Page 85 - KZN Leaders Portfolio E-BOOK 2107

Chairman of Durban based Constantia Afripack company culture. The extensive implementation
included taking all employees through two day work-
RNOLD VERMAAK, the chairman of shops in groups of 32. HERO is value based and
Durban based Constantia Afripack lives emphasises personal ethics, focus and excellence.
by the Mahatma Ghandi maxim, “Be the Structured communication channels also assist in
A change you want to see in the world”. ensuring that employees fully participate in the

Change is something that we all should encourage effective functioning of the business.
and embrace in order to grow sustainably. Durban- Vermaak said, “We have been building a culture
based Afripack has evolved from a small paper sack of empowerment for many years now and it is at the
producer to one of the most prominent flexible heart of what makes us successful. A winning company
packaging companies in Africa. This led to the culture is the ultimate sustainable competitive
acquisition in 2015 of Afripack by Vienna based advantage: it takes years to build and is not easy to
Constantia Flexibles – the fourth largest flexible copy. It’s not only about people – it’s about the right
packaging company in the world. Vermaak has had people doing the right things.”
20 years of involvement in Afripack and is proud
and humbled by the company’s achievements. He In addition, Vermaak said, “Employees have also
said, “Afripack has an 83 year history and hence it gone through diversity training: understanding the
is important to do what is right for the business. At traditions and thinking of the different cultures you
a fundamental level this transaction is perfect. Our work with. We have a Zulu word – Sisonke – meaning
vision has been to become Africa’s preferred flexible we are all in this together. We are different but we
packaging partner. Constantia as a global player wants a are all employees of Constantia Afripack. This is our
leading position in Sub Sahara Africa. A perfect match.” common cause.”
The success of the company may also be attributed “We also very involved in the community; it’s about
to Vermaak’s democratic style of leadership and in his putting your hand up and making a difference. One of
belief in the empowerment of people. This involves the projects I have a particular interest in, is Muthande
having the right people in key positions and allowing Society for the Aged. Afripack built a R7m community
them the space to manage and grow themselves and centre for Muthande in Lamontville and I serve as
their people. their Treasurer. Our old people are often neglected

“Constantia Afripack will learn a lot from our and have few support structures – they deserve so
Austrian parent company, but we can also offer a much more,” commented Vermaak.
lot. One of the company’s strengths is our people In his spare time Vermaak enjoys travelling, which
and company culture. A critical ingredient in ensures that he has a broad outlook on life. He said,
building a resilient business that thrives long term “I try to be a happy human and make the most of this
is truly engaged people. People that daily walk incredible gift of conscious life. I try to live a life of
through the plant gates with their heads and minds significance by adding value to others and having an
engaged and their talents focused around building open mind. Leading a business with 1 200 people is
a successful business. Our employees on the whole not about prestige, title or money. It is about realising
are happy, which contributes significantly to our and respecting the responsibility and opportunity to
accomplishments,” said Vermaak.
positively influence others towards a common goal.
In order to build a people focused culture, Vermaak It’s about building a successful and resilient business,
led the development and implementation of the HERO your people and customers loving the company. It’s
programme. HERO is an acronym for Highly Engaged not about building a personal legacy but a successful
and Resilient Organisation. It represents the desired business where people are proud to say: I work here.”

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