Eskom requires contracting companies to deliver to their SD&L objectives. iLodge excels at this by providing accommodation, transport and catering services via local Service Providers who have been identified and developed using iLodge’s unique methodology.
The Challenge
As the market leader in turnkey contractor hospitality solutions, iLodge was tasked with providing offsite project resources with safe, comfortable accommodation, catering, and transport around the area of Lethabo Power Station.
iLodge’s clients expect and are accustomed to exceptional service through iLodge’s suppliers. Insourcing accommodation establishments with the desired facilities, iLodge was faced with multiple barriers in the area. With interested parties either not up to standard or unable to meet budgetary requirements, iLodge developed a solution that would be of greater value to the localised community whilst in line with iLodge’s core principles:
- Fulfil the basic required standard of services required for iLodge’s Clients.
- Provide an opportunity to the local community to increase their earning potential
- Upskill suppliers in ensuring that iLodge procedures are communicated and held to the required high standards.
The Solution
The experienced team of iLodge identified facilities with potential, and swiftly created an action plan to upgrade these facilities over a reasonable time frame. With iLodge’ s mentorship, renovations were carried out by the facilities’ owners who saw the value in supplying iLodge with repeat business and increasing their overall earning potential.
Imbuing a sense of pride into the growth of their own business, key deliverables such as Covid compliance, risk assessments and procedural escalations protocols were met with enthusiasm. The initiative shown from a black-owned catering supplier in developing a bespoke solution in the area showcased yet another successful community-driven solution and further highlighted the hunger for local suppliers to work together to ensure steady cash flow within their area.
The Result
In identifying previously unknown supplier potential, the merger of experience and dedicated hard work resulted in the substantial growth of a localised economy. One that is now experiencing increased growth potential due to delivering the required services with aplomb.
iLodge Service Providers Say
“Everyone wants to be a service provider, but nobody is interested in the process of getting there and doing it right from the start. Through iLodge’s Service Provider Development Programme (iSPDP), they provided the platform and process which enabled us to become a remarkable player in the Industrial Hospitality sector in Deneysville. Today, we provide a safe, affordable, and comfortable accommodation for their client’s resources.”
Billy Ramathesele, Owner and General Manager, Strangford House, Deneysville, Free State.
“We are grateful to iLodge for the substantial role they played in helping us to ensure that our residential properties adhere to high standards of safety and security. This groundbreaking initiative created an opportunity for us to also participate in the Industrial Hospitality sector and will significantly improve our township economy.”
Serame Ramathesele, Owner and General Manager, Zamdela Guest House, Zamdela, Free State.
Keywords
Community Upliftment, Community Job Creation, Local Accommodation, Supplier Development and Localisation, Corporate Social Investment.
