Pictured: Owners, Larry and Gill, with staff.
Advertorial
Service. Not lip service, but supremely personal service. That’s the focus that has ensured that KZN north-coast-based Siyanqoba Worldwide Express – SWE – couriers has stood out from the crowd for over 17 years.
It’s rare. A courier company with its head office in Durban, but Larry and Gill Wittstock loved – and love – where they live, and knew it could work. Today it’s one of the fastest growing express courier companies in South Africa. It’s a proudly South African, proudly KZN … and with a national and international footprint.
“Seventeen years ago, we began SWE in my son’s bedroom,” laughs MD, Gill Wittstock. Gill was by no means new to the industry, and brought extensive sales and operations knowledge to the table, while husband Larry, a CA, added the all-important financial acumen. Gill knew that, with her absolute passion for the industry, she could build it from anywhere – a bedroom in Durban did just fine.
Recently, 17 years in, Larry has taken on the role of CEO, and Gill that of MD.
SWE has a solidly established footprint throughout South Africa and internationally, with branches in the main centres, and dedicated agents in all areas throughout SA. Over the years many independent SA courier companies have been bought out by larger global companies with only a few of the larger independents remaining.
SWE’s client list is impressive, but perhaps even more than that, is their client loyalty. That speaks volumes. SWE has a diverse client base ranging from A-lists to smaller clients, all of whom have been with SWE from the outset.
For Larry and Gill, there are two immovable principles by which they and their 250 plus strong staff operate: “Service and communication,” says Larry. “We, and every single one of our staff, are unswerving in our approach to our business. Our clients are not clients – we consider them partners. We are always at the end of the phone, no matter what time, and we make things happen. What appears impossible, is not to us.”
In an era where authentic service excellence is lacking, SWE retains that as a constant. All the staff who joined SWE from Day One are still there, and everyone operates on the same principle – nothing is too much trouble. “It’s a relationship,” says Gill. “Not just a business arrangement. We consider ourselves an extension of the client’s business.”
SWE is an independent courier company specialising – but not exclusively – in corporate clients/printing/retail/shipping/attorneys, and particularly in the time-sensitive area of express freight. That’s what they’re well known and respected for. It’s what Larry, Gill and their staff take great pride in: “We have a passion for it,” says Gill, “so it’s important to us that, to the very best of our ability, we get it right, we get it there, and on time. It’s not just business, it’s personal.”
SWE is a family business, and although it’s grown substantially, the core ethos remains the same: swift, effective communication and superior service levels.
Siyanqoba is a Zulu word meaning to win or to conquer, and the name reflects the Wittstock’s commitment to meaningful empowerment in their truly African business. Every staff member has the opportunity to win or conquer and grow through training programmes and advancement incentives – Larry and Gill encourage them to do so every step of the way: “After 17 years, we really want to thank our staff for their loyalty, support and their heartfelt commitment to our shared goals.”
Equally, SWE thanks its amazing client base for accompanying them on this journey: “At SWE, we will continue to do what we do best for the next decade – deliver superior service, partner with you, and continue to build valuable relationships. All from here in our wonderful city of Durban, province of KZN, and nationally.”
FOR MORE INFO:
- 031 569 6808
- swe.co.za