By Andrew Fenwick*
As the world goes through various political and economic changing environments (Brexit and the US elections) I can’t help but think that we as South Africans have been training most of our lives for this ever changing world.
Lately the political and economic state that we are in just seems to be taking our learning to adapt to change to a whole new level.
In this sea of uncertainty, it is good to look around and look for the good stuff happening around us in South Africa.
The developments in and around our major cities will add to our economic growth, it is happening all around us. Our Dube Trade Port and surrounding developments is all quite exciting near Durban.
Then there are organisations doing incredible work, to change the lives of our kids, places like LIV Village, Domino Foundation and Partners for Possibility.
As a small business, navigating our current economic climate has been tough. Over the past 25 years we have faced various cycles, this could be the toughest yet. My dad was 49 when he bought a few machines and started producing genuine leather belts all those years ago. It was more out of necessity than anything else. He had lost his job, after a dispute with his business partners. The machines were purchased by borrowing off his house bond.
I joined the family business 15 years ago. My mom has also been involved in the business from the start. For all those who are employees at whatever level, spare a thought for people who carry the can, through the tougher times. It can be really stressful. One of the things we have been doing in recent years is diversifying and particularly looking for export markets. I have been out there a bit, the competition is far greater in the bigger ponds. But we have had some success and it really makes the difference when things are a little slower in our local economy.
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As mentioned before, I would like to thank the South Africans out there for buying local products. Your little acts have made a difference to millions of people’s lives. To just stop and see where an item is made may take a little longer, most of the time this is not made too easy to see. But it is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal when it comes to job creation. I also thank South Africa’s larger retailers who are supporting local manufacturers. We actively try to find local suppliers as well, and support many that have travelled the journey with us. The multiplying effect of a manufacturing business can be extensive on this huge issue of jobs. There is another side to this jobs crisis. Apart from it feeding into the growing crime numbers, it also feeds the political monster of people that have nothing to lose.
After a quarter of a century in the business, it is good to reflect on where we have come from and to appreciate that mere survival is a feat, if one looks at the statistics. There are a list of factors that leads one to achieve this, top of which would be sheer determination, courage and being practical.
As the Managing Director I would like to publicly thank all the staff at Saddler Belts for their contribution, some since we started and others more recently. Our team is fantastic. We were very proud to have been finalists in a recent award ceremony, the KZN Exporter of the Year (small business category).
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I was so filled with pride when we were announced as the winners in our category. It was held at a huge gala dinner at the Durban ICC. I went up to receive the award, totally surprised. The best part was that I managed to call my dad up to the stage to receive the award with me. At 74 years of age, he is still actively involved in the business. I would like to dedicate this award to my parents, Cecil and Jenny and to our great staff. We really appreciate everyone’s efforts. I would also like to thank our many suppliers whose hard work and understanding have also contributed to our success. Many of you have travelled the journey from the earliest days.
I would encourage organisations countrywide to use such events to spur on businesses through such awards and events. This came at the right time for us, we really needed the encouragement. I would like to thank Transnet Port Terminals, SEDA and the Durban Chamber of Commerce for your sponsorship of this event. Organisations such as SAFLEC, TIKZN, IDC and the DTI also bear mention. I would also encourage all businesses to find various organisations that can provide support in various ways.
In our company, as it is in our beautiful country of South Africa, a quote from Sir Winston Churchill seems apt as we go through various challenges and economic/political turbulence at the start of 2017: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
- After studying Mechanical Engineering, Andrew Fenwick joined a car manufacturer for 5 years, as Production Engineer (1994-99). He completed an Advanced Business Programme (part-time) before working in the UK to gain more manufacturing experience. He returned to SA after two years to join his father’s business, Saddler Belts & Leathercraft (Pty) Ltd, which has been in operation since 1990. He has worked in various roles, from delivery driver to production. He was eventually appointed general manager and, two years ago, managing director. Follow him on Twitter @andrewfdurbs.
