Tag Archive for: Relocation Africa

Cassidy Dauberman

Relocation Africa Appoints René Webster as General Manager

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.

Cassidy Dauberman

Relocation Africa Appoints René Webster as General Manager

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

Cassidy Dauberman
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Mali – Travel Guide

Facts to assist you when travelling to Mali 

 

Mali population 

  • 23.3 million  

Capital and Largest City 

  • Bamako. 

Official Language(s) 

  • French. 

Currency 

  • West African CFA franc. 

Office Hours 

  • 07:30 – 16:00. 

Weekend 

  • Saturday – Sunday. 

Time Zone 

  • UTC.  

Calling Code 

  • +223. 

Tipping 

  • If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable. 

Embassies 

  • Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city. 

Government 

  • Colonel Assimi Goïta has been interim President of Mali as of 28 May 2021.  

Climate 

  • Mali is known to be one of the hottest countries in the world! The thermal equator, which matches the hottest spots year-round on the planet based on the mean daily annual temperature, crosses the country. Most of Mali receives negligible rainfall, and droughts are very frequent. Late June to early December is the rainy season in the southernmost area. During this time, flooding of the Niger River is common, creating the Inner Niger Delta. During the hottest season of the year, temperatures are high throughout the country. Timbuktu, Taoudenni, Araouane, Gao, Kidal, Tessalit are some of the hottest spots on Earth during their warmest months. 

Transport 

  • The main airport in Mali is the Lilongwe International Airport, located in Lilongwe. Mali’s transportation infrastructure is regarded as poor, even by regional standards, and deficiencies have limited economic growth and development. Mali has one railroad, including 729 kilometres in Mali, which runs from the port of Koulikoro via Bamako to the border with Senegal and continues on to Dakar. Mali’s main economic link to the coast is a paved road between Bamako and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. Because rate of automobile ownership is low, and formal government run public transit is sparse, informal buses and taxis abound in Malian urban centres. 

Economy 

  • Mali’s main industries include mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. 

Hospitality 

  • A common gesture in Mali that foreigners might not be familiar with, and might confuse them, is pursing your lips and making a buzzing sound, which means “nothing.” Unlike in western societies where burping is considered rude, in Mali, burping is considered a sign that one has enjoyed their meal. Often times, the cook or host will even consider burping a compliment. It is also impolite to shake hands or to eat with the left hand. 

Greetings 

  • Men shake hands when greeting one another. It is common to put your right hand to your chest, and this is a sign of respect. When meeting with longtime friends a hug is the common form of greeting. Women also shake hands with other female strangers and acquaintances. A verbal hello is appropriate as well. Close female friends will hug one another. It is not appropriate for people of the opposite sex to shake hands or hug. In such a case, a verbal greeting will suffice.  

Money 

  • The currency of Mali is the West African franc (XOF). The XOF is also the currency of six other independent states in Western Africa, such as Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. 

Transportation 

  • Foreign visitors who want to drive in Mali must have valid drivers license issued by the country of their residence. Driving in Mali is on the right-hand side of the road, and the minimum age for driving is 21. It is not permitted to use a handheld mobile phone whistle driving, and drivers caught doing this will face consequences accordingly. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also prohibited. 

Safety 

  • Mali is a developing African country and is one of the poorest countries in the world. Due to its high levels of poverty, Mali also has high crime rates and is therefore not a particularly safe country. Transport isn’t safe in Mali as Malian roads and vehicles are often unsafe and unreliable. Some drivers can be reckless and ignore traffic signs, and at random times there can also be cattle roaming on the roads. Visitors should be careful about displaying wealth or any belongings in public. Avoid walking unaccompanied in Mali altogether, be it during day or night. 

Culture 

  • Mali is home to many different tribes and ethnic groups. The largest of these groups is the Bambara, which accounts for 31% of the population. Other smaller ethnic groups include the Fula Macina, Soninke, Sanghai, and the Dogon (5%). Mali is a Muslim country. Approximately 90% of the country’s population ascribe to the Sunni Muslim faith. Minority religions in Mali include Christianity, most of which identify with the Catholic or Protestant denominations.  

Shops 

  • Due to it being a poor nation, Mali unfortunately does not have many grand modern shopping malls and amenities like that of which can be found in western countries. However, the country does have a number of supermarkets and shops where locals and visitors can get everything they need. 

 

If you thought this was informative and would like to read more interesting articles and blogs, please click here. 

Cassidy Dauberman
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Relocation Africa’s Sustainability Materiality Assessment

Being dedicated to our promise of sustainability, and aware of our impact in the Global Mobility industry, Relocation Africa recently conducted a Sustainability Materiality Assessment.  

The process was innovative and research-intensive, but ultimately immensely rewarding.  

The objective of the Sustainability Materiality Assessment was to highlight key sustainability concerns and opportunities within Relocation Africa’s operations and value system, for the business to create specific sustainability plans, minimise potential issues, and interact with stakeholders in a way that promotes transparency and trust. 

By recognising and ranking sustainability concerns related to its operations and stakeholders, Relocation Africa can improve its sustainable impact, establish trust, meet regulations, and enhance long-term competitiveness in the Global Mobility Industry.  

This Sustainability Materiality Assessment serves as a foundational tool for Relocation Africa to navigate sustainability challenges and address the issues that we impact directly or have a direct impact on our business and stakeholders. In doing so accordingly, we hope to drive positive change within the Global Mobility industry. Hence, the Sustainability Materiality Assessment was created as a formal and structured assessment to solve the rising ESG issues in the industry in a manner that is formalised, rational, and impactful, rather than merely answering relevant sustainability-compliance questions in a tick-box fashion.  

Conducting sustainability materiality assessments in this manner also ensures that the issues we address or seek to mitigate remains relevant, as we are committed to undergoing this process annually. Each year, we anticipate that our priorities may shift in response to changes in the business environment, stakeholder priorities, and the legislative landscape. 

Adopting a continuous improvement mindset and engaging stakeholders are both crucial steps to take in cultivating an innovative and resilient company culture, while simultaneously aligning business practices with ESG principles. We believe that Relocation Africa has the potential to drive significant change in the industry and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.  

The Methodology  

For our data collection process, we utilised an intuitive survey platform, Alchemer, which allowed us to design a customised survey offering a range of question formats, including multiple-choice, open-ended, and drop-down menu lists, enabling us to gather both quantitative and qualitative data.  

Alchemer also allowed us the ability to maintain anonymity for all surveys. The anonymity offered to stakeholders encouraged them to provide authentic responses without fear of repercussions, thereby not only promoting transparency and honesty in the data collection process, but also reducing potential biases or social desirability effects. 

To ensure a comprehensive spectrum of perspectives and concerns relevant to sustainability were captured, Relocation Africa sent out an anonymous survey link to their self-nominated stakeholders across various stakeholder groups. 

These stakeholder groups included board members, employees, shareholders, suppliers, assignees (individuals being relocated), corporate clients, relocation management companies, and other partners such as DSPs, temporary living providers. The selected stakeholders also span across a wide set of geographic regions on the African continent and abroad.  

Throughout the data collection period, Relocation Africa actively distributed the survey link to their stakeholders to maximise reach and participation. This approach enhanced the representativeness and validity of the collected data. 

By utilising Alchemer to design our surveys and conducting our research across a broad spectrum of stakeholders for the purpose of gathering rich and diverse insights, we can use these results in guiding our strategic decision-making processes towards more sustainable practices.  

Results 

The feedback from the Sustainability Materiality Assessment Report for Relocation Africa is presented as a local report, focusing on a specific geographical perspective. The results are based on 29 completed responses and include input from all stakeholder categories.  

For each issue, Environmental, Social, and Governmental, we asked the respondents to specifically select out of the 14 identified environmental issues the 10 most relevant to them and rank them from 1 – 10 (1 being the most important issue).  

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: 

The Environmental issues of most importance are: 

  • Energy Usage 
  • Climate Strategy 
  • Green House Gas (GHG) emissions (incl. carbon) 

However, the issues with the most respondents are: 

  • Clean Air  
  • Waste Disposal/Recycling  
  • Renewable Energy 

SOCIAL ISSUES 

The Social issues of most importance are: 

  • Employee Well-Being/ Engagement/ Hiring & Retention 
  • Workplace Health & Safety 
  • Fair Pay/ Living Wages 
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

However, the issues with the most respondents are: 

  • Employee Well-Being/ Engagement/ Hiring & Retention  
  • Workplace Health & Safety  
  • Fair Pay/ Living Wages  

GOVERNANCE ISSUES 

The Governance issues of most importance are: 

  • Business Ethics / Anti-Bribery/ Corruption 
  • Data Protection & Privacy 
  • Risk Management 
  • Cybersecurity 

However, the governance issues with the most respondents are: 

  • Business Ethics / Anti-Bribery/ Corruption  
  • Data Protection & Privacy  
  • Risk Management  

The Limitations  

Though the Sustainability Materiality Assessment was both a thoughtful and intuitive concept in aims to gain insights across the categories of Environmental, Social, and Governance issues, Relocation Africa acknowledges that there are several limitations to consider, including: 

 

  • Subjectivity and bias: Assessments depend on the interpretation and judgment of those involved, which can introduce subjectivity and bias. Stakeholders may have varied priorities, values, and perceptions of sustainability, resulting in differing views on what constitutes material sustainability issues for Relocation Africa. 

 

  • Dynamic nature of sustainability: Sustainability issues and stakeholder expectations change with evolving social, environmental, and economic conditions. A static assessment may not capture emerging risks, opportunities, or shifting stakeholder concerns. Therefore, we recommend conducting this assessment annually to reflect current priorities.  

 

  • Absence of Randomisation: We recognise that in this survey we did not randomise the answer choices when asking respondents to rank the Environmental, Social and Governance issues, to assist in overcoming order bias. Respondents tend to favour choices at the beginning and end of a list; therefore, it is possible that the respondents’ first few answers selection is based on the need to save time. 

 

  • Language barriers: This survey was designed in English, which we acknowledge might not be the first language of every stakeholder who participated. Although we were pedantic in using clear and simple language to facilitate comprehension for all respondents, interpretations could differ or be influenced by respondents’ cultural backgrounds and environments, potentially impacting their responses.  

Conclusion & Recommendations 

The Sustainability Materiality Assessment is a crucial tool for Relocation Africa to navigate sustainability in the Global Mobility industry. As relocation Africa embarks on this journey, it is important to note that the Sustainability Materiality Assessment is not the final destination, but rather it is part of a continuous process of improvement. The assessment provides insights and a roadmap for meaningful action and impact. 

Embracing continuous improvement can help Relocation Africa foster innovation, resilience, transparency, and sustainability. This includes implementing initiatives to address sustainability issues and promoting a culture of learning and collaboration. 

By monitoring progress and engaging stakeholders, Relocation Africa can drive positive change and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This approach can lead to long-term economic and value creation, shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for the Global Mobility industry and beyond.  

Download our  Relocation Africa’s Sustainable Development Materiality Assessment 2024