PETROLEUM PRODUCTS & GAS
Several of the international oil
companies are represented in
Swaziland, running depots at
Matsapha from where petrol, diesel, oil and
gas are distributed by road throughout the
country.
These companies have substantial
investments in the country involving
considerable outlay on plant and
machinery, as well as the essential stringent
safety measures that must be taken as well
as staff training.
Galp Energia
This Portugal-based integrated energy
company operates globally and was
established in Swaziland during 2008 when
it took over Shell Oil in the country. Its
business operations are guided by respect
for local communities and their cultures.
Operations include exploration, production,
refining and marketing. With two refineries
in Portugal, Galp has an annual distillation
capacity of 15.7 million tonnes. The
company is also involved in natural gas and
electric power generation from renewable
energy sources and cooperates with African
countries in bio-fuels.
Galp Energia offers a diversity of products
and services, including fuels, lubricants and
LPG, as well as retail outlets. As a flexible
and versatile company that adapts to new
markets, Galp has brought to Swaziland its
experience and know-how. Innovation and
technological development are considered
highly important areas that cover all the
Galp Energia activities.
Advanced Galp Technology (AGT) is the
most recent technology, which has been
developed in partnership with companies that specialise in fuel innovation. This has
led to the creation of the Gforce family of
fuels, a formula that ensures improved
performance and optimum economy for
both petrol and diesel engines.
Easigas
Strategically based at Matsapha Industrial
Area, Easigas supplies a service throughout
the country and is a major supplier of
liquefied petroleum gas for industrial and
domestic use. This includes medical gas and
gases for freezing and preserving. The gas is
supplied in cylinders that are available in
various sizes to suit the requirements of
different users. Bulk installations are also
undertaken for high volume consumers.
The company runs a fleet of dedicated
vehicles and has invested substantially to
maintain the high level of safety standards
that are required in handling products of
this nature. The staff are fully trained and comprehensive advice and assistance are
given to consumers at all levels to ensure
optimum safety and effective use of the
product.
COMPUTERS, OFFICE EQUIPMENT & STATIONERY
A diverse range of office machinery
and computers as well as air
conditioning, refrigeration and other
technical equipment is available in
Swaziland through specialised suppliers,
many of whom are appointed agents for
international companies. Reputable dealers
always provide valid guarantees and full
backup service, as well as maintenance
contracts if required. Buyers are warned not
to deal with pirate merchants who
sometimes operate in Swaziland without
trading licences or premises and who cannot
offer the backing that established dealers provide. However, stricter controls are
minimising the incidence of such merchants.
Websters
This well-established and reputable retail
chain, which has several branches around
the country, is the oldest operation of its
type in Swaziland. It is well known for
supplying many diverse educational needs,
including textbooks and stationery. Schools
at all levels throughout the country are
served and a delivery service operates in even
the most remote rural areas.
As well as supplying schools, Websters
carries a full range of office stationery and
equipment, as well as office furniture, a
division which performs well.
A wealth of reading material is also stocked,
including the latest novels, reference and
‘coffee table’ volumes, as well as children’s
books. Any books not in stock may be readily
ordered. Gift and greeting cards, as well as magazines and newspapers are further lines
in which the Websters chain deals.
The Mbabane branch has undergone
substantial upgrading and renovations, to
provide a more convenient and modern
layout.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
This complete graphic art and design
service, which began operating in
1986, is run by highly qualified and
experienced graphic designers who provide
a high standard of quality work for all kinds
of printing projects. The comprehensive
service includes design and layout for logos,
brochures, annual reports, magazines,
books and stationery.
The company regularly updates its computer
hardware, including scanning equipment
while the many software programmes enable
a wide diversity of design options to be
utilised. Although much of the work is done
through desk-top publishing, designs are also
created by hand and a calligraphy service
is available.
PRINTING & PUBLISHING
rofessional printing services are widely
available to supply all sectors of the
market with a wide range of material,
from basic letterheads and brochures to full
colour work. Local printers sometimes
operate in conjunction with their South
African counterparts, particularly where
highly specialised documents, colour work
and finishing are involved. This provides
local clients with access to every aspect of
print requirements.
Apollo Printers
Apollo is one of the oldest, most experienced
print houses in Swaziland and has served
the nation since it opened in 1976. The
company operates a full print shop where the work is carried out quickly and efficiently
on a wide range of machinery that includes
letterpress, offset litho, binding and finishing.
All print requirements are handled, including
commercial stationery, newsletters,
magazines and brochures in full colour.
The company has operated computerised
equipment for several years and to further
expand its range of capabilities a digital
printing press was installed in 2005. This is
the only one of its type in Swaziland, giving
Apollo a leading edge in the industry.
The company also does foiling, raised print,
laminating and embossing, while rubber
stamps are manufactured to clients’
specifications.
A shop on the premises offers a full range
of stationery, computer and photocopying
consumables, hand-numbering machines
and date stamps. The paper warehouse
stocks continuous computer paper and all
other paper required in the print industry,
enabling jobs to be undertaken promptly with
no undue delays.
A portfolio of work undertaken by Apollo
Printers is available for inspection by clients.
SECURITY SERVICES
Professional security services are in
high demand in Swaziland and many
companies in this field have evolved
during recent years. They offer various
options including guards, patrol units with
radio links, and the installation of electronic
systems linked to monitoring units. Services
comprising trained armed guards and
specially modified vehicles are available for
organisations which need to move large
sums of money. Advanced technology has
greatly impacted on the security industry.
Radio Link Security Radio link has maintained its leading position in Swaziland, particularly in the field of alarm systems which provide several interactive functions with many uses over and above security. These include the monitoring of cold rooms and irrigation systems. The company sepcialises in reliable communicating alarm systems as well as Cellsecure products that possess advanced features and combine innovative solutions with user-friendly interface and adapt to all residential, commercial and industrial environments. These wireless systems have sensors that communicate with each other by radio frequency and are less prone to lightning damage and power related problems. Radio Link monitors alarm systems by radio or phone and the rapid response unit is in constant contact with the three 24-hour control rooms at Manzini, Matsapha and Mbabane. Radio Link is a member of the Secure Group, which offers a comprehensive range of services, including guards and cash security with a full asset transfer service. Tracker This service also falls under the Secure Group and is Southern Africa’s leading stolen vehicle recovery system. Together with the Royal Swaziland Police, Tracker safeguards the kingdom’s vehicle fleet. Significant discounts on vehicle insurance policies are allowed when Tracker systems are installed and the local arm provides coverage in Swaziland, South Africa and Mozambique.
PROPERTY SPECIALISTS
During 2007, real estate and property
practitioners operating in Swaziland
formed a formal body known as the Association of Swaziland Real Estate Agents
to regulate the industry. This development
is designed to protect the integrity of local
estate agents, deter unscrupulous
practitioners, and is also beneficial to the
public. While there is no relevant legislation
in place, practitioners are expected to
adhere by the mandates laid down by the
Association. The actual buying and selling
of property is subject to specific legal
procedures, which also serve to protect the
parties concerned.
INSURANCE BROKERS
Insurance broking services are widely
available from firms that organise all
categories of insurance for corporate and
individual clients. This includes the
insurance of goods and effects in all
circumstances, as well as health insurance,
which is becoming an increasingly popular
option.
Swaziland is not a welfare state and
although low cost medical services are
available through Government hospitals and
clinics, it is advisable to obtain cover in the
form of medical aid or insurance. Medical
cover is available through various local and
outside medical aid and insurance schemes.