DHL Express was recently named as one of the first five companies in the world to be certified as a Top Employer Global 2015 and the only company to be certified in every continent around the world. This solidifies DHL as the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and “The logistics company for the world”.

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

CARRYING THE HOPES AND DREAMS OF A

COUNTRY

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DHL SOUTH AFRICA

Speaking with Managing Director of DHL Express South Africa, Hennie Heymans, it was clear that one of the focusses of South Africa is aimed at the development of not only the

business but also the country itself. Accessibility is important, Hennie explained over the phone to

Endeavour Magazine. While DHL has a number of multinational companies as clients and facilitate the successful and timely movement of deliveries across the country and into the heart of Africa, there are a still a host of smaller businesses that can benefit greatly from their services.

As one of the fastest growing nations on the African continent, South Africa has captured the global economy’s eye and money both from foreign investment and Government subsidies is coming in. This is creating opportunities for SMEs to gain footholds on new contracts and grow their own foundations. It makes sense, therefore, for DHL to make themselves accessible to the grass roots companies who will be the major players in the future.

Heymans says, “Africa offers great opportunities for SME growth. According to Deloitte, Africa’s middle class has tripled over the last 30 years, and the current trajectory suggests that the African middle class will grow to 1.1 billion in 2060. As African economies are some of the fastest growing in the world, the outlook for the continent is very positive going forward.”.

DHL Express offers tailor-made solutions to businesses in Africa

DHL SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa the business’ growth has, for a long time, been focussed not only on expansion but consolidating old methodology with new so that their services, which are renowned, can also stay on the cutting edge of technology.

with a service that is second to none. Time and time again their dedication to excellence in international express services has been recognised and after over thirty-five years of supporting Africa, the desire to anticipate, adapt and create services to help their clients achieve their full potential is still as strong.

According to the 2014 year-end report¹ by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), trade activity across the African region remained positive despite major economies, Nigeria and South Africa, underperforming for parts of 2014. Regional growth supported demand for airfreight and capacity rose by 0.9% for the year as a whole, helping to strengthen load factors. African carriers’ freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) grew by 12.2% in December and 6.7% for the year as a whole. Globally, the air cargo business is growing again after several years of stagnation, with demand growth up 4.5% compared to 2013, as measured by freight FTKs.

“Every industry has its own particular characteristics and supply chain needs, which is why our sector management approach is to work with customers to optimise the value proposition for their industry’s distinctive requirements. A key to our success is to create a simple, yet innovative and unique experience according to sector, making it easier for you to do business with us,” Hennie says.

Hennie is definitely one of the best people to help facilitate their cohesion with DHL Express South Africa. Having joined DHL Express some 13 years ago as a sales manager, he has climbed the

ranks of the business, establishing his knowledge of every aspect of the company along the way until reaching the position of Managing Director, where he has been able to help navigate the direction of the South African division.

“South Africa is a country with vast potential and DHL Express is in a position to offer meaningful help and support in helping it fulfil I,” he says

Relationship building is integrated into DHL’s overall business approach and something written into their corporate mandate, which is focussed on connecting the world. Being present in over 220 countries and territories across the globe and employing over 325,000 people, it is safe to say that they have definitely succeeded.

But Hennie points out that this is only part of their overall plan and that by making use of a simpler approach when liaising with new clients, removing all the jargon to make using DHL as straight forward as possible, they will be able to introduce new SMEs into their family, further increasing their own abilities to further develop by increasing their connectivity.

“The growing internet user penetration in Africa also provides a sizeable opportunity for SMEs, and as Africa continues to adopt e-commerce as a way of life, businesses are able to leverage this online market, while reducing traditional customer acquisition costs,” concludes Hennie.