The Power Group turns 25
Published in SA Builder, June 2008
The Power group, a specialist in civil services, roadworks, pipelines, earthworks, concrete works and general building, as well as turnkey residential developments, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
To commemorate this milestone, and reaffirm its purpose of improving the lives of Africans through infrastructural development, the Power group has created a broad-based black empowerment structure for its employees.
The co-ownership offer was extended to employees of the Power group who had been serving with the company for five years or longer. A total of 420 new shareholders are now entitled to access profit share in the Power group. Ownership now resides with three shareholders: Power Group Holdings, with 70% interest; the Power Group Employee Trust, with 20% interest; and the Power Group Investment Trust, with 10% interest.
In conjunction with this, the Power group has an intensive development programme to uplift previously disadvantaged individuals through training. All staff are entitled to internal and external accredited training courses. The Power group is also actively involved in SAFCEC's Construction Centre of Excellence in the Western Cape where, together with educational institutions, they develop the skills of young learners.
Commitment
Further setting the Power group apart is its commitment to its female staff complement. "The group is serious about the empowerment of women, and substantial progress has been made in diversifying the workforce," says Marlene Cronje, organisational development director at the Power group. About 50% of the women employed are operational staff, working as engineers, technicians and surveyors, while the rest are employed in the services arena.
