November | December 2016 : Beating Drum Page 2
From drab to fab - The transformation
of Kasteel Park a Cinderella story
Celebrating
YEARS OF SERVICE
When Charles joined the plant division as a mechanic 25
years ago it brought the staff number to two. At that point
in time the division operated from a 100m² workshop.
Today NMC Plant operates from a 1,000m² workshop,
4 ha yard and the Vissershok farm with plant to the value
of ±R60 million. Apart from NMC Plants’ growth under the
guarding eye of Charles, today the division has a
reputation for its exceptional housekeeping,
plant maintenance and qualifies as one of our
strongest brand ambassadors.
Charles operates at a fast pace, as is
expected considering that he has a 3:06
marathon time to his credit. No problem is
ever too big for Charles and when in need he
is the go to guy - be it to sort out a last minute
plant requirement, your car or just a shoulder
to cry on.
Charles is a sociable, easy going, enjoys a
cold beer and an evening out with friends. As
a fitness fanatic his sporting highlights
include three Comrades and five Two Oceans
marathon medals and five Cape Town Cycle
Tour medals.
His life revolves around his three daughters;
Marsha, Yvette and Charly who grew up in
the folds of NMC, his 2 year-old grandson (a
second is imminently due) and his wife Rue.
In a quarter century Charles has positively
influenced so many people, by being
compassionate, kindhearted, humble in
spirit, a mentor and true friend. One thing is
for certain, his blood is orange.
Celebrating
YEARS OF SERVICE
In the summer of 1991, Fairouz
Sampson, more affectionately
known as 'Fai' joined the group
as an accounts clerk.
Fresh out of high school her
appointment was her
introduction to the working
world. She’s loved it so much
that this year she celebrates 25
years of service. Since starting
with the company Fairouz has
been promoted to her current
position of Junior Accountant.
Whilst at NMC she started a
family and has two beautiful
children, who are now all grown
up. She changed the history of
NMC by being the first female
NMC employee to be granted
maternity leave.
She’s always been a good sport,
ready to take part in social
events, be it running a 10Km
marathon, attending a roofwet
or oganising one of her famous
stork/kitchen teas.
Fai fondly recalls the opening of
Canal Walk shopping centre, a
huge highlight for the ladies at
the Head Office, as good shops
were a scarcity in Montague
Gardens. She says, “In the early
2000's we spent many happy
lunch hours at Canal Walk, but
the novelty has worn off now.”
Fairouz and her family are very
dear to the group as her father
Razak Isaacs has been a
co-contractor for the company
for many years.