Why Global Companies Choose South Africa
Global companies with a presence in South Africa all cite numerous advantages for setting up shop in the country, from low labour costs to excellent infrastructure – and a base to export products internationally.
Jim Myers, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, says that nearly 50% of the chamber’s members are Fortune 500 companies, and that over 90% operate beyond South Africa’s borders into southern Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and across the continent. “The sophisticated business environment of South Africa provides a powerful strategic export and manufacturing platform for achieving global competitive advantage, cost reductions and new market access,” says Myers.
Acer Africa
In 1995, Acer Africa acquired ownership of a locally based company they had been working with to distribute peripherals and printers since 1980. A leading international PC manufacturer and vendor, Acer recognised the wealth of opportunities in South Africa as local IT companies rapidly came abreast of world standards following the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. For Acer, South Africa’s modern banking and telephone systems and exceptional water and power rates made the country a sound business location. Acer Africa was established as a base to export to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Angola and the islands along the Indian Ocean. “South Africa is the only port of entry to Africa, the only place that one would be able to succeed.” – Peter Ibbotson (Acer Africa)
Alcatel
“Alcatel has built its worldwide reputation on its production. Investing with local partners [electronics group Altech and black empowerment company Rethabile] in South Africa has meant that we have demanded a high standard of technology and capability and believe that in many respects South Africa compares very favourably with the most advanced countries in the world.” – Bernard Vaslin, executive vice president, Alcatel
Agrid South Africa
Agrid South Africa, an offspring of Agrid International, was formed in July 1999. They are the manufacturers of diesel/petrol engines and agricultural implements for small farmers, a sizeable change from their history of manufacturing for massive farming. Agrid South Africa has focused on exporting their products to Europe and other African countries, more specifically Kenya, Nigeria, Angola and Uganda. However, they recently found a gap in the local market for their products. Agrid chose South Africa for its established and proven manufacturing base, skilled labour at reasonable rates, and readily available management. Other attractions were the expansion of the local motor industry, excellent telecommunications, and the accessibility of sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Australia. “I see South Africa as a low-cost manufacturing base for exporting products to the world.” – Ralph Weeks (Agrid South Africa)
Barclays Bank
Almost 20 years after disinvesting from South Africa, Barclays returned in 2005, buying a majority stake in Absa, one of South Africa’s “big four” banks. At a cost of nearly R30-billion (£2.6 billion), this represented the biggest single foreign direct investment in South Africa and a historic deal “not just for South Africa and its citizens but also for Barclays,” said Barclays Plc director David Roberts. “Absa is a valuable addition to the Barclays Group, bringing significant scale and expertise in the South African market.” “It’s a huge vote of confidence,” said Dominic Bruynseels, CEO of Barclays Africa and Middle East. “We think South Africa is a positive and growing economy, and we want to be a part of that.”
BMW South Africa
In 1994, BMW opened its Land Rover assembly plant in Rosslyn outside Pretoria, and in 1995 focused on providing one model platform under the BMW badge, namely the four-door 3-series range. “This strategic decision allowed BMW to produce the 3-series in volumes and to the quality standards required to be competitive in the global export market,” said BMW South Africa MD Peter Foster. “The company has recognised quality systems in place to be able to develop new manufacturing technologies, components and systems for motor vehicles in South Africa.” The company recently decided to invest a further R2-billion in the South African facility in preparation for the production of future models. It is anticipated that the upgraded plant will be capable of producing up to 60 000 units per annum. This will, in turn, result in a substantial increase in BMW’s export capacity, to R50-billion worth of BMW exports from South Africa over the lifecycle of future models. The Rosslyn plant recently began production of the fifth generation of the 3-Series – the first time in the history of the plant that production of a new model had started simultaneously with production in BMW’s German plants.
Britannia Biscuits
Access to the local and southern African market was a key factor in Britannia Biscuits’ choice of South Africa as an investment destination. Research found that there was more than enough potential in the region for Britannia Biscuits to set up a manufacturing base for its key products, which include biscuits, snacks and confectionery. The company has found that real production costs in South Africa are lower than in Southeast Asia, where it also has operations. “You do not get any better in Africa than South Africa. This is the Jewel of Africa … In South Africa you have first world infrastructure and third world costs.” – Britannia Biscuits MD Sam Ahmed
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems established business in South Africa in 1989, becoming the exclusive partner to Dimension Data. South Africa’s transport and telecommunications infrastructure make it the gateway to the continent, and Cisco Systems’ local branch has since become its Africa headquarters. South Africa offered Cisco Systems an educated, affluent and well-trained labour force with a work ethic comparable to that of Europe and America and no apparent language barriers, creating a knowledgeable and business-friendly environment. The company has committed itself to helping develop South Africa through networking academies in association with local universities and Technikons.
EDS South Africa
EDS South Africa was formed through the merger of three local IT companies in 1995, and by September 1999 was a wholly owned subsidiary of EDS Corp. The company’s entry into the South African market was based on a balance of commercial gain and socio-economic and political stability. It was also motivated by a positive impression of South Africa’s commercial opportunities and the efforts of the government to create a stable business environment. EDS recognised South Africa’s economic growth potential and believed it could help the country increase its competitiveness in the international market by deploying the latest business tools in the local IT market. EDS South Africa is a founding partner of Savant, a government-led initiative to market South Africa’s IT, telecoms and electronic sectors globally.
General Electric
“The re-entry of General Electric (USA) to the South and southern African market has been exciting and has well exceeded our operating plan expectations.” South Africa’s excellent infrastructure, together with first-class financial, legal and commercial systems, makes this country a natural location to pursue the significant opportunities of South and southern Africa. “The friendly business environment ensures that we can run our business efficiently, and we look forward to successful and profitable operations in southern Africa that meet our global goals and create wealth for the GE shareholder.” – GE South Africa president Michael C Hendry
Hertz International
“With South Africa’s return as a fully-fledged member of the international community, there has been a resurgence of both business and holiday travel. As a result, Hertz felt that it was essential to establish a substantial car rental operation to service this strategically important, fast-growing market. South Africa enjoys a sophisticated financial market that can facilitate the rapid expansion of a capital-intensive industry like car rental. The market in South Africa presents Hertz with an excellent business opportunity as the country continues to become more closely integrated into the global community.” – Hertz International vice-president Charles Shafer
Johnson Controls
Dorbel, a locally based company invited Johnson Controls into South Africa to produce seats for Volkswagen worldwide. The company produces cockpit seat liners, headliners and central steering columns, but they have been exporting leather and front ends for Volkswagen since 1995. The decision to come into South Africa was a strategic one, influenced by the reasonable labour rates the country offers and the government’s SMMDP incentive, which was very attractive after the tax holiday was discontinued. South Africa as a business location proved to be the best destination for Johnson Controls. It boasted a brilliant level of intelligence that was complimented by strong commitment and superb service. “The asset of South Africa is its people. They are willing and committed.” – Eleugene Human (Johnson Controls)
Levi Strauss
“South Africa’s financial industry is dynamic and highly sophisticated, with many South African financial institutions, large and medium-sized, powerfully taking their place on a global stage and successfully competing with the very best and most established institutions in the world. “The dynamics of change and development in this industry in South Africa are stimulating new and exciting development in the economy as a whole and are rapidly integrating South Africa with a greater global village. “To operate in an environment as sophisticated and as dynamic as this has helped Levi Strauss achieve a return on investment two years ahead of projections.” – Levi Strauss (SA) MD Wadell Blackwell
Senior Flexonics
Senior Flexonics, a manufacturer of automotive components, set up operation in 1997 as part of the company’s drive to become the lowest cost producer and highest volume sourcer for flexible connectors in the world. Close to 100% of the South African operation’s production is exported to companies such as GM, Ford, Rover and Alpha Romeo. Globally, Senior Flexonics supplies 10% of the world market, with 2% of the total production coming from the South African operation. The company has been able to take advantage of the benefits of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), an incentive scheme provided by the South African government. The programme is founded on a gradual reduction in tariff protection to expose the local industry to competition, encouraging higher volumes and greater specialisation by allowing exporting firms rebates on import duties and a range of incentives designed to upgrade industry capacity. Senior Flexonics chose South Africa as an investment destination over India and Brazil not only because of issues relating to quality but it to benefit from the easily access to stainless steel and cheap electricity. The production of catalytic converters requires high levels of electricity, which it can access at extremely competitive rates.
Singapore Airlines
The South African natural environment, its diversity, the richness of its peoples and landscape. Its magnificent quality of life with all comforts of the first world provide an irresistible magnet for tourists and for business people who want to explore this exciting country to realise business opportunities. “Aviation will have a fundamental role to play in the expansion of South Africa’s trade and tourism sectors. On its part, Singapore Airlines remains committed to the South African market and will continue to focus on enhancing its services and exploring new opportunities.” – Dr Cheong, Singapore Airlines
Vodafone
The world’s largest communications company, Vodafone, announced its intention to increase its stake in South African cellular company Vodacom in November 2005. Already controlling a 35% share of Vodacom, the British based communications giant put in a R16 billion bid for Venfin, a holding company whose major asset is a 15% stake in Vodacom. Telkom, the parastatal fixed-line monopoly, holds the remaining 50% of the company. This deal, although not yet complete, will be the second largest inflow of foreign direct investment since 1994. The largest investment in the country was the deal, earlier in 2005, between Absa and Barclays Bank.
Volkswagen South Africa
Volkswagen South Africa is a subsidiary of Volkswagen of AG. It is a company that follows the world-class quality standards that are set by their parent company, who also manage to keep abreast of technological development in motor manufacturing. Volkswagen SA is a known leader in affordability and it achieved great success with the introduction of the Citi Chicco in 1995. Apart from exporting built-up units to overseas markets, Volkswagen SA also exports body and engine parts and catalytic converters to countries like Argentina, Spain, Belgium and Germany. Volkswagen SA employs 6 500 people, which makes it the largest foreign employer in the country. Volkswagen SA is committed to providing South Africa with cars of exceptional quality.
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