DHL does its bit to grow Africa

DHL number one in Africa

THE Deutsche Post DHL Group’s Strategy 2020: Focus.Connect.Grow. – as well as the encouraging development of the Group in sub-Saharan Africa – were in the spotlight this week as Deutsche Post DHL Group CEO, Frank Appel, visited South Africa and Nigeria.

“Today, emerging market revenues contribute over 20 percent to Deutsche Post DHL Group’s revenues. By 2020 the Group expects this figure to climb to 30 percent,” says Appel.

“We will continue to concentrate on organic growth by investing into promising current and future markets. We see some excellent opportunities to further increase our presence in the sub-Saharan region.

“South Africa’s exceptional geographic location as the gateway to Africa, and Nigeria’s growing gross domestic product and diversifying markets, are only two of the many important indicators for this,” he adds.

Recent investments buy DHL in sub-Saharan Africa include:
• A planned investment by DHL Express in excess of €17 million (R255,5 million) in 2015;
• A €30,5-million (R458,4-million) investment in South Africa, by its Supply Chain and Global Forwarding divisions in October 2014;
• A €16-million (R240,5-million), 12 000 m² facility for DHL Global Forwarding at the Plumbago Business Park; and
• A €14,5 million (R217,9-million) investment in DHL Supply Chain’s 25 000 m² multi-user warehouse facility.

“We have established world-class facilities in sub-Saharan Africa to support our global network, and I am delighted to witness first-hand the sustained efforts of our employees to deliver best-in-class services. We are committed to sub-Saharan Africa and will continue to build on our successful four-decade legacy in the region,” Appel concludes.
A sponsor and supporter of the SHOUT initiative since its inception, Kia Motors South Africa has renewed its association with the SHOUT Foundation. This non-profit organisation, founded by musicians Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane, aims to give the South African nation a voice in the fight against crime.

The SHOUT Foundation launched its new single on Spring Day, September 1. With the launch of what has been dubbed SHOUT 3, the organisation’s focus is now on education. All funds raised from the download of the new song will go towards the building of SHOUT libraries across the country.

“We hope that if we reach young kids and encourage them to work hard at getting an education, they will be better equipped to live a successful and crime-free life,” says Danny K. “This is why we decided to use the funds raised from downloads of ‘Smile’ to build libraries in primary schools across South Africa.”

The roll-out of the SHOUT libraries has already begun, with three having been built in Soweto, Mitchells Plain and Phalaborwa.

DHL International Zimbabwe country manager Jeff Phiri

The SHOUT Foundation’s aim is to reach the most needy schools and communities and to ensure that the libraries are built, managed and stocked properly, with the learners being taught the skills to use them appropriately.

As part of its support of the SHOUT Foundation, KIA Motors is sponsoring a brand new KIA Picanto worth R120 000, which one lucky person can win by simply downloading the SHOUT song.

To get the track, SMS ‘Smile’ to 40388. Your donation will cost R20.- focusontransport.co.za