He made the influential Forbes magazine's list of richest people in the world. Patrice Motsepe is but one shining example of local businesses achieving success globally.
Since the advent of democracy, SA has gradually been integrated into the world economy. Both major and emerging economies have set up business here and SA businesses are increasingly settling up in different parts of the world.
With this increased business activity comes frequent business travel.
WHAT IT MEANS
 Dedicated services targeted at business travellers are drawing in more clients
|
This became evident when national carrier SA Airlines started to schedule more flights to the rest of the continent, including countries it previously did not fly to. Even low cost airline 1time has also caught on to this trend and is now trying to win this market locally by focusing on business travellers.
The airline says that nearly 40% of its market is derived from this class of traveller. The airline offers corporate deals to "entice this business away from traditional high-cost airlines, which are losing market share".
Many air travel options exist for business travellers who want the most hassle-free, painless way to travel. And a number of legacy airlines are looking at making those long haul flights, especially, as pleasant an experience as possible.
Legacy airlines all compete for the lucrative business class client.
An increased demand for the Johannesburg-London route prompted Virgin Atlantic to operate a larger aircraft that significantly increased the number of upper class and premium economy seats.
The airline recently received accolades for the relaunch of Terminal 3 at London's bustling Heathrow Airport. But it is the airline's introduction of its new upper class wing at the terminal that has been impressive. The upper class wing boasts a private security corridor, which offers easy, speedy access from limousines to the clubhouse in less than 10 minutes. Since it opened in November last year, 90 000 passengers have travelled through the new wing and it has been named the fastest airport check-in by Wallpaper magazine.
Virgin Atlantic's new check-in area for economy and premium economy passengers has also scored highly with 85% of passengers rating customer service as excellent or good. It has been redesigned to be wider, brighter and more spacious, enabling passengers to check-in at kiosks in a fast, efficient and stress-free way.
Passengers are clearing check-in and security in a matter of minutes, according to the airline.
"This is in stark contrast to the goings-on at Terminal 5," says Virgin SA marketing manager Caren Parkinson. "We hope the speed and efficiency of Virgin Atlantic's new terminal is restoring the public's faith in travelling from this vitally important UK airport. The success of the revamped Terminal 3 is clear - bigger is not necessarily better. We think Virgin definitely has a winning formula."
Another pleasing feature is improved parking, easier access to trains and the underground as well as a host of new amenities.
According to a customer research report, upper class passenger numbers were up by 10% in April, while total passenger numbers rose by 4%.
While most airlines look at pampering their business class passengers, they also try to remove the drudge of endless queuing to check-in.
Apart from comfort and good food on board, the most sought after feature these days, is speedy check-in facilities. Most airlines already offer this.
O R Tambo International Airport recently introduced self-service check-in facilities that travellers can use for any airline, says Airports Company of SA (Acsa) spokesman Solomon Makgale.
The move towards self-service check-in is in line with the International Air Travel Association's (IATA) goals.
SAA and British Airways (Comair) already use these facilities at O R Tambo International, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Acsa is also one of the first airport companies in the world to introduce kiosks that can be used by all airlines. The kiosks look much like ATMs and are easy to use with touch screen display icons and text instructions for passengers.
A British Airways domestic customer can check-in and print his or her boarding pass at the airline's self-service terminals at all SA airports.
The airline is also working on online boarding passes, which will enable passengers to check-in and print their own boarding passes before getting to the airport.
In tandem with the growth in business cross-border business, British Airlines has a tailormade offering for business class travellers who frequent the Southern African region. As members of the British Airways executive club, customers are entitled to 50% more BA miles, which are redeemable on all BA flights and eligible oneworld airline partners.
Travellers also have access to the airlines' business lounges, which offer complimentary hot and cold snacks and a wide selection of wines from its bar.
That sought-after extra leg room is also guaranteed.
While airlines go out of their way to attract the business client, some choose to opt for private services.
Another industry that is responding to the growth of business travel, is the charter industry.
The charter industry has seen significant growth over the past few years and expects to grow even further as more local businesses set up on the continent.
Execujet operates mainly from privately owned Lanseria airport. It offers clients a range of services that also include land arrangements such as car hire, chauffeur services, accommodation as well as secretarial and boardroom services.
1time airlines also offers a charter service through its company 1time Charters and Aeronexus Corporate. The two offer a similar service to corporates and high-powered business people.
