THE DAWN OF MARISWE AT KWAZULU-NATAL INTERNAL LAUNCH

8 February 2019, Pietermaritzburg office

Organising committee – KZN YPF

Ayanda Makhaye, Munya Mutyora, Kim Dlamini, Andiswa Lembethe, Nkosi Mahlobo, Herman Buys, Mithasha Sewcharan, Mlungisi Gabela, and Ralon Philips.

The first committee meeting was held on 13 December 2018 to discuss the framework of the launch, followed by another meeting on 14 January 2019 where each member of the committee was given a task to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Friday 8 February 2019 marked the dawn of Mariswe in KwaZulu-Natal. The committee ensured that guests arriving at the Pietermaritzburg offices for the launch were met with walls painted in the new Mariswe blue, rebranded parking and new signage in the reception area.

The 39 guests included all the permanent staff from Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay and the N2 site as well as guests from Robust Engineers, who were invited to join this auspicious occasion in the spirit of Ubuntu. The dress was smart casual, and no item of UWP-branded clothing was to be seen.

After tea and muffins, the formal programme commenced at 10am with a welcome address by Zwe Msomi, KwaZulu-Natal regional manager. He presented an outline of the new direction the company is taking, why we have changed our name, and the process followed to make the change. The guests were reminded of past achievements of Mariswe’s predecessor, UWP Consulting, which has boasted an impeccable track record spanning more than 45 years.

The message was that the core values and positive culture of the company were not being erased but would, in fact, be carried over into the new era of Mariswe as a foundation for growth, regeneration and progress.

The launch video presentation was then aired, followed by a video message from our CEO, Nonkululeko Sindane, and the official presentation of the Mariswe values, logo and slogan.

The delegates were subsequently led into a discussion centred on five mission-critical questions posed by our CEO. Zwe concluded the formal proceedings with an explanation of how the Mariswe logo was formed and its meaning with respect to the various engineering disciplines offered by the company.

The delegates then signed their pledge to help improve the lives of people in our communities. The framed pledge posters have been mounted on the freshly painted walls of the Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay offices.

The more adventurous took part in a colourful photoshoot using a Mariswe-branded frame to reflect our new beginnings, with hats, masks, bow ties and floral garlands added for a festive touch. These pictures, and the rest of the event, were captured on camera by HYPE member Sifiso Dlamini, who is based on the N2 site.

With the formalities over, a spit braai lunch by CHC Catering was served on the sundeck.

A special thanks to all the guests that attended and to the Mariswe KZN HYPE members for organising the event.

Comments from staff

What excites you about the “MARISWE” name change?

• “Sounds nice, sounds proudly south African.”
• “It’s a chance for a new beginning that will build on the strength of the past.”
• “New prospects, new opportunities, growth, long awaited changes.”

What does the “MARISWE” name change mean to you?

• “Starting a new chapter as a proudly black-owned company but also having the ability to keep the values previously learned. An opportunity for the young generation to grow in the company on both technical and non-technical levels.”
• “It encompasses everything we stand for as a new revitalised company.”

What message would you like to share with your colleagues in order to make Mariswe successful? 

“Staff should embrace Mariswe and consider it as a team effort to win new work and build on the legacy already created with a sprinkle of young talent.”