On 29 July 2024, we caught up with some of the Bidvest employees who were heading to Paris after winning a fully paid trip to support Team South Africa during the Games. It was pure joy at OR Tambo International Airport – some employees were boarding a flight for the first time. We asked them how they felt about winning the competition and, this is what they had to say:
Elizabeth Salome Healy, Contract Manager, Bidvest Prestige
“I am going to Paris to cheer Team SA, for my country”
My name is Elizabeth and I started working for Bidvest Prestige in 2010 at the time of the World Cup in South Africa, 14 years ago. I became aware of the Bidvest competition through the employee App, which I very much enjoy.
When my manager called to say I have won the competition, I didn’t believe it. I thought to myself, this is not only a once in a lifetime opportunity, but a dream come true for me. The joy of knowing that I will be travelling outside of the country took over. When the time came for preparations, I thought it was going to be hard, but Bidvest made it smooth and easy for all of us.
When my husband realised that I was indeed going to Paris, he asked me to shrink him into my luggage bag. I am smiling from ear-to-ear, and I am so proud to be a member of the Bidvest Family, especially considering what they do for their employees.
If you look around, everyone is so emotional – it is like they still can’t believe it. I hope to bring back lots of memories from Paris.
Dhaneshree Naidoo, Branch Administrator, Global Payment Technologies
“Team SA, you are for my country, I am therefore behind you 100%”
My name is Dhaneshree Naidoo and I have worked for Global Payment Technologies at the Durban office for 26 years. When I found out that I had won the competition, Yoh, I was ecstatic, it felt so unreal. My colleague realised that I had won before I could be notified, and she called me immediately to tell me that my name is on the Bidvest employee App for winning the competition. My response to her was “No ways, it can’t be”.
Bidvest has been so amazing in helping us to prepare for the trip. Everything was made easy, and I did not have to do anything besides putting my clothes in the bag. I am sad to be leaving my family behind, but I am looking forward to this opportunity. And my family has been so supportive ever since we heard the news.
I used to watch Olympic games when I was still a little girl, but I never dreamt that one day I would be watching them live, thanks to Bidvest. To Bidvest, thank you, thank you and thank you again. This is such an epic opportunity. Go Bidvest!
Ashley Hendriks, Operations Duty Manager, BidAir Cargo
“Team SA, we are behind you, and we know you are going to make us proud”
After being announced as a winner, I knew that someone somewhere in the world is recognising me. It was hard to believe that I was going to Paris. I was encouraged when my wife responded by saying, “Ashley, just go and enjoy yourself, you deserve it for all the hours that you put in your work. I know at times you have felt like you were neglecting your family due to your work, but this is your reward.”
After hearing that I had won the competition, my manager phoned me and asked if I had a passport, and I said no. We left it at that, without him telling me the reason for asking. The following week, we had an audit with one of the airlines and it did not go that well, so I was a bit down at the time. The manager approached me and said, Ashley, congratulations, you are going to Paris. This lifted my spirits .
As time went by, I arranged my visa and passport. I got emotional and moral support from my team, who helped me understand that I deserved the win.
I would like to thank my COO from the bottom of my heart for thinking about me and nominating me for the competition. Lastly, thanks to Bidvest for believing in us as employees. For some of us, it is a dream come true to explore the outside world. This shows that we are in the right family.
Ntshavheni Mugeri, driver, Execuflora
“I am going to Paris with a One Team. One Nation spirit to support my country”
My name is Ntshavheni, and I joined Bidvest Execuflora in 2009. When I became aware that I had won the competition, I was hugely excited, and it took time to sink in. I could not believe that I was one of the winners. I know I’m leaving my family behind, but I am going to enjoy some fresh air outside of the country for the first time. I now have a passport and a visa for the first time and although I have never been on a plane before, I am looking forward to the experience. My wife at home still can’t believe that I am going to Paris. I am so happy to be chosen as the winner; after this experience, I am definitely taking my family on a flight trip.
Bidvest is the best company to work for!
Daniel Letsoalo, driver, Bidvest McCarthy
“Team SA, we are behind you. I know you are going to do well when you see us beside you with our SA flags”
My name is Daniel and I have been at Bidvest for 18 years now. Because I work for a dealership, my dealer principal called me to the office to tell me about the competition. He told me that he nominated me for the competition but that does not mean I have won, there are processes to be followed. I then crossed my fingers and hoped for the best outcome. One day I was on my way back from Bloemfontein after carrying out a delivery, and the same person called me to say I had won the competition to go to Paris. I was hungry at the time, but suddenly I was feeling full, shivering and feeling cold at the time. Although I had been on a plane many times, I did not have international experience and I was so excited to think that I was about to travel outside of the country. Now, my mind is already in Paris.
My dealer principal, you are an angel, I know you were sent by God to bless me with this Paris trip!