A leading fleet management company in South Africa, Afrirent, made a significant contribution to the City of Johannesburg’s operations through a momentous handover of a fleet of 78 cars and bakkies on 19 June 2023 at Lanseria. The departments on the receiving end of this transaction from this local black-owned company celebrating its 20th year in business – were two entities of the City of Johannesburg (COJ) – the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and City Power. This delivery marks the beginning of a comprehensive contract, encompassing a total of just under 4,000 vehicles that will support the city’s critical functions.
From its humble beginnings with just two trucks in 2002, Afrirent has emerged as a trailblazing, female-owned company in the logistics industry that offers clients in the private and business sectors a wide range of services that includes car rentals, car tracking and monitoring, tourism, logistics, and automotive sales. Over the past two decades, the company has experienced remarkable growth, not only establishing itself as a trusted partner in fleet management services but also forming the backbone of the more recently established cluster of companies under the Afrirent Holdings umbrella.
Chief Financial Officer of Afrirent, Thenjiwe Tsabedze, says the evolution of the business has been very exciting and she believes it is one worth celebrating amidst yet another successful handover of vehicles to a client that will help improve their efficiencies. “We have secured prestigious contracts with clients such as the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) among others and we have a proven track record in handling large and complex contracts. In the past five years, Afrirent has successfully managed projects worth over R1 billion, with contract values ranging from R25 million to R1.3 billion. We pride ourselves on being an exceptional partner, equipped with the necessary expertise, capacity, and experience to meet clients’ needs while adhering to industry best practices and business ethics,” explains Thenjiwe.
According to Thenjiwe – in 2017, the establishment of Afrirent Holdings further strengthened the fleet management business’s presence, with subsidiary brands like Indalo Leisure & Hotels and Afritracker forming to expand on their overall offering and portfolio.
“Afrirent’s commitment to innovation over the years is evident through our technology platform. Our cloud-based service offers an end-to-end fleet management system, covering all aspects of fleet management. Additionally, Afritracker provides real-time vehicle tracking, monitoring, and recovery capabilities, enhancing efficiency and providing valuable insights. By integrating state-of-the-art solutions, such as Afritracker and the Fuel Management System, we have successfully elevated our service delivery and operational efficiency, maintaining our leadership position within the automotive industry,” says Thenjiwe.
Under the Afrirent Holdings banner, the recent formation of Afrirent Logistics and Afrirent Energy also showcases the company’s commitment to diversifying its services across multiple sectors. Chief Executive of Afrirent Holdings, Senzo Tsabedze, says as the company expanded, it implemented a more defined organisational structure in 2018, ensuring efficient management and specialisation within the workforce.
“We actively sought employees from diverse backgrounds, fostering innovation and adaptability, while investing in talent development programmes. Technological advancements streamlined certain job roles while creating new opportunities in technological implementation such as data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Embracing technological disruptions, the company invests in research and development and fosters strategic partnerships. As a group of companies, with Afrirent being at the helm, we proactively adapt to evolving industry regulations, supported by a strong team. In 2023, we are excited to celebrate the impressive 20th year milestone of Afrirent and through the support of the other subsidiaries – we look forward to the next 20 years of growth and success while looking to pave the way for other aspiring black entrepreneurs,” explains Senzo.
Apart from its business successes, Afrirent has also had a significant impact on the community through a range of outreach initiatives. Afrirent’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is demonstrated through its involvement in local charities, educational programmes, and community events. Through their support for local businesses and skills development programmes, Afrirent has generated a ripple effect of economic benefits, estimated at approximately R300 million over the last five years.
The company’s documented CSI programme showcases efforts in educating learners at universities nationwide and developing schools in the Mpumalanga area. These initiatives have not only contributed to economic growth but also provided valuable learning opportunities, which benefit the overall well-being and development of the community.
“We understand how important it is to also give back and we are passionate about the outreach work and upskilling programmes in place to contribute towards an even brighter future for the region and our country. All of this feeds into the overarching success of the business and we are grateful to our dedicated team and trusted clients that ultimately underpin our commitment to delivering excellence in fleet management services. Looking ahead, we will continue driving value, embracing technology, and expanding our services to meet industry demands,” adds Thenjiwe.
