Leading truck and trailer body building company Serco has some top tips to help improve the transport of perishable goods and boost fleet efficiency. Said CEO Clinton Holcroft: “Transporting perishable goods is a high-stakes operation. Whether you're moving fresh produce, pharmaceuticals or frozen foods, maintaining optimal temperature and minimising wear and tear on refrigerated trucks and trailers are critical.” “Here are our collection of tips to help logistics and retail fleet managers improve thermal performance, reduce fuel costs, and extend vehicle lifespan.” 1. General Maintenance: Small Checks Can Reap Big Savings Tyre Pressure: Keep tyres correctly inflated to reduce fuel consumption and extend tyre life Trailer Weight: Always check the fully laden weight before trips to avoid fines and excessive wear Load Distribution: Balance the load to prevent uneven tyre wear and mechanical strain Wheel Alignment: Roads in poor condition can put wheel alignment out - check regularly to maintain tyre health Fridge Servicing: Clean filters, check refrigerant levels, and maintain service schedules to counter fuel-hungry cooling units 2. Refrigerated Body Specification: Build for Performance Through Use of: High-Density PU Foam Panels: Superior insulation compared to polystyrene, with lower water absorption and faster cooling to set point Durable Panel Facings: Coated steel or high strength composite facings resist impact damage and extend body life PVC Strip Curtains: Retain cold air during frequent door openings Insulated Bun Partitions: Isolate compartments to reduce cooling load and fuel usage 60/40 Door Split: Minimise cold air loss during partial unloading 3. Vehicle Body Maintenance: Protect Your Investment Corner Capping: Maintain seals to prevent water ingress from tree strikes or road debris Seal Holes Promptly: Even small punctures can compromise insulation and hygiene Panel Damage: Cracks allow water …
A Quality Focus for an Uncertain World
Global markets have faced renewed turbulence in recent months. Just as investors began adjusting to the post-pandemic economic landscape, fresh disruptions have emerged—most notably, a sharp escalation in trade tensions triggered by new U.S. tariff policies. This has reignited fears of a global trade war, amplifying volatility across asset classes. The S&P 500, for example, fell 10% over just two trading sessions in early April, underscoring how fragile market sentiment has become. At the same time, mounting concerns over the U.S. fiscal outlook have raised questions about the dollar’s long-term status as the world’s reserve currency. Long-dated government bond yields have surged, with the 20-year U.S. Treasury yield breaching 5%, a stark contrast to the 1% levels seen at the onset of the pandemic. Yields in the UK and elsewhere have followed a similar trajectory, reflecting widespread investor anxiety around sovereign debt sustainability. Inflation risks, too, are resurfacing—fuelled by tariffs and the potential for renewed supply chain disruption. While inflation appeared to be moderating in the latter half of 2024, the spectre of protectionism could push input costs higher and disrupt global trade once again. In such conditions, the natural question arises: Where can investors find resilience? Historically, high-quality investments have provided a buffer during turbulent periods. Companies with strong balance sheets, reliable earnings, and durable competitive advantages tend to weather downturns better and often emerge stronger. This is the essence of quality investing: identifying exceptional businesses and holding them for the long term. Historically, equity managers were primarily categorised as either growth or value oriented. Today, quality investing has emerged as a distinct and effective approach embraced by many global asset managers. Although market narratives shift, the core characteristics of quality—financial strength, operational …
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Mathe Group Saves Thousands of Tons of Co² by Recycling a Million Tyres
Recycling one million waste radial truck tyres in KwaZulu-Natal, has saved between 45,500 and 71,500 tons in CO? emissions since 2017 - a significant achievement for Mathe Group which is transforming a fraction of South Africa’s growing hazardous mountain of waste tyres into re-usable products. Mathe Group CEO, Dr Mehran Zarrebini, says processing its millionth tyre brought the total amount of rubber crumb produced for re-use in key industrial and construction applications to around 38 500 tons. Based on an infill of 100 tons of rubber crumb per full size artificial football field, this equates to 385 full size football fields or 700 full size hockey fields. Alternatively, the amount of rubber crumb produced would have provided the asphalt and seal needed to pave at least 8000 km of roads. When rubber hits the recycling road This British investor has kept his eye firmly on the rubber ball despite major disruptions in South Africa’s rubber recycling industry. With many other tyre recyclers skidding to a halt, waste tyres have become both a growing environmental hazard and a lost economic opportunity. Currently, more waste tyres are generated than can be managed and processed. As a result, South Africa’s discarded tyre count far exceeds its population. When former Minister of Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy slipped through a last minute Industry Tyre Waste Management Plan prior to the 2024 elections, her advisors admitted that the durability of tyres makes landfilling problematic. Buried tyres tend to re-surface, compact poorly and do not degrade easily. The high calorific value of waste tyres poses a significant fire risk, while burning tyres releases noxious pollutants including carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons , benzene, heavy metals and more. Mathe Group currently recycles approximately 1 000 radial truck tyres per day to produce 45 tons of rubber crumb. 70% of each …
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Mathe Group Reaches Millionth Tyre Recycling Milestone
Hammarsdale-based radial truck tyre recycler, Mathe Group, has processed its millionth radial truck tyre, bringing the total amount of rubber crumb produced for re-use in key industrial and construction applications to around 38 500 tons, according to CEO Dr Mehran Zarrebini. Based on an infill of 100 tons of rubber crumb per full size artificial football field, this equates to 385 full size football fields or 700 full size hockey fields ( based on 55 tons needed to create the elastic layer underneath artificial grass). Uses for rubber crumb The amount of rubber crumb produced would have provided the asphalt and seal needed to pave at least 8000 km of roads. Dr Zarrebini, a British investor who initially acquired iconic KwaZulu-Natal based carpet manufacturer, Van Dyck, discovered Mathe Group as a small operation with just 20 employees operating in New Germany in 2016. He was looking for rubber crumb to manufacture acoustic underlays and acoustic cradles for flooring in high rise buildings – products that he has since improved and continues to export. Having acquired a 49% shareholding in Mathe Group, he relocated the company to its present site in Hammarsdale, significantly boosting production through ongoing re-investment in plant over the past eight years. Mathe Group currently recycles approximately 700 radial truck tyres per day to produce 30 tons of rubber crumb. 70% of each 55kg truck tyre becomes rubber crumb and 30% is waste steel which is exported via the port of Durban. New Products Through its own research and development or through working with key partners, Mathe Group’s repertoire of products has grown to include non-slip paving and flooring for agricultural use, ballistics products and gym mats, rubber pavers and the infill for sports fields. Various sizes of rubber crumb are also key ingredients in bitumen for road resurfacing, non-slip paints, moulding of parts for the automotive industry, the retreading of tyres and the …
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Signs of a Business Resurgence at Serco Good News for 2025
Business is taking an upward turn at leading South African truck and trailer building company, Serco, where the signs of a resurgence augur well for trade in the new year. Serco CEO Clinton Holcroft says they are seeing cyclical improvements in orders and inquiries going into the final quarter of 2024 with his optimism boosted further by the recent stability in the country’s electricity supply and a relatively smooth introduction of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Holcroft now wants to see more decisive steps being taken by Government to unlock growth in the South African economy which has been constrained by policies hampering development, resulting in an alarming level of unemployment and poverty. “If we can see more collaboration between business and government, it is very possible we can return to the 3% plus growth needed to make a dent in unemployment.” However, his optimism is a little muted after a “really tough year” of trading in which Serco has experienced a dip in demand for new vehicle bodies with orders for refrigerated trailers, in particular, being slow and down more than 50% against last year. Congestion and delays at the port continue to plague supply chain planning which had also been impacted negatively by the conflict in the Middle East forcing shipping lines to avoid the Red Sea. “A highlight of the year for the South African economy was the smooth GNU establishment but what is really key now is to see the various role players put aside differences to unlock the growth the country sorely needs,” said Holcroft. “Other major positives were the lowest level of load shedding in five years, a big factor in the general sentiment lift, and the recent changes at Transnet which bode well for this key resource to be rebuilt after years of mismanagement.” Lowlights included the excessive congestion at the ports and the lengthy delays for commercial vehicles at South African border posts. “There seems to be very little will to …
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KwaZulu-Natal’s Premiere Shopping and Entertainment Destination Gears up to Welcome Visitors This Festive Season
Gateway Theatre of Shopping, KwaZulu-Natal’s premiere shopping and entertainment destination, is gearing up for a spectacular festive season, offering visitors an experience filled with joy, creativity, and fun experiences. Throughout December, shoppers can enjoy an enthralling LEGO® activation, magical festive décor photo opportunities, interactive family fun activities, extended trading hours, live musical performances, photographs with Santa and exciting new stores, all designed to make this holiday season a truly memorable one for everyone. LEGO® Gift the superpower of play activation A key highlight this festive season will be the mall’s LEGO® Gift the superpower of play holiday activation in the mall, running from 6 December 2024 to 6 January 2025, with a break on 25 December and 1 January. This enthralling experience will offer LEGO® fans of all ages a thrilling journey through no less than thirteen interactive zones. After checking in and receiving an event activity booklet, visitors will get to explore Santa’s LEGO® workshop, which includes a simulated winter scene and an introductory video, before continuing on a quest for hidden treasures in the search for Santa’s surprises. Additional fun includes building paths to guide lost elves, designing vehicles in the Christmas Express, and creating festive ornaments to decorate a LEGO® Christmas tree. Younger children will enjoy the pre-school LEGO® DUPLO® area, while adults will find inspiration in the Botanical Zone, featuring a stunning range of fauna and floral inspired LEGO® sets. Participants will also stand a chance to win exclusive LEGO® sets and merchandise, adding to the excitement. Tickets for the LEGO® Gift the superpower of play activation will be available from 5 December on Webtickets or at the venue from 6 December, priced at R25 per person (for a 45-minutes session) for both adults and children. Only card payments will be accepted, and each child attending (under the age of 12 years) …
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Signs of a Business Resurgence at Serco Good News for 2025
Business is taking an upward turn at leading South African truck and trailer building company, Serco, where the signs of a resurgence augur well for trade in the new year. Serco CEO Clinton Holcroft says they are seeing cyclical improvements in orders and inquiries going into the final quarter of 2024. His optimism is boosted further by the recent stability in the country’s electricity supply and a relatively smooth introduction of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Holcroft now wants to see more decisive steps being taken by Government to unlock growth in the South African economy. It has been constrained by policies hampering development, resulting in an alarming level of unemployment and poverty. “If we can see more collaboration between business and government, it is very possible we can return to the 3% plus growth needed to make a dent in unemployment,” says Holcroft However, his optimism is a little muted after a “really tough year” of trading. During the year Serco has experienced a dip in demand for new vehicle bodies with orders for refrigerated trailers, being slow and down more than 50% against last year. Congestion and delays at the port continue to plague supply chain planning. This had also been impacted negatively by the conflict in the Middle East forcing shipping lines to avoid the Red Sea. A highlight of the year for the South African economy was the smooth GNU establishment. But what is really key now is to see the various role players put aside differences to unlock the growth the country sorely needs,” continued Holcroft. Other major positives were the lowest level of load shedding in five years. This is a big factor in the general sentiment lift, and the recent changes at Transnet which bode well for this key resource to be rebuilt after years of mismanagement.” Lowlights included the excessive congestion at the ports and the lengthy delays for commercial vehicles at South African border posts. “There seems to be very …
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Supporting Young Leaders in the Workplace: How to Bridge the Gap
As the class of 2024 starts their finals, I reflected on a conversation I had with an older leader, who expressed frustration with managing his predominantly young workforce. His concerns echoed common stereotypes: Young people are perceived as entitled, impatient for quick results, unsure how to interact with leaders, glued to their phones, and prone to leaving jobs early. In our work with organisations and leaders, we constantly emphasise the importance of diversity - including intergenerational diversity - in the workplace. Young employees bring new skills, innovative ideas, energy and new approaches, especially in today’s high-tech and AI-driven world, where leveraging technology and social media is crucial. But the key challenge remains: How do we create environments in which young leaders can thrive and we can tap into their unique perspectives and experience? In my experience working with young people - interns, graduates, and newly recruited employees - I’ve found that often above all else, they seek meaningful work; work that enables them to contribute to a broader cause, helps them achieve work-life balance and is aligned with their values. Yes, job perks are important, but that’s not all they value. They look for a safe learning environment, boundaries, opportunities for growth, diverse challenges, mentors, and the space to try and fail. To get the best out of younger employees, it is important for organisations to create supportive environments where they can learn workplace norms. This can be done through creating spaces for engagement across generations and mentorship or buddy systems that teach practical skills and provide constructive feedback. One young employee once told me how embarrassed they felt because they didn’t know how to use the office printer, highlighting the gap in basic workplace knowledge that older leaders sometimes overlook. Organisations today demand critical thinkers, problem solvers, and proactive individuals who can …
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Serco Delivers Electric Axle-Driven Trailers to Enhance Sustainability
Serco has delivered six cutting-edge refrigerated trailers equipped with electric axle-driven systems to two leading transporters. The deal comes with the leading South African truck and trailer body building company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing diesel consumption. AxlePower system The AxlePower system powers the fridge unit without requiring a grid connection, resulting in significant environmental benefits. Estimates suggest that each trailer will save up to 27 tons of CO2 annually compared to traditional diesel-powered refrigeration systems. The new trailers are fitted with BPW’s ePower axle and Thermo King refrigeration units. This incorporates advanced power management technology. The smart energy-generating system harnesses energy recovered by the trailer’s axle during routine operation. This provides the necessary power to run the refrigeration unit. A greener future Said Clinton Holcroft, CEO of Serco: "The ability to generate and reuse energy makes this system an ideal solution for enhancing the sustainability of trailer journeys. This innovation aligns with our dedication to providing eco-friendly and efficient transport solutions." Serco's delivery of these electric axle-driven trailers is a significant step towards a greener future, setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the transport industry. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Shirley Williams from Shirley Williams Communications on behalf of Serco (Pty) Ltd. …
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Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition Friday 4 to Sunday 6 October 2024, Stellenbosch
Down to earth: 10 things to see and do at the Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition Forget the run-of-the-mill weekend of wine tasting, celebrated Stellenbosch wine estate Hazendal has envisioned an entertaining and curated art festival for the whole family. The inaugural Hazendal Festival will take place on the weekend of 4 - 6 October and will be dedicated to the life-fostering organic material – soil. To guide this journey Hazendal has invited well-known curator and visionary Khanyisile Mbongwa to be the head curator. Working with soil as an archive that holds shared stories of the past, present, and future, the Soil Edition will be guided by the Nguni proverb “Belele nje, Abathulunga”. In English it translates to, “They may be asleep, but they are not quiet”. Khanyisile says, “The commissioned works of the invited artists, scientists, spiritual healers and cultural innovators interlock to understand the fertility of soil from the varying practitioners' points of view. These interventions are site-specific, engaging with the land and the soil from the practitioners' own work with spirituality. As such, we invite those who come to the festival to be a part of the space, pivoting between being members of the audience and witnesses of encounters.” The festival’s line-up includes a sculpture commission, live interventions, art installations, film screenings, wine tasting, a symposium, family friendly activities and much more. Here are ten events taking place at the Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition, that will get you tasting, grooving and most importantly ruminating. 1. Where the ART is At the heart of the Hazendal Festival is creativity, illustrating how important art is as a means of research and questioning. Festival specific commissions include a sculptural piece from Cape Town artist Thania Petersen and a live intervention from Sethembile Msezane. Multidimensional creative Sisonke Papu’s ‘ISIKHUMBUZ: Pillar of Remembrance’ is an installation …