Since 1995
Guma History
GUMA Group was founded by its self made Executive Chairman Mr Robert Matana GUMEDE (affectionately called "Mr G" ) a global entrepreneur, philanthropist and Pan African visionary business leader.
Mr GUMEDE founded his company Guma after His Excellency Nelson Mandela was released from 27 years of prison incarceration and became the first democratic elected President of South Africa . It was only from 1994 when Mandela became President , that Blacks were allowed to freely participate in the mainstream of the economic landscape as businessmen in South Africa our country of birth and our forefathers who for centuries lived freely on the land before whites led by Netherlands / Dutch in 1652 arrived.
ABOUT APARTHEID & DISCRIMINATION POLICIES OF THE MINORITY WHITE GOVERNMENT
The Blacks through the African National Congress since 1912 been advocating for freedom to the British Empire . The vast land owned by Blacks was dispossessed by White settlers . Discrimination and land dispossession was against Blacks was institutionalized in South Africa and in most African countries .
By 1948 , the Afrikaners of Dutch decent led by the Apartheid architect Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd introduced and passed legislation that formally relegated Blacks to second class citizens with no legal rights . The blacks were restricted to live in rural areas / villages and were provided with inferior education , failing healthcare . The dignity of the Black Men and Women were taken away through the inhumane condition of living . Few Blacks were allowed to move and work in whites town and cities where they provided labour in the industrialization of the country and the mining sector .
BIRTH OF AN AFRICAN ICON
Mr Robert GUMEDE was born during the Apartheid era after Nelson Mandela was jailed at the notorious Roben Island 52 years ago . Mr GUMEDE was born amongst seven siblings of a single mom who was a live-in domestic worker and raised by his maternal grand mother . In order to lend support to his mom and grandmother at an early age of 7 , he begun to work as a golf caddy at the Nelspruit Golf Club and also became a gardener for some of the golfers after school and over the weekend .
At 12 years old he joined his sister in selling used clothes . When his sister enrolled to be a nurse Robert GUMEDE continued and made a success of the clothing business . GUMEDE studied law and became a State Prosecutor. After few years as Prosecutor, he resigned to pursue his business interests . From humble beginnings he has built a global group of diversified companies that boast some of the global top companies as clients and partners .
GUMEDE is also a kind hearted and philanthropist who never forgets his roots . He annually invests a lot of his wealth to the needy, in particular in young people and single mothers education , healthcare and social upliftment . His initiative through his ROBERT GUMEDE FAMILY KENI FOUNDATION to provide full university scholarships to children of single mothers is his passion as it reminds him of his own upbringing and having had to start working as a child labour at 7 years old instead of enjoying being a young boy .
GUMEDE has gone back to his stomping ground at the Nelspruit Golf Club which use to a all white golf club and invested a lot of money to improve the golf club and the welfare of the caddies . Robert GUMEDE is an ardent golfer even though he took on golf in his late 20's as whilst he was a top caddie , there were no golf courses for Blacks or caddies . Today the Nelspruit Golf Club is named after him as an honor for his triumph over challenges and investment to the club . He is so close to the golf course in that he even got married on the fairways of the golf club .
GUMA through its various companies employs over 10 000 staff members globally . The group companies has some of the top multinational companies as clients or partners . GUMEDE is a hands-on businessman in all his businesses .
GUMEDE as an African Industrialist is determined to develop most of the countries on the African continent, in order to create economic growth that will yield sustainable jobs .
GUMEDE believes in Africa and knows that Africa needs a lot of infrastructure and human capital development like yesterday . Most of the existing infrastructure in most countries was developed for the benefit of the minority colonial powers who lived in this countries . Since independence some of this countries because of dire economic situation have not invested in maintenance nor the development of new infrastructures to serve the urbanized masses .
GUMEDE is well known , respected and is friends to many Heads of States / Presidents , Monarchs and Government leaders . He is asked to advise many Heads of States in economic development . GUMEDE is passionate about sharing his wisdom to young people and is also a most sought after speaker at various business and socio political conferences in the world . GUMEDE believes in the development of small and medium businesses as the vanguard of the economy of every country . Small businesses create the much needed sustainable jobs .
Some of GUMA companies are involved in Information Communications Technologies (ICT), Railways , Energy generation, Water & Sanitation , Tourism , Construction & Engineering , Mining , Business Consulting , Private Equity , Human Capital Management & Training , Transport & products Logistics , Private Public Partnerships , Project Structured Finance , Property & Retail Development .
The various companies of the group operate independent of each other but pull together for synergies when required . Guma's strategy is to create centers of excellence in each operating company .
The Head Office led by the Chairman Robert GUMEDE handles all strategic and partner relationships ,Strategic sales and business development , stakeholder and support management of the various companies .
GUMEDE has positioned GUMA Group as a strategic gateway for Chinese, Asians , European , Gulf States and American companies/ businessmen who want to invest in Africa .
GUMA works very closely with Chinese and European State owned Entities which seek investment opportunities in Africa . GUMEDE was the Co-Chairman for the BRICS Business Forum in Sanya CHINA representing South Africa.
Guma Group Vision
Growing our community
Guma strives to be the leading entrepreneurial investment and operational organisation in Africa, creating wealth for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The Guma business mission
To add value to its investments through hands-on involvement and exceptional business acumen and to focus on synergetic, diversified sectors of commerce.
The Guma mission as an employer
Guma Group believes its over 12 000 staff members are key to the company’s success and without them failure would be inevitable. Guma’s mission as an employer is to be regarded as an employer of choice in Southern Africa, by:
Offering training and skills development, through various independent institutions, Guma in-house training, Emerging Talent programme.
Offering the following benefits to staff:
Skills training Bursaries
Employee wellness Career pathing
Funeral scheme Group Life Cover (3 times annual salary)
Disability Benefit Medical aid
Staff Canteen Staff tools of the trade
Profit, Share Options & Incentives
Guma is committed to:
1. The African continent and the possibilities of business
2. Giving back to the community and being perceived as a caring organisation
3. Believing in our people
4. Treating our CLIENTS like ROYALTY
5. Promoting “vision possible”
Our Exceptional Business Edge
We are committed to the African continent
What separates Guma from other players in the African market? How do we guarantee our customers a truly unique and superior experience? Why are Guma’s business endeavours always professional, efficient and profitable? Why do we always deliver? Why is Guma focussed?
Guma is a 100% black owned South African company with a broad reach in Africa
Our passion is evident in our entrepreneurial spirit
We have a proven commercial and business track record
We have the ability to add value and be actively involved in the growth of businesses
Our integrity and business ethic is above reproach
Guma has consistently demonstrated financial sustainability with year-on-year growth
Our hands on involvement and transfer of knowledge and skills remains unsurpassed
We take pride in our status as employer of choice and retain the ability to attract top skills and management
We embrace “Vision Possible“
Our chain is more powerful than our strongest link
Guma is committed to:
The African continent and its diverse possibilities
The community and its surroundings
Believing in people and their capabilities
Ensuring that our clients are treated with reverence and respect.
At Guma our CLIENTS are our ROYALTY
Add value
Add value to our clients and partners
Deliver on time and with budget
Good corporate governance and ethics
Awards
Guma and our Chairman, Robert Gumede have been recipients of numerous business and Black Economic Empowerment awards and nominations. Some of these awards include:
The top 10 Black Achiever in Information and Technology and Communication Award
The Most Admired Black Information and Communication Technology Company of the year voted by its peers, the Department of Communication and Forge Ahead BMI-T
Gijima was one of the Top 12 Best Black Companies awarded by the Industrial Development Corporation
Robert Gumede was runner up in the RSA Chapter of the World Entrepreneur of the Year for 2005. The winner on a casting vote went on to win the International Award – Mr Bill Lynch (66 yrs)
Gijima (publicly listed and one of Guma’s investments) received 8th place overall in the Financial Mail/Empowerdex Top 200 Empowerment Companies Survey
Top Empowered IT Company
13th Overall most empowered JSE listed company out of 200 companies overall
2000
2001
2002
2005
2006
2006
2008
Our Milestones
Guma Since 1963
1963
Robert Gumede is born in Nelspruit (South Africa) to a single domestic worker
1971 - 1982
Robert works as a caddy at Nelspruit Golf Club
1974
Robert Gumede begins work as a gardener for golfers after school
1990
Robert establishes New Era Consultants in Nelspruit
1995
Robert utilises his own funds to establish the Gijima Group
Gijima Afrika Security Holdings is born
1996
Formation of Gijima Info Technologies Afrika (Pty) Ltd
Sechaba Stationers is established
1997
Gijima forms a consortium with Unisys, NEC and Marpless to tender for the Home Affairs National Identification System
A joint venture with PQ Africa results in Phambili Information Technologies (Pty) Ltd
1998
Gijima wins several provincial government contracts
Phambili is awarded a Correctional Services tender valued at R104m
1999
Gijima’s consortium with Unisys, NEC and Marpless is awarded the Home Affairs (HANIS) tender worth R800m
2000
Phambili is awarded the DOJ tender (Integrated Justice System) worth approximately R40m
Gijima forms a partnership to represent Walker Financial Solutions in Africa
Gijima Info Technologies is awarded the Durban Metropolitan Council tender
Gijima acquires 26% in ACT for R30m cash from Dr J Sterenborg
2001
Gijima Technologies, Nigeria Operations is established to service West Africa
Gijima Technologies features as the key sponsor of the Jock of the Bushveld Amateur Golf Tournament at the Nelspruit Golf Club, where Robert Gumede was once a caddy!
2002
Gijima Local Governance (Pty) Ltd wins several local Government contracts
Gijima is awarded the SITA LAN and WAN contracts worth several hundred million Rand
Gijima Local Governance is awarded the Johannesburg City Power Contract
Gijima is awarded the Spoornet Sybase Contract 002
Gijima finalises a deal to represent JD Edwards as a reseller and implementer in Africa
Gijima Smart Card Technologies wins a multimillion Rand contract to supply Telkom telephone cards
Gijima acquires 51% of Trident Card, a paper based manufacturer and supplier of prepaid cards
Gijima successfully tenders for Home Affairs skills supply
2003
Gijima acquires 37.5% of Sechaba Valuations
Gijima acquire 25.1% of Easypay
Guma faces unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations in the media based on claims by Dr J Sterenborg. A 417 Inquiry is convened, but is later abandoned and Guma goes on to win all court action instituted against or by Guma
2004
Gijima wins a contract with Ford Motor Co RSA
Gijima changes Phambili’s name to Gijima Technologies after buying out Comparex’s 50% shareholding
Gijima buys out Mustek 40% shareholding in Gijima Support Services (Pty) Ltd for cash
Gijima buys out three minority shareholders in Trident (Gijima Scratch Card) and increases its shares from 51% to 72%
2005
AST Group Limited is renamed GijimaAst Limited and all entities within the group utilising the “Gijima” name are changed to “Guma”
Gumede is appointed Deputy Executive Chairman of Gijima and the turnaround of the floundering company begins
Robert Gumede is voted Runner-up for the South African Chapter of the World Entrepreneur of the Year
2006
Guma wins a Supreme Court award of R40m against Dr and Mrs J Sterenborg
Gijima wins a R1billion contract with ABSA Bank
Guma increases its stake in Gijima from 32% to 36.6% by acquiring shares from Kumba Resources
Guma develops a strategic alliance with Tawana Resources, a mining group in Australia to assist with their African operations
2007
Gijima buys out a 30% share held by ABSA in one of their subsidiaries
Robert Gumede assumes Executive Chairmanship of Gijima and its first black CEO, Jonas Bogoshi, is appointed.
Guma sells its stake in EasyPay (25.1%) to Nasdaq-listed Net 1 securing a massive return on investment
Gijima wins R2billion Department of Home Affairs tender for “Who Am I Online – I Am I Said” contract. This is the largest single contract ever awarded by a South African government department for a system integration IT project
Gijima declares maiden dividends. The results of the 2007/8 interim results increased profits and HEPS by 290%
2008
Gijima wins a ±R800m IFMS in partnership with SAP and IBM
Guma Tourism Holdings makes a successful offer to acquire public-listed Tourvest Holdings Limited for R2billion. Tourvest employs over 4 000 staff in operations all over the world
Guma acquires a 51% share in Tourvest for a total price of ±R2billiion in partnership with Old Mutual (30%), Industrial Development Corporation (14%) and Managment (5%)
Corporate Social Investment
Guma is committed to the ongoing growth and development of the people of Africa and currently contributes to various bursaries and social fundraising organisations as well as the annual Christmas party for police, prison warders and traffic officers in Mpumalanga Province.
Guma hosts an annual Executive Bushveld retreat where captains of industry get together to share ideas regarding the development of entrepreneurs in our country, the initiation of programmes to alleviate poverty and the ongoing fight against crime. Guma has played a management facilitation role to the Matsafeni Trust, a community whose farming land was restituted by government. Guma’s financial commitment to this community has already exceeded R1.5million.
Guma, through its subsidiary Gijima, hosts an annual Family Golf Weekend Extravaganza which brings together captains of industry, government leaders, clients, staff and their entire families for a weekend of fun and networking. Guma has made substantial donations to the development of the Nelspruit Golf Club. Enhancements include: the construction of a bridge over a donga/river for caddies, new tees and greens on the golf course, water features on the 9th, 15th and 18th holes, a statue of Jock of the Bushveld and, most importantly, the upgrading of the caddies shed which now boasts a television and games.
Robert was awarded an honorary membership of the Nelspruit Golf Club in 2005. History was recently made at the golf club when its second 9 holes (The Robert Gumede Nine) was named after Robert for his contribution to the club and being a role model by growing up as a local Nelspruit caddy and going on to become a successful businessman.
Keni Foundation
The Keni Foundation, named after Robert Gumede’s late mother, was established in 2006 and is an independent social investment non profit development trust that focuses on raising funds from within the Guma companies and the Gumede family to support previously disadvantaged people in:
Deepening the South African democracy and developing patriotism
Skills development & transfer
Job creation
Youth and Women leadership development
Educating our youth
Sports development
Cultural development
Health care support
Guma is an active participant in and contributor to the Keni Development Foundation Trust and its ongoing welfare activities, throughout the African continent and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Keni Foundation Trust is a 5% shareholder and beneficiary in the Guma Group, providing a solid foundation for future profits that will be used to achieve their goals.
Keni Foundation Trust, as a Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) development trust, is a good vehicle for other companies to partner with to fulfil their social obligations.
10 Year Anniversary
Guma Technologies celebrated it’s 10th year anniversary as a 100% black owned company that has created value over the years. Guma unlike most black owned (empowered) companies does not have institutional (banks) funders who are shareholders in the company.
Guma remains 100% black owned, managed with no debt except operational debt for its operations.
Guma celebrated it’s decade long anniversary in the presence of current and former key staff members who joined Robert Gumede when he started the company in 1997.
Executive Committee
The Guma executive committee consists of a team of highly skilled individuals who boast a plethora of knowledge and expertise in the diverse disciplines of entrepreneurship, management, finance, corporate accounting, commerce, legal, marketing and sales. The Guma team is committed to sound corporate citizenship, an unassailable societal conscience and unimpeachable corporate governance.
Robert Matana “Mr. G” Gumede - (Executive Chairman)
Robert Gumede hails from the picturesque town of Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. One of seven children born to a single mother, Robert’s humble beginnings allowed his natural entrepreneurial skills to thrive. Robert began working at the tender age of seven as a golf caddie, gardener and later as a petrol attendant after school and on weekends, to supplement his mother’s meagre income as a domestic worker allowing his siblings to eat regularly and attend school.
Robert’s beloved late grandmother, Memede and adored mother, Keni, installed a solid work ethic in the young man that has remained and flourished in the wiser adult that he has become. Robert proved his ability to turn things around when he undertook to manage a football team in which he had invested. Within a short space of time, the Dangerous Darkies had won the league in four different divisions and were competing in the Professional Soccer League (PSL). The team produced a number of star players who went on to represent South Africa in the World Cup. David Nyathi is one such player who has played for the FIFA World team on two occasions alongside legends such as Romario, Ronaldo, Zidane, Beckham etc.
In 1992, Robert moved to Johannesburg where he assumed several key positions: Business Development Director for Africa at Sukhulu Holdings (Proprietary) Limited (1992-1994), Business Development Executive at LTA Limited and Director of LTA Building (Proprietary) Limited and LTA Housing (Proprietary) Limited (1994-1996), before realising a dream with the establishment of Gijima. Robert used the opportunity of working with several multinational companies to learn about the corporate world to prepare for the launch of his own empire.
In addition to being the Executive Chairman of Guma, Robert is the Chairman of JSE-listed Gijima in which Guma Group owns 36.6% shares and manages the company. Guma engineered the turnaround of the ailing AST Group by injecting unencumbered businesses, a strong balance sheet, cash and a choice client base. Within two years, the company divested itself of long term debt and began to operate profitably. The business industry and its leadership acknowledged Robert’s remarkable ability as a strategist, salesman and entrepreneur by nominating and voting him as the South African Chapter runner-up candidate for the World Entrepreneur of the Year 2005.
Dudu Mahlalela - (Director)
Dudu acquired her National Diploma in Human Resources Management from the Technikon of Northern Gauteng and further enrolled for a B.Tech degree. She holds a number of certificates in marketing, project management and sales.
Dudu worked in the tourism industry and later joined Comparex Afrika (now BCX) as a Senior Consultant.
Dudu is also a director of a number of companies and sits on the Board of various organisations, including Sechaba Valuations and Spectrum. Dudu has the soul of an entrepreneur and owns a successful corporate catering business and an events management and corporate clothing business.
Deon Van Der Walt - (Corporate Finance Executive and In-House Legal Counsel)
Deon holds the following qualifications: BCOM, LLB, LLM (RAU), MCOM (Univ. of Johannesburg) and was admitted as an attorney in 1996. Since then, he has specialised in corporate and commercial work. He joined Lindsay Keller & Partners during 1997 where he honed his skills providing professional services to German multinational companies.
During 1999, he joined Afrox Limited as a legal advisor. Since 2001, Deon has been intrinsically involved with the Guma Group. With his qualifications in the supporting and complimentary legal and financial disciplines, Deon has been appointed as an executive in the Corporate Finance Division of the Guma Group.
Here he is instrumental to the Guma team in pursuance of the Guma Group’s business strategy and corporate goal to create synergies and a competitive advantage.
Our History
Our Vision
Business Edge
Awards
Milestones
Social Investment
Social Events
Executive Committee
Properties
Rail Solutions
Guma Group, Venus Building, 47 Landmarks Avenue, Samrand, Kosmosdal, Centurion 0157, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (012) 657 3160 | Fax: +27 (011) 548 0001
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