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.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Richmark Holdings to Sponsor Promising Surfer James Ribbink

James Ribbink, considered by many to be one of the best and most promising young surfers in South Africa, is due to be sponsored by the Johannesburg-based investment company, Richmark Holdings. The sponsorship agreement comes following a string of hugely impressive performances by James in some of South Africa’s most prestigious surfing tournaments. 

At the inaugural RVCA Junior Surf Series, which was held at the Lower Point of J-Bay, James finished in 1st place in the U10’s division. He was also recently awarded surfer of the tournament at the Billabong Grom Games which took place earlier in the year. It is because of performances like this that have made James one of the most talked about young names in South African sport. As well as Richmark Holidings, James is also sponsored by some of the most prominent companies from the world of surfing such as Oakley, RVCA, Skullcandy and Channel Islands Surfboards.

Richmark Holdings

Founded in 2000, Richmark Holdings currently works with some of the country’s most talented young business people. The aim of Richmark is to assist companies through innovation and business continuity, with the main focus on long term growth. From small scale funding to majority shareholding and investment, Richmark Holdings helps promising companies to become successful leaders within their respective industries. Richmark Holdings continues to work with some of South Africa’s leading companies and boasts a varied and extensive portfolio of clients, which includes VoCall Cellular, Knox Titanium Volt Co., Bluechip Media and iBurst.

As well as its commercial ventures, Richmark Holdings also supports a number of charities and not-for-profit organizations in South Africa including the SA Rugby Legends Association, the Kirsty Watts Foundation, Smile Foundation, Joint Aid Management and the Bobbi Bear Foundation.

James Ribbink

For an eight year old, James Ribbink’s talent and courage on the waves is quite remarkable and his potential for further success is enormous. Under the watchful eye of his coach Graeme Hynes, James spends much of his spare time training at The New Pier in Durban. It is James’s commitment and dedication to the sport which has undoubtedly helped him to quickly develop into one of South Africa’s best young surfers, which for a youngster is hugely impressive. Whilst nobody can argue with his natural talent and ability on the water, James comes from rich surfing stock, with his father, Jason, a former junior and national champion. 

RVCA Junior Surf Series

Held at the surfing Mecca of Lower Point, Jeffreys Bay, the RVCA Junior Surf Series attracts nearly 100 of the best young surfers in South Africa who battle against the waves and each other for a share of prize money totaling more than R100,000. The event is split into seven different age divisions ranging from U10’s to U20’s for both boys and girls. 

As well as surfing, the RVCA Junior Series combines a number of different subcultures including fashion, art, modern lifestyle and music to encourage the young competitors to showcase their creativity and originality when performing on the waves.