Page 117 - KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK 2019

Chairman of Durban based Constantia Afripack 32. HERO is value based and emphasises personal
ethics, focus and excellence.
RNOLD VERMAAK, the chairman of Structured communication channels also assist
Durban based Constantia Afripack lives in ensuring that employees fully participate in the
by the Mahatma Ghandi maxim, “Be the effective functioning of the business.
Achange you want to see in the world”.
Vermaak said, “We have been building a culture
Change is something that we all should encourage of empowerment for many years now and it is at
and embrace in order to grow sustainably. Durban the heart of what makes us successful. A winning
based Afripack has evolved from a small paper sack company culture is the ultimate sustainable
producer to one of the most prominent flexible competitive advantage: it takes years to build and
packaging companies in Africa. This led to the is not easy to copy. It’s not only about people - it’s
acquisition in 2015 of Afripack by Vienna based about the right people doing the right things.”
Constantia Flexibles - the third largest flexible
packaging company in the world. Vermaak has had In addition, Vermaak said, “Employees have also
over 20 years of involvement in Afripack and is proud gone through diversity training: understanding the
traditions and thinking of the different cultures you
and humbled by the company’s achievements. He work with. We have a Zulu word - Sisonke - meaning
said, “Afripack has an 86 year history and hence it is
important to do what is right for the business.” we are all in this together. We are different but we
are all employees of Constantia Afripack. This is our
The success of the company may also be attributed common cause.”
to Vermaak’s democratic style of leadership and
in his belief in the empowerment of people. This “We also very involved in the community; it’s
involves having the right people in key positions about putting your hand up and making a difference.
One of the projects I have a particular interest in, is
and allowing them the space to manage and grow Muthande Society for the Aged. Afripack built a R7m
themselves and their people.
community centre for Muthande in Lamontville and
“Constantia Afripack will learn a lot from our I now serve as their Chairperson. Our old people are
Austrian parent company, but we can also offer a often neglected and have few support structures -
lot. One of the company’s strengths is our people they deserve so much more,” commented Vermaak.
and company culture. A critical ingredient in
In his spare time Vermaak enjoys travelling
building a resilient business that thrives long term with his wife - Julia - which ensures that he has a
is truly engaged people. People that daily walk broad outlook on life. He said, “I try to be a happy
through the plant gates with their heads and minds
engaged and their talents focused around building human and make the most of this incredible gift of
a successful business. Our employees on the whole conscious life. I try to live a life of significance by
adding value to others and having an open mind.
are happy, which contributes significantly to our Leading a business of hundreds of people is not
accomplishments,” said Vermaak.
about prestige, title or money.It is about realising
In order to build a people focused culture, and respecting the responsibility and opportunity
Vermaak led the development and implementation to positively influence others towards a common
of the HERO programme. HERO is an acronym goal. It’s about building a successful and resilient
for Highly Engaged and Resilient Organisation. business, your people and customers loving the
It represents the desired company culture. The company. It’s not about building a personal legacy
extensive implementation included taking all but a successful business where people are proud to
employees through two day workshops in groups of say: I work here.”

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