Message from the CEO

Zambian-born, Norman Mbazima may have grown up in a small village outside Lusaka but ever since he left his home country to study as an accountant in the UK, he has travelled the world in the fulfillment of his duties as a financial professional.

Norman’s responsibilities within Anglo American, as well as portfolios prior to joining Anglo in 2001, opened up a world of possibilities and experiences that he now brings to the global Scaw Metals Group. He has taken stock of the organisational strengths and human capital that bolster the Scaw Metals Group; strengths that he intends to harness, with your support, to make the business more resilient in what have become tough times.

He says, “2008 presented its challenges and, all-in-all, the Scaw Metals Group fared very well and was well-positioned for 2009 until the October economic meltdown gripped the world. It will be next year that will test our mettle. The global economic recession is already putting tremendous pressure on businesses and households worldwide, and is predicted to do so for at least the next nine months. It is demanding that we work smarter, spend wisely and save money. “As employees it is imperative that you analyse your actions and join me in overcoming the challenges that face us all. If we stand together we will be able to withstand the onslaught that is expected.

“The economic recession has already started to affect the steel industry and we predict that the squeeze will  become even tighter next year.

“Steel prices are expected to take a hammering, which will have a direct impact on our business considering that we are specialists in the manufacture of value-added steel products.

“Notwithstanding this, there are new opportunities for innovation, as well as personal and business deve-lopment.

“In these pages Chris Davis, Greg Maud and Jane Erasmus talk about changes that are, right now, evolving the group. Greg is implementing value-based management to grow Scaw’s value, and Jane leads the Project Fusion programme, which supports the One Anglo strategy. In previous issues you would have read about the One Anglo Supply Chain and Global Services projects, and there will be more news on these Anglo initiatives in future editions of Scaw Junction.

“On a personal level, I thank you for welcoming me into your company. May I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy festive season. Stay strong!”

Norman is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants. After pursuing accounting studies at West Bromwich College of Commerce & Technology in the UK, Norman began his career in 1980 at Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM). In 1984 he moved to Deloitte & Touche, where he stayed for 17 years, the last eight as an equity partner. Between 2001–2003 he was chief financial officer for Konkola Copper Mines PLC. In May 2003 Norman joined the Anglo American Group as deputy finance director of Anglo American South Africa. He then joined Anglo Coal as chief financial officer in late 2003. In 2006 he became executive director: finance at Anglo Platinum. In this position, and later as one of the joint acting chief executives of the company, Norman played a pivotal role in the major developments in that company’s very trying year.