Page 16 - SAPREF 50 year

A strong character, a great culture
Richard Parkes, 1999-2004
Inevitably the thing I always like the most about a workplace is the people. There is nothing too surprising about that. Perhaps there are some refinery managers who dream fondly about the Cat Cracker or the Crude Distiller but I’m not one of those. I do, of course, really appreciate
the plants that somehow always seem to deliver — the robust designs that perform well even when we, the humans, sometimes treat them roughly. But for me it is the people who always make the difference. In that respect SAPREF was a very good place to work. I loved the ‘family feeling’. Almost everyone knows everyone else and most people stay at SAPREF for many years. In fact some work here for their whole working life, which in the 21st century is quite something. This continuity gives a place a strong character, a culture that is very good to be part of.
I have a very strong recall of my first days at SAPREF, in January 1999. These are very warm memories but that’s not surprising because Peter Fransen was still in charge and it was easy for me. At one of Peter’s farewell parties I remember sharing a beer with a bunch of the SAPREF “family” on the field outside the club. It was one of those glorious, warm Durban nights, the food and
drink were in good supply (as always!) and the people were very friendly and welcoming. What a welcome!
Of course months and years later when I felt I needed to take actions that most people didn’t like some of the warmth ebbed away, but even when it came to my farewell I felt, as I’m sure Peter felt, that there was plenty of kind feeling left. An amusing point which Peter may not know is that a significant number of SAPREF people often called me Peter, especially when they were feeling
nervous, and that carried on years after Peter had gone. I suspect that says something about us both!
I really loved the way SAPREF’s people responded to a crisis — and we had one or two of those in my time. Usually it would be dark when I was
called in and that wonderful team spirit would already have kicked in. People from every corner of the organisation would be knuckled down getting things back on track. As good as SAPREF was in handling crisis situations, I always wished that we were just as good at preventing crises! I suspect that this might remain a challenge for you wonderful folk.
Congratulations on 50 wonderful years — when you get to 100 will someone please write to my grandchildren and confirm that you have learned the sacred art of prevention?
SAPREF — Home of best practice Bart Voet, 2007-2011
Iwould like to congratulate SAPREF on 50 years of achievements! I’m very proud to be part of that history.
For me SAPREF stands for wonderful people, a family I still feel very much part of. Together with the SAPREF team we lived through some tough challenges, and together we realised some amazing achievements.
I remember ‘making a plan’ when the going got tough, and I take my hat off to the resourcefulness and resilience of the SAPREF staff and contractor colleagues.
Some of the best practices in our industry were developed by SAPREF. I’m grateful to SAPREF people for sharing; we are implementing some of these practices at Shell Pernis in the Netherlands.
I fondly remember our engagements with the neighbouring communities. These engagements made us a better company. They were always lively and challenging and always based on the premise that SAPREF makes a positive net contribution to the communities around us.
I wish SAPREF much success for your next 50 years. May you continue to make a difference in people’s lives!
SAPREF: FUELLING SA FOR 50 YEARS
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