"He was our MD and the boss, and a good friend," says Quest COO Margot Errington of the former MD of Quest, Francis Khubedu, who passed away after a sudden illness in January.
"During his 33 years, he influenced many, was the catalyst for progressive change and, through his example, inspired and challenged all those who were fortunate enough to know him. Though he came into the industry with no experience of it, he had great insight and a strong vision."
One of the most innovative of Khubedu's interventions was the development of the Quest ID, she says.
"This is a formula that creatively represents the unique genetic' code of our organisation. It highlights the principles that make us successful and those that threaten our success. These principles are depicted as artistic icons and visually displayed in all of Quest's offices," she says.
Two of the icons Khubedu was most passionate about were "Effective leadership" and "Teamwork". "He believed strongly that Quest's success was built on the input, passion and commitment of all Quest employees, including the 12 000 flexstaff working at Quest client sites throughout SA," says Errington.
"He knew his Quest permanent staff well; he mixed with them and was available to all in our business. He lived 'Teamwork'. Francis said the success of the business lay in its people - all 300, not just the executive five.
"In return, the staff had huge respect for him," she says.
"He died at a young age, and tragically, at the height of his career. He made a huge impact on the staffing industry; he was a revolutionary, very open to new ideas and to taking risks."
Khubedu spearheaded many projects - including postmatric bridging, pre-employment vocational training and corporate social responsibility programmes - during the short time he was MD at Quest.
"Francis struck a good balance between business and social responsibility," says Errington. "He was aware that SA needs skills, and believed the answer lay in training the youth. He was prepared to make an investment in young people - to meet a need and to give back to society."
When Errington initiated the Quest school project, Khubedu threw his weight behind it. "Every client requires staff with strong English and maths. We provide extra-lesson teachers and clinics in these subjects, and organise vacation work for grade 11 and 12 learners from the townships," she says.
"Permanent staff become a learner's buddy', offering support during exams and generally being a mentor.
"We plan to extend the school project countrywide. Francis was as passionate about it as I am," says Errington.
A believer in pushing boundaries, he encouraged staff to take risks and come up with innovations, says Errington. "He delegated tasks, and freed people to do their best by not exerting strict control."
Though their MD's passing left an empty space in the organisation, Khubedu's focus on empowering people has left them able to pick up the reins and carry on without him. "Francis was the strategist, and allowed people to carry on and implement the strategy. As a result, the company has continued to operate, because everyone has been empowered to do their job. Because of that, the staff are determined to continue the success of the company."
Nelis Swart, former MD of Quest and now CEO of Adcorp Flexible Staffing, is acting MD, with the support of Errington and marketing director Lou-Anne Lubbe.
