Cape Town – Premier Fishing celebrated its 70th anniversary at a grand gala dinner held at Pigalle Restaurant in Green Point, Cape Town, on Wednesday evening.
One of South Africa's leading sustainable fishing companies, Premier Fishing and its newly-appointed CEO, Sooren Ramdenee, honoured some of its long-serving staff: Frederick Pieters (35 years), Maureen Smith (45 years), Samuel Sedla (35 years) and Moesina Anthony (37 years).
A posthumous award was presented to the late director of transformation at Premier, anti-apartheid activist Johnny Issel, which was accepted by his son Fidel.
Ramdenee said: “It has not taken me long to realise that I have stepped into a company that truly values its people.
“It is this spirit which resonates throughout every level of the organisation that has carried the company forward through all the ups and downs of business life in the 20th and now 21st century.
“These 70 years are a tribute to every person who has come through our doors, some of you even beginning your careers here, and who continue with us, including our intrepid seafarers, one of our most important assets.
“You are what make us successful, and your spirit defines the essence of our brand, which is enjoyed around the world to this day. Thank you all. I salute you. Happy birthday, Premier Fishing.”
From humble beginnings in 1952, the Level-1 BBBEE fishing company, which is one of the companies in the Sekunjalo Group, has grown into an internationally recognised brand with several verticals, a fleet of fishing boats, almost 1 000 loyal staff and a reputation for delivering quality products and customer service.
Premier was one of the first fishing companies in South Africa to welcome a black management team and ownership, and has cast its net wide, selling its products to countries across the globe.
It listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2017.
Sekunjalo executive chairman Dr Iqbal Surve said Premier held a special place in his heart as one of the group's first acquisitions, and paid tribute to its people.
"I want to congratulate the employees and management of Premier Fishing on the 70 years. It’s an important milestone for transformation, partnerships with the community and sustainable fishing,“ he said.
“Premier’s contribution to growing the South African fishing industry and attracting foreign investment into the country, is commendable.
“We are very proud of this journey we have travelled as the only black fishing company for almost two decades.”