africa business report august 2022

Multinational mining company invests R510m in local education program

Anglo-American, the British listed diversified mining company, has launched its next phase in its education programme in South Africa. By investing an additional R510m into the initiative, the company aims to strengthen its commitment to improving outcomes in the education sector. 

This second phase will support an additional batch of 84 schools and roughly 80 ECD (Early Development Centres) over the next 5 years. R110m will serve to promote the current school infrastructure for learners and teachers alike. 

Anglo-American’s current chairperson stated that doubling the company’s investment in the educational sector is to make the fundamental right of every child to have access to quality education a reality, instead of simply acknowledging it. 

Mental Health Benefits – a rising trend in the world of employment

According to Mercer’s latest health on-demand report on 14,000 employees, a whopping 42% of talents with access to mental health benefits state that they are more likely to stay than if they did not have them. This survey also demonstrated that 44% of workers feel unsupported by their employers when they do not get access to said benefits. 

Talents who do not feel supported by their superiors feel unmotivated and, most of the time, display no sense of attachment for their company. Many business managers now understand that mental health support can no longer be regarded as an “optional perk” and is instead a must-have benefit for employees. 

To this, Dr. Sherry Benton, founder of TAO Connect says that providing a mental health support scheme is not only a way to show that you care for your talents but is also beneficial to the company. She explains that when people suffer from common disorders such as depression or anxiety, memory and concentration take a hit and any creative thinking is impaired. 

Africa HR Solutions – bulletproof compliance for companies willing to expand in Afric

The most important aspect of an expansion on the African continent is to ensure your operations are being carried out compliantly. To avoid any financial or legal mishaps, Africa HR Solutions can provide you with its much-needed guidance and local expertise across more than 44 countries in Africa. 

From employment law to country-specific tax policies to payroll compliance to financial reporting, Africa HR Solutions has grown to understand and master the intricacies of employment outsourcing on the African continent. For a compliant and risk-free expansion on the African market, you can trust in our Employer of Record services we have been delivering over the last decade. 

You can avoid the dire consequences of non-compliance by partnering up with us as your company’s guide in its expansion on the continent thanks to our risk mitigation strategy. You can then focus on your business stress-free while we handle the complex paperwork and procedures. Find out more about the solutions we provide by contacting one of our many experts. 

How Can We Help You?

GRANT GERAGHTY - Africa HR Team

GRANT GERAGHTY

HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Grant Geraghty is the longest-serving member of the Africa HR team. This resident subject matter expert and client champion is responsible for gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ unique HR needs in Africa and providing tailored solutions that align with their business objectives. Grant collabourates closely with our clients to ensure that their requirements are properly implemented, providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.

Grant brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served as Africa HR’s longest-serving employee. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Economics and Business Finance, from the University of Natal in South Africa. Additionally, he has completed a certification program in Payroll and Tax Administration from the University of Cape Town, further enhancing his expertise in HR operations and compliance.

His commitment to delivering exceptional service and his extensive knowledge of HR in Africa make him an invaluable member of the Africa HR team.

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL Africa HR Team

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Kevina Takoordyal has a BA Hons Business Management from the University of Glamorgan, UK, with MBA in leadership and Innovation, MBA General, PMP Certified, and Agile Scrum Master. She currently works as the Head of Operations at Africa HR Solutions Ltd with more than 20 years of proven leadership capabilities in Operations, Business Development, People Management, Process Optimization, and Project Management in the Financial Services, BPO, Banking Industry, and Heath Care Industry. In Senior leadership roles with an international footprint across Europe working and extensive Pan- African experience from a compliance, finance, and operations angle, Kevina comes across with a panoply of cross-functional skills. Kevina also serves on a few Boards, Non-Independent Executive at MioD and for NGOs on a voluntary basis, a coach and mentor to aspiring female leaders across Africa and Mauritius.

Kevina is a firm believer in Servant Leadership with a strong focus and commitment to uplifting others, with the ability to deliver through a highly engaged – diverse team, and works towards consistently synergistic value creation. While being a focused and adaptive thinker and Kevina is actively participating in panel discussions on Innovation, CX, Digital transformation.

Kevina serves as Project Assessor for the National Youth upskilling program. She has been recognized as Global Talent in a few companies, Ceridian, and International SOS Ltd whereby she has been awarded a few scholarships and had the opportunity to be mentored by Senior Vice President in the US. Award Winner in various fields and at a national level and recognized including Super Achiever Leader Award in Africa in 2016, Awarded Africa Women Leader 2018.

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE​

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE

Head of Finance & Business Support

Viloshna is an experienced finance professional with 18 years of expertise in strategic financial planning, financial analysis, cash flow management, systems and controls implementation, financial reporting, and continuous process improvements. She currently serves as Head of Finance & Business Support, where she has successfully automated and leveraged the financial reporting system capabilities to ensure efficient company operations.

Viloshna’s background includes senior roles in a multinational pharmaceutical company and a large listed Mauritian conglomerate. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking have streamlined financial processes, making her a valuable addition to any finance team. Viloshna is a qualified finance professional with an FCCA qualification and an MBA, bringing valuable expertise to any Organisation.

In her current role, Viloshna leads the company’s Treasury and Payments function, including the fulfillment of the company’s cross-border payments into Africa. With her strong educational background and extensive experience, Viloshna consistently demonstrates her ability to optimize financial operations, minimize risks, and improve profitability. Her expertise in financial reporting and process improvements make her a valuable asset to any Organisation.

MARK DU PREEZ​

MARK DU PREEZ

Head of Legal & Compliance

A qualified lawyer who joined Africa HR Solutions in July 2020, Mark Du Preez has experience working in private practice for a reputable law firm in South Africa. He also played commercially focused roles at a leading private bank, wealth management company, and outsourcing firm in South Africa and Mauritius.

Mark has played a pivotal role in Africa HR Solution’s risk mitigation strategy, which positively impacted P&L performance over the years.

He currently leads the Partnerships function of the company including relationships and oversight with in-country partners (ICPs) across Africa.

Alex Daruty - Africa HR Team

ALEX DARUTY

Head of Commercial

Alex has more than 15 years of experience in the global, strategic development of both enterprise and consumer brands in categories including technology, transport, enterprise software, entertainment, and travel.

With experience in roles on both agency and corporate side, he has worked across international brands and has led the development and execution of multi-discipline campaigns across EMEA, NORAM and Asia Pacific.

His focus is on driving meaningful business impact through brand differentiation and building high-functioning, digitally oriented, and analytically driven capabilities. He is motivated by working with, and developing dynamic people, teams, and Organisations.

He leads, manages, develops and mentors the Key Account Management department, including line management responsibility for the team of Key Account Managers and Key Account Administrator who represent the Company as the primary communication link between all relevant stakeholders, including clients, third party in-country partners and internal functions.

Originally from Mauritius, he holds bachelor’s degrees in International Business, Finance and Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.