Welcome to our testimonials page where SEESA clients discuss their experiences. We look forward to including your comments in our testimonials page.

SEESA CLIENTS SPEAK

Cas van Tonder, Kwikspar owner, Garsfontein, South Africa:

“I had a good labour lawyer (solicitor) who advised me and conducted my disciplinary hearings. That wasn’t the problem. The problem was I had serious labour issues and he could not represent me in the CCMA (dispute resolution forum). I was also paying him a huge amount of money because I needed him so often.

“I also used to spend my day dealing with absenteeism, theft, refusal to carry out instructions, aggression and dishonesty. It’s not part of my personality to give up but at times I felt like I was losing total control of my business. When you have 25 employees, as I do, and things are not going well, it can be hell.

“Three years ago I fortunately heard about SEESA, the employer’s company, which specialises in labour. I signed up and am now paying a really affordable monthly legal retainer. SEESA’s legal team manages all my labour needs, from labour contracts to hearings to representing me, at no extra cost, in the CCMA (dispute resolution forum).”

“My employees know SEESA’s lawyers are fair but firm. They know that should there be transgressions the disciplinary code will apply. Hearings are all conducted here at work, which means time isn’t wasted.

“With SEESA I am much more relaxed about business and my bottom line and productivity is better than ever.  I feel there is a good future in South Africa but as business owners we need support. SEESA is this support.”

Mark Purnell, Managing Director of Ofuss Services, a Pretoria/Tshwane-based office furniture, audiovisual equipment and stationery supplier:

“I joined SEESA Labour five years ago after I was taken to the CCMA (dispute resolution forum) for an unfair dismissal. It taught me that I needed professional legal assistance in the application of Labour law. I have since learnt that the law protects both the employee and the employer when procedure is followed.

“I think there is a lot of hope for our country. I also think we create our own hope. It is up to all South Africans committed to staying here to develop entrepreneurial skills, to start or rejuvenate businesses and to create employment. This is the backbone of the economy and with SEESA’s support to manage the cornerstones of your human resources – your Labour, BEE and Skills – you will succeed.”

Since 2006 SEESA has helped Purnell to establish a restructured BBBEE company, which includes a black empowerment trust. Offus is now a Level 5 contributor on the BBBEE scorecard.

“I unreservedly recommend SEESA to all business owners. You pay a monthly retainer for full-time, professional legal support and it’s ridiculously affordable.”

Ronell Coetzer of El Rosco Arabian Stud, Bronkhorstpruit:

“The inspectors from the Labour Department gave us two weeks to sort out our Labour contracts. The first thing we did was to make a 911 call to SEESA."

“All our employees were registered for UIF and Workmen’s Compensation (National Insurance), but we did not have formal contracts or formal work hour registers."

“We pride ourselves on looking after our staff, but the regulations are very specific and we were not aware of most of them. I’d expect few employers are.”

Within the two-week deadline SEESA helped El Rosco get their Labour requirements in place, and is now helping them to comply with all the Occupational Health & Safety regulations.

Johan Muller, Managing Director, Barak Products (Pty) Ltd Pretoria North. He employs a team of eighty at this manufacturer of ceiling- and building-related products:

“We immediately recognised the benefits of having SEESA manage our Labour side because our employees respect SEESA as a higher, professional legal authority. This way there is no prejudice.

“It also takes the pressure off management as we found we were spending all our time trying to keep up to date with the changes in the complex Labour law system instead of concentrating on growing our business.

SEESA has given us tremendous ongoing guidance and support. SEESA’s legal advisers respond promptly and professionally to all requests. The retainer I pay to SEESA each month is money very well spent.”

THE LAST NAIL IN THE COFFIN: Pretoria businessman Pieter Groenewald faced unions and strike action.

In 1991 Pretoria businessman Pieter Groenewald started his coffin manufacturing business under a tarpaulin with two assistants.

“We would make the coffin, load it onto the bakkie, take down the tarpaulin to cover the coffin and then I would deliver it. My two assistants would continue working in the sun until I returned and then we would erect the tarpaulin again and complete the next coffin.”

Today he employees a team of 45 who produce between 2000 and 3000 coffins per month, which they wholesale to funeral parlours in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia.

“From where we started to where we are now, this business means everything to me and I nearly lost it because of Labour issues that surfaced at the beginning of 2007. Without SEESA I would have sunk. It was literally the last nail in the coffin.”

Groenewald explains how 50% of his employees suddenly decided to bring in a union with dubious credentials and started making unrealistic demands, followed by a strike.

Groenewald made a 911 call to SEESA in March 2007.

SEESA re-established the ground rules of good business practice, strictly applied the Labour law and thirteen employees were dismissed.
 
Under SEESA’s guidance, it’s business as usual again at Edge To Edge, with a steady growth of 10-20% per year.