Pre-paid phone cards get Cape export judges’ vote

RAY SMUTS WESTERN CAPE companies making their imprint on hugely competitive export markets featured uppermost in the 16th ABSA/Cape Regional Chamber Exporter of the Year Competition, turning out products as diverse as pre-paid phone and scratch cards, automated farm feed systems and thatch tiles. The judging panel was nonetheless decisive in giving the overall nod to The Invisible Card Company at the awards banquet last week. The Somerset West-based company – in business for just three years – exports up to 98% of its printed, pre-paid, phone and scratch cards to Africa, in the face of fierce competition from South East Asia and European companies. Technical Systems, overall winner three years ago, won the SA Port Operations manufacturing/engineering trophy for automated feeding systems for intensive poultry and pig farms, the brand sold on all five continents and rapidly gaining ground in China and elsewhere in South East Asia. Rare Thatch, a category winner in 2004, was voted the best non-engineering company, manufacturing products like thatch umbrellas and tiles in knock-down form for US, Europe and Australasia markets. New entry, Streewires, won the best small export award, its expertise based on township wire toys to which colourful beading has been added.