WHAT’S IN A NAME?
SSC Group
The Corporation’s name is derived from the Zulu phrase, ‘together we grow’, and encapsulates the Company’s vision of growth through partnership.
The symbolism of Siyakhula Sonke Corporation’s (SSC’s) trademark is a Synergism-Multiplicative effect; not additive 1+1=3. The SSC Group wishes to remain a focused, operating company and subscribes to the business philosophy of partnerships based on synergy and value.
SSC Group History 2005 - 2023
The Group’s investment philosophy focuses on purchasing equity in targeted companies with exceptional growth potential, which may be realized through the process of empowerment, effective management and through leveraging off the Group key strategic relationships.
Founder and CEO
Fred Arendse
Fred was born on 16 November 1973 in the Western Cape
From a young age, he showed great Leadership capabilities by being part of the church band as well as being Head Boy of his High School and chairman of the SRC in 1992. He has always believed in hard work and commitment as a road to success. He always looked for opportunities during his school years by washing cars, cleaning yards and looking after properties while teachers went on holiday. From early on he showed entrepreneurial abilities.
Family and Educations
He excelled at school which led him to an opportunity to go and study Human Resources at Peninsula Technicon Cape Town in 1993.
His father held numerous jobs to keep the family going, always being an example of leadership, consistency, hard work, dedication and loyalty to his family. Fred’s mother was a domestic worker and also showed the same characteristics. This is where Fred built his character and also his faith in God. His parents were very involved at the local Church. Both Fred’s parents have passed away, but he was raised by them and taught that a person’s impoverished circumstances or past should never determine his or her future. Timeless values including respect, hard work, trust, helping others, believing in God and yourself, were also taught at an early stage in his life.
Start of Mining Career
Through hard work and good results, Fred was recruited by JCI in 1995 which started his career in mining. His in-service commenced at JCI’s Witbank Coal Mines. This was his first time coming to Johannesburg in pursuit of a successful career in HR. JCI allowed him to pursue a degree in Human Resources and Business Management from the University of Technology, Cape Town and UNISA respectively and later a LDP from WITS. JCI also allowed him his first visit underground. Little did Fred know how profound this would be in preparation for the rest of his career. Fred worked at JCI for 4 years. Fred was appointed as Senior Personnel Assistant shortly after his arrival in Witbank. During Fred’s whole career he was always loved by fellow employees. Fred also got married to his beautiful wife, Kaylene, during this period. They were high school sweethearts.
Legacy
In 1998 Fred joined Anglo Platinum as HR Manager at the Process Division: Concentrators. Here Fred received great exposure to mining and senior management through his hard work and perseverance. He was later promoted as HR Manager for East Mines in Rustenburg.
He worked at the Operations for 5 years after which he was promoted to Anglo Platinum Corporate Office. Again staff were very fond of him and gave him a great farewell showing their appreciation of his contribution to the mine, but also the lives of employees. His corporate career was very successful at Anglo American Platinum Head Office. Fred was appointed as Head of Transformation. He was the youngest senior manager in such a position and was also on the accelerated path to executive roles within the company. Fred’s whole life was dedicated to work. During his career at Anglo he always had a hunger to be an entrepreneur and built a "black Anglo American" as the Oppenheimers built their enterprise many years ago. He also had a great passion for assisting other entrepreneurs, employees and partner companies – all growing together to achieve a better life and leave a better legacy.
SSC Group
He decided to part with Anglo Platinum in 2005 and start his own Company, the company that is today known as Siyakhula Sonke Empowerment Corporation (SSC) – meaning “Together We Grow”. He had humble beginnings by turning his garage into a home office.
Today the company is worth a substantial value, consisting of multiple subsidiaries in various industries, yet still focused on servicing a mine. His focus also remained the same, building a company that will not only change his life dramatically, but also that of his staff, partner companies and surrounding communities.
Building a Better South Africa
Fred’s role in building a better South Africa includes playing an active leadership role for Peace and Stability in the South African Mining Industry. He also served as Process Leader for Peace and Stability at Anglo Platinum, from 2013 until 2015.
Enabling Economic Transformation
Fred enjoys encouraging others to be entrepreneurs and makes inputs on issues facing the mining industry. Fred is a guest speaker at various conferences, notably on topics relating to economic transformation and entrepreneurship. He spends much of his free time giving back to those who are less fortunate.
