Latest news with #Engen
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
68 unemployed residents graduate from Engen Community Computer School
SIXTY-EIGHT unemployed residents of Durban South graduated from the Engen Community Computer School on May 23 after completing a four-month digital skills course that equips them with computer skills required for employment, tertiary studies or learnership. Also read: Engen empowers 200 people with disabilities through job readiness programme Krishna Govender, Engen Head of Transition, Repurpose and RTT, congratulated the January 2025 cohort on their commitment. 'With valuable digital skills in hand, these graduates are now better positioned to pursue meaningful employment or further their education,' said Govender. In its 16th year now, the free programme has changed the lives of more than 3373 residents since its launch in 2009. It provides an important stepping stone for those wishing for a brighter future. Success stories of the latest cohort affirm the influence of the programme. Two graduates, Riquelme Tarrique Ogle and Joash Lewis, secured employment even before graduating – Lewis for a trucking company and Ogle for Nedbank Youth SA Programme Call Centre. Other past graduates include Sthabile Mavundla who now works for MBA Energy in Johannesburg, and Asakhe Masinga who is working at the CCI Call Centre. Among the August–December 2024 group, 28% secured employment, 6% gained learnerships and 10% pursued further studies. One of the most inspiring graduates this year was Ashwin Kalidaas, who was 74 years old. He proved that there is no age limit when it comes to learning. Sheryl Casalis, course convener and training director, reflected on the learners' transformative journeys. 'We witness learners grow in confidence and competence — many of whom previously doubted their ability to succeed. They graduate with a renewed sense of purpose and a practical skillset that changes their trajectory,' said Casalis. Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI manager, also commended the graduates and reaffirmed their commitment to education development. 'Engen remains steadfast in its belief that digital literacy is a gateway to empowerment. We are proud to walk alongside our communities as they build resilience and the capacity to thrive in an evolving world,' said Mdabula. Get in touch: Durban South residents are encouraged to apply for the programme. Classes run on weekdays for four months, while a year-long Saturday course is available for those who work during the week. If interested contact Sheryl Casalis on 031 818 9050 or email her at Sheryl@ For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
These are South Africa's motorists' favourite petrol stations
Engen has emerged as the most popular fuel station brand among Johannesburg drivers, according to new data released by analytics firm Lightstone – highlighting major shifts in consumer behaviour and market dynamics across South Africa's fuel retail sector. The analysis is based on real-world travel data from over 600 petrol stations in Johannesburg and 5 000 stations nationally, tracking commuting patterns across the country's most densely populated metro. 'Among the brands competing for Joburg drivers' attention, Engen stands clearly ahead,' said Lightstone, confirming its dominance as the go-to stop for refuelling and convenience shopping. According to the National Traffic Information System (Natis), Gauteng accounts for 3.3 million of the country's 8 million registered passenger vehicles , representing 41% of the national total. In terms of all vehicles, the province holds 38.5% or 4.7 million. With the majority of these vehicles clustered around the greater Johannesburg area, Lightstone's analysis offers insight into the fuel station usage habits of a significant portion of South Africa's drivers. The data points to specific Engen locations that consistently rank among the city's busiest, including: Oxford Service Station M1 North and South stops My City Sandton Court Midway Mews Convenience Centre Other high-traffic sites from competing brands include BP's Grayston Drive, Shell's Glenhove and Cosmo City, and Sasol Waterfall. Beyond fuelling up, petrol stations have become key destinations for late-night shopping and convenience services. Lightstone noted a clear spike in non-fuel visits between 19:00 and 06:00, as consumers turn to petrol stations when traditional retail stores are closed. A 'convenience score' is calculated by comparing total stops to the proportion made for shopping – with midnight visits twice as likely to be for retail needs than fuel. The report also detailed ongoing market shifts in South Africa's fuel retail landscape: Astron Energy , formerly operating under the Caltex brand, has grown rapidly since acquiring Chevron's South African assets in 2017 . A nationwide rebranding campaign launched in 2022 has already transformed hundreds of service stations. By the end of 2025 , over 850 Astron Energy stations will be operational – second only to Engen , which boasts over 1 000 locations . , formerly operating under the brand, has grown rapidly since acquiring . A launched in 2022 has already transformed hundreds of service stations. Shell , by contrast, is in the process of exiting the service station business in South Africa. Its network of nearly 600 stations is up for acquisition, marking a major reshuffling of brand presence. , by contrast, is in the process of in South Africa. Its network of is up for acquisition, marking a major reshuffling of brand presence. Total Energies and BP round out the top five networks with 550 and 500 stations, respectively. While Engen currently leads the fuel retail market in terms of reach and popularity, the evolving landscape – shaped by rebrands, acquisitions, and shifting consumer behaviour – suggests the competition is far from over. Petrol stations are no longer just about fuel. They are becoming lifestyle destinations, reshaping how South Africans move, shop, and connect. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Engen empowers 200 people with disabilities through job readiness programme
WITH a groundbreaking programme launched in September 2024, Engen, in partnership with the Disability Economic Empowerment Trust (DEET), has transformed the lives of 200 people with disabilities, including those from Durban South, with its Driver Training and Job Readiness Programme. Focused on empowerment and inclusion, the programme is breaking down barriers and opening doors to economic empowerment. Also read: Register for free computer skills course, urges Engen Spanning KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, North West, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, the programme has provided participants with life and employability skills. A hundred participants received practical driving lessons, while all 200 benefited from a comprehensive job-readiness curriculum, including CV writing, digital literacy, workplace skills and interview skills. In the Durban South, the impact is already felt. Out of 20 students in the driver training course, 11 passed their learner's licence tests and seven have obtained their driver's licences, with others awaiting their test dates. The programme uniqueness shines through its robust dedication to accessibility and inclusivity. People with physical or sensory disabilities also used the programme through the use of modified vehicles, assistive technology and sign interpreters. Over 30 assistive devices were also provided by Engen, helping to enhance the mobility, independence, and confidence of beneficiaries. Thabiso Phetuka, CEO of DEET, said this programme opened doors that were previously closed. 'It is about restoring dignity, agency and access to economic opportunity,' Phetuka said. He added that their partnership is giving real hope to people living with disability, who had not been able to access the job market because they were lacking skills or mobility. Olwethu Mdabula, Engen's CSI manager, said this initiative reflects their commitment to creating meaningful, long-term impact. 'By addressing key barriers like mobility, we're building pathways to employment and entrepreneurship,' said Mdabula. She added that it is not just a matter of non-discrimination but of creating genuine opportunities. As the programme continues to grow, the stories of empowerment and progress from communities like Durban South are a testament to what is possible when organisations can come together for the betterment of the community and its residents. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Consumer Insights Agency, KLA, reveals the Quarterly Buzz Results for Q4 2024
KLA, the exclusive partner for YouGov in sub-Saharan Africa, has released the eighth edition of The Quarterly Buzz, tracking the brands with the most 'Buzz' in the market. The Quarterly Buzz leverages the YouGov BrandIndex tool, a dynamic platform that consistently evaluates public sentiment of over 200 brands in South Africa across eight categories. Through the BrandIndex tool, the top ten performing brands across sectors are highlighted, with the top five brands respectively named within each category. Employing a comprehensive framework of 16 metrics that span across the marketing funnel, the BrandIndex tools' Buzz metric takes the spotlight. This metric evaluates consumer perception, gauging whether individuals have encountered positive or negative information about a brand in the preceding two weeks. Operating on a scale of +100 to -100, a net score is derived, offering a view of a brand's performance relative to its competitors. These scores are accumulated over a three-month period, forming the basis for The Quarterly Buzz results, with the latest results being measured from 1 October to 31 December 2024. The top performing brands across all sectors in Q4 of 2024 are: Following the noteworthy changes observed in the Q3 Quarterly Buzz, where the Food, Groceries, and Consumables sector no longer held its dominant position, this quarter has seen a stabilisation across sectors, with notable shifts among the top 10 brands from the previous period. Woolworths Food and MTN have experienced significant improvements in their rankings. Woolworths Food has risen three spots, claiming the top position among the top 10 brands for this quarter, while MTN has moved up from nineth to third place. Additionally, Engen has gained momentum, securing a spot as a new entrant and making its return to the top after three quarters. Woolworths Food demonstrates significant improvement in 9 of the 16 metrics, including Awareness, Word of Mouth, Impression, Quality, Recommendation, Reputation, Satisfaction, Index (overall consumer perception), and Current Customer. This strong performance has propelled the brand to first place, a position it has only secured once, in Q1 2024, since the inception of the Quarterly Buzz. MTN has also made notable strides, demonstrating significant growth in Awareness, Buzz and Positive Impression perceptions, noting quarter-on-quarter improvements in 15 of the 16 metrics. Interestingly, Clicks, which also experienced a significant improvement in Buzz in the last quarter, has moved up one rank, surpassing MRP Home, while also showing significant improvement in 8 metrics across the top and middle funnel. Engen, a new entrant after three quarters, notes significant improvement in Buzz, along with 11 other metrics across the marketing funnel, including brand consideration. These significant movements have resulted in FNB, Takealot (Car parts and services sector), MRP Home and Woolworths Clothing experiencing a drop in rank position in the current period. Checkers and KFC retain rank position at #2 and #6 respectively. When delving deeper, sector specific results for Q4 of 2024 is as follows: Sector specific results for Q4 of 2024 highlight a relatively stable top five within each sector, with a few new entrants across the eight sectors tracked – notably, Mr Price, Clicks, Shoprite, Discovery, Capitec and Assupol in their respective categories. In the latest report, specific brand's performance reflects dynamic trends in the South African market. Woolworths: Leveraging digital for growth Woolworths Food has seen a significant increase across metrics, positively impacting brand usage. In contrast, Woolworths Clothing experienced a more modest uptick across its metrics, reflecting a drop in rank performance. This closely aligns with the brand's recent trading update for a 26-week period, ending 29 December 2024, with the clothing division reporting a drop of approximately 27% compared to the previous year. On the other hand, the Food division noted an 11.4% growth, driven by a digital transformation that saw online sales grow by 37.2%, with Woolies Dash contributing a 49.2% growth. According to McKinsey & Company's 2024 State of Grocery Retail in South Africa report, there is an increasing need for convenience, particularly within the premium segment, which online channels effectively support. While Woolworths Clothing has faced recent challenges, including supply chain disruptions and ongoing transformation efforts at distribution centres, resulting in lower cost efficiencies and operational difficulties, Woolworths Food has experienced a more favourable trajectory. Woolworths Food, in partnership with FoodForward SA, made a notable contribution to food security in the country, donating R816 million worth of surplus food during the past financial year. However, the brand also faced concerns over potential counterfeit pilchards, following reports of certain pilchard products being linked to food safety issues. In response, Woolworths distanced itself from the issue, launching a thorough investigation to ensure food safety and product integrity, supporting consumer trust in the brand. This is positively reflected in the positive uptick in Buzz, Impression and Quality perceptions for the brand, which began trending up early December, coinciding with the launch of the investigation. Source: BrandIndex, 1 October 2024- 31 January 2025, 4 week rolling average, n~521 MTN: Driving Innovation and Sustainability MTN South Africa undertook several notable strides in expanding its technological offerings and improving services. In partnership with Huawei, it launched the world's first commercial Super Dual Band Intelligent Beam Tracking 2D microwave solution in Johannesburg, improving network stability by counteracting challenges experienced with tower deformation due to environmental factors. The company also introduced the MTN Icon 5G, an affordable smartphone aimed at transitioning customers from 2G/3G to 5G. With this, MTN entered a strategic partnership with China Telecom and Huawei to enhance 5G, cloud services, AI, and business solutions thus also supporting the creation of new business opportunities. These initiatives, beyond transitioning customers to using advanced technologies, supports accessibility to innovation within the country. Lastly, MTN launched biodegradable SIM cards reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. These initiatives demonstrate MTN's focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and expanding its digital infrastructure to better customer needs. Advertising: Seamlessness in driving meaningful engagement As the importance of an omnichannel marketing strategy continues to grow, brands must ensure they are effectively reaching consumers across multiple touchpoints. KLA has tracked the most recalled channels across various sectors, conducting a study with a nationally representative sample of South Africans to identify the channels that remain top of mind this quarter. While traditional TV still holds its place as a critical channel, social media has emerged as the leading platform for sectors such as Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), clothing and footwear, and telecommunications. This shift underscores the growing significance of social media in driving engagement and conversions. However, for brands to truly capitalise on social media's potential, it is essential that brands 'align its social media strategy with its business goals by defining its business goals and outlining its top priorities'. Looking ahead to 2025, brands must continue delivering an omnichannel strategy where feasible. However, this does not automatically guarantee a seamless experience. To truly provide a frictionless journey, brands need to focus on consistency and ease across all touchpoints. As consumers expectations rise, principles such as authenticity, transparency, and responsible use of AI will be key to fostering deeper emotional connections with audiences. By integrating technological innovations and creating personalised, real-time content, brands will not only drive greater engagement but also stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. These strategies will be essential in engaging audiences and driving meaningful business outcomes in the year ahead in a highly competitive landscape.
