the rest of the Sage South Africa team to strengthen our position on the continent even further," concludes Hartman.
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