Photo by: Dylan Slater
Full Name: Frederick Sam Arendse
Position: CEO of SSC Group
Main Activity of the Company: SSC Group is a diversified operating minerals and investment company
Date and Place of Birth: I was born in small ‘township’ called Tulbagh, in the Western Cape
Education: Four-year degree in business management and human resources, University of South Africa; MDP, University of the Witwatersrand; national diploma, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
First Job: Apart from selling vetkoek and koeksisters door-to-door for my mother to raise money for the church when I was growing up, my student job was grease attendant at the Sapco factory, in Tulbagh
Size of First Pay Packet: Student job in Sapco factory at R110 a week; my first corporate pay cheque was R3 321 a month
Value of Assets under Your Control: We are still building value as a private company
Number of People under Your Leadership: Direct reports (executive committee) – seven; employees – 220, and growing
Management Style: Direct; empowering; accountability; and delivery
Personal Best Achievement: My eagle family of four (my wife and two supportive, respectful children)
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late parents and God
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Phil Rooke, business manager (my boss at Anglo American Platinum)
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Barrack Obama
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Ivan Glasenberg
Philosophy of Life: Always be humble, make a difference and work hard; soar like an eagle
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being unfairly fired by Anglo American Platinum (I won the case and cleared my name), being the youngest on the Patterson band and Anglo American and one of only a few of the best performers at Anglo American Platinum's head office at the time. The situation forced me to start my own business and invest my entire Anglo Platinum pension money into my startup business
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Being unfairly fired by Anglo American Platinum
Hope for the Future: Growing the mining industry, providing leadership in the mining industry and adding value to my circle of influence, our communities and ultimately our country
Favourite Reading: Business and mining magazines and global news and articles
Favourite TV Programme: Billions
Favourite Food/Drink: My wife’s cooking; I drink anything but alcohol
Favourite Music: All types
Favourite Sport: Formula 1 Motorsport
Hobbies: Walking and watching Discovery channel
Car: Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG
Pets: English bulldog, Princeton
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Arrogant and dishonest people
Married: To Kaylene, for 22 years
Children: My daughter, Lisa-lou, and my son, Worgan-lee
Clubs: Supercar Club