Staff development of previously disadvantaged individuals

Intervet South Africa has embarked on a staff development program aimed particularly at individuals from the previously disadvantaged black community. The program has enabled the development and promotion of black staff members within the organization.

Continuous professional development, including education at university level, are major elements of the program. This has enabled individuals employed initially in cleaning or warehousing functions to develop their professional skills and enhance their career prospects. Several participants now hold important positions in administrative, technical and managerial functions. As one beneficiary of the program, Richard Mabedlhe, says: "Intervet South Africa's success and growth is mirrored in the success and growth of its staff. I joined Intervet in 1998 as a warehouse supervisor, and am now outbound logistics manager."

A parallel initiative, with similar aims, encourages individuals from disadvantaged sectors of the community to provide services for Intervet on an external basis by establishing their own businesses. The company provides help and advice, wherever possible, on the set-up and management of such businesses. Successful ventures established as a result of the program include:

• The creation of independent businesses by staff previously employed as security personnel at Intervet's Johannesburg sites and the Malelane Research Unit. These companies are now pursuing the expansion of their business interests by engaging other customers and entering new fields such as the provision of cleaning services and casual labor on a contract basis.
• The need for secondary packaging requirements enabled Intervet to help two previously disadvantaged staff to set up their own business offering packaging services on a contract basis. By creating a sustainable small business, this has considerably improved the lives of the two individuals involved.