What a year 2023 has been!

Just when we think we’ve endured enough challenges, we are thrown more to test us! Luckily for the dedicated people of NDE we have endured, and with success. It makes me proud to be a part of a team of people who have managed to succeed and maintain NDE’s values while we did it!

In addition to the usual external challenges that we as South Africans face, the company and the stainless steel market faced their own trials: price and market fluctuations, Mill and supplier challenges, customers who face their own hardships and more.

Now that we have come to the end of the calendar year, it’s good to reflect. I want us all to reflect on the amazing things we as an NDE team have achieved. What have you personally overcome in your professional life? Take time to honour that.

I hope that you have a restful and restorative holiday. It is my wish for all of us that we come back refreshed and ready to face 2024 with positivity and resilience.

Be safe and have a wonderful festive season with your loved ones.
Thank you for your individual contributions to making the NDE brand great!

To date, 2023 has been a challenging year.
 
Fortunately, NDE has a team of highly motivated staff who are experienced, competent, capable of serving our customer base and who value the discipline that they practise.

Given the ethical leadership and skills practised, the company has been able to compete and hold its ground.

 It is worth remembering that we are all here to work effectively with everybody that interfaces with NDE.

Well done everyone!

Next year promises to be very challenging as well. But given the values and skills of the NDE team I believe 2024 will be managed very competently. 
 
Here's wishing everybody a happy and relaxing festive season.

We began 2023 knowing that it was going to be a difficult year.

We also knew that we had to achieve three things throughout the year in order to ensure that NDE weathered the storm:

  1. Stabilise our stock inventory to budget levels
  2. Inject cash back into the system
  3. Maintain our market share

I’m happy to say that team NDE did succeed in achieving this. In fact we actually gained market share!

Considering that we continue to endure loadshedding, a worsening cost of living crisis, increasing interest rates, political turmoil overseas and an overstocked stainless steel market globally, this is an incredible achievement and I am proud of all of us. It shows how resilient and focused NDE’s team has been.

As such, I would like to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for helping to achieve these goals, for keeping NDE going and for coming to work every day with the focus to meet these challenges. It is a testament to your hard work and dedication that we will begin 2024 with a very different strategy: we now need to focus on gaining back profitability by increasing our margins. In my mind, this is far more positive and a more exciting objective.

A new set-back that emerged in late 2023 has been the congestion at the ports, which has delayed the arrival of stock and will have a large knock-on effect in the industry. Our Procurement team is working tirelessly to aid in easing this as best they can and we thank them for their continued commitment to servicing the branches.

I would also like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of staff member, Philip Mashigo, who sadly passed away this year. In addition, condolences and support to all staff members who experienced the loss of family members during 2023.

I hope that you all have a restful holiday. I look forward to starting 2024 with renewed energy, enthusiasm and focus and I know that you do too.
Once again, thank you for all of your hard work! Have a wonderful festive season!

Ntsikelelo A Phutheni
Stores Assistant
Durban

Our longest serving staff member for 2023 is Ntsikelelo A Phutheni (also known affectionately at NDE as Khambula). Khambula celebrates an incredible 35 years of service this year!

"This company has treated me very well since I started here 35 years ago. I would like to thank everyone at NDE, from the Directors to the Cleaners, for all their support over the years.

I would also like to thank God for guiding and keeping His protective hand over my NDE family here in Durban. Through all the happy days and the hard days, I still enjoy my job and we still strive for success at NDE. I am proud of this accomplishment, which I share with my family and two sons."

Renee Carmichael 
External Sales Representative
Johannesburg

“It truly has been 25 very memorable years. The many wonderful people I have met along the way have enriched my life. 

Together we have a common goal at NDE - the customers - who are our number one priority. 

In an ever-changing world we have been able to adjust to circumstances under the guidance of our MD, Hardy Esterhuizen and his insightful management team.


I'm grateful for the opportunities given to me and will continue my dedication to customers and the company in the years to come.”

Karin Eagar 
Exports Division Manager
Exports Division

“I have stayed at NDE for 25 years because of our Core Values and the people, but most of all for the growth that I’ve had from the day I started and what I’ve achieved in 25 years.

There have been special opportunities and being able to lead the Exports Division is one of them.

NDE is an ethical, stable company. In good times and tough times we stand together as one.

I love every challenge that comes my way and still get excited about every order the department gets. Travelling in Africa is my passion.

In the Exports Division we seem to specialise in every product the customer wants. However, a full load of stainless steel Plates and Pipes still increases my heart rate!”

Deon Job
Driver
Cape Town

Deon preferred not to be interviewed.

Deon Job is the second most senior staff member in Cape Town’s warehouse where he is one of the Drivers responsible for deliveries, a key factor in NDE’s exceptional customer service.

On time delivery is an important goal for NDE, with deliveries across the Western Cape, ensuring the shortest possible time between order and delivery.

Masixole Bongani, Warehouse Supervisor, admires Deon’s friendly personality and great driving skills:

“Deon is a very good driver and a key, trusted member of the team.  He is well-liked by colleagues and customers, particularly along the West Coast which is the major area of his delivery responsibilities.”

Candice Martin 
National Procurement Manager
Head Office

“I was advised just before accepting my first position in Sales 25 years ago, that NDE is a good company – that I wouldn’t go wrong with my decision.  I took this person’s advice and have never looked back.

I am amazed at how much this company has grown in my 25 years here. I think what makes NDE such a great company to work for is not only the people but also the strong, principled Senior Management team who sincerely believe in the Core Values that underpin NDE, and who are responsible for getting us through the rocky times.

I have a great dedicated team who work with me. We have been through some very difficult times since the Covid-19 Pandemic in terms of global shipping issues and trying to keep the supply chain stable. We learnt some hard lessons but these lessons, I believe, have made us a stronger team. We are constantly changing our procedures on the back of lessons learnt.

I hope to be at NDE for many years, with good steady growth for the company. What makes this company great is that we remain true to what NDE is and stands for.”

Veronica Ramotlwa 
Senior Costing Controller
Head Office  

“NDE is a company that offers many opportunities. If you show interest in your job, you will be given opportunities for promotion for your hard work and interest.

I do not come to work to do just one thing or always the same thing every day. I enjoy all the challenges I face and I learn every day. We all have one goal: to see the company grow.

For my future in the company over the next five years, I see myself helping to lead and develop a productive and successful team. Thanks to the opportunities to grow at NDE, I believe I am uniquely positioned to excel in my position.”

Ros Nortjé

Gqeberha branch’s Admin Manager, Ros Nortjé, retired at the end of November after nearly 33 years at NDE. However, she is such an integral part of the branch that she will be working on contract for six months to assist with the implementation of the new software system. Her laugh and extensive knowledge will be greatly missed by everyone. 

Manie Olivier

At the end of October, Johannesburg branch stalwart, Manie Olivier retired after 21 years of service. Manie worked tirelessly as the Warehouse Manager and will be greatly missed by his colleagues. NDE would like to thank him for his dedicated service.

Rest well Philip  

With great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Philip Mashigo. Philip was a dedicated and well-loved member of the Joburg branch for over 20 years. He passed on 20th November and was laid to rest the following weekend.

He worked alongside his wife, Elisabeth, who is also a member of the Joburg team.

He leaves behind Elisabeth and four children – three sons and one daughter. He will be greatly missed by everyone and we are devastated by his loss. 

Please join us in sending love and condolences to his family. 

May he rest in peace. 

We are pleased to acknowledge the many promotions staff members achieved in 2023 and we congratulate everyone who has moved into a new role. These promotions bring momentous personal change. We are proud of your progress and wish you all of the best in your new roles, facing new, exciting challenges. 

Some notable staff promotions include new additions to NDE’s Management team.

Antonie Davis appointed as Durban Branch Manager

From 1st April, former Gauteng Sales Manager, Antonie Davis took over the management of the Durban branch. After a transition period between Joburg and Durban, Antonie, his wife and pets made the momentous move to Durban later in the year. This was a particularly poignant move for Antonie as he is originally from Durban and his father was a former branch manager at NDE Durban.
His tireless dedication has already shown in the branch’s move towards success.

Renier Dreyer takes over as Gauteng Sales Manager

From 1st June, former External Sales Representative, Renier Dreyer, took over as Gauteng Sales Manager. 

Renier started his career at NDE nine years ago and brought with him years of stainless steel industry experience. He was working out of Germiston as an External Sales Rep before moving across to Roodepoort to head up the Sales Team for the province.


The combination of experience, expertise and the relationships he holds with both the Sales team and NDE’s customers will bring Renier success, we’re sure. 

Anthony Bell appointed as Johannesburg Warehouse Manager

From 1st October, Anthony Bell – formerly the Inventory Manager for Gauteng – took over as Warehouse Manager at Johannesburg branch after Manie Olivier retired. Anthony has been at NDE for 21 years and takes on the new role with plenty of experience under his belt. His extensive product knowledge as well as his strong relationships with his colleagues will serve him well in this new role.

Chelsea Walker becomes Gqeberha Admin Manager

From 1st December, Chelsea Walker officially took over as Admin Manager in Gqeberha after the retirement of Ros Nortjé. Chelsea has been working with Ros for over a year to ensure a smooth and seamless transition after Ros’ departure. Chelsea brings new energy and ideas to the role and we know she will make an indelible mark on the branch. 

Devan Moodley takes on Management of Durban Internal Sales team

At the end of 2022, Devan Moodley took over management of Durban branch’s internal Sales team. Prior to this, Devan had been working as an Internal Sales Rep since 2013. Devan celebrates 10 years of dedicated service this year and we’re pleased to see that his hard work has paid off. 

We wish all staff well in their new roles!

In addition to these changes in leadership, NDE staff also had the opportunity to increase their knowledge and the company’s overall expertise.

(Pictured above) Andrew Campbell, Jeanré Hanekom and Ryno Laubscher travelled to Taiwan to visit key suppliers

Several NDE staff attended Columbus Mill visits to further increase their product knowledge.

All branches have endured a difficult year but despite this, they have managed to end 2023 with a positive outlook for 2024. Here are some notable highlights and messages from each region.

New products and services have been some of the highlights in this branch this year. Cape Town invested in a new fully-automated band saw which allows for accurate cutting on site and aids customers in reducing their production downstream. In addition, Cape Town now stocks various grades of stainless steel TIG and MIG welding wire.

Andries Schreuder, Branch Manager, says:

“Looking back at the hard year we’ve endured, I’m really happy that our branch has managed to stand our ground in the market place, despite an incredibly tough environment. I’m really proud of our strong, focused team. They come to work for one another, they depend on one another and every team member has pulled their weight.”

Our KZN branch has seen many positive changes over the past year. Most notable has been the change of leadership in the form of new Branch Manager, Antonie Davis. In addition, Devan Moodley took over as Internal Sales Manager. New staff have joined the team and the branch have updated their systems and stockholding to streamline their offering.

They have also installed striking new signage to ensure that the branch is much more visible from the highway.

“I would like to thank the Durban team for their resilience and their ability to adapt positively to all of the changes that have occurred at the branch this year. Your commitment to moving the branch forward is much appreciated” – Antonie Davis.

One of the highlights for Gauteng was the customer visit to the Columbus Stainless Mill which NDE hosted - an industry first. It was very well attended by customers and staff and NDE has received extremely positive feedback.
 
The branch welcomes Anthony Bell as the new Joburg Warehouse Manager and looks forward to the new approach he will bring to the role.
 
The Exports Division have enjoyed great success this year and were able to travel to some of their customers in Zambia and Botswana for the first time since the Covid-19 Pandemic. This was the first trip for Leeroy Mohale in his role as Exports Trader.
 
Branch Manager, James Carmichael, looks forward to a more positive and less challenging year ahead and has this message for the Gauteng team:

“There have sadly been many hardships and the loss of loved ones experienced by staff in Gauteng this year,  and I would like to acknowledge this and thank staff for their continued commitment and hard work, despite these hardships. I believe that next year will definitely be a better year. Enjoy the festive season break and rest well. I look forward to seeing you back with renewed energy in January.” 

2023 has been the first full year as Branch Manager for Ryno Laubscher. The branch is now preparing to move premises in early 2024. The move will provide much larger warehouse space, better branch visibility and improved accessibility. They also welcomed seasoned industry professional, Charmaine Schnable to the team – new to Internal Sales, in October. Chelsea Walker takes over as Admin Manager and we look forward to seeing her thrive in this role.
 
A message from Ryno Laubscher:
 
“As another year comes to an end, I realise how fortunate I am to have each and every one of you as part of my NDE team. I admire our ability to live out our company’s core values, especially ‘we achieve our best results as a team’.
 
2023 has not been all sunshine and roses, with various factors influencing daily business negatively. We have seen extended periods of Stage 6 loadshedding as well as demand for the products of NDE's number one customer slowing down significantly. Furthermore, price instabilities have not done us any favours, with erratic behaviour from competition making life a bit more difficult. 
 
I commend you all for remaining positive and understanding the task at hand to ensure our business remains healthy. I appreciate our ability to maintain the highest levels of customer service, something I believe really sets us apart from the competition.
 
I wish you all a wonderful festive season, and I trust you will have some well-deserved rest. I look forward to taking on 2024 with the best team in The Bay.....”

Head Office is continuously busy within every department to provide the best possible service to NDE’s seven branches. In doing so, three staff members have changed roles to accommodate the growing needs of these departments. Namely:
Fortunate Nkoe is now Receptionist (formerly Cleaner), Camelia Ramotlwa now works as a Creditor’s Clerk (previously Receptionist) and Mpumi Mthethwa (previously Creditors Clerk) has moved into the Accounts Department, working as an Accounts Assistant alongside Ashmila and Gideon.

The most notable news is the development of the new Accounting and Quote Master system that is being created internally and that will be implemented across the branches from next year.

The most notable change for the Nelspruit branch in 2023 was the addition of Lisa Roos to the team. Lisa brings excellent experience and innovative ideas to her role.

Despite the slowing economy in Mpumalanga, the branch was able to make small gains in market share. Nelspruit expanded their visibility in different segments and this paid off in the long run.

Some highlights from the Marketing mix in 2023

  • Gauteng’s branches hosted a successful and well attended customer visit to Columbus Stainless Mill in November. 47 customers plus 11 NDE staff attended the tour. 

  • Our traffic to the website has increased by over 50% compared to 2022

  • Over 50 emailers were sent to customers communicating key information, product details and maintaining our customer relationships

  • Our Facebook reach has increased hugely and our LinkedIn following is up by 40%

  • We’ve updated building signage in Germiston and Durban

  • We produced over 1500 desk pads and over 2300 wall calendars   

  • We have updated the Product Guide to ensure that our information and product offering is current

  • We have placed adverts in several publications – reaching tens of thousands of people in our industry

  • The Exports Division has increased its exposure in African publications

  • We have maintained great consistency of messaging and imagery across all forms of NDE communication

  • NDE branded digital wall paper was created and implemented across all of NDE’s share point platforms

Thank you all for your assistance and collaboration.
Without everyone’s buy in, NDE’s values cannot be brought to life.

Gauteng’s branch football teams

Some of the staff from Johannesburg, Germiston and Pretoria participate in internal football teams who play on weekends and after work in a social league. The teams play against each other in fiercely contested matches!

SASSDA Golf Days in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg

Each year, SASSDA hosts a number of golf days in the key cities around South Africa. NDE is always pleased to be a sponsor at the various SASSDA Golf Days that take place throughout the year. All branches participated in the Golf Days and NDE made a great showing at all events.

Continued sponsorship of the NDE Pairs Classic Angling Competition

In 2022, NDE sponsored a South African first-time event: the NDE Pairs Classic fresh water angling competition. 

This year, the Gauteng branches continued their sponsorship of this competition which took place from 1 – 2 April at the Vaal.

There was a much larger field of competitors this year – 30 pairs in total (60 people). Included in the field was Managing Director – Hardy Esterhuizen, who fished alongside his son, Divan.

The winning team – Team Twin Series Flash – took home some serious prize money after hauling out a large number of fish! All prizes were generously sponsored by the Gauteng branches as a branding-building and exposure exercise.

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