Picture: The GWK merged with VKB Group/Google
By OBAKENG MAJE
GWK said it merger with VKB has produced a positive impact in less than six months. According to the GWK Engagement Manager, Madri Scheepers, the merger was officially approved by the Competition Authorities earlier this year.
“There are positive stories about the impact of the merger and the people in this story have already emerged. Directly or indirectly, people, including employees, customers and communities in the areas where GWK and VKB operate businesses, have begun to experience the positive impact of the merger.
“Value has already been unlocked for the VKB Group (or the combined group) in specific divisions, either monetarily or through efficiencies. More positive news is that, the combined group is moving forward and successfully finding solutions for more efficient energy consumption at various business units,” she said.
Scheepers further said this value can be attributed to several factors and one of these, is the leadership of the GWK/VKB’s integration committee, which follows a structured and comprehensive process to lead the integration process in collaboration with the executive leadership team of the VKB Group.
She added that, apart from the input of this committee, the dedication of the employees of the combined group is worth mentioning.
“Every day, employees embrace the changes and focus on utilising the opportunities on a professional, personal, and business level. These people are, and have always been a core focus for GWK and VKB, even before the merger.
“As a combined group, employees have the certainty that no retrenchments linked to the merger will take place for 36 months from the effective date and eligible employees will soon share in the benefits of employee trusts,” said Scheepers.
She said in addition to this, employees have more opportunities to develop and grow their careers as part of one of the largest agricultural businesses in South Africa. Scheepers said as part of the integration process, dedicated focus and hard work are being done to unlock benefits for clients as a result of the merger.
“This applies to commercial and emerging producers who each play a valuable role in the sustainability of agriculture – something vital to the combined group. The focus on support for emerging producers and the establishment of these producers as sustainable commercial farmers in the future, are supported by projects that are already actively operating for the last few years, as well as access to financing and other services.
“The latter includes established and committed financing solutions and input financing to eligible emerging producers, which are available through the combined group (subject to the credit policy and relevant legislation),” she said.
Scheepers said potential qualifying beneficiaries can send their enquiries to contact@vkb.co.za. She said currently, the processes and qualifying requirements are being put in place for managing financing options – the group will communicate with relevant stakeholder groups as soon as more information is available.
“The company’s connection with PALS (Partners in Agri Land Solutions) is a further vital partnership to promote innovative and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector and to support communities, as well as promote sustainability within the industry.
“An example of one existing project is Agriqua, which is a structured mentorship programme that has been successfully implemented and is operating in the Taung area. One hundred and fourteen producers form part of the programme, which strives to support emerging producers in preparation for establishing commercial farms,” concluded Scheepers.
The Guardian 