The agreement previously covered the yellow metal component of the mine’s fleet including rigid frame and articulated dump trucks as well as loading equipment. The expanded scope now brings the site’s LDV fleet under the same structured maintenance programme, ensuring a consistent approach to HVAC system performance across all mobile assets.

According to Brenton Spies, Managing Director of Booyco Engineering, the extension reflects the growing recognition that HVAC system performance is critical across all categories of mining equipment.

“HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining a safe and comfortable working environment for operators and personnel across the site,” Spies says. “This directly supports productivity, reduces fatigue and contributes to overall operational safety, particularly in demanding mining conditions where equipment operates for extended periods.”

Spies explains that Booyco Engineering’s SLAs are never generic but are carefully customised to align with the specific operating requirements of each customer’s site.

“Every mining operation has its own fleet composition, operating cycles and environmental conditions which means maintenance programmes need to be tailored accordingly,” he says. “Our SLA model is built around the customer’s specific requirements to ensure reliable performance and to create opportunities for early detection of potential issues before they develop into costly failures.”

This proactive maintenance approach enables Booyco Engineering to identify early warning signs that may indicate wear, reduced cooling efficiency or the need for repairs, allowing planned interventions that minimise unplanned downtime.

“The best option is normally to have a dedicated technician permanently on site,” Spies says. “This gives the customer access to a skilled resource who follows a structured maintenance schedule designed around every piece of equipment operating on that particular site.”

By embedding technical capability directly at the operation, Booyco Engineering ensures rapid response times, consistent preventative maintenance and improved equipment uptime.

The expanded SLA further demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting the mining sector with engineered HVAC solutions and service models that are aligned with the operational realities of modern mining fleets.

“As mines continue to focus on productivity, equipment availability and workforce wellbeing, properly maintained HVAC systems remain a critical part of fleet performance,” Spies concludes.

www.booyco.co.za

Having established itself as a trusted specialist in dry-type transformers and modular electrical infrastructure, the company is strengthening its position in mining, industrial, infrastructure, data centre and renewable energy applications by delivering solutions tailored to increasingly complex operating environments.

According to Managing Director, David Claassen, sustained growth in market share is being driven by a combination of technical expertise, application-specific engineering and a proven ability to respond quickly to customer requirements.

“Growth in our market share is a direct result of consistently delivering dependable solutions that address the operational realities faced by our customers,” Claassen says. “Clients are looking for partners who understand the risks around power reliability, uptime and safety – and who can engineer solutions that perform in demanding conditions.”

Originally recognised for its expertise in dry-type transformer technology, the business has successfully broadened its offering over the years to become a comprehensive provider of electrical power solutions. This includes transformers, mini substations, switchgear integration and containerised power systems designed for rapid deployment and long-term reliability.

The company’s growth strategy has focused strongly on sectors where dependable electrical infrastructure is business-critical. In mining, for example, reliable power distribution is essential to maintaining production continuity across both surface and underground operations.

“In industries such as mining, any interruption to power can have a direct impact on productivity, safety and operational efficiency,” Claassen says. “Our focus is therefore not only on supplying equipment but on understanding the application and engineering a solution that supports long-term performance.”

A key differentiator for the business has been its emphasis on engineered solutions rather than standard off-the-shelf supply. By working closely with clients during the design and specification phase, Trafo Power Solutions ensures that each installation is aligned to site-specific requirements, environmental conditions and future expansion plans.

This consultative approach has helped the company secure repeat business and strengthen long-term relationships with customers across southern and central Africa.

The business also continues to invest in technical capability, regional support structures and partnerships that improve response times and after-sales service – all of which contribute to growing customer confidence and market penetration.

As infrastructure investment, mining development and energy projects continue to gather momentum across the continent, Trafo Power Solutions believes its growth trajectory remains strong.

“Our growth is built on performance, trust and engineering excellence,” Claassen says. “By continuing to deliver solutions that meet evolving market needs, we are well positioned to further strengthen our footprint and expand our share of the market.”

Website: https://www.trafo.co.za/

The Environmental Imperative in Petrochemicals

Petrochemical plants generate significant volumes of process emissions, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particulates. These pollutants not only impact local air quality but also contribute to global climate concerns. Regulatory frameworks across regions—from South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act to international standards such as the EU Industrial Emissions Directive—demand measurable reductions in emissions. Compliance requires advanced air treatment technologies that can integrate seamlessly into complex petrochemical processes without compromising throughput or reliability.

CATS: A Strategic Partner for Clean Tech Integration

Clean Air Technology Solutions has established itself as a trusted partner in the petrochemical sector by focusing on turnkey solutions that combine technical expertise with proven OEM technologies. As the authorized distributor for Munters Clean Tech, CATS provides direct access to a portfolio of engineered systems designed to tackle emissions at scale. Their role extends beyond equipment supply; CATS offers process integration, lifecycle support, and performance optimization tailored to the demanding conditions of petrochemical operations.

Munters Clean Tech: Proven OEM Technology

Munters is globally recognized for its clean technology solutions, particularly in air treatment and emissions control. Their systems are engineered to deliver high-efficiency removal of contaminants while minimizing energy consumption. In petrochemical applications, Munters Clean Technolgy equipment addresses critical needs such as:

• Mist Elimination: Advanced mist eliminators prevent entrainment of droplets in flue gas streams, protecting downstream equipment and ensuring compliance with particulate emission limits.
• Mass Transfer: Engineered systems used to facilitate the movement of chemical species between phases—typically gas to liquid or liquid to liquid—in industrial processes. In petrochemical plants, these systems are critical for separation, purification, and emissions control.
• VOC Abatement: Thermal and catalytic oxidation systems reduce volatile organic compound emissions, safeguarding both environmental compliance and workplace safety.
• Corrosion Control: By managing humidity and airborne contaminants, Munters systems extend the lifespan of critical petrochemical infrastructure.

Synergy Between CATS and Munters

The partnership between CATS and Munters Clean Tech is more than a distribution arrangement—it is a synergy of local expertise and global innovation. CATS leverages its deep understanding of regional petrochemical operations, regulatory landscapes, and client requirements to tailor Munters’ technologies for maximum impact. This ensures that petrochemical producers in Africa and beyond can access world-class clean air solutions with the assurance of localized support and service continuity.

Driving Sustainability and Competitiveness

For petrochemical companies, investing in clean air technologies is not only about compliance—it is about competitiveness. Plants that adopt advanced emissions control systems benefit from reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improved stakeholder confidence. In an era where ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance influences investor decisions and market access, partnerships with solution providers like CATS and Munters Clean Tech become strategic differentiators.

Conclusion

The petrochemical industry’s future hinges on its ability to reconcile production demands with environmental stewardship. Clean Air Technology Solutions, through its role as OEM distributor for Munters Clean Tech, provides the technologies and expertise necessary to achieve this balance. By delivering integrated emissions control and energy optimization solutions, CATS empowers petrochemical producers to meet regulatory requirements, enhance operational efficiency, and position themselves as leaders in sustainable industrial practice. In doing so, they are not only cleaning the air but also shaping the future of petrochemicals in a carbon-conscious world.

Join Clean Air Technology Solutions (CATS)  at the Annual Sasolburg Petrochemical Roadshow 2026

Free Entry! Register now to attend: Click here

Behind that promise sits a network of Pirtek Centres and mobile service units geared specifically to minimise downtime and maximise uptime for the industries that cannot afford to stand still. What makes the Pirtek network worth understanding is not only the service it delivers, but the steady, deliberate way it has been built, Centre by Centre, by independent business (Franchise) owners who saw an opportunity and committed to it for the long term. This same opportunity still exists today, either in the form of new centres or strategically located satellite centres within an already established centre’s territory.

Pirtek’s Centre network reaches into every province across South Africa, providing industries from mining to agriculture to construction, transport and manufacturing, with a local point of contact that is placed geographically close to where their equipment is working. That same principle has carried the brand across the border into Namibia, where Pirtek Centres now support the mining, transport, and agricultural sectors that anchor much of the Namibian economy, and it continues to carry the brand further into other African markets, through Pirtek authorised distributors operating under the same principle.

Matt shares further insight by explaining, “What distinguishes the Pirtek network most clearly is the calibre of the people who have chosen to build their futures within it.” He goes on to add, “Every Pirtek Centre is owned and run by an independent business owner who took on the accountability of learning Pirtek’s model, establishing local relationships, and executing the operational requirements to ensure success and longevity in their respective territories.” A high percentage of these owners have now been running their centres for well over fifteen years, with their businesses continually striving for additional growth. This kind of sustained, ongoing success speaks to something no amount of brand messaging alone could demonstrate: That the underlying business model holds up over time, through changing economic conditions, and rewards the commitment of the business owners who form part of the Pirtek network.

This context is worth keeping in mind when considering franchise ownership as a genuine long-term business decision rather than a short-term venture. A Pirtek Centre demands real, hands-on involvement from its owner, and in exchange offers a business model, that with the support of the Master Franchisor, demonstrates a track record of independent owners, building sustainable and growing enterprises over the twenty-five years Pirtek has been in Africa.

The depth of the Pirtek network across South Africa and Namibia, and its continued reach across the wider African continent, reflects a business that has been built steadily and deliberately by the people who chose to own a piece of it. That same opportunity remains open today. Pennefather summarises by stating, “The question worth considering is whether there is a region, a community, or an industrial base near you that would benefit from having its own Pirtek Centre, run by an independent owner who is ready to establish and grow a business into the future.”

www.pirtek.co.za

In critical facilities – from data centres and healthcare facilities to financial institutions and industrial environments – critical systems demand uninterrupted power, simple maintenance and the flexibility to grow as requirements evolve.

Legrand South Africa’s new TriMOD three-phase modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a highly adaptable architecture that combines resilience, scalability and ease of service, has been developed to meet these needs.

Legrand’s fifth-generation TriMOD UPS range, available in ratings from 10 to 80 kW, features a modular design based on independent single-phase power modules. Unlike conventional modular UPS systems, this advanced design enables multiple input and output configurations within a single cabinet, allowing installers and specifiers to configure systems for a wide variety of applications, while simplifying installation and allowing for future expansion.

One of TriMOD’s key advantages is its modular scalability that provides greater flexibility for changing operational requirements. Customers can increase capacity incrementally by adding lightweight power modules as demand grows, rather than having to replace the complete UPS.

The compact and lightweight power modules are designed for easy transportation, installation and servicing. Maintenance is further simplified through hot-swappable power modules and battery drawers, enabling servicing or replacement without interrupting power to critical loads. This minimises downtime and reduces maintenance costs, while helping organisations maintain business continuity. The design also enables multiple input and output configurations, including three-phase and single-phase combinations, allowing the same UPS platform to accommodate different installation requirements. This flexibility is particularly valuable where facilities have mixed power distribution systems, or where future infrastructure changes are anticipated.

TriMOD’s modular design also strengthens system reliability through multiple levels of redundancy. Individual power modules operate independently, ensuring that if a module requires replacement or experiences a fault, the remaining modules continue supplying power to the protected load. Additional control board redundancy further eliminates single points of failure, enhancing overall system availability in critical applications.

Legrand has also focused on simplifying operation through an intuitive five-inch touchscreen human-machine interface. The display provides real-time system monitoring, historical alarm logs and predictive diagnostic capabilities that assist maintenance teams in identifying potential issues before they affect operations. This proactive approach improves reliability and ensures more efficient maintenance planning.

The system delivers online double-conversion protection with efficiency of up to 96.5%, rising to 99% in Eco Mode, enabling organisations to reduce operating costs, while maintaining high levels of power protection. Compatibility with generator systems and configurable battery backup options further enhance its suitability for demanding commercial and industrial environments.

TriMOD has been designed with sustainability in mind. Legrand incorporates circular economy principles into product development, focusing on repairability, component separation and extended product life. Digital documentation and monitoring tools further reduce paper usage, while supporting preventative maintenance and lifecycle optimisation.

Legrand’s comprehensive technical support capability includes project design assistance, installation supervision, commissioning, preventative maintenance programmes, operator training and emergency service support. This ensures customers receive expert assistance throughout the lifecycle of their power protection systems.

Web   www.legrand.co.za

The replacement of two carbon steel storage tanks for a major base oil storage facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has been completed, marking a major milestone in Aurex Constructors’ growing tankage and terminals capability. The project involved the methodical demolition of two existing tanks and the construction of two new API 650-compliant base oil storage tanks, Tank 5 (2 331m³) and Tank 7 (1 479m³).

The project was executed within a fully operational brownfield environment, requiring Aurex to work under strict operational and permitting conditions while maintaining uninterrupted site activities for the customer.

“This was a flagship project for our Tankage and Terminals division,” says Renier Carstens, Operations Manager of Tankage and Terminals, Aurex Constructors. “The complexity lay in delivering new tanks safely while operating within an active storage terminal where operational requirements and emergency access routes had to remain functional at all times.”

Advanced construction methodologies drive efficiency

Aurex applied a hydraulic jacking system using a top-down construction philosophy, allowing welding to be performed in a stationary position, significantly improving efficiency, safety, and construction quality.

The jacking methodology also reduced the overall site footprint by minimising scaffolding, equipment, and labour-intensive activities. Automated welding technologies were also deployed as part of Aurex’s ongoing drive toward greater automation and improved delivery certainty.

“While we have constructed tanks using conventional methods before, this project demonstrated how targeted investment in advanced technologies, and specialised expertise can improve delivery efficiency and safety performance,” says Clive Garner, Industrial Project Solutions Director, Aurex Constructors.

Overcoming challenging site conditions

The project team managed several execution challenges, including adverse weather conditions which required ongoing adjustments to construction sequencing and daily work planning. In addition, the existing civil tank bases required intervention and redesign during the project, introducing programme impacts that were managed through revised timelines.

“A robust working relationship with the customer supported effective decision‑making throughout the project, enabling alignment on permits, access, and sequencing to minimise disruption and maintain progress,” says Carstens.

The demolition phase itself also required rapid adaptation. Initial demolition methodologies were revised on site, with teams using plasma cutting techniques to safely dismantle and remove tank sections manually within the constrained operating environment.

Safety performance integral

Safety was a defining feature of the project, with the team achieving 168 000 injury-free manhours. Successful pre-commissioning and handover supported smooth transition from construction into commissioning and operational product introduction.

“Delivering safely in highly regulated environments is non-negotiable,” highlights Carstens. “Our teams consistently met both operational and safety expectations.” Garner adds, “Safety performance is the result of culture, leadership, and discipline. Our teams continue to demonstrate professionalism in complex project environments.”

The project also delivered significant local economic impact, with 95% of the workforce sourced locally. Structured training, induction, and safety programmes supported skills development throughout the project lifecycle.

A trusted partner for end-to-end tank construction

“What differentiates our role is how we work with operating terminals,” says Garner. “We understand the interfaces, the constraints, and the importance of sequencing work correctly so our customers can continue operating safely while assets are constructed, upgraded or replaced.”

The Durban project demonstrates Aurex’s ability to deliver new tank construction and tank replacement projects safely within live environments, supported by disciplined execution and strong customer relationships.

As customers across the region continue to invest in new and replacement tank capacity, Aurex remains positioned as a trusted partner for end-to-end tank construction and related SMEIP services.

Web: https://www.aurex.com/

According to Lindie Fourie, Operations Manager at the BCCEI, this lack of awareness is creating a significant compliance risk across the industry particularly as municipalities, water utilities and infrastructure clients accelerate the rollout of maintenance and upgrade projects involving roads, pipelines, stormwater systems, wastewater treatment works and associated civils infrastructure.

“Many contractors mistakenly believe that BCCEI registration requirements apply only to large construction companies undertaking major infrastructure projects,” she explains. “In reality, any business performing work that falls within the registered scope of the civil engineering industry is legally required to register with the BCCEI and comply with the applicable collective agreements, regardless of the size of the business or the value of the contract.”

She adds that this obligation also extends to companies appointed by municipalities to carry out the maintenance, repair or rehabilitation of civil engineering infrastructure. “A common misconception is that only the contractors who build infrastructure are required to register. However, businesses engaged to maintain or repair that infrastructure are equally required to register where their activities fall within the scope of the civil engineering industry.”

This includes contractors involved in activities such as:

• Road rehabilitation and maintenance
• Asphalt and paving works
• Earthworks and trenching
• Pipe laying and reticulation
• Stormwater infrastructure
• Wastewater and sanitation infrastructure
• Bulk civils and associated construction activities

The challenge, according to Fourie, is that many emerging contractors enter the sector through subcontracting arrangements or municipal procurement opportunities without fully understanding the labour and compliance framework governing the industry.

“As infrastructure investment expands, particularly at municipal level, we are seeing more small and medium sized businesses entering the civil engineering space,” Fourie says. “Unfortunately, many of these companies are completely unaware that they are legally required to register with the BCCEI and comply with the industry’s collective agreements.”

Fourie explains that registration is determined not by the company carrying out the work or the location where it is performed but by the nature of the work itself.

“If the activities being undertaken fall within the registered scope of the civil engineering industry, then the employer is required to comply with the BCCEI framework,” she says. “This applies equally to smaller contractors undertaking roads, wastewater, pipeline or related civils work.”

The collective agreements administered by the BCCEI regulate critical employment conditions within the sector including minimum wages, working hours, leave provisions, health and safety obligations and broader labour compliance requirements designed to create fair and sustainable operating conditions across the industry.

The BCCEI warns that non-compliance – even where unintentional – can expose contractors to significant operational and financial risk. These risks may include compliance investigations, enforcement action, reputational damage and disruptions to project execution.

Importantly, Fourie emphasises that compliance should not be viewed as a barrier to growth for smaller contractors but rather as a mechanism that helps professionalise businesses, protect employees and create a level competitive environment across the sector.

“There is a misconception among some smaller businesses that compliance is complicated or only relevant to large corporations,” she says. “In reality, registration and compliance form part of building a sustainable and credible business capable of operating responsibly within the civil engineering sector.”

The increasing focus on infrastructure delivery across roads, water and sanitation sectors makes industry awareness particularly important. Government infrastructure programmes continue to prioritise the rehabilitation of ageing municipal infrastructure and in particular water and wastewater, expansion of sanitation systems and improvement of transport networks – all areas expected to generate ongoing opportunities for civil engineering contractors of varying sizes.

The BCCEI is therefore encouraging contractors, municipalities, consulting engineers and principal contractors to play an active role in improving awareness around compliance obligations within the sector.

“We believe there is a critical need for education and awareness,” Fourie concludes. “Many businesses are not deliberately avoiding compliance – they simply do not understand that the work they are performing places them within the civil engineering industry framework. Early engagement with the BCCEI can help contractors avoid future risks and ensure that they build compliant, sustainable businesses from the outset.”

Contractors uncertain about whether their activities fall within the scope of the civil engineering industry are encouraged to engage directly with the BCCEI for guidance and clarification regarding registration and compliance requirements.

www.bccei.co.za

These durable corrosion-resistant transmission chains have been developed by Fenner as a long-life alternative to conventional chain that experiences premature failure due to corrosion and abrasive wear.

“The new Fenner Zintek Plus chain is engineered to prevent premature failures in tough production environments, where conventional carbon steel, zinc-plated or nickel-plated chains do not deliver acceptable service life,” says Leon Alberts, Manager – Internal Operations, Mechanical Power Transmission Division,BMG. “Corrosion and abrasive wear are primary causes of premature chain failure in dusty, high-humidity installations. Important benefits of this new roller chain include extendedservice intervals, reduced unplanned downtime and improved maintenance planning.

“This durable chain combines two complementary protective technologies to enhance durability under load. All plates, rollers and components are treated with a high-performance zinc-aluminium coating that provides extended resistance to red rust in wet, humid, chemical and outdoor environments. This coating also offers strong adhesion characteristics, reducing the risk of flaking or peeling under mechanical stress, while eliminating hydrogen embrittlement to maintain full mechanical strength. To ensure environmentally responsible protection, the treatment is free from harmful heavy metals.

“In addition to surface protection on the chain body, the Fenner Zintek Plus range incorporates chemically nickel-plated, hardened pins with a surface hardness of approximately 67 to 68 HRC. This compares with conventional chain pins and rollers typically rated between 58 and 62 HRC.

“The higher hardness level improves wear resistance on critical load-bearing components, reduces elongation over time and extends operational life in abrasive and high-cycle applications. Enhanced corrosion protection at the pin interface further supports reliability in sugar production, where moisture and contaminants accelerate degradation.”

BMG’s recent introduction of the new Fenner O-ring chain also provides an important reliability improvement for use in difficult environments – particularly where equipment operates outdoors or in dusty conditions and where maintaining correct lubrication schedules for conventional roller chain is difficult.

The Fenner O-ring chain design addresses these challenges by sealing lubrication inside the chain where it is needed most, while protecting internal components from contamination. The result is a robust chain that offers high performance over extended operating periods.

Fenner O-Ring chain incorporates precision-engineered elastomer O-rings positioned between the inner and outer side plates of each link. These seals trap factory-applied lubricant within the critical pin-and-bush interface, ensuring continuous internal lubrication throughout the service life of the chain. The sealed design prevents the entry of dirt, dust, water and other contaminants that would normally cause internal wear.

In conventional roller chains, lubrication applied to the outside must migrate into the pin-and-bush interface to reduce friction and wear. In harsh environments this lubricant is frequently washed away or contaminated, leading to elongation, increased friction and eventual failure.

Consistent lubrication of the new Fenner O-ring chains ensures smoother operation and reduces premature chain failure, helping operators maintain uptime in demanding production environments. Another benefit of the sealed configuration is the clean external condition of the chain during operation. Because there is no need for repeated external lubrication, the chain remains dry on the outside surface. This prevents the build-up of abrasive dust and debris that typically accumulates on oil-coated chains in dusty environments. The cleaner operation is particularly advantageous in applications where contamination of surrounding equipment must be avoided.

BMG’s new Fenner Zintek Plus chains are suitable for use in sugar production, mining and quarry operations, cement and aggregate plants, agriculture and fertiliser equipment, materials handling systems, outdoor installations and coastal or high-humidity environments. Although these chains are not intended for direct food contact, they perform effectively in food-related and washdown environments, where corrosion resistance is an important requirement.

Fenner O-Ring roller chain is suited to a wide range of industrial applications where harsh environmental conditions or restricted maintenance access make conventional chain maintenance difficult. Typical installations include agricultural machinery, like harvesters, balers and conveyors, as well as equipment used in mining and quarry operations. The chain is also well suited to timber processing equipment, recycling facilities, materials-handling conveyors and outdoor installations exposed to weather and airborne contaminants.

Fenner 12B and 16B Zintek Plus and O-ring chains are now available throughout Africa, from BMG’s extensive distribution network.

Web www.bmgworld.net

The hybrid cables combine power and data transmission in a single line which reduces the need for multiple cables and reduces the space and weight of installations. These latest additions also include harnessed hybrid cables for Siemens SINAMICS S210 drives with OCC interfaces and SEW-EURODRIVE motors with MOVILINK DDI. These cables are available with tough PUR jackets or more cost-effective PVC options and gives users the flexibility to choose accordingly depending on their application. igus also provides direct access to EPLAN Electric P8 macros which enables engineers to drag and drop cable data into digital plans and cut planning time by up to 50 percent.

Managing director of igus South Africa, Ian Hewat, says hybrid technology is the future of cabling in automation and that solutions are available for most commonly used systems. The company is also continuously expanding its readycable portfolio to deliver wide ranging solutions for continuous use in energy chains. These cables are designed with strong outer jackets, strain-relieved cores and movement-optimised stranded wires that ensure durability even in moving applications.

In addition the cables also have electromagnetic compatibility to prevent interference between power and data transmission. Cables are also subjected to millions of test cycles in igus’s laboratory and this underpins the company’s confidence in offering a 36-month chainflex guarantee.

“Hybrid technology is the way of the future and we are continuously expanding our portfolio of ready-to-connect hybrid cables from the readycable series in order to offer our customers a fast, reliable and cost-effective solution for continuous use in energy chains.”

When COVID-19 emptied offices in 2020, remote work wasn’t a carefully designed workplace strategy. It was an emergency response.

Kitchen tables became desks; meetings moved online, and businesses adapted faster than many thought possible. In the years that followed, flexibility became a defining feature of many workplaces.

But for some, the pendulum is swinging back globally once again. Amazon introduced a five-day office expectation in January 2025, with companies including JPMorgan Chase and Dell following suit. Google, on the other hand, has retained flexible work and is moving towards three office days a week. Nevertheless, despite differing policies, all have emphasised the value of in-person collaboration and connection.

Locally, financial services provider The Unlimited has retained its hybrid working model following more than five years of successful implementation.

The different approaches raise an important question: “Why does hybrid work succeed in some organisations and not others?”

According to Helen Bredenkamp, Group Head of People and Culture at The Unlimited, the answer may lie in how hybrid work is managed. “Without deliberate leadership, the model can create real risks,” she says. “Communication can become fragmented, people can feel disconnected, and leaders can struggle to assess performance. But that doesn’t necessarily mean hybrid work has failed. It may mean the business hasn’t built the structures needed to support it.”

Done well, Bredenkamp believes, hybrid work creates a win-win. “People gain flexibility and trust, while the business retains the accountability, connection and performance it needs.”

She shares five practical ways for companies to strike the right balance:

1. Start with a clear reason

Hybrid work should not be the default. It should serve a clear business purpose, whether that’s gaining access to a wider talent pool and specialist skills, improving employee satisfaction and retention, or enabling task-dependent work.

At The Unlimited, this has meant that the business has been able to retain specialist skills, experience and institutional knowledge when employees have chosen to emigrate, while gaining access to talent across South Africa without requiring people to relocate to another province.

A clearly defined purpose also gives leaders a meaningful basis for evaluating whether the model is delivering its intended outcomes.

2. Focus on results, not visibility

Hybrid teams need clear outcomes, responsibilities and deadlines. Employees should know what’s expected of them, how success will be measured and how their work contributes to business goals.

At The Unlimited, leadership is grounded in results. Every year, every person sets ‘big, hairy’ Unlimited goals, measured against the outcomes they have committed to delivering. We use Scrum to stay focused and on track, alongside regular performance reviews. This creates clarity, strengthens accountability, and keeps performance focused on impact rather than presence.

3. Make communication intentional

In an office, information is often shared through quick conversations. Those interactions don’t happen as naturally in distributed teams. Regular check-ins can keep teams aligned, but people also need to stay connected to the wider business.

That’s why every other Friday, The Unlimited brings all head office employees together for Engage, a one-hour company-wide meeting. It’s used to share updates, align around goals, reinforce values, recognise colleagues and create space for feedback.

4. Use the cloud, safely

Cloud technology is a key enabler of remote and hybrid work, helping people stay connected, collaborate effectively, and access the tools they need from different locations. But that convenience also brings additional cybersecurity risks that cannot be ignored.

At The Unlimited, we prioritise system security and give regular practical guidance and awareness sessions. Protecting company and customer information is not only an IT responsibility; it’s something every employee is passionate about safeguarding.

5. Make office days meaningful

Culture doesn’t happen by accident in a hybrid environment. It should be reinforced through shared rituals, consistent leadership and regular opportunities for people to connect.

Face-to-face time remains valuable for solving difficult problems, building relationships and generating ideas. Employees shouldn’t travel to the office to spend the day on virtual calls. Instead, anchor days should be designed to bring the right people together for planning, collaboration, learning and relationship-building.

Shared experiences built around purpose also play an important role. Through “Love Days”, our employees come together to give back to communities, creating meaningful opportunities to connect beyond their day-to-day roles while contributing to something bigger than themselves.

The office should offer something that’s difficult to recreate at home. It’s not about people being present. It’s about using that presence well.

“Hybrid work isn’t the easy option. Nor is it an argument against the office,” concludes Bredenkamp. “To succeed, it requires clear expectations, purposeful communication and active leadership. When the reasons behind adopting the model are clear, and the risks are deliberately managed, performance and flexibility don’t have to compete.”

More info, please visit: http://theunlimited.co.za