History
What’s in a name?
Siyakhula Sonke
The Corporation’s name is derived from the Zulu phrase, ‘together we grow’, and encapsulates the Company’s vision of growth through partnership.
Symbolism of the trademark
The symbolism of Siyakhula Sonke Corporation’s (SSC’s) trademark is a Synergism-Multiplicative effect; not additive 1+1=3. The SSC Group wishes to remain a focused, operating company and subscribes to the business philosophy of partnerships based on synergy and value.
The SSC Group’s history starts with a dream, and a vision, of its founder.
Fred Arendse
Fred was born on 16 November 1973
Family & Educations
He excelled at school which led him to an opportunity to go and study Human Resources at Peninsula Technicon Cape Town in 1993.
His father held numerous jobs to keep the family going, always being an example of leadership, consistency, hard work, dedication and loyalty to his family. Fred’s mother was a domestic worker and also showed the same characteristics. This is where Fred built his character and also his faith in God. His parents were very involved at the local Church. Both Fred’s parents have passed away, but he was raised by them and taught that a person’s impoverished circumstances or past should never determine his or her future. Timeless values including respect, hard work, trust, helping others, believing in God and yourself, were also taught at an early stage in his life.
Start of Mining Career
Legacy
In 1998 Fred joined Anglo Platinum as HR Manager at the Process Division: Concentrators. Here Fred received great exposure to mining and senior management through his hard work and perseverance. He was later promoted as HR Manager for East Mines in Rustenburg.
He worked at the Operations for 5 years after which he was promoted to Corporate Office. Again staff were very fond of him and gave him a great farewell showing their appreciation of his contribution to the mine, but also the lives of employees. His Corporate Career was very successful at Anglo American Platinum Head Office. Fred was appointed as Head of Transformation. He was the youngest senior manager in such a position and was also on the accelerated path to executive roles within the company. Fred’s whole life was dedicated to work. During his career at Anglo he always had a hunger to be an entrepreneur and built a "black Anglo American" as the Oppenheimers built their enterprise many years ago. He also had a great passion for assisting other entrepreneurs, employees and partner companies – all growing together to achieve a better life and leave a better legacy.
Siyakhula Sonke Empowerment Corporation
He decided to part with Anglo in 2005 and start his own Company, the company that is today known as Siyakhula Sonke Empowerment Corporation (SSC) – meaning “Together We Grow”. He had humble beginnings by turning his garage into a home office.
Today the company is worth a substantial value, consisting of more than 15 subsidiaries in various industries, yet still focused on servicing a mine. His focus also remained the same, building a company that will not only change his life dramatically, but also that of his staff, partner companies and surrounding communities.
Fred’s role in building a better South Africa includes playing an active leadership role for Peace and Stability in the South African Mining Industry. He also served as Process Leader for Peace and Stability at Anglo Platinum, from 2013 until 2015.
Fred enjoys encouraging others to be entrepreneurs and makes inputs on issues facing the mining industry. Fred is a guest speaker at various conferences, notably on topics relating to economic transformation and entrepreneurship. He spends much of his free time giving back to those who are less fortunate.
Fred has featured in articles published in the “Leadership” magazine as well as in the “Black Business Quarterly” magazine
The capitalist with a social conscience and the vision of an Eagle.
