Thursday, December 5, 2013

Richmark Charity Golf Day

The annual Richmark Holdings Golf day was held on the 21st November at Randpark Golf Club. The day was a huge success with a full field of 140 players. 

To the full article: Richmark Charity Golf Day



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Gavin Varejes handing over the Springbok Jerseys

Gavin Varejes handing over the Springbok Jerseys to the Springbok team for their match against New Zealand (5th October 2013).

 
 


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

VUKA Rugby Finals Showcases Up and Coming South African

In what was a great advert for junior rugby, Cape Town’s Newlands Rugby Stadium, played host to the 2013 finals of the annual VUKA Rugby Legends Cup Tournament, which was held in front of more than 15,000 spectators. Despite playing in front of so many people the players and management from all the teams involved didn’t disappoint any of those who were in attendance.

The tournament, which is now in its fifth year, showcases some of South Africa’s best up and coming rugby talent. It is organised in partnership with the South African Rugby Legends Association, whose founder Gavin Varejes has a long standing association with grassroots rugby in South Africa.

This year’s Finals were extra special as the games acted as a curtain raiser for the Stormers vs Bulls super rugby match. In addition to this prestigious honour, it was also the first time teams from the U15 age group had competed in the tournament.

In fact, the U15’s final was arguably the highlight of the day. In what was a pulsating encounter, the Atlantis Highlanders battled it out against the Mitchells Plain South Stallions. With great rugby and plenty of determination on show from both sides, the Highlanders’ attacking style of play was the difference between the teams come the final whistle, as they won the game 20 points to 7.

The final of the U19’s was another hotly contested affair as the Highlanders took on the Ravensmead Cobras. This physical encounter had more than its fair share of tough tackling but this didn’t take anything away from the match as a spectacle. After enterprising play from both sides the Cobras ran out 24-12 winners, leaving the Highlanders to rue what might have been as they were condemned to their second VUKA Rugby Legends Final defeat in as many years.

http://www.sarugbylegends.com/content/legends-cup-2013-vuka-finals

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Nando's promotes Joost van der Westhuizen in its print ads

South African Rugby Hero

Nando’s, the famous South African eatery, has built up a great reputation for its print ads, which can be somewhat controversial at times. But recently they chose to feature a photograph of Joost van der Westhuizen as the focus of their national promotion. Joost, who holds the title as being one of Springboks South Africa’s most talented players, is now known throughout the country as the former rugby player who is fighting a life threatening disease. It has been only two years since he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). 

Keeps on Giving

Joost van der Westhuizen, aged 42, is a former scrumhalf for the Springboks but is now confined to a wheelchair as the disease slowly works its way through his body. Instead of giving up, however, he has courageously formed the J9 foundation to help raise support and awareness for others suffering from the disease. Through his own experience with MND, he is able to make a huge difference for those living with the disease as well as their families and caregivers. 

Number One Player

During the ceremony, Nando’s CEO Geoff Whyte handed over a framed copy of the ad that recognises Joost’s efforts and charitable contributions. In addition, Whyte gave R100 000 as a donation to Joost’s J9 foundation. According to Whyte, "Joost has now earned the status of legend for a second time.” He adds that at Nando’s, “Number 9 will always be our number one.”

Learning from Illness

Joost van der Westhuizen credits his illness with teaching him what is important in life. He states that he is fortunate to have the time to right some wrongs he made in his lifetime and to get material things in order. He has overcome many physical obstacles to help others. 

Taking part in the ceremony to honour Joost was Gavin Varejes, South African Rugby Legends Association’s president. 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Representatives of SARLA and UTi Visit KZN with a Generous Donation

The South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) and Paul Muller, who is the UTi sales manager, have turned the simple act of gift giving into an annual tradition and this year was no different. At the end of June, representatives from both UTi and SARLA turned up at KZN’s holistic orphanage to present it with warm blankets for the area’s needy. They were welcomed enthusiastically by the LIV Village staff as well as the young residents of the village. 

Winter Blankets to the Neighboring Villages

The representatives from SARLA and UTi came in trucks laden with two thousand blankets, which were to be dispersed to the needy residents in nearby villages. The generous donation was made possible through the generosity of SARLA’s president, Gavin Varejes. Varejes also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Richmark Holdings, which is a leading angel investor in South Africa. The CEO of SARLA, Stefan Terblanche, received plenty of help from the young residents as they unloaded the boxes of blankets from the truck together. Until distribution, they are storing the blankets in their own storage facilities. 

Entertainment in the School Hall

As a thank you to the group, the children performed dances that they had been practicing and sang songs. Afterwards, the guests met with Tich Smith, who founded LIV. He showed them LIV’s newest promotional video clip and explained the innovative LIV business concept to them. The business profile incorporates mothers and children into the village as shareholders. The day ended with an escorted tour of the entire KZN grounds, headed by the director of marketing, Carita Neethling. The village has grown immensely since the visit from SARLA one year ago, and as it continues to grow, SARLA and UTi plan to be there with continued support. 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Richmark Holdings' dream: helping grow the South African economy

Richmark Holdings, one of the leading angel investors working in South Africa, has weathered the tough economic period and come through with flying colours. Since the South African banks have developed very strict lending policies, it has been forced to narrow its focus to support only those businesses that are a perfect fit with its own core ideas. It carefully chooses companies with great promise for growth and guides them through to success. 

Cellphones for Rural Regions

At the bequest of Nelson Mandela, Richmark Holdings took on the task of distributing cellphones, cellphone accessories and airtime to the residents of rural South Arica. Because of its diverse invested companies, Richmark was able to fulfill this request not only successfully, but profitably as well. Its diversity is one of the traits that puts Richmark at the top of the market and gives it an edge over its competitors.

Early Investments

When Richmark first began in business, it was with the goal of identifying promising entrepreneurs in South Africa and standing with them as they built new companies from the ground up. Most of its investments were in very early stage ideas and ventures in the telecom field. Under the leadership of experienced businessman and entrepreneur Gavin Varejas, it invested in such companies as Vocall Cellular Ltd, which is now a large Vodacom Super Dealer, and Cellfind Ltd, which realised a profitable exit to Blue Label Telecoms Ltd. 

Performance Outlook

The future looks rosy for Richmark Holdings at it prepares business plans covering the next five years. It is planning to introduce its interactive touch screens through its subsidiary, BluChip. Another promising sign was the acquisition of distribution rights for Huffy and Raleigh, which are two global leaders. Thanks to the new lending restrictions, Richmark's strong market standing brings it more market opportunities than ever before.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The VUKA and Gavin Varejes Jersey Initiative

VUKA is the Zulu word for 'wake up' or 'awakening' and also the name of the South African Rugby Legends (SARLA) grassroots rugby programme for youth. The programme has been providing substantial assistance to thousands of disadvantaged youths and includes providing underprivileged youths with rugby jerseys. Started by Gavin Varejes and endorsed by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), VUKA initially operated the jersey initiative mostly in the Cape province. The programme has now also embraced KwaZulu Natal to be included in the annual sponsorship. The recent handover was well received by both KZN and WP school principals and youths. 

KZN Handover

During the handover, the sponsor Smith's Manufacturing was on hand to assist in Clermont, just outside Durban. Referee Archie Sehalko and rugby player Hector Gumede were there to provide some words of encouragement to the young players and to cheer them on as they played their first game in their newly received jerseys that very afternoon. Some of the schools that benefited from this initiative are Wybank, Umqhele, Isithikozile and Ilanga.

WP Handover

In the Western Province handover, SARLA representatives Dale Santon and Jessie Claassen presented the jerseys to excited teams throughout the Cape Flats. For the very first time, the jerseys included each school's individual colours, providing further joy to the boys. Spes Bona, Alexander, Saxonsea, Atlantis and Florida were some of the schools included in the handover.

The Jerseys

The initiative was sponsored by Smith's Manufacturing and the jerseys were produced by the South African label Flya Sportswear, a Time Clothing label that also holds the Proudly South African tick. Gavin Varejes and SARLA are most grateful to everybody that made this undertaking possible. It is only through sponsorship, manufacture, design and distribution of the jerseys that the continuing success of this very important initiative can be assured.