BEE company bucks recession trend

Logwin Air & Ocean Simesonke has proved to be much more than just the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) arm of its holding company. The company, which has operated as a separate entity since its inception in 2005, is a subsidiary of Logwin Air & Ocean SA. It has continued to grow from strength to strength, says MD Cyril Pillay. “March was our best month for the first quarter of 2009, despite a global recession, and April is looking very good and will be an excellent month for us,” Pillay told FTW. “There is no denying the importance of BEE in South African business today,” says Pillay, “and while we are proud of our rating and our commitment to BEE, we are also very proud of the achievements of the company.” It has a Level One rating, the highest possible in the country at the moment. “We were recently awarded a contract to bring a large number of 40 foot containers from Turkey on an ex works basis and so far our client is very happy with our professionalism in handling their shipments. We are also bringing in products like olive oil, pasta, canned goods, shoes, clothing and tiles from Italy. Our partnership with Embassy Cargo (Italy) has helped to grow our forwarding from this country.” Pillay, who started in the freight industry as a filing clerk some 25 years ago, is a firm believer in BEE. “When BEE started there was a lot of fronting going on and it was not really benefiting the people it was supposed to. To this day there are still salary disparities and much that has to be changed. “The BEE process can only be successful if companies work towards BEE compliance because they really want to make a meaningful contribution to society, and not because they have to. “Being a subsidiary of transport logistics heavyweight Logwin Air & Ocean, we have direct access to Logwin offices in some 400 locations in more than 45 countries worldwide.” He believes Africa will continue to develop and grow. “With the Fifa World Cup coming to South Africa in 2010 and the Gautrain Project, there is much potential for business confidence.”