Page 10 - KZN Business Sense 9.3 Aurelia Albert eBook

REALISING THE POTENTIAL FOR SOUTH

AFRICA’S UNEMPLOYED

he BPO (Business Process transforming not just their future
Outsourcing) industry, but that of their communities as
Tled by Nutun, specialists well. It’s a perfect synergy, for every
in digital business services, has agent employed, a child will go
stepped forward as the shining star through the literacy programme
of realising the potential for South and be tutored to read - each agent
Africa’s unemployed. of Nutun acting as the catalyst.
The company recently showcased Summarising these
the results of proven partnerships transformative days, the spirit
and initiatives that will lead the of Nutun is encapsulated in the
transformative charge to increased shared sentiments of the tutors and
employment, supporting BPESA the learners: a mutual recognition
and the dti’s mission to create of the privilege of education, a
500,000 jobs by 2030. The One drive to uplift their communities,
Agent - One Child initiative is and a commitment to the hard
rewriting the country’s education work ahead. It is a testament
and training story, one youth at a to the power of education and
time. employment to bring about
profound change in individuals,
Rod Jones, an admired
consultant, reflected on the communities, and the nation,
vividly illustrated by young
evolution of the BPO industry over learners at computers learning to
four decades, bringing to light the industry, the academy ensures descended for The New Dawn shared the stage with CEO Paul read, their heads barely popping
the significance of the youth in that every recruit is nurtured with Evening Event at the Nutun Office Swainson, reflecting on the
the sector’s employment pool. “In an in-depth understanding of the in Umhlanga to bid farewell to company’s immense journey – one up over the desk, with headsets
the eighties, outsourcing showed sector they will be placed in. Synergy Contact Centre which filled with challenges, triumphs, and microphones on. A moment to
behold.
potential for employment, and now “Very few BPO training outfits go had been acquired by Nutun. and relentless dedication to their
decades later, youth have become beyond workplace readiness and Niall Mellon, founder and chief purpose. Bernadette Smyth from
the key players,” he said. “From into partner or client readiness, executive of Mellon Educate, A big screen countdown Mellon Educate underscored the
a mere 5000 agents back then understanding the country, unpacked the reason for the One catapulted Synergy into Nutun importance of this partnership,
to 80,000 - 90,000 international Agent - One Child partnership expressing how critical the
agents now, mostly unearthed language, news, the client’s between Nutun and his charity with a burst of fireworks. The intervention is in a country where
through impact sourcing, the marketing assets and the brand’s which is building literacy hubs sky filled with the company’s 81% of the children struggle with
challenges and opportunities.
metamorphosis, as lights
industry is experiencing a We observe the partner and get across the country. transitioned from the familiar literacy. In her words, “One Agent
promising change.” - One Child supports children to
as much info as possible about A close friend of Nelson Synergy purple to a vibrant Nutun
Over two days at Nutun’s the client,” she explained. “We Mandela, Mellon had made laser green. close the gaps, be fully educated
and have employment when they
impressive Kingsmead site, the have more than 500 people going a lifelong commitment to the Perhaps best encapsulated by the leave school.”
magnitude of that thrust to through training each week. They former president to tackle literacy words of Paul Swainson, who said,
create employment and change get paid whether they pass or fail.” education. “Of the 1,127,000 “We have evolved retaining the The two-day event was a roller
lives was unveiled. Presenting children in Grade 4 classrooms coaster of hope and possibility, and
to international clients and This dedication to skills today, you would be shocked to very best of Synergy, an absolutely a sense that these carefully woven
stakeholders, the tour included development was further hear that 914,000 cannot read for fantastic and fun place to work, partners and skills development
and now creating even more
demonstrated in a heartwarming
meeting team leaders and staff, graduation of 20 youth who meaning. Imagine that figure. opportunity and partnering with innovations could be a formula
exploring innovative technologies had completed the ‘Shadow After 20 years of running our changemakers such as Shadow that would prove change at scale
and performance management Careers’ programme and housing programme in South Careers and Mellon Educate. We can happen. As Paul Swainson
metrics, and engaging in the Africa, I am always very cautious aptly put it, “We have evolved
company’s Kinetic wellness were acknowledged in a to underpromise and over-deliver. are many, there are almost 7000 of from Synergy contact centre to
programme, showcasing a fresh, Nutun auditorium filled with I can confidently say to you we us, and now we are One.” Nutun CX, retaining the very
modern and mindful face of the international clients. Their stories have come up with a solution for The following morning served best of Synergy and then adding
of transformation reverberated
BPO industry. illiteracy.” up a school visit to Natest Primary even more dimension to it.
through the room, filling it with
The lasting impression went a tangible sense of hope and As guests moved outside, the vast School, a recipient of the Mellon This evolution, full of purpose
beyond an understanding of the belief. Immaculately presented, sound stage, prepped for the big Educate programme, where the and potential, positions us as a
raw impact of Nutun’s efforts was
sophisticated, world-class CX
company’s working mechanisms, confident, and sharing their show, did not fail in its delivery, a visible. On arrival, joyful children brand that supports its agents,
and into the value the company profound appreciation for the sequence of moving stories played welcomed the attendees, their delivers for clients and gives back
places in its people, as well as a opportunity and their mentors, on the big screen, an emotional
genuine spirit of teamwork and they brought many in the room journey down memory lane, and songs filled with hope, gratitude, to communities.” 
collaboration in action. to tears, evidence of the power DJ Tira lifting Nutunites to dance and dreams for a brighter future.
that real care and a whole heart the night away. The company’s literacy W: www.nutun.com
Kim Bailey, Head of Nutun’s can transform South Africa’s
‘Strive Academy’, painted a vivid The resounding message that programme, implemented in
picture of the opportunities being employment landscape. was felt by the original Synergy collaboration with Mellon Educate,
has already made a difference in
created for the youth. With a As the sun set and the evening owners, Des and Haydn was, the lives of hundreds of children,
mission to inject new blood into drew in, hundreds of guests “It’s all about the people”. They

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