Page 63 - SAPREF 50 year

A great place to work
Taking its cue from the two shareholders, Shell SA Refining and BP Southern Africa, SAPREF has established a reputation in the oil industry in South Africa as a pacesetter employer. Talk to just about any SAPREF employee or retiree and you get a sense of a people who are engaged, energised and have a love affair with their workplace. Privately, the staff refer to SAPREF as ‘home of the best!’
Interestingly, the love affair is about far more than the usual benefits enjoyed by employees of large companies. The pride is mostly about a stimulating work environment, great colleagues, development opportunities and the role that SAPREF plays in the community. Staff facilities such as the sports facilities at the SAPREF Club mean that SAPREF is as much a place of leisure as it is a place of work. And then of course there are the legendary SAPREF staff parties. Usually held at the Durban ICC, they are a highlight in the annual calendar and the who’s who of the South African music scene has performed for this very demanding audience. From Mafikizolo to Malaika, from Khaya Mthethwa to Liquideep, from Freshly Ground to PJ Powers and many more, they have all plied their trade at one or other of the SAPREF get-togethers. Mind you, this is not only confined to current employees. Retirees also have an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues at the annual Pensioners’ Lunch. Here too, the dance floor is put to very good use.
A selection of SAPREF employees and retirees wear their hearts on their sleeves below:
John van den Bosch: 1964-1989
John retired as Maintenance Engineering Supervisor and keeps busy doing volunteer work and tending his rose and vegetable gardens.
He is now 84 years old. He reflects: “I started at SAPREF on 1 June 1964. I was the first and only mechanical man on site at the time. It
was a happy place, even though we worked exceptionally hard at times. I remember
early on there were some problems on the new-ish Cat Cracker that had to be sorted out immediately. We started on 24 December and I did not go home until 30 December!
“At one time I was the only locomotive driver. There were always snakes by the dozen at SAPREF in the early days. Once we found a 4metre python near the steam traps, so we put it in a box and released it in a field nearby. But for the next two nights it came back, and in the end we had to take it to the SPCA who released it somewhere appropriate.
“In those days I was living at Isipingo. One night, there was a problem on the plant, but I had no transport, so the operators borrowed the fire engine and came to fetch me. When they arrived at my house, they sounded the siren to call me out as they were scared of my dogs!
“Another time, I had got a ride in the bakkie part of one of those three- wheeled scooters. We were travelling along the road next to the canal when the driver hit a stone in the road and lost control; we all ended up in the canal! Yes, there was less emphasis on safety in those days.
“I will always be grateful to SAPREF for the compassion they showed back in 1987 when my wife suffered ill-health. Another time, I was knocked down as I was leaving the site one day and the doctors wanted to remove my leg; SAPREF was especially kind to me at that time too.”
Bruce Watson: 1970-2000
“I joined SAPREF as a Mechanical Fitter. Being
young and with a coal-mining background, I
found SAPREF somewhat daunting at first but
it was a change I have always been thankful I
made. I found the atmosphere and work ethic at
the refinery to be amazing, particularly among
peers and immediate supervision. The challenges
one encountered almost daily were often unique
for many of us and normally had to be resolved
quickly. The additional advantages of company assistance with housing, tertiary education, work-related travel abroad and many other benefits made SAPREF a superb place to work. I retired as a Shutdown Engineer after 30 years, having occupied roles in Maintenance, Safety, Planning, Inspection and Projects. Since then I have served as a church warden and
“councillor, and on a school governing body; I also do DIY work to assist these bodies — and my wife and I love to travel.”
I started at SAPREF on 1 June 1964. I was the first and only mechanical man on site. It was a happy place, even though we worked exceptionally hard at times. ”
– John van den Bosch: 1964-1989
COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
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