Hume International Emailer

NOTE FROM OUR MD

This Heritage Month, I wanted to take a moment to recognise the vibrant tapestry of cultures and histories that make up the mosaic of our beloved South Africa, and indeed our Hume International family.

September is the month when we celebrate our roots, traditions, and the rich heritage that defines us. Our country is a living testament to unity in diversity, where people of various backgrounds, languages, and customs come together as one nation. This remarkable blend is our strength, and it's what sets us apart as both a country and as a company.

Heritage Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn, share, and celebrate the multitude of cultures that make our workplace and South Africa as a whole, so wondrously lively and colourful. So, as we commemorate this important event, I encourage each of you to take a moment to share some of your culture and heritage with others, including any customs that have been passed down through the generations, and the stories that have shaped your family and community. This sharing can foster an even deeper sense of understanding and respect for one another.

At Hume International, our dynamic team is our greatest asset. We bring unique perspectives, experiences, and talents together to achieve remarkable results. Let’s continue to embrace our diversity, learn from one another, and work collaboratively towards our common goals. It is our mutual respect, understanding, resilience, fortitude, and adaptability, that leads to excellence in everything we do.

I wish you all an incredible Heritage Month filled with enlightening experiences, joyful celebrations, and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable heritage that surrounds us.

I would also like to warmly welcome each new team member. Hume International is delighted to have you on board.

In the news this month:

In August 2023, Hume International released a holding statement addressing the controversy surrounding import tariffs and anti-dumping duties in the local poultry industry. It emphasised the importance of open and inclusive dialogue while maintaining transparency about individual interests within the industry. Hume International's objective is to promote fair trade and competition while ensuring affordable chicken prices for consumers.

The company clarified that its previous statements about anti-dumping duties on Brazilian and Irish imports were accurate at the time, with tariffs ranging from 3.31% to 265% and 2.49% to 158%, respectively. These duties are in addition to existing tariffs. Hume International also highlighted the role of importers in supporting jobs in South Africa's supply chain.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by local poultry producers, including energy and infrastructure issues, the company argued that higher import tariffs would only lead to reduced supply, less competition, limited choice, and higher prices. It also commended the government's decision to have the Competition Commission and Consumer Commission monitor local poultry prices after the implementation of the duty.

"An honest leader creates an environment where truth can be spoken safely, even when it's difficult." -Simon Sinek.

Frederick Hume
Managing Director

IN THE NEWS

Business Report – Fair trade or foul play? Commenting on import-protection criticism

Hume International does not dispute the essential role that anti-dumping duties and import tariffs play in regulating local markets, thereby safeguarding the average worker and consumer in South Africa.

The Citizen – Flap over chicken prices

“Duties on imports will hit consumers’ pockets”, says Fred Hume. Despite recognising the need for chicken tariff duties to address the negative impact of dumping on the ability of local producers to compete in the market, Hume said the duties are likely to cause “far more harm than good.”

South Africa cannot expect to export with low or no duties while imposing absurd duties on our import partners.

BUSINESS TRIPS/TRADE SHOWS

The Hume International team had the immense privilege of attending the renowned Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition from the 23rd to the 25th of August 2023.

What a whirlwind experience of insights, innovation, and inspiration!

It was truly motivating to connect with other industry leaders and be immersed in the world of global fisheries.

NEW STARTERS

We are thrilled to welcome the newest members of our team! It's a pleasure to have you and we're excited to embark on this journey together.

Michelle Bosch - A Finance Clerk in our Finance Department

Bruce Semenya - A Sales Executive in our Sales Department.

Dumisani Koloki - A Full Stack Developer in our IT Department.

Helen Gelderman - A Sales Executive in our Sales Department.

Krishe Van der Walt - A Cross Trades Sales Executive (Asia) in our Procurement Department.

Alexandra Varenzakis - A Procurement Executive in our Procurement Department.

Zoe Barnard - A Sales Facilitator in our Finance Department.

Chris Greenwood - IT Manager of our IT Department.

CONGRATULATIONS

We are excited to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following team members on their recent promotions! This is an incredible achievement and serves as a testament to your dedication, hard work, and the outstanding contributions to our team.

Bianca Vosloo was promoted from Senior Invoicing Clerk to Sales Processing Supervisor in our Finance Department.

Elmarie Van der Mescht was promoted from Creditors Clerk to Finance Clerk in our Finance Department. Juanice Fouche was promoted from Banking Clerk to Financial Controller in our Finance Department.

Carmen Cloete was promoted from Receptionist to Debtors Clerk in our Finance Department.
CONGRATULATIONS
We are delighted to share in the joy of this special moment with Jason Carstens and his wife, Jana Carstens with the arrival of baby Noah Carstens! Noah's birth marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in your lives, and we couldn't be happier for you as you embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood together.
CSI/CHARITY/DONATIONS
Supporting communities and making a difference is at the heart of what we do at Hume International. It's a pleasure and a privilege to stand by organisations that are doing incredible work on the ground. We recently donated frozen food to the Maranatha Siyakatala Youth Centre who make an incredible contribution to the less fortunate. The Maranatha Street Workers’ Trust is an inter-denominational Christian organisation. Registered as a trust, a non-profit organisation, and a public benefit organisation, it addresses the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of Port Elizabeth’s homeless, unemployed, and children at risk. Whilst being provided with a safe space, individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their lives and become self-reliant. Please show them love and support by following them on social media and of course making a personal donation if you’re able to. Learn more about them here
Out-of-office/external events
Women's Month should not be confined to a single month. Instead, it should be a year-round commitment to creating a more balanced and harmonious world. Together, we can ensure that the contributions of women are acknowledged, valued, and celebrated every day. Our ladies had an inspiring and empowering gathering at the Annual Ladies Breakfast Business Chamber event at Slipperfields on Friday, 01 September 2023, and what a day it was! This event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the many women who have made a difference in our lives, including mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, mentors, and colleagues alike.

CONGRATULATIONS!

September marks a special month as we celebrate your work anniversaries with Hume International. Thank you for your outstanding contributions, and here's to many more years of shared success!

14 years' service:

6 years' service:

5 years' service:

Sweetboy Siziba

Warnell Smith

Veinece Mare

Mubeen Tagari

4 years' service:

3 years' service:

2 years' service:

Siyamthanda Mtana

Siwaphiwe Menze

Linda Coltman

Carolyn Grobler

Siyasanga Mbane

Tiffany Frost

Margaret Liebenberg

SOCIAL MEDIA

We are on the road to 100k followers!

Please continue to follow our social media pages and share and engage with our posts. You can find the links to our various channels below.

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ‘HUMEANS’!

Happy birthday, September superstars! May your special day be filled with joy, and may the year ahead bring you everything your heart desires.

Happy Birthday

Yandiswa Siziba

04-September

Pieter Crause

08-September

Francois Klinkenburg

09-September

Freda Geldenhuys

Warnell Smith

11-September

Raucrecia Fraser

15-September

Chris Greenwood

20-September

Thandukhanyo Dabo

27-September

COMPETITION

Dear Humeans,

We're thrilled to announce an exciting new competition exclusive to our dedicated staff members: Social Media Engagement Performance!

We want to encourage you to connect with our online community and will reward you for doing so. Are you ready to participate in a fantastic giveaway!

How to enter:

Step 1:
Follow us. Make sure you're following Hume International on all our social media platforms. (You can click on the icons under the social media section above ).

Step 2:
Engage with us. Interact with our social media posts by liking, commenting, and sharing your thoughts, stories, and insights. The more engagement, the better your chances of winning!

Step 3:
Invite your friends. Encourage your friends and family to also follow us and engage with our content. Tag them in our posts and you'll earn bonus points to push you towards the top of the leaderboard. The competition will run for the whole of September.

The prize:

The September winner will receive R200 off their next staff order.

Rules and guidelines:

- You must be a current employee of Hume International to participate.
- Engage with our social media content in a respectful and professional manner.
- Always use the official hashtags #HumeInternational #ExcellenceInEverything

Let's make this competition a success by spreading the word within our Hume International family. The more colleagues who participate, the more engaging and exciting it will be! Remember, every interaction counts, and every share brings you closer to winning a fantastic prize!

So, what are you waiting for? Show off your social media skills, and let's make this competition unforgettable.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to Rika. Good luck and may the most engaging staff member win!

WEEKEND BINGE

Here’s this month’s recommendations for on-demand series and movies:



The Boss Baby Restrictions: PG- 13 On Netflix

Seven-year-old Tim grows jealous when his parents give all their attention to his new baby brother. Tim soon learns that the baby can talk, and the two team up to foil the plans of the CEO of Puppy Co.

Choose Love

Restrictions: PG-16
On Netflix

The steady boyfriend. The one who got away. The charming rock star. Who will Cami choose? Her love life is in your hands in this interactive rom-com where viewers make choices for the main character.

Gabby's Dollhouse

Restrictions: None
On Netflix

Welcome to Gabby's Dollhouse, the preschool show with a surprise inside! Gabby's Dollhouse is a series that unboxes a surprise before jumping into a fantastical animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside Gabby’s dollhouse. Any adventure is possible with Gabby’s Dollhouse!

Miseducation

Restrictions: PG-13
On Netflix

This South African comedy-drama series follows the adventures of Mbali Hadebe, a wannabe influencer who enrols in a small-town university after a public humiliation.

The Outlaws

Restrictions: 16 SVNL
On Showmax

Seven lawbreakers from very different backgrounds embark on their community payback sentences, which involve renovating a derelict building in Bristol. As they struggle through their sentences and get to know each other, the group makes a discovery that brings them closer together and challenges their attempts to reform.

The Best Man: The Final Chapters

Restrictions: Comedy
On Showmax

Longtime college friends Harper, Quentin, Lance, Murch, Jordan, Robyn, Candace, and Shelby face the midlife challenges of marriage, parenting, health, romance, work, and identity as they revisit and redefine their friendships.

WHAT'S COOKING

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a bowl of Butternut, Bacon, and Cream Cheese Soup. This isn't just a soup; it's a hug in a bowl, a reminder of cozy evenings, and a celebration of the simple pleasures in life. Thank you so much Melissa Senekal for sharing this warm recipe with us.

Butternut, Bacon and Cream Cheese Soup

RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1kg Butternut cubes

• 2x Knorrox chicken stock cubes

• 2x Chopped onions

• Olive oil

• 2x 250g Bacon bits

• 3x Medium potatoes

• 1lt Water

• 1x Tub cream cheese of your choice

• Small garlic cloves finely chopped

Method:

1. Fry bacon in a pan with a little bit of olive oil.

2. Peel and chop the onions quite finely.

3. Chop the garlic very finely.

4. Put the onions and garlic into a stock pot on a moderate heat with a bit of oil.

5. Add the butternut, chicken stock cubes, and potatoes to the pot.

6. Add the water and simmer for about 25 minutes until the soup is thick.

7. Mash soup with a masher and add the cream cheese and bacon.

8. Stir until cream cheese is completely melted.

9. Add salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve hot and enjoy.

QUOTE

“Excellence is the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what you have to offer.” –Rick Pitino

Enjoyed this month’s newsletter and want to add to the next one?

Send us your latest news, recipes, and other fun ideas for next month’s edition at media@humeint.com