Tag Archive for: corporate relocation

After 9 years within the Mobilitas Group, René Webster brings her people focused, hands on approach to propel Relocation Africa along a strong growth trajectory.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 4 OCTOBER 2024

Relocation Africa is proud to announce that René Webster will be joining the business and bringing her analytical people focused approach to the team at our Head Office in Cape Town from October 2024 to scale the business into its next phase of growth, by combining her experience and skills with the reputation, processes and quality-centric services delivered by Relocation Africa to their clients for the past 31 years, so we become the Relocation Company of Choice in Africa.

When Relocation Africa started in 1994, to facilitate business flooding into the new South Africa, the entrepreneurial mother and daughter team of Rose and René Maytham could never have dreamt that 30 years later the business would be providing multiple mobility services across more than 30 countries across Africa. Although Rose left the business in the late 90’s, René and her husband, Andrew Stegmann, who joined the business in 2002, have grown the group to a point where it provides quality relocation, immigration, research, payroll and payment services to the mobility sector across Africa, however scaling a business requires different skills.

“Entrepreneurs can start business and grow revenue streams, but there are cleverer people with more structured and analytical skills that can accelerate the scaling of a business better than us.” says Andrew Stegmann, the MD of Relocation Africa. “We’re honoured to have someone of Webster’s experience and standing in the industry joining us to help scale into the future.” he finishes – showing the first hints at the new challenges they will be facing: how do they refer to the two René’s now leading in the business without getting mixed up.

René Stegmann and René Webster have always shared a mutual respect for each other, even as competitors, and have both helped shape the global mobility industry across Africa. Their shared passion for the continent and commitment to service excellence makes René Webster’s joining a natural fit, especially with her deep relationships globally and her extensive knowledge of the industry in Africa.

With René Webster on board, René Stegmann will step into a new role as Head of Strategy, which includes integrating ESG principles and leveraging technology to meet not only the client’s evolving needs, but also focused alignment with the global SDG’s. “Anyone who knows me, will understand how excited I am to be able to focus more time and energy on ESG. It’s a privilege having someone of René’s calibre joining our team, and even more so now that we’ve been chatting, I understand more how passionate she is too about sustainability and focusing on the SDG’s 2030 Agenda. The future is bright, for Relocation Africa”, she says confidently.

Having had a few months off, René Webster is rejoining the industry with a refreshed commitment and energy to provide inspiring leadership to the team at Relocation Africa. In the coming weeks, she will immerse herself in understanding the systems and processes that Relocation Africa employs to deliver exceptional services to clients. Following this, she will collaborate to design and implement a growth strategy that will maximise success for Relocation Africa’s clients into the future.

With a sparkle in her eye, René Webster says: “I’m incredibly excited to join Relocation Africa, mostly because of the amazing people here.” Anyone who knows me understands that I firmly believe success is driven by the strength of the team you’re part of, and I can already see how special this team is. I can’t wait to contribute to and grow with them as we take the business to new heights.

– END –

Contact details:

Cassidy Dauberman

Phone: 021 763-4240

Email: cassidy@relocationafrica.com

Website: www.relocationafrica.com

Employees working as a Team

What is DE&I?

 

DE&I is any policy or practice implemented in the workplace to ensure that people from various backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and able to reach their fullest potential in their respective area of work.

Diversity is the presence, acknowledgement, and celebration of differences within a given setting. Diversity in the workplace can look like having a staff that is diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and socioeconomic class.

Equity is the practice of ensuring that policies, culture, and programs are fair and impartial. The implementation of Equity in the workplace enables all employees to have equal possible outcomes, without discrimination or favouritism.

Inclusion in the workplace allows people to feel a sense of belonging. Having a work environment in which inclusivity is implemented means that every employee feels comfortable, supported, and accepted by the organisation to be their authentic selves.

DE&I is a principle that acknowledges the significance of a diverse and dynamic team and emphasizes inclusivity and employee well-being as central facets of success. To bring those values to life, companies must implement programs and initiatives that actively make their offices more diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces.

 

Relocation Africa’s DE &I Journey in Recent Years

 

South Africa, as beautiful as it is, is a country still troubled by the legacy of exclusion and discrimination. The country has progressed and established laws and regulations that assists previously disadvantaged populations and promotes equality in all areas of life. As a proudly South African company, Relocation Africa recognises our responsibility to implement these important practices in our workplace.

Our approach to DE&I is holistic and all encompassing as we recognise the intersectionality of our staff’s identities. We view DE&I not just as compliance focused where we simply tick the necessary boxes and call it a day.  Rather, we understand DE&I on a much deeper level and recognise that is a requirement upon businesses that will ultimately impact the society in which we all live and love.

The Covid-19 pandemic left a lasting mark on societies across the world. Affecting people and populations in different ways, businesses too, were left with no choice but to re-assess and become adaptive.

In response to the pandemic, Relocation Africa stayed true to our mission and promise of embracing the unknown. In our Head office in particular, we implemented a monthly wellness check-in, wherein we created a safe space to facilitate some uncomfortable conversations. These monthly wellness check-ins laid the foundations of our DE&I responsibility and allowed for our employees to feel comfortable. It provided them with a sense of belonging and community and gave them the necessary room to be their authentic selves.

At Relocation Africa we recognise that DE&I is a cultural change which takes time, education, and substantial leadership to achieve. We train our internal staff and external consultants on topics such as Unconscious Bias with the objective to unlearn any prejudices we unknowingly held. These workshops provide safe spaces to get comfortable and be honest, without the feeling or fear of judgement.  These have led to a deeper cultural sensitivity in the workplace and helps when dealing with our clients from differing cultures.

With D E&I as a priority, our head office also adopted a more flexible working environment and culture for our team. Although covid is now, in 2024,  a thought that passes unentertained for many of us, we still maintain this same flexibility. We recognise the differing backgrounds of our staff, many of whom are mothers to young children or live far from the office. To ensure the workplace is pleasant and comfortable for all, we have implemented different working hours and even a hybrid working environment. This way, we ensure that our business practices are not only DE&I adhesive, but also accommodates for all members of our team in a manner that is convenient and comfortable.

 

Why Should DE&I be Implemented in the Workplace?

 

The DE&I initiative is crucial to creating a wholesome work culture in which every member feels valued. Diversity in the workplace brings about fresh perspectives, equity allows for all groups of people to equally participate in the workplace, while inclusion is important for retention as it allows employees to feel valued and appreciated. Overall, DE&I helps to improve employee morale, promotes business ethics, and perpetuates creative problem-solving and innovation.

A company’s identity is derived from its culture. A company’s culture affects everything from employee performance to employee retention rates and loyalty.

DE&I is a principle that, if not implemented at every level of the company and every department, is not being properly practiced, and this will inevitably reflect in the company’s culture. When implemented correctly, DE&I induces cohesiveness among employees and a healthy work environment. With a diverse, equal, and valued workforce, it is undeniable that a business increases its chances of success.

 

Benefits of DE&I in the workplace

  • Diverse workplaces are more innovative.
  • DE&I enhances and preserves company culture.
  • Higher employee retention and lower turnover.
  • Equity and Inclusion combats workplace burnout.
  • DEI creates a sense of belonging for all employees.
  • Inclusion improves business decision-making processes.
  • Companies are able to reach a more extensive talent pool.
  • Diverse workplace teams are much more likely to perform better financially.

  

Relocation Africa takes pride in our efforts that we’ve exerted over the past years to implement DE&I in all areas of business. We acknowledge it not merely as a concept, but recognise it as something for which we must take responsibility. Our journey with D,E&I is one that requires the involvement of all stakeholders, as we continue to learn and grow in this field.

 

Read more on the humane aspects of how we conduct business in our cornerstone article, What Makes Relocation Africa Different? 

 

For a different perspective, read more on the key takeaways noted by our intern on how we go about Achieving Wellness in the Workplace. 

 

Part of our identity at Relocation Africa is the fact that we are multifaceted and diverse. We are engaged in numerous independent and international commercial initiatives outside of our company such as EuRA, which we are a proud member of, and we take pleasure in the satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from our involvement in external causes and activities.  

 

Relocation Africa celebrates every achievement, triumph, and milestone, and pays homage to each of them, whether great or small, in order to acknowledge their individual importance.  

 

We celebrate being a member of the Cape Chapters, which is a branch of the South African Chamber of Commerce, based in the UK. The SACC is an organisation that promotes fair trade and investment into and out of South Africa. Additionally, the South African Chamber of Commerce also acts as a meeting point for South African business in the UK and promotes business opportunities between the two nations. Prioritising South African businesses first and foremost, the SACC considers themselves to be a means through which crucial knowledge about relevant business practices can be shared, a platform through which advice and training can be offered to its members, as well as a united voice in instances when dealing with government bodies and representatives.  

 

Our director with representatives who attended the SACC-Cape Chambers launch event

With specific focus on the Western Cape, the South African Chamber of Commerce hosted the Cape Chapters launch event in celebration of the organisation’s new developments and partnerships. The launch event was undertaken by 130 guests, all of whom were prominent figures, diplomats, and stakeholders in the industry. The launch event was officialised with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was conducted by the British High Commissioner, Anthony Phillipson, and the Chairman of the SACC, Sharon Constançon. Celebrations filled the air as guests enjoyed a banquet of delicious refreshments, engaged in constructive conversations, and displayed gratitude to the long list of proud sponsors who each played a role in the success of the evening.  

 

Relocation Africa graciously and generously consolidated their position in the industry, and their keen interest in the new opportunities that this cooperation will produce, with their commitment to strengthening and establishing relationships, by being one of the many sponsors of the Cape Chapters launch event. Given the company’s allegiance and dedication to establishing international connections, as well as their location in the birthplace of the Cape Chapters, the Western Cape, such proceedings seemed fitting. 

 

Other sponsors whose assistance was integral to the success of the evening are:  

 

  • Natalie Naudé, who provided the evening’s entertainment. The Congo Cowboys kept the guests entertained with their exhilarating performances that are representative of the coalescence of African and international efforts.  
  • Frankie Bells Real Estate, for their significant cash donation that stands as testimony to their commitment to the growth of UK-South Africa relations. 
  • David Naudé, the trusted and creative photographer, and Bjorn Salsone, the reliable MC extraordinaire. 
  • Abroadscope, whose support has been instrumental in allowing for a seamless and successful event. 
  • The British High Commission, who provided the venue and refreshments for the launch event.  
  • Table Mountain water, who sponsored the water, and De Grendel, who sponsored the wines. 

 

 

The purpose of the Cape Chapter is essentially to improve economic associations and business relations between the United Kingdom and South Africa, particularly the Western Cape. Its commencement is representative of the efforts of all involved parties to promote innovation, collaboration, and trade partnerships. The Commencement of the Cape Chapters is primarily based in the Western Cape owing to its ideal location, its diverse and ever-growing business community, as well as its entrepreneurial spirit. However, the organisation has every intention to spread beyond the province’s borders and into the rest of the country.  

 

Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK, in her extraordinary speech at the launch event, describing the Cape Chapter, said:  

 

“The launch of the Cape Chapter is a momentous occasion for the South African Chamber of commerce UK. It signifies our commitment to expanding our reach and strengthening our presence in key regions. With its dynamic business community and entrepreneurial spirit, the Western Cape is a natural choice for our next chapter. We look forward to working closely with local businesses, government agencies, and partners to create new avenues for growth, trade, and collaboration.” 

 

Apart from successful trade and collaboration, the Cape Chapters will also produce lots of fruitful benefits for all parties, including more investments, cultural enrichment, and a large medium for the exchange of knowledge. Most importantly, the Cape Chapter, and all that it entails, will pave the way for a prosperous UK-South Africa partnership.  

 

Other benefits from this initiative include strengthening the bi-lateral ties and professional relationships between South Africa and the UK by:  

 

  • Advocating for Business 
  • Promoting Trade and Partnerships 
  • Celebrating Culture and Heritage 
  • Encouraging Investment 
  • Cultivating Knowledge Exchange 

 

Our director with representatives who attended the SACC-Cape Chambers launch event

Being an organisation whose primary objective is growth, the South African Chamber of Commerce is always inviting and accepting memberships from any credible South African business who shares its interests in the strengthening of global commercial connections. Signing up for a membership is as easy as visiting their website by clicking here and following the prompts. There are multiple variations of SACC memberships to suit their large and diverse audience, including memberships for young professionals, student associates, entrepreneurs, NGO’s, SME’s, corporates, as well as platinum memberships and strategic memberships. Each of these memberships are equipped with their own advantages and benefits.  

 

Some of SACC’s most prestigious and renowned membership holders are amongst the likes of Absa Bank, AngloAmerican, Investec, and Barclays.  

 

Some impressive advantages of being a member of SACC include:  

 

  • Guaranteed invitations to all events, including private and international functions, to network and build relationships, and learn.  
  • Earning up to 10% from any commercial returns received by SACC when sourcing business leads to hand to British Chamber. 
  • Earning up to 25% of the commercial returns received by SACC when fostering direct business introduction to British Chamber. 
  • Ability to place your services on offer on the Business Hub for proactive engagement of services to other members. 
  • Involvement in projects, with appropriate praise and acknowledgements.  
  • Platform to promote achievements and accolades. 
  • Possible discounted membership or attendance rates. 

 

The Cape Chapters launch event presented an amazing opportunity to network with the representatives of those companies already involved, and we are certain that, with continuous involvement of South African businesses and the perpetual growing number of their members, there will be many more evenings like this. The South African Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Chapter look forward to many more delightful evenings and events.  

 

The South African Chamber of Commerce holds a great deal of opportunities for commercial growth and development, regardless of the stage or nature of your business – whether an entrepreneur, an SME, or a large corporate. Their website is filled with educational pieces that can benefit not only those seeking to join their membership program, but also individuals and organisations seeking to gain information on relevant topics.  

 

In another recent event, Relocation Africa also had the honour of attending another function held by the Cape Chapters at Cape Town’s very own Royal Cape Yacht Club. The evening was spectacular, with an amazing line-up of speakers shedding much needed light on important topics in the industry. From rule of law, to the best way to go about attaining a visa, and the state of the global economy in relation to industry, the conversation went above the expectations of the audience. Relocation Africa is proud to be a part of the SACC UK, and a proud member of the Cape Chapters.   

 

 

Visit their website to stay informed or join their memberships or email nnaude@sachamber.co.uk for more information.    

 

Visit our Knowledge Centre to access our news posts, exclusive blogs, and insightful webinars. To read more about other initiatives and organisations that Relocation Africa is involved in, check out our article on the 2023 EuRA Sustainability Symposium 

 

When the euphoria wears thin; the 6 month slump

When you type ‘6-month slump’ into Google, the first thing you find is lots of information about nursing mums. No doubt a very important and emotive issue – but not the one we’re here to discuss.

Dig a little deeper through the hundreds of search results and you’ll start to get closer to our concern; you’ll find that 6 months is the make or break time for new relationships, the point at which more than 50% of people fail their New Year’s resolution, the end of the metaphorical ‘honeymoon period’ for a new job, a new house… and of course a new Country.

So, what’s so special about six months and what goes wrong?

Human nature

We use optimism to generate excitement, enthusiasm and energy.

As an intelligent and rational species, we distract ourselves from things that might cause us concern by keeping busy. Avoidance comes naturally; rather than analyse our feelings and consider what might go wrong right from the beginning of a project, most of us will choose to throw ourselves into it head first and determine that optimism will win the day. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t have achieved half as much as we have as a species, so this is actually a good thing!

We use optimism to generate excitement, enthusiasm and energy… all great attributes that help us to sail through the planning and execution of new endeavours. The trouble starts when the ‘honeymoon period’ ends and the excitement and initial enthusiasm give way to routine. New relationships give way to noticing flaws in the object of our affection; new jobs become just jobs; new years’ resolutions become somewhat boring and we lose sight of our objectives and new homes just aren’t new and exciting anymore.

Expat euphoria

After the initial dizzy heights of infatuation, it tapers off to a more comfortable, satisfying emotion.

Is exactly what it says on the tin… the euphoria (elation, joy) that is felt by expats immediately after their adrenaline-soaked relocation. All the planning and worrying paid off and YOU. MADE. IT! You have a fabulous new home, a new environment to explore and so much unpacking and organising to do that it can keep you busy and fulfilled for months… about 6 of them to be almost precise.

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