Our non-profit pledge to South Africa
Following the funding and foundation of the charity ‘Generation Journey’ In 2004 the shareholders of Glazing Vision (UK) pledged to support the international development of the charity with business mentoring and investment support. Using their business skills, product expertise and cash reserve to develop business opportunities on the African continent. The gateway to the continent was identified as Cape Town in South Africa. The pledge was to set up associated companies with a zero-profit returns policy.
The Visiongroup would assess the market and take the risks, with an objective of transferring skills, developing employment and eventual staff shareholdings. The only return expected to the UK would be loan repayments for any cash injection with base interest. Our endeavours and group resources would be free of charge.
In January of 2004 the Chairman Hugh Callacher visited Cape Town for the first time to evaluate the opportunities both for business development and for that of the company funded charity ‘Generation Journey’. In June 2004 Glazing Vision (Pty) Ltd was registered, starting trading later in that year. Glazing Vision (Pty) was based on the model of the UK company driven by quality, high performance products, it soon became apparent the product range needed more flexibility to compete. Glazing Vision adapted the frameless glass branding of the UK with a range of skylights, balustrade and shower products. In 2007 the company became established as a market leader in the Western Cape and made its first loan repayments, retaining sufficient funding to purchase imported stocks and relocate into new premises on Pardon Island Business Park.
The company currently employ 18 staff, our first employee Rock Poni (a Xhosa youth who served Hugh in a restaurant) is now our procurements manager and an owner of his own home. The policies of career challenge/development, home ownership support and share holding opportunity are slowly coming to fruition.
There has been some difficult times, many where we have doubted our purpose and achievements. We have learned how kindness and trust can create greed. In 2008, our biggest set back with the departure of our most two senior staff in disappointing circumstances. A sad day but our pledge is to restore the professional status of the company and continue our mission with exciting and innovative product developments.
Inspired by the values of Mandela and Gandhi we go forward with an open heart, determined to make a difference in Africa.
