Voorwaarts spoke to Mr. Chris Haycock, the Executive Director of Samsung Business Solutions Western Cape, to find out more about him and his business. Samsung Business Solutions Western Cape is the sponsor of Voorwaarts school paper.

You are originally from England. Do you live in SA permanently now? And what made you move to this country?
I arrived here on a three month contract from the UK to assist in the rebuild of a business in Cape Town, in the same market place. I am a Permanent Resident here now. One simple word explains why I have stayed here… LIFESTYLE. I have been fortunate to travel extensively around the world, and undoubtedly I have never experienced the lifestyle that exists in the Western Cape.

Where is your business or office located?
Our offices are based in Tygervalley, Durbanville. We operate in the whole of the Western Cape and are always looking to expand our business through regional representation and agents.

What exactly does Samsung Business Solutions Western Cape do?
We are a Business to Business (B2B) Supplier and Service Provider of the range of Samsung Printing and Business Solutions, as well as Financing Solutions for these products.

What is your title and what are your responsibilities in the company?
I am the Executive Director of the Business. I am responsible for the overall strategy, structure, management, profitability, and operations of the business. Like all good businesses, one can’t achieve this without good colleagues and clients around us.

What made you decide to sponsor Voorwaarts school newspaper for a second year in a row?
It began from a meeting with Liezel Wessels of Bonnievale Wines. She mentioned to me that Hoërskool Bonnievale was looking for some support in this matter, as her daughter was the Editor at the time. The passion, the energy and the village combined helped me to decide. I also will never forget the first day I came to visit Mr. Stefan Prins via Liezel. I was greeted by the most polite and respectful pupils, very old school (excuse the pun) and great to see and feel the respect and discipline. This was a discerning factor in my decision to begin the sponsorship and also to continue. You only get one chance to make a first impression and the pupils and staff of HSB certainly did that!
It is also easy to continue to work with Winners and Voorwaarts is definitely that!

Why did you, as an English speaker, decide to sponsor an Afrikaans school newspaper?
Sponsorship and development has no language.

Are you interested in journalism yourself? If yes, to what extent?
I have a general interest in journalism, as I believe accurate news and opinions thereof can only educate us all.

Is there anything specific about Voorwaarts that stands out to you?
The teamwork, energy, passion and excellence of Mr. Stefan Prins and his young team!

Do you ever brag about Voorwaarts? If so, in what way?
Brag, NO! Promote, sponsor and share pride, YES!

Have you ever sponsored a school newspaper in South Africa or is Voorwaarts the first school paper that you have sponsored?
This is the first I have been personally involved, and what a publication to start with!!!

In what ways can businesses who are interested in your products contact you?
We should actually develop a scheme or initiative where the school can benefit from generating local interest in our products and services… over to you creative marketeers at HSB!
Office Number:  021 100 3573
samsungbusiness.co.za

What type of products and services do you offer?
Sales Service and Support of Samsung Business and Printing Solutions. All Business needs.

Do you have any special promotions at the moment?
YES, HSB and Voorwaarts!

Do you have any advice for current learners who are aspiring to become entrepreneurs?
What is an entrepreneur?… a fancy English word for Hard Work, Dedication, and Integrity.

Feel free to visit Samsung’s offices here: