A different take

2009 was a year where all the attention seemed to focus on the worldwide recession; however, it is important to not lose sight of the IDC's other achievements.

Geoffrey Qhena

The corporation’s staff took up the challenge of volunteerism in 2009 and as always, I am amazed at the generosity and commitment shown to support good causes. This year, more than 400 IDC employees and some of our suppliers came out in force to help build new homes for disadvantaged families in Ivory Park, an informal settlement 32kms outside of Johannesburg. Not only did staff roll up their sleeves on the day, but some followed up by helping to plant trees to green the living spaces of the new homeowners. 

Staff also gave up time from their schedules to educate and motivate learners in Rustenburg and Alexandra on the importance of saving through the Teach Children To Save(TCTS) savings campaign. Then there was the 67 minutes for the elderly campaign in support of Nelson Mandela’s birthday, where the IDC extended a helping hand to the elderly in Dube, Soweto, by donating 200 blankets and food. These are in addition to the IDC’s I Do Care initiative, where staff members contribute financially every month towards organisations operating in pre-determined areas. These change annually and in 2008 organisations working with people with disabilities received funds, while the focus in 2009 was placed on orphaned and vulnerable children. 

Underpinning everything the IDC does for its internal and external clients are the recently launched IDC values: passion, professionalism and partnership. Pivotal to the values is the I Make It Happen campaign to embed the values, a call to action for the executives, management and staff to show all our stakeholders that we are indeed "partners in development finance". These values further aims to create uniform, customer-centric behaviour within the IDC.

Business Ethics and Shareholder Activism – Strategies were also enhanced to educate staff about good business conduct and ethical behaviour; and to bring shareholder activism in our investments, demonstrating our commitment to transparent and coordinated engagement towards development with our partners. 

Each year, we express our appreciation to our staff through the IDC Star Awards, which recognise consistent, dedicated and outstanding performance. This year 31 of the most deserving people were identified and acknowledged for their contribution to the overall success of the IDC. 

The IDC also received a number of accolades this year, notably"The Best Developer of the Year Award for 2009", where IDC was recognised by the African Investor, a leading international investment research and communications group. The award recognises innovative projects and rewards the personalities driving transactions and improving the continent’s infrastructure investment climate. This is critical in facilitating economic integration and social development – a key element of the IDC’s mandate. 

Business Arts South Africa Award - The corporation was awarded for its contribution to using art in an innovative way as part of an internal communication campaign, where an art exhibition showcased our funded projects and the

entrepreneurs and staff members who made it happen. The IDC won the category: Best use of a commission of new art.

Speaking of art - we like to walk the talk and show that the IDC supports small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our reception foyer is used as an exhibition area by Artazi, a company founded by two aspiring artists Nthabiseng Makhene and Mthunzi Ndimande, to showcase the talent of South African artists to a wider audience. Artazi also produces gifts for the corporate and the conference market. 

It was also good to see some of our clients being recognised for their work. Port Elizabeth company Dynamic Commoditieswon the first prize for innovation in the Fine Foods Category at the prestigious Anuga Food Fair in Cologne, Germany. The award was for a process developed by the company, in which the cells of lemons are extracted and frozen and used later in the food industry. The company was funded under the IDC’s Pro-Orchards Scheme and has grown from strength to strength.

Samuel Moloi from Fouriesburg in the Free State, an emerging farmer in the development programme partnered by IDC and the Oos-Vrystaat Kaap (OVK) Operations Limited, won theDeveloping Farmer of the Year Award, presented by Grain South Africa.

Knowledge and Skills Transfer – In July, we hosted the biggest delegation of university students in the IDC’s history.100 students from the Swiss-based IMD - one of the world’s most prestigious business schools - came on a 12-day discovery expedition. Many of the students are senior managers and executives from around the world. They came to work with 18 IDC-funded Small and Medium sized entrepreneurs, to improve current business processes and help grow their respective businesses. 

We also hosted members of the top management of some African Development Finance Institutions; the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe the Tanzanian Investment Bank and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and the Central Bank of Lesotho. The objective was to share learnings and transfer skills.

Innovative Financing - We have launched a number of innovative deals during the past year. For example, a unique partnership between the IDC and Absa means more affordable finance for black entrepreneurs in the taxi industry and safer taxis for commuters on a 50/50 risk sharing scheme. The partnership emphasises the role of the IDC to “crowd-in” the private sector in the development of industries.

2009 saw a number of high profile guests visiting the IDC.More than 50 parliamentarians from the Select Committee on Trade and International Relations and the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry visited the IDC in July to learn more about the corporation and its mandate on rural development and assistance to SMEs. 

On her whirlwind tour of African countries in August, US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton joined South Africa’s captains of industry at a special gathering at the IDC offices in Johannesburg, which was hosted by IDC and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA). 

It has been an eventful year and I look forward to another successful and inspiring year ahead.

I wish all access readers a safe and joyful festive season.