In Africa, for Africa

Cummins Southern Africa in Woodmead, Sandton, and with offices based around the world, has appointed a new managing director, Thierry Pimi, who has a special interest in Africa.

The company is described as a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies such as fuel systems.

Pimi addressed his fellow colleagues and the media at an open discussion at the Saxon Hotel in Sandhurst. The discussion was an opportunity for the company to explain their work as well as the community projects that they are involved in around Sandton and Johannesburg.

One of these projects involves the Hyde Park-based community project, Afrika Tikkun. Sal Govender, the sales, marketing and communications manager at the company explained, “We take the top graduates [from Afrika Tikkun] and integrate them into the company and teach them work ethics and develop many of their other skills. We have adopted a sustainable approach.”

Govender introduced Pimi and said, “[Pimi] is very approachable and familiar. So much so that many people who meet him are convinced that they know him from somewhere. He has an enviably impressive résumé and is a qualified mechanical engineer.”

During the discussion, Pimi’s passion and belief in the African continent came to the fore, primarily because he grew up and studied engineering in Cameroon. “After working in America and then coming back to Africa, I just thought that there is nowhere else that I would rather be… I am helping our beloved country develop.

“I believe in giving back and, in January, we will launch a technical education programme for local communities.”He elaborated on this corporate social initiative which is aimed at providing underprivileged youth with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. These skills include business management, time management and other managerial skills – and he aims to empower the youth of Africa through education.

Pimi is a strong supporter of local talent and endeavours to work with diverse teams on the whole continent. “We have to worry about the little mosquito bites as well as focus on all of the bigger things,” he quipped.

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