Premier Ndebele blesses Bell Equipment for supporting emerging businesses

By Igalelo Reporters

It is not often that established companies have an interest to develop smaller companies.

But Bell Equipment which hires out equipment for road construction purposes is different in that it is empowering emerging business with the necessary skills and advice to acquire and manage construction equipment.

At a special function attended by KZN Premier Mr S’bu Ndebele aimed at celebrating the assistance Bell Equipment has given to an emerging company known as Isibani Plant Hire and Construction, the premier praised Bell Equipment for being a truly South African company that developed and nurtured local business potential.

Highlighting the need for his province to get to work and, the Premier paid tribute to Bell pioneer, Mr Irvin Bell, for his company which was formed in KwaZulu Natal fifty years ago.

"Mr Bell started operating machinery as a soldier in order to kill and destroy in some world war, but today he is the pioneer of an equipment hiring company that builds and reconstruct people," said the Premier.

"Let us forget what happened in the past and build a road where there was no road, a house where there was no house and a bridge where there was no bridge," he added.

Mr Ndebele head how in February 2004 Bell Equipment gave Isibani (meaning light) direction to become a viable entity that would hire out equipment to small construction companies at a reasonable rate.

Isibani and Bell then signed a memorandum of understanding whereby Bell pledged its support Isibani to provide the company with new and used equipment at competitive prices.

According to the memorandum Bell which gives business opportunities to 350 companies that supply components of various forms of road construction, assisted the smaller company – Isibani - to obtain finances to acquire equipment and set up shop. Bell also provides service contracts for all purchased machines.

Bell which employs close to 2500 people, seconded its own experienced personnel or expert to Isibani to effect skills transfer and it also provides operator training for Isibani personnel.

Isibani has secured a relationship with Vukuzakhe Emerging Contractors and other technical specialists such as Bakhona Investments to hire out equipment to them at a reduced or reasonable price.

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