Background

Zamde Projects is a 100% black-owned business that specialises in anti-corrosion services, including grit blasting, sandblasting, spray painting, water jetting, and tank cleaning. With a mission to become a premier provider in the industry, Zamde Projects prides itself on delivering high-calibre services to its clients.

 

Challenges

Before participating in the Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) Supplier Development Programme, Zamde Group faced challenges with marketing, branding, and training. These pain points hindered the company’s ability to effectively promote its services, establish a strong brand presence, and equip its workforce with the necessary skills to meet industry demands.

 

The Solution

To address these challenges, the Supplier Development Programme, implemented by Zevoli Growth Partners, recommended interventions that were tailored to address their specific pain points.

 

The first step was to enhance their digital presence and branding. Marketing collateral, including business cards and flyers, was developed, a website was established, and social media platforms were actively engaged, increasing Zamde Group’s online visibility and reach. Branding initiatives, such as vinyl printing for employee gear (PPE), solidified the company’s professional image.

 

Facilitated by the Supplier Development Programme, the team at Zamde Group enrolled in the UCT Project Management Foundations online short course, equipping them with crucial skills to make more strategic business decisions and enhance their overall acumen.

 

To ensure compliance and operational efficiency, the Supplier Development Programme facilitated the filing of tax returns, securing Zamde Group’s SARS compliance, and acquired a high-pressure cleaning equipment which improved work turnaround times and contributed to significant cost savings, allowing resource allocation to other departments.

 

Impact and Results

The acquisition of cleaning equipment improved operational efficiency and reduced expenditure on equipment rental. The upskilling investment resulted in the company’s staff growing by 6 part-time members to support the expanding business operations. Zamde Group’s digital marketing and branding efforts paid dividends, with an influx of new leads, indicating the successful establishment of a digital presence for the company. Zamde Group’s client base increased during the six-month programme, resulting in increased revenue.

 

The coaching sessions and guidance provided by the programme played a pivotal role in shaping their growth trajectory. The areas of focus in the coaching sessions centred around training and self-development. When asked about the impact of working with a business coach, the beneficiary expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and improve, stating, “Learning to improve myself to improve the Zamde Projects brand.” This sentiment highlights the value of the coaching sessions in enhancing the beneficiary’s business acumen and decision-making skills.

 

Addressing the importance of compliance within the industry, the beneficiary acknowledged the need to register with the Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa. This recognition aligns with the programme’s assistance in ensuring compliance through the filing of tax returns and positioning Zamde Group for industry platforms, affiliation and networking opportunities. The company is in the process of registering with Institute.

 

Conclusion

The Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) Supplier Development Programme provided Zamde Group with the necessary tools, guidance, and resources to address key challenges, enhance digital presence, improve operational efficiency, and position the company for sustainable growth within the industry. The holistic approach, combining digital marketing, branding, upskilling, compliance, and equipment procurement, empowered Zamde Group to capitalise on new opportunities and deliver high-quality services to its clients.